The Assemblies of God Executive Committee met recently for the first time in the Turks and Caicos Islands and while visiting discussed the
possibility of helping to create an official TCI Christian Council.
Pastor Bradley Handfield and the Community Fellowship Center, welcomed the contingent from the Bahamas that included Rev. Patrick Paul,
Assemblies of God general superintendent and Bahamas Christian Council President.
A legally recognized Christian Council representing all Christians in the TCI is a dream that Handfield has had for some time.
Rev. Patrick Paul, president of the Bahamas Christian Council (BCC), told the Free Press during his visit that he had meetings with the
Providenciales Ministerial Fellowship (PMF) to facilitate talks about helping to create a TCI Christian Council and said prospects look very,
very good.
It is unfortunate the TCI is finding itself in the position they are in, he said. Paul believes it is a good time for the local community to come
together in this way, pointing to the success the organization has had in the Bahamas since it was created some 39 years ago.
Paul says the organization in the Bahamas has brought counsel, support and strength to the holistic development of that country. The undercurrent of
the church also changed the political situation in the country, he said, with more than 80 percent of all major denominations participating.
There are more than 50 churches on Providenciales and another dozen on Grand Turk. Handfield said pooling the power and resources of those
churches could have an incredible influence on the direction of the TCI.
In addition to wielding political influence, the Christian Council could assist in areas such as education and the economy, he explained.
It is clear in my mind we have tremendous influence. We are really concerned about where we are as a people in the TCI, Handfield said.
Their Christian approach is a holistic approach, supporting the individuals and families and through that kind of support they could make
a difference for the better in the TCI, he explained.
Handfield noted that they do not have the support of all the ministries yet, but hopes are high for the future. Paul said he anticipates a second
meeting to take place within the next 30 days to continue the discussions.
Paul was joined on his visit by Rev. Robert Lockhart, Assistant Superintendent; Rev. Stafford Symonette, General Presbyter; Rev. Unay
Jones, Secretary; Terrance Jones, Presbyter for Grand Bahama; and Tamiko Collie, Presbyter for Nassau.
