TTMessenger - September2017 (Special Issue)

The
T&T
TH
The Official News Bulletin, Church of God of Prophecy TRINIDAD & TOBAGO September 2017
FROM THE DESK OF THE NATIONAL OVERSEER
King David paints a beautiful picture in Psalm 133
Vs. 1. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
We are
pleased to
present this
special Convention
Issue
of the T&T
Messenger
sharing aspects of the 55th National Convention
of the Church of God of Prophecy
– Trinidad and Tobago. Do enjoy viewing
the pictures and reading the thoughts of
our leaders.
I give glory to God and express
gratitude to His servants for making our
compact 2017 convention a success.
Among God’s many servants who blessed
us, we thank General Overseer Bishop
Sam Clements and his wife Linda for
their greeting and prayers. We sincerely
appreciate the presence, ministry, encouragement
and support of General Presbyter
Bishop Clayton Martin and his wife Sonia.
We declare a special blessing on Bishop
Dr Richard and Pastor Dr Vilma Jeremiah
and team CFM–COGOP who hosted us
with grace and efficiency. We are grateful
to Pastor Ramnarace Ramlogan, the
dutiful chairman and the entire planning
committee, as well as all convention participants
and staff for their good work. A
special ‘shout out’ to our Public Relations
team and National Men’s Ministry Directors
who joined us for radio and television
interviews.
We were honoured to have a record
number of visiting leaders grace us
with their presence at this Convention
and several of them brought greetings and
expressed their commendations. This is
an indication of the unity we are seeking
to promote. We thank Rev. Dr Desmond
Austin (President, The Trinidad and Tobago
Council of Evangelical Churches
and Assistant National Director – Church
of the Open Bible), Rev. Dr Emmerson
Boyce (General Secretary – Evangelical
Association of the Caribbean), Bishop
Hasrat Ali (Chairman, PAWI–T&T),
Bishop David Chandler (Superintendent,
Christian Union), Dr Victor Jogee (ACTS
Television), Rev. Keith Ramdass (Chairman,
Central Ministers Fellowship), Pastor
Terrence Williams (Pastor, Word of
Life), Rev. Shamus James (National Director,
YWAM), Rev. Dr B.A Hamid (Pastor,
Montrose New Testament Church of
God), The Honourable Fazal Karim (MP
for Chaguanas East), Mr Nigel Forgenie
(CEO, YTEPP Ltd.), Ms Alicia Hospedales
(Former MP for Arouca/Maloney),
Mrs Grace Poplewell and Mr Peter Gardiner
(Works Credit Union) and Representatives
from the Latin Association of T&T
and other guests.
The convention theme: “United
in Passion, Vision and Values” continues
to resonate with me. I propose that is to
be our theme for the ensuing convention
period. My prayer and desire is that CO-
GOP–T&T will resemble Psalm 133 and
emulate the early Church as captured by
Luke in Acts 2:46-47 and Acts 4:26-31.
In my spirit, I hear the word: ‘reproduction’.
Let each intercessor ‘reproduce’
at least one intercessor. The Lord is
calling for passionate pastors, evangelists,
teachers, worshippers, and intercessors. I
believe it was A. J. Tomlinson who used
to say: “Every member – a worker and a
work for everyone”. There’s no room for
idleness in the Church of God.
I make a special appeal to my
fellow graduates to put your knowledge to
constructive, reproductive work. I call on
pastors to continually develop yourselves;
develop and deploy your people – more
correctly, God’s people under your care.
Church of God of Prophecy
–T&T MUST grow. We must plant at least
three viable churches while strengthening
the weaker of the existing assemblies.
We are committed to provide support for
training counsellors for each district. Pastoral
training will be mandatory. We must
support our newly minted National Evangelism
Team (NET). Significant progress
is required in our practice of Biblical
stewardship. I declare God’s blessings on
His people. Shalom!
CORE VALUES: PRAYER, THE HARVEST, LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND STEWARDSHIP
THE T&T MESSENGER
is published by the
Church of God of Prophecy,
Trinidad & Tobago.
NATIONAL OVERSEER
Bishop Maurice A. Jones
Tel: 868-775-3291
Tel: 868-288-4495
Email: cogoptt@gmail.com
INTERNATIONAL OFFICES
Cleveland, Tennessee, USA.
GENERAL OVERSEER
Bishop Sam Clements

A SNAPSHOT OF UNITED THE 55TH NATIONAL CONVENTION
Church of God of Prophecy –
Trinidad & Tobago lifted the curtain to
a wonderful start of three (3) days of
grand celebration entitled “United in
Passion, Vison and Values on Friday 28
July, 2017. The COGOP family together
with our friends gathered at Christian
Fellowship Ministries in celebration of
our 55th National Convention. A warm
welcome was extended by Public Relations
Officer, Min. Joy Sampson to our
specially invited guests, which consisted
of many Christian leaders and national
figures. Sincere greetings were echoed
from key persons as they were invited
to the stage by Bishop Maurice Jones
our National Overseer of T&T, who
later also introduced our feature speaker
of the event Bishop Clayton Martin
our General Presbyter. Throughout the
days of gathering, detailed information
pertaining to the business aspects of the
local churches and national groups were
well presented by the District Overseers
and the respective National Leaders.
In full recognition of one of our
core values “Leadership Development
and Discipleship” for the very first time,
COGOP–T&T included in its National
Convention a graduation ceremony, featuring
over forty dedicated graduates,
who endured a period of two intense
years of Christian education and practical
studies. They proudly crossed the
stage and received awards, ranging from
certificate to doctoral degrees in Christian
Ministry. Kudos to our now Bishop
Dr Maurice and Pastor Dr Anslim Serrette
as they were both awarded doctoral
degrees.
Making us proud, the National
Men’s Ministry under the leadership
of Min. Randall Rodney together with
his Co-Director Min. Stanley Sirju and
their able team commendably launched
“Mended Men’s Ministry”; a forum
used to effectively exhibit the role of the
male-child, as the gospel of Jesus Christ
is uniquely promoted and demonstrated
in some real life settings.
On Sunday 30 July the curtains
closed to an audience of 500 attendees
after our National Overseer officially
appointed persons to National leadership
positions. All holders of the positions
within the National Leadership
were reinstated with a single exception;
Bishop Elvis Williams is now assigned,
as an additional portfolio, the position
of ‘Chairman - National Convention
Committee’. We welcome Bishop Williams
to his new position and extend
best wishes to him. We also thank the
out-going Chairman Pastor Ramnarace
Ramlogan, for his dedicated and committed
service in this area.
Let us all continue to unite in
the faith of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ.
PRAYER FOR UNITY – A CORE VALUE IN ACTION!
Min. Joy Sampson. PRO
COGOP – T&T National Workers (2017-2019)
Administrative Assistant, National Office
Kimline Clement
National Treasurer
Ria Ramkisson-Ahamad
Director Men’s Ministry
Randall Rodney
Director Women’s Ministry
Ouida McMillan
Directors National Youth Ministry
Adrian and Kimline Clement
Director, Pastoral Care Ministries
Roy Seeberan
Public Relations Officer
Joy Sampson
Director, Family & Counselling Ministry
Pooran Sankar
Director, Leadership Development
Anslim Serrette
National Prayer Coordinator
Carol Gray
National Evangelism Director
Leroy Burke
National Evangelist and Leader National
Evangelism Team (NET)
Damien McKenzie
Chairman, National Convention Committee
Elvis Williams
Min. Carol Gray. National Prayer Coordinator
July 01, 2017 was a significant day, as
it marked the coming together of the churches
of Church of God of Prophecy – Trinidad and
Tobago for our National Prayer Gathering for
2017. Yet again, the faithful men and women
of COGOP who are committed to prayer, took
time out of their busy schedules to lend support
to this event. Truly the sacrifice was worth
it; the word came forth with power and might
as our National Overseer, Bishop Dr Maurice
Jones; National Prayer Coordinator, Minister
Carol Gray and North Central District Overseer,
Bishop Elvis Williams each brought forth
impacting and empowering exhortations to
those present to be, United in Passion, United in
Vision and United in Values.
This meeting served as the perfect preamble
to our 55th National Convention as worship,
word and prayer abounded. The Lord did
not disappoint, as He showed up. For each and
every person present we were fortunate to experience
yet another time of refreshing, UNITED
in His presence.

NYMTT CAMP SUMMIT 2017 A SMASHING SUCCESS!
Mended Men’s Ministry was officially
launched at the Church of God of Prophecy –
Trinidad and Tobago’s 55th National Convention.
In a moment described as pure excitement, high
energy, the anointed fire of the Holy Spirit, this
newly rebranded Men’s Department has taken
‘the stage’ by storm.
At the launch men marched in exclaiming
the simple phrase, “We will, we will, bless
you.” With such a powerful display of togetherness,
things climaxed quickly with a powerful
praise and worship set
led by Minister Samuel
Dyer which welcomed
the awesome
presence of the Lord.
The Mended
Men’s Ministry while
being guided by Minister
Randall Rodney
and Co-Director Minister
Hemraj Sirju,
comprises a steering
team of extraordinary
men without which, Mended Men’s Ministry
would not be possible.
We encourage you to give God thanks
in your heart for these servants: Bishop Maurice
Jones, Bishop Elvis Williams, Pastor Emmanuel
Goberdhan, Pastor Jeffrey Jaffier, Ryan Williams,
Miguel Sirju, Julien Athanase, Kevin Williams
and Ricardo Smith.
“If a vision does not involve others, then
you are only looking.” This was the precious sentiment
of Mended Men’s Director, Minister Rodney.
“The Vision for Mended is a great one; we
The COGOP National Youth Ministries
(NYMTT) hosted its third instalment of
the re-branded National Camp Summit (NCS)
2017 on August 06 – 12, 2017 at GDM Campsite
& Retreat Centre in Penal. The Summit
was greatly supported by an attendance of
over 200 campers and visitors over the 6 day
period. They represented fourteen COGOP
churches and ten supportive non-COGOP
churches a true picture of Unity as called for at
our 55th National Convention. A packed panel
of powerful guest speakers and gospel ministers
delivered riveting and inspirational ministry
via workshops, seminars, deeper encounter
services, exposés and concerts.
Each night at NCS2017 featured one
of seven flagship events which were executed
by God’s grace with impacting and anointed
MENDED MEN LAUNCHED AT UNITED
see ourselves as one of the impactful institutions
to strengthen men.”
Mended has as its vision, “Mending men
in Christ, to achieve their full potential.” The
Ministry targets men and those that want to see
men reach their full potential in God.
The men of COGOP–T&T have set sail
on an unfamiliar journey but trusting the leading
of the Holy Spirit they are engaging men through
strategic media initiatives. Social media platform
Facebook has made it possible for Mended to
reach men in Trinidad
and Tobago; the
Caribbean, particularly
in Saint Vincent
and the Grenadines
and Jamaica; internationally
in New York,
England and other far
reaching parts of the
world.
Minister
Rodney had this to
say “We are partnering
with ministries within the body of Christ and
we are seeking out opportunities to meet with
various leaders and experts that we think can impact
the lives of men. Mended Men’s Ministry
is very passionate about networking with Men’s
Ministries everywhere. We believe that the words
of Jesus to Peter in Luke 22:31-34 hit the nail on
the head; the enemy wants to sift men as wheat,
but we are praying like Jesus, that the faith of our
men fail not and when we are converted, we will
strengthen the brethren.”
ministry. FYA Movement, Barbershop, Beauty
Salon, NCS Rising Ministers, Worship Seminar
& Praise-A-Ton, Banquet Night, Sports
Day, all designed to provide holistic ministry
to the body, soul and spirit. NCS 2017 witnessed
a mighty move of God from day one,
with several being delivered, saved, baptised,
sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Special thanks to all sponsors and
contributors, including General Presbyter for
the Caribbean Bishop Clayton and Mrs Sonia
Martin, for their donations, and all the local
churches and businesses that made NCS 2017
possible towards the development and empowerment
of our young generation. God has been
extremely faithful this year and we anticipate a
greater outpouring next year.
The Real Deal with
MENDED Men
• Social Media outreach
launch: 05 May, 2017
• Social Media programme
views: 27,000
• Mended Men are all about
‘real talk’ – topics have
included:
Savings
Understanding the
Husband you Have
Masturbation
Mental Health and
the Church
Man of the House
The Jezebel Spirit
Connect with
Mended Men’s Ministry
on Facebook
Like, share, leave a comment
mendedtt@gmail.com
868-328-1034

UNITED QUOTES
The 55th convention was a tremendous blessing. It was short, but
full of substantive items such as; the unity of the visiting clergy,
the worship sessions, fellowship of the churches and the graduation
of students for Christian service. The National Overseer’s address
was uniquely shared by others, using the core values of the church
to elucidate the convention theme of ‘United in Passion, Vision and
Values’. A great time in His presence!
BISHOP CLAYTON MARTIN
General Presbyter
COGOP Caribbean & Atlantic Oceans
It was a convention with a difference not only in content but in the spirit of
rejoicing as well as it embraced the Hagion Ethnos Institute’s graduation
with over forty plus bible school graduands and the launch of Mended
Mens’ Ministry. This convention brought into greater focus the importance
of building on our core values. As we look ahead to this new convention
period let us be challenged by theme set by our National Overseer at this
convention and remain ‘UNITED in Passion, Vision and Values’.
PASTOR KELVIN RAMKISSON
District Overseer
South Trinidad
“United in Passion, Vision and Values”,
was the theme of our convention this year
and truly it was a tremendous time of
out-pouring of the Word and UNITED fellowship.
God’s people were challenged to
be always students of His Word. The award
of Diplomas, Certificates and Doctoral credentials
to many of our COGOP members,
speaks of our growth and development in
leadership, and a greater appreciation for
accurately understanding the Word of God.
The worship was powerful, His presence
was rich and we were blessed. To God be
all the glory.
BISHOP ELVIS WILLIAMS
District Overseer
North/Central District
I am really thankful to God for being
a part of this 55th celebration
and I’m welcoming future changes
since “to improve is to change, to
perfect is to change often; old ways
wouldn’t open new doors.”
MINISTER JOY SAMPSON
Public Relations Officer
COGOPTT

The 55th national convention was an excellent one with far reaching effects. True to the
spirit of UNITED The Martins’ (General Presbyter Bp Clayton Martin and First Lady Sonia
Martin) generous sponsorship of attendees to National Camp Summit changed the lives
of four of our youth. Mariah Delecia, Jameelah Martin, Yeshua Prescod and Marcus Wright
the sponsees shone at camp; Mariah and Yeshua recommitted their lives to the Lord,
Marcus received the Holy Spirit baptism and was named among the most helpful campers,
and Jameelah was crowned ‘NCS2017 Princess’. What beautiful harvest from UNITED!
Truly “the one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be
rewarded... for we are co-workers in God’s service…”(I Cor 3:8-9)
PS ADRIAN AND MIN. KIMLINE CLEMENT
Co-Directors
National Youth Ministry
“Convention 2017 was exceptional as all
speakers stressed the importance of the
theme encouraging the churches to unite.
The Graduation was delightful and displayed
a uniquely new level of excellence for
convention. There is however much work to
be done; it is my prayer as we enter this new
cycle that UNITED becomes a guiding principle
and each of us truly commits to putting
our hand to the plough.”
From assembly to convention, the vision
was cased, ‘UNITED’. The road is narrow
but the vision is clear – we need it, got to
have it, we just can’t talk it, we must walk
it; for it is there ‘UNITED’,
the Lord commands life. (PS 133.)
PASTOR DR ANSLIM A. SERRETTE
Director
Leadership Development
PAULINA COUNTY
Hospitality Coordinator
National Convention 2017
Experts say, the number 55 signifies the
need for change – putting aside the past and
welcoming the future. Let’s remain interconnected,
as we forge ahead with an intent and
craving to fulfil purpose without compromise.
DEACONESS CAROLANN WALLACE
COGOP Tobago District
BISHOP KEITH U.B. FORDE
District Overseer
Tobago
I thank God for the privilege of
being able to attend Convention
2017. It was rather fascinating. On
behalf of COGOP Tobago District
(and Charis Assembly),
I convey hearty congratulations to
Bishop Dr Maurice Jones and all
other graduates.

TRAINING THE LABOURERS: HEI’S GRADUATION
On Saturday July 29, 2017, sandwiched
between two days of COGOP’s
biannual National Convention, the Hagion
Ethnos Institute (HEI) held its auspicious
graduation ceremonies. Forty students
were awarded certificates, diplomas and
degrees up to the doctoral
level. The event highlighted
COGOP’s core
values of Leadership,
Stewardship and Harvest
as our very own National
Overseer, Bishop Maurice
Jones and Pastor Anslim
Serrette received Doctoral
degrees on completion
of prerequisites offered
through the Hagion Ethnos
Institute in conjunction
with Ministry International
Institute.
Many key members of COGOP–
TT comprised the graduating class, ninety-five
percent of graduates hailed from the
COGOP North/Central or South campuses
and celebrated their accomplishments with
colleagues from the Longdenville and San
Fernando HEI classes.
President and Founder of HEI,
Bishop Dr Richard Jeremiah charismatically
addressed concerns on the relevance
of biblical or ministerial studies today
and confirmed HEI as a viable option. He
made some thought provoking statements
including the challenge that “We must
address the issues that are driving people
away from the Lord and meet them where
they are, in the busy rush of their lives. We
need equipped Christian leaders, teachers,
coaches and mentors in this world with
values undergirding a compelling vision to
HAGION ETHNOS INSTITUTE
Excellence in Leadership, Lifestyle and Ministry
disciple the nations and advance the kingdom
of God.”
Featured speaker General Presbyter,
Bishop Clayton Martin eloquently
congratulated the graduates and encouraged
all present to pursue formal ministerial
training in order to represent
the Kingdom of God with
acumen in the world.
Bishop Dr Maurice
Jones and Pastor Dr Anslim
Serrette, having received the
highest awards were allowed
to respond briefly at this momentous
occasion.
From the faces of the
full audience comprising
ministers, congregants, family,
friends, well-wishers The
Honourable Fazal Karim,
Member of Parliment – Changuanas
East and other public figures, it
was obvious that the Hagion Ethnos Institute’s
graduation ceremony was a pleasant
aspect of this year’s National Convention
and beautifully represented the theme:
United in Passion, Vision and Values.
Christian Ministry Degrees | Diplomas
Associate | Masters | Doctorates
Leadership Development Programmes | Support Ministry Training
Membership and Ministry Profiling
For more information on meeting your church
training and development needs
Connect with HAGION ETHNOS INSTITUTE
www.hagionethnos.com | FB: Hagion Ethnos Institute | (868) 222-7506
Jeremiahs,
Joneses &
Clements
The Hon. Fazal Karim,
MP for Chaguanas East
congratulates COGOPTT
National Overseer,
Bishop Dr Maurice Jones

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE LAUNCH OF ‘T&T FOR CHRIST’
We extend special thanks and
greetings to all our Harvest Partners for
their continued support to the Lord’s work
in Trinidad and Tobago. A heartfelt thanks
to Bishop Christian and team for their sacrificial
love demonstrated at the Revival
Meetings at the COGOP St. James, CO-
GOP Tobago and Word of Life Ministry;
truly many were blessed and empowered to
We heartily congratulate Pastor
Michael Wilson and his wife Kerry
Ann on the auspicious launch of T
& T For Christ Revival Ministry on
May 28, 2017. The launch was held
at the Tunapuna Open Bible Church,
and attracted several leaders from various
organization. The objective of
THANKS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
keep the fire burning for the Lord.
Congratulations to Pastor Marketta
Thompson for accepting the call to lead
the COGOP Anaheim Church in the United
States in the wake of the passing of her husband,
Pastor Andre Thompson. May God
give her wisdom and strength to lead His
people.
this para-church ministry is to present
the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout
Trinidad & Tobago by way of personal
evangelism, outreach programmes,
and street meetings. We pray that God
will grant good success and many
souls would be ushered into the Kingdom
through T&T For Christ.
Our National Overseer Bishop
Maurice Jones and wife First Lady
Maureena Jones extend their heartfelt
thanks for all the prayers, visits and
words of encouragement during First
Lady Jones’ recent bout of illness.
They continue to covet your prayers
and give God praise that His healing
power is already at work.

UNITE TO FACE 2017 HURRICANE SEASON
Our hearts go out to those affected by recent Hurricanes Irma and
Maria . We are painfully aware that the season has already brought severe
damage to some of our Caribbean Islands as well as some parts of the USA.
In addition to our prayer for the affected, let us make a tangible contribution
to relief in Barbuda, Dominica and other Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean islands
served by COGOP. Non-perishable items can be channelled through
our National Youth Ministry (NYMTT) in collaboration with Is There Not
A Cause (ITNAC). Pastor Adrian and Minister Kimline Clement will coordinate
can be contacted at 868-752-2678 / 868-704-9771.
CONDOLENCES
REMEMBERING BRO. JWALA RAMJITSINGH
Financial contributions can be made in cash at the National Office
deposited to Republic Bank Acct #480523530201 in the name of Church of
God of Prophecy. Please email a copy (photo) of the bank receipts to
cogoptt@gmail.com to confirm deposit. Contributions will be forwarded to
the Office of the General Presbyter.
May the Lord bless you for your generosity!
UPCOMING EVENTS
OCTOBER
7th South District Fellowship
8th North/Central District Prayer Fellowship
20th Tobago District Prayer
27th to 29th Men’s Retreat
NOVEMBER
1st North/Central District Pastors & Couples’ Dinner
3rd to 5th NYMTT Strategic Youth Retreat
11th National Strategic Leadership Review
26th Tobago District Fellowship
The COGOP Rambert brethren mourn
the passing of their long standing member and
former Pastor Elder Jwala Ramjitsingh on August
7, 2017. Brother Jwala, as he was popularly
called, was born on January 15, 1946 and was
the husband of Kamla Ramjitsingh, an active
and dedicated member of the local assembly.
We commemorate his life with his spouse, two
children and his 6 grand-children. Brother Jwala
is fondly remembered as a student of the Word
and a supporter of the various Auxiliaries (Ministries)
as they were called in his time of ministry.
He was a solid COGOP member who never
shifted his allegiance and steadfastly held on to
Christ. We believe that he is in a better place and
has started to enjoy the fruits of his labour in the
Kingdom of God. So long my brother.
Pastor Ramnarace Ramlogan,
Rambert COGOP
We also remember in
our prayers the family of Pastor
Bernard Yorke who has gone
on to be with the Lord. Pastor
Yorke led the London Kingdom
Fellowship, COGOP together
with his wife Lady Dorna
Yorke.
Heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of these
stalwarts in the faith.
CREDITS
DECEMBER
11th Dinner hosted by the National Overseer