Caribbean Assembly Convenes in Trinidad and Tobago
The New Testament Church of God in Trinidad and Tobago hosted the 6th Caribbean Assembly of the New Testament Churches of God, a significant gathering of believers from across the region.
Convening under the theme, “Champions for the Future: Your Steps Are Ordered,” the assembly commenced on Wednesday, July 23, and continued through Sunday, July 27, 2025.
The assembly opened with hundreds of youth dancing in a welcome ceremony which set the atmosphere for the convention. General Overseer Dr. Gary Lewis brought a powerful message which set the convention on fire. The day’s session with Dr. Michael Baker on the subject “We Believe” stirred the hearts of the attendees.
This year’s theme emphasized empowering the next generation, prophetically symbolized by the handing over of 300 batons to youth representatives from across the Caribbean during the closing service on Sunday, July 27. The act represented “a divine charge, a transfer of vision, responsibility, and purpose into the hands of tomorrow’s leaders.”
Caribbean Field Director Ishmael Charles greets Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC at the Caribbean Assembly.
A particularly historic occasion was marked on Thursday, July 24, when the New Testament Church of God in Trinidad and Tobago welcomed, for the first time in its history, a sitting Prime Minister to its convention. The Honourable Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC addressed the assembly and delivered words of encouragement. The pages of history will now reflect that after 69 years of the existence of the church in Trinidad and Tobago, the government and clergy connected.
In her address, the prime minister acknowledged the tremendous social impact of the Church of God across the nations, particularly in shaping and nurturing the lives of the youth. She shared her personal sense of rejuvenation upon witnessing the vibrant spirit of worship and unity and quoted the scripture from Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.” Her visit signified a strengthening of the bridge between the church and the government, a collaboration rooted in service, compassion, and a shared vision for the well-being of the people.
The Prime Minister was warmly received by key leaders of the Church of God:
• Bishop Ishmael Charles, Caribbean Field Director – Church of God World Missions
• Bishop Alonzo Jones, Administrative Bishop of Trinidad and Tobago
• Dr. Ashram Ramnarine, Youth and Discipleship Director of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, and Chairman of the Caribbean Assembly 2025
Bishop Ishmael Charles stated, :The convention was a Holy Spirit-filled fusion of praise and worship to the true and living God with over 500 delegates.” Countries represented included Antigua, Jamaica, St. Vincent, St. Kitts, the British Virgin Islands, Grenada, the US Virgin Islands, Barbados, Guyana, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, the Cayman Islands, and the United States of America.
Delegates also gathered for a period of training, discipleship, and spiritual empowerment. The atmosphere was saturated with praise, unity, and purpose. A powerful Word was delivered by Dr. Angel Marcial, who encouraged all present to “continue dreaming and to never stop!”
“This Caribbean Assembly stands as a beacon of revival, declaring that the New Testament Church of God remains a light in darkness, hope in chaos, and peace in the midst of trouble,” Charles concluded. “We are witnessing the unfolding of a prophetic season, a Church that has risen to its mandate to impact generations, influence nations, and ignite change through the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the baton is passed to the next generation. The conversation has begun. The future is now. We believe. We are the Church of God, and our steps are ordered!”
