Nassau, Bahamas–A prominent group of Christian leaders from across the Caribbean islands participated in the Empowered21 Caribbean formational cabinet meeting in Nassau, Bahamas July 30-August 1, 2012. Empowered21 Caribbean, a unique, history-making movement, will assist in focusing select Spirit-filled, Christian leaders and next gen voices from across the Caribbean on the future of Spirit-empowered Christianity.
Billy Wilson, Executive Director for the International Center for Spiritual Renewal and Empowered21, said, “I am especially excited about the launch of Empowered21 Caribbean this week in the Bahamas. The rich spiritual heritage of this region and the deep passion of leaders here to see the next generations receive a vibrant faith has made this meeting very special. This first organizational cabinet gathering has laid the foundation for what I believe will grow into one of the most dynamic regions for Empowered21. The future looks great.”
This formational cabinet meeting will serve as a beginning point for Empowered21 Caribbean with more leaders added for future meetings and further initiatives being developed for the region. Major priorities adopted in Nassau that will help focus the efforts of this Empowered21 region include intentional teaching and leading on the person of the Holy Spirit, pastoral renewal and spirituality, cooperative influence and unity among the leaders and ensuring that youth pastors live a Spirit-empowered witness among those they serve. A special emphasis will be developed around Pentecost Week and Pentecost Sunday in subsequent years. Each Caribbean island will be encouraged and led toward a new united emphasis on the Holy Spirit with island wide celebrations on Pentecost Sunday expected in every Caribbean nation.
Internationally respected author and speaker, president and founder of Bahamas Faith Ministries International Fellowship in Nassau, Bahamas, Myles Monroe, said, “Empowered21 Caribbean is a call for the church of the twenty-first century to reconnect with it’s roots, which is, the power of the Holy Spirit that birthed the church. And therefore, I think this exceeds all divisions as regard to doctrines and perspectives of theology. I do not believe that anyone can argue the fact that the Holy Spirit began the church and will sustain the church. So the Empowered21 movement is really above all the divisions of the church and brings us together on a platform that we can all agree on. And that is, the Holy Spirit is not only the life of the church but He is the person that empowers the church to demonstrate the kingdom of God on earth. I am excited about this!”
Bishop Ishmael Prince Charles, Pastor of the New Testament Church of God International Worship Center located in Baughers Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Caribbean Field Director for the Church of God, said, “I see Empowered21 Caribbean as a true biblical Pentecostal spirituality that is now being utilized by the power of the Holy Spirit to bring the present generation and future generations to the full power of the Holy Spirit as God determines and gave to us in His Word many years ago through the scriptures and through His prophets.” Charles and Monroe will serve as co-chairs for Empowered21 Caribbean.
The three-day meeting brought together intergenerational, multi-denominational and Christian leaders to convene, plan and bless a new generation with the power of the Holy Spirit believing that Empowered21 Caribbean is a gateway to revival in the Caribbean and across the globe.
Empowered21 Caribbean is an initiative of Empowered21 (www.empowered21.com) which is helping shape the future of the Global Spirit-empowered movement throughout the world by focusing on crucial issues facing the movement and connecting generations for intergenerational blessing and impartation.
Eleven Empowered21 global leadership teams have formed to pursue initiatives and events in their region of the world. Each regional cabinet, Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, United States, USA Hispanic, Oceania, and the Caribbean operate under the same global vision for Empowered21 in their regions.
That every person on Earth would have an authentic encounter with Jesus Christ through the Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit … by Pentecost 2033.
The Empowered21 Caribbean formational cabinet meeting participants included: Ishmael Charles (Tortola), Margaret Elcock (Trinidad and Tobago), Charlie Finocchiaro (Dominican Republic), Juan Carlos Perez Gomez (Dominican Republic), John Humes (Bahamas), Myles Monroe (Bahamas), Mervelyn Joy Mullings (Jamaica), Jocelyn Nelson (Trinidad and Tobago), Assif Reid (USA), John Smith (Guyana), and Billy Wilson (USA).