Refuge House Magazine Draft

27:25 Acts
sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.”
“Wherefore,
REFUGE HOUSE OF PRAISE
W E ' V E C O M E T H I S F A R B Y F A I T H .
MARCH 2018

Autographs & Dedications

MISSION STATEMENT
Refuge House of Praise is committed to being a caring community that is
reaching people and connecting them to Christ.
Time of service
Sunday School - 9:45am - 10:45am
Sunday - Worship - 11am - 1pm
Wednesday - Prayer Meeting/Bible Studies - 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Youth Meeting - 6:300pm - 8:00pm

HISTORY OF REFUGE HOUSE OF PRAISE
Refuge House of Praise was born out of a life dedicated to God and serving others
for over 30 years, beginning in Jamaica, via England and finally here in the
United States. Bishop Sinclair was inspired by his spiritual leaders and mentors
Hubert and Mary Maxwell who pioneered several churches, including the one in
which Bishop Sinclair first came to know the Lord as his personal Savior in 1983.
He admired their dedication to the Lord, their love for people, their willingness
to serve and their exemplary attitude God’s work. Huge credit is owed to them
for recognizing the call of God on Bishop Sinclair’s life. They took him under
their wings as their own son, nurtured him, gave him the opportunities to get
exposure to church life, and supported him 100% when he decided to attend Bible
College to be trained and equipped for ministry. When the time was right, they
even approved his request to marry one of their daughters – Caroline.
Twenty five years later, on Sunday January 6, 2013, Bishop Sinclair along with
his wife Pastor Caroline, three children and four other members launched Refuge
House of Praise Church of God. They began in the Best Western Hotel on East
Colonial Dr in Orlando but two months earlier had started the process of
acquiring an empty church property in Christmas Florida. Bishop Sinclair and
Pastor Caroline believed firmly in what God had placed in their hearts to do so
they were willing to put up their own money and with support from family and
friends they were able to secure the property. On Sunday March 17, 2013 the
church was relocated to its current location at 20875 East Colonial Dr in
Christmas Florida.
Refuge House of Praise is “Committed to being a caring community that is
reaching people and connecting them to Christ”. The vision of the church is to
have a holistic approach to ministry that reaches the people at their point of
need both within the church and the wider community. By showing that the
church cares people will respond more favorably to our efforts to engage and
connect them to the life of the church and to the Lord.
With this in mind, as the church has experienced growth various departments
have been established including Evangelism and Outreach, Women ministry,
Men’s ministry, Youth ministry, Sunday School and Dance ministry. These
ministries help to identify the needs of the believers in the church so that
through teaching, training and opportunity, they can be equipped and
empowered to utilize their gifts and abilities to serve in the Kingdom.
Five years! It’s seems hard to believe sometimes. God is good and He has been
faithful. To God be the glory for what He has done so far and particularly the
lives He has impacted through this ministry. Bishop Sinclair and Pastor Caroline
are committed, as the first day they started, to the vision for this ministry. With
the support of the church council, ministers and the faithful church family, they
are excited about the future. GOD has spoken and The Refuge Family says –
AMEN!

GREETINGS FROM BISHOP CURTIS SINCLAIR AND
PASTOR CAROLINE SINCLAIR
On behalf of the Refuge House of Praise family, we want
to extend a special welcome to all of you who have come
to celebrate with us and to give God thanks for our 5th
church anniversary.
We have chosen the theme “WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY
FAITH” as it reflects the fact that this ministry would not
have been possible without the will and grace of God.
There have been many “storms” along the way and at
times it would seem we won’t make it, but we have been
reassured and strengthened by God’s Word and His
promises to us in regards to this ministry. Our attitude
has been like that of the apostle Paul who, having
received a visitation from the Lord that no life would be
loss despite the very desperate stormy conditions at sea,
instructed the people on board to “TAKE HEART, FOR I
BELIEVE GOD” (Acts 27:25).
Acknowledgements go out to our guests speakers Bishop
Dr. John Alexander and Bishop Dr. Aubrey Brown, along
with our state office representative Bishop Earl
Cushman.
To our Refuge family, the Christmas community and to
our partners in ministry, thank you for your support
over the last five years. The journey continues, there’s
still much work to be done along with obstacles to
overcome, but overcome we will, as we continue to
believe God.

Message from
Bishop Keith L. Ivester,
Administrative Bishop for Church of God Florida
State Office
Congratulations to the Refuge House of Praise on your 5th
anniversary! You are to be commended on sharing the Good News
to your community and beyond. I am so thankful for what God is
doing and continuing to do at your church. I pray God's blessings
on you, Reverend Curtis and Caroline Sinclair, and every member
that God will pour out His Spirit and blessings as you continue to
work for the Kingdom.
Kingdom blessings,
Keith L. Ivester
Administrative Bishop

GUEST SPEAKER
John Lee Alexander has served in the Church of God for nearly 40 years,
serving in student ministry, as an associate pastor for the last three
decades as senior pastor for seven churches. He is presently serving as the
senior pastor of Sanctuary Church in Orlando, FL. He has served on multiple
regional, state, and international board and currently
Dr.
serves
John
the
Lee
state
Alexander
of
Florida as a member of the State Council.
Dr Alexander is a sought-after speaker in conference settings, pulpit ministry
and leadership training, bringing a trademark blend of robust Scriptural
knowledge and relational and motivational communication. He has
presented throughout the USA and internationally on church growth,
marriage and spiritual renewal. He is also a prolific writer, having authored
multiple articles for The Evangel magazine and authored the critically
acclaimed book Timeless; The Ten Commandments Today.
Dr. Alexander is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God Cleveland, TN
and holds a B.A. in pastoral ministries from Southwestern Assemblies of God
University, a Th.M. from Trinity University, and a PhD from Trinity University
in theology. He is husband to Lori, his wife of thirty-eight years, father to two
brilliant children, and Papa to three wonderful grandchildren.

GUEST SPEAKER
Bishop Rev. Dr. Aubrey C. H. Brown Jr.., the eighth of fifteen children was
born in Spring Bank, in the Parish of Portland, Jamaica, West Indies. He is
married to the Girl of his dreams, Elecia Patterson Brown for Thirty Five) (35)
Years. He is the father of three wonderful Children, Nadine, Charmaine, and
Khavil, and is a Grandfather of Six lovely Grandchildren.
He is the Author of Three Books, “Burdens on my Journey” Poetic Utterance
in the Twenty First Century, and From The cradle to the Pulpit, he is
presently working on several other books to be published soon. He graduated
from Port Antonio Senior School (now Comprehensive High School, Stratford
Career Institute USA. Diploma in Hotel Management (Highest Honors.)
Church of God International School of Evangelism, Cleveland Tennessee,
The Billy Graham International School of Evangelism, Minnesota, Graduate,
Bethel Bible College (Diploma in Theology and a Bachelor of Art in Theology).
Hons. (Jamaica W.I.), Graduate, Anchor Theological Seminary Master of
Theology (Arkansas), Graduate, Anchor Theological Seminary (Doctorate
Degree in Theology) with highest honors, Most outstanding Student of the
Year, the Fruit of the Spirit Award and the Valedictorian of his class. Dr.
Brown received numerous Citations and awards for his Civic and Religious
Bishop Rev. Dr. Aubrey C. H. Brown Jr

Order of Service
March 17,2018
Moderator: Bishop Curtis Sinclair
Opening Prayer: Rev Curtis Escalanti
Praise and Worship
Scripture Reading : Acts 27:13-25 : Bro Allen Smith
Welcome: Sis Emma Laurencin
Reflection: Church History: Sis Shana Simpson
Greetings: Visiting Churches
Offering: Rev David Nelson
RHOP Choir
Introduction of the Speaker
Speaker: Bishop Dr. John Alexander
Prayer and Closing

Order of Service
March 18, 2018 - AM
Moderator: Rev Caroline Sinclair
Opening Prayer: Rev Julaine Nelson
Praise and Worship
Scripture Reading : Acts 27:13-25 : Sis Kiera Nelson
Welcome: Sis Josephine Montalvo
Greetings: Visiting Churches
Minute of Silence: Bereaved Members
Ordination
Offering: Sis Shana Simpson
RHOP Choir
Introduction of the Speaker : Bishop Curtis
Sinclair
Speaker: Bishop Dr. Aubrey Brown
Prayer and Closing

Order of Service
March 18, 2018 - PM
Moderator: Rev David Nelson
Opening Prayer: Sis Uritt Christie
Praise and Worship
Scripture Reading: Bro Brandon Simms
Welcome: Sis Keisha Weller-Smith
Greetings: Visiting Churches
RHOP Dance Group
Offering: Bro Tony Laurencin
RHOP Choir
Introduction of the Speaker: Bishop Curtis
Sinclair
Speaker: Bishop Dr. Aubrey Brown
Prayer and Closing

In The Beginning……

Then God blessed them and said to them,
“Be fruitful and increase in number..”

Making An Impact On The Community

Making An Impact On The Community

Having Fun While Giving Praises
to our Lord and Savior.

Having Fun While Giving Praises
to our Lord and Savior.

Having Fun While Giving Praises
to our Lord and Savior.

A Family That Prays
Together, Stays Together

Our Newest Additions to the Church Family
Baby Jahniah Williams
Baby Liam Lee

IN MEMORIUM
Gone but not forgotten....
Bro Alvin Campbell
Bro Alvin was a man who was
passionate about his salvation and
the things pertaining to the
Kingdom of God. He and his spouse
Yvonne Campbell were excited
about the ministry from day one
and quickly endeared themselves to
the church family. Bro Alvin was
very instrumental in the ministry
and served in the capacities of
Sunday school teacher, a member
on the Men’s ministry board and
the evangelism team. He worked
tirelessly on the maintenance of
the church building and was an
excellent caterer for church events.
Bro Alvin was a true servant of
Jesus Christ who used his talents
well to serve the ministry wherever
he went. His zeal and love for the
Lord was something to greatly
admire in him. Rest in Peace Bro
Alvin.
A founding member of Refuge
House of Praise along with his wife
Uritt, Rev Christie supported
Pastor and family from the outset
when the idea of launching the
ministry was first proposed to him.
He supported the ministry from
2013 to 2015 when they Lord called
him home. Rev Christie served the
ministry with excellence, taught
Bible studies, Sunday school and
was committed to all aspects of
church life generally. He strived in
equipping himself in study and up
until his passing was still pursuing
biblical studies. He had a servant
heart and so in addition to spiritual
matters also dedicated himself to
the up keep of the church
property. Rev Christie dedicated
his time, talent and treasure to the
Kingdom of God. He is dearly
missed and will always hold a
special place in the hearts of the
Refuge House of Praise family.
Rest in peace Rev Christie.
Rev Owen Christie

Special Acknowledgements
Planning Committee
Bishop Curtis Sinclair
Rev. Caroline Sinclair
Rev David Nelson
Sis Shana Simpson
Sis Emma Laurencin
Sis Keisha Weller-Smith—Magazine
Sis Tamikia Pommells-Public Relation/magazine
Sis Matthew Smith-photography
Sis Cathrina Wilson-music
Sis Sherryfa Edwards—slide show
Sis Briana Bhoj – Social Media

Address: 20875 East Colonial Drive
Christmas, FL, 32709
Church No.: 407 568 3333
Cell: 407 924 2773 or 407 924 1541
E-mail: refugehouseofpraise@gmail.com
www.Facebook.com/refugehouseofpraise
Grace Campbell-Sheran Designs 2018