Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands: October Mission Drive

Bahamas

“Love Your Neighbor”

Matthew 22:39 (NKJV) states, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The command to love our neighbors as ourselves originally comes from the Old Testament in Leviticus 19:18, which says, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord” (NIV). 

The question, “Who is my neighbor?” is still relevant today. To love our neighbor is more than simply loving those who are like us or who can love us in return. Our neighbor is anyone with whom we can share God’s love and kindness—anyone we can bless with our treasure or words of encouragement. 

We are called to be a neighbor to all whom God places in our path. In fact, Jesus said, “I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44–45).

On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, our brothers and sisters across the Commonwealth of The Bahamas joined in on the Love Your Neighbor initiative which was declared by National Bishop Woodley C. Thompson and adopted nationally by Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip Edward Davis, K.C. 

Stephen Dean, Managing Director of Urban Renewal, had this to say about the Love Your Neighbor initiative:

It’s a distinct honor for me to be here to represent the urban renewal authority and what I consider one of the greatest and most ambitious social intervention programs that we could ever embark on in partnership with the church. We are delighted to partner with the Church of God of Prophecy by bringing all of our resources because, at the end of the day, we are fighting for the same common cause, trying to have better communities, safe communities, communities where people thrive, and where people feel confident. 

So, we will use this program for our role in the partnership, targeting different segments of the society including our young people, our adults, our children, our seniors, and particularly those people who live in disadvantaged circumstances. 

[The office of] Urban Renewal will be actively involved. We have discovered over the years at the central core of all of our social intervention programs, problems in our societies, we see that the love for one another is totally absent, and we believe that this [program] is timely. We believe that this will reap great benefits at the end of the day. This is a way of bringing our communities back together. I’m happy this is not just a one-day event; it’s a long-term event, and we believe we’ll see the benefits at the end of it.

Members across the archipelago of islands participated in random acts of kindness—including cooking and distributing breakfast and lunch; covering tabs at restaurants, gas stations, and food stores; donating clothing, groceries, and the gifting of cash. 

We are excited and delighted to share with you this wonderful initiative and project that will continue to roll out this entire year. We are also inviting people to just do an act of kindness to anyone who is near you. It can be your next-door neighbor, someone in the grocery line, anyone within proximity to you—just do something nice. We are sharing God’s love through these acts of kindness.

Galatians 5:14 reminds us, “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (KJV).

VIDEO FROM BAHAMAS – “LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR” DAY

 

Leeward Islands

“Restored and Not Ashamed”

The Church of God of Prophecy 65th Biennial Regional Convention for the Leeward Islands, Dominica, and French West Indies was held July 17–20 in Anguilla, hosted by Regional Bishop Dr. Samuel Daniel and Lady Malita Daniel. The theme of the convention was “Restored and Not Ashamed!” (based on Joel 2:25–27). Over 400 delegates from across the region—including St Kitts, Nevis, St Martin, St. Maarten, Antigua, Montserrat, Dominica, and Guadeloupe—came together for a weekend of fellowship and spiritual renewal.

Opening night launched with a grand march and parade of Leeward Island flags carried by the youth, with the Church flag leading. The highlights of the evening included an official welcome by the regional bishop, greetings and acknowledgements, a dynamic worship session, and the beautiful prophetic saxophone ministry by special guest Pastor Adeniyi Adams from Maryland, USA. Pastor Adams emphasized that revival and reconciliation must come before restoration. The evening concluded with the anointed message, “The Wait Is Over,” by Minister Esther Chouloute, an internationally acclaimed worship leader, recording artist, author, and songwriter from The Bronx Church in New York. She challenged the attendees with three practical kingdom keys to unlock the doors of the “waiting room”: REPENT! RETURN! and REPOSITION! The night concluded with a solemn, repentant altar ministry where several people were delivered, saved, and restored.

Two especially motivating sessions were held simultaneously on Friday morning. One session, conducted by Caribbean General Presbyter Bishop Dr. Clayton Martin, was for all pastors and ministers. The other inspirational session for all women was facilitated by Minister Dr. Sonia Martin. Both sessions were refreshing and a blessing to all who attended.

Bishop Dr. Melroy Meade opened the second night. A melodious congregational hymn was followed by a welcome, acknowledgements, a segment highlighting Women’s Ministries across the region, and special greetings by various district supervisors. After an exciting, Holy Ghost-filled worship session and passionate saxophone ministry by Pastor Adams, Minister Chouloute delivered an uplifting message on the topic, “With God, All Things Are Possible!” She emphasized three simple, yet powerful and encouraging keys: GOD IS! GOD CAN! and GOD WILL!

The regional business conference was held on Saturday morning, moderated by Regional Bishop Daniel, who gave inspiring opening remarks. The session was attended by all the district supervisors and delegates from each island. Minister Marilyn Bartlett-Richardson (Treasurer) presented a detailed financial report for the period from October 2024 to June 2025. The Regional Convention Committee presented a notice and acknowledgement, and three new convention proposals were brought to the platform.

On Saturday afternoon, the convention took over the streets of The Valley, with an exhilarating and unforgettable street rally. It was a season of triumphant worship, dynamic prayers, warm fellowship, and fun. What is a Caribbean rally without singing, praising, and dancing from beginning to end? Every island in the region was proudly represented on the streets of Anguilla. The festivities and worship from the street rally continued into the night with a Youth Praise Fest, which was filled with an exciting, refreshing display of talents and special abilities for the glory of God. Youths from all over the region ministered in a selection of songs, dance, spoken word, and instruments—including steel pans. This street rally was a powerful highlight of the convention. 

In the evening, Minister Chouloute ministered in song and then presented the message: “God Has a Greater Plan for You!” (Jeremiah 29:11). Focusing on the youth, she shared an inspirational testimony of God’s greater plan and desire to deliver and restore. By the end of the night, the altar was flooded with dozens of young people pouring out their hearts to God, receiving prayer, being saved, delivered, healed, and renewed. The night ended with youths and adults alike basking in the sweet presence of God, being restored and unashamed of the gospel. 

Sunday morning commenced with exuberant praise and worship, followed by special greetings from district supervisors and a segment highlighting Children’s Ministries in the region. Caribbean General Presbyter Bishop Dr. Clayton Martin gave inspiring remarks, and a love offering was received and presentations made to both Bishop and Minister Martin. Regional Bishop Dr. Samuel Daniel delivered his address entitled “Preparation for Restoration,” emphasizing the need for a revival in the region, and that effectual, fervent prayers will give birth to it. Appointments were made for the region, followed by closing remarks, and the convention was adjourned.

The Leeward Islands Regional Convention focused on fostering fellowship, restoration, salvation, and personal growth. Attendees left the Spirit-filled event feeling restored and encouraged, with the church community strengthened by the shared experience.

 

Trinidad and Tobago

“On Mission by His Spirit”

The Church of God of Prophecy in Trinidad and Tobago hosted its 59th National Convention July 24–27 at the Grand Marquis Conference Centre, Chaguanas. The theme of the convention, “On Mission by His Spirit,” guided the entire weekend of ministry in worship, prayer, and the Word. 

Among the distinguished overseas delegates were Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands General Presbyter Bishop Dr. Clayton Martin and his wife, Dr. Sonia Martin. Also present were Northeast (USA) Regional Bishop Dr. Leroy Greenaway and his wife. Both bishops delivered timely, Spirit-filled sermons that stirred the hearts of all in attendance. Indeed, the Shekinah glory of the Lord was manifested in every session.

Reports were given by the district supervisors for the South, Central, and North Districts—Bishop Michael Ramkhelawan, Bishop Anslem Serrette, and Bishop Emanuel Goberdhan, respectively. They highlighted the progress of the local churches, new mission fields, and the many souls baptized in water.

Special musical renditions by the COGOPTT Steel Orchestra also brought a unique and powerful sound of praise each day of the convention.

Additionally, an informative panel discussion, which emphasized bridging the gap between the older and younger generations in ministry, was held on Saturday of the convention. This discussion also highlighted the importance of mentorship, unity, and passing the baton to ensure continuity of the work.

A special highlight was the feature address by newly appointed National Bishop Elvis Williams, which was delivered on Sunday of the convention. Truly it was a dynamic and anointed charge to the churches to walk in love and unity in order to advance the kingdom of God. The challenge to win the lost at any cost was emphasized and the core values of prayer, leadership, harvest, stewardship, and service were reaffirmed.

As the church in Trinidad and Tobago forges ahead, it is indeed mindful of the urgent need to be a church “On Mission by His Spirit.” 

Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands General Presbyter

Bishop Clayton Martin, DMin

Dr. Clayton Martin entered full-time ministry in 1987 as a pastor and district oversseer in the Cayman Islands. He later served on the Biblical Doctrine and Polity Committee for the Church of God of Prophecy and national overseer for Jamaica and the Cayman Islands prior to being selected as general presbyter for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands. He received a Bachelor of Religious Education from Christian Bible College and a Master of Arts in Religion with Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Sonia, have one daughter.