The Tribune

Woman: the feminine creation of God, daughters of Eve. At her best, she relentlessly pursues the fulfilment of her ministry with single minded resolve, “strength and dignity are her clothing”. She opens her mouth in wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:25-26). She is a woman of great faith, passionate in her love for family, her love for ministry and her love for God.

Putting on the mantle of the 31st Proverb, the Church of God of Prophecy honoured 33 women who are fighting for the kingdom of God at its 22nd National Women’s Celebration Luncheon, earlier this month, as courageous warriors with an indomitable spirit.

The luncheon was staged as part of the church’s 92nd Biennial National Convention. The women are seen as mentors whose guiding hands and words of wisdom have shaped the lives of those who have surrounded them, who have worked alongside them and who have come within their gates.

The 33 women were celebrated because they have yielded themselves to the will of God. Each one like a flower that grows in the dry heat of the desert - sharing the beauty of her countenance and the substance of her character, she has found strength even in places where others see only a barren and hostile landscape.

Women of Worth

Alma Nora Poitier Whyms: A Lay Minister with the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) Seven Hills, Sis Whyms is passionate about two things: proclaiming the gospel and the welfare of others.

Angela Mae Adderley: Sister Adderley has served faithfully as the church clerk, a Sunday School teacher and a member of the Social Outreach Ministry. She is passionate about helping others and caring for those in need.

Annalee Lucina Williams-Richards: A registered nurse for 29 years, Sister Williams-Richards is passionate about early childhood development and Christian education.

Brunell Munroe: Mrs. Munroe, a sister in the faith and a member of Christ the King Anglican Church, Ragged Island, has long been a friend of the church. It is a relationship that goes back many years. Today she continues that support attending district conventions and other special events.

Catherine Lushishia Darville: She is a woman who loves to help others and is passionate about gardening and entertaining. She has served in various capacities, including as an usher, a member of the Prayer Ministry, Women’s Ministry and Evangelism Team.

Charlene A. Kemp: Involved in the Children’s Ministry for some 12 years, Sis Kemp is passionate about helping to shape the lives of Bahamian youth as she steers them towards a loving relationship with Christ.

Delores V. Rolle: Having given more than ten years of service to the church, Sis Rolle currently serves as the national assistant treasurer for the Church of God of Prophecy. She is passionate about nature, music and travel.

Donna Marie Delancy: An energetic and vibrant woman of God who is always ready to assist, support and spearhead, Minister Delancy is faithful and passionate in her service as the director of the Women’s Ministry for the COGOP East Street.

Elva Nairn: Motivated by the unwavering and abundant love, grace and mercy of God, Sis Nairn, who is a member of the COGOP Baillou Hill Road, works on the Pastoral Committee, as a member of the Angelic Gospel Singers and in the Hospitality Ministry.

Emerald Jeanette Thompson: Sis Thompson is known for the beauty and strength of her alto and has been lifting her voice in song as a member of the Sanctuary Choir for over 50 years.

Emily Cunningham: A prayer warrior who has yielded herself to the lord, Sis Cunningham lives by the motto “if I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living will not be in vain”.

Enid Carnetta Lockhart: One of seven sisters who has faithfully served the COCOP Ragged Island, Mrs. Lockhart has been a tremendous support to the church family. She has opened her home, offered home cooked meals, attended special services and given freely when called upon.

Esther Mae Moss: A member of the COGOP Seven Hills for the past 15-years, Sis Moss is passionate about her praise and worship, and her love for the lord. As a retired nurse who served over 32 years in the public service, Sis Moss loves to nurture and care for the sick and afflicted.

Florinda Anita Hepburn: With nimble fingers and an open heart Mrs Hepburn, who has had a fruitful career as a straw designer and vendor, has been a faithful friend of the COGOP Ragged Island.

Genesta Sophia Lockhart: She has dedicated her life to serving the Ragged Island community, as a warm and gracious host who has opened her home and her kitchen to visiting ministers. Mrs Lockhart also offers her support by attending special events and services at the church.

Helen Alberta Saunders: With a passion for cooking, Mrs Saunders has been an important supporter and friend to the COGOP Ragged Island. She joins her sisters in being a gracious host who willingly shares the fruitful offerings of her kitchen.

Inah Curtis-Gray: A member of COGOP Exuma, Sis Curtis-Gray serves as a Lay Minister, director of the Youth and Children’s Ministry, assistant director of the Woman’s Ministry and also a Christian Education teacher.

Ivy Daxon: As a member of the COGOP Crooked Island, Sis Daxon serves as a Sunday School teacher, director of the Women’s Group and Children’s Ministry. She is also the church organist, secretary, protocol officer and activities coordinator.

Jane Knowles: Actively involved in the Women’s Ministry and the Helping Hands Outreach Ministry, she has been a faithful member who quietly supports the activities and projects of the church locally and nationally.

Latoya Tamika Culmer: “No good thing will he withhold from them that walk upright” stands as the hallmark of Sis Culmer’s faith. She is actively involved, serving as the director of the Couple’s Ministry, a Sunday School helper, Youth Ministry’s director, Youth Choir director, an usher, assistant treasurer and a member of the praise and worship team.

Rev Leona Fraser: Rev Fraser has served in various capacities over the years including director of the Women’s Ministry, director of Evangelism, Assistant Superintendent Christian Education and Sunday School teacher.

Linda Joanne Pratt: Sis Pratt has served in the Hospitality Ministry for some 15 years. She is also a part of the Women’s Ministry and is involved in the Sunday School. A passion for family and church, Sis Pratt believes that “the longer she serves him, the sweeter he grows”.

Marissa Lafleur: Called to the work of evangelism, Sis Lafleur is committed to sharing the good news of her faith with family and friends. A 19-year veteran educator, she is passionate about education, evangelism, family and being an ambassador for Christ.

Mayzina Amanda Higgs: With a heart that connects to others through evangelism and music, Sis Higgs is passionate about leading others to the cross, training children in Christian music and playing the piano. Sis Higgs is a Sunday School teacher, the coordinator of the Dance Ministry, leader of the Youth Ministry and church secretary.

Netta Laureana Lockhart: A faithful steward in the Kingdom of God, Mrs Lockhart has been a loyal supporter and friend to the COGOP Ragged Island for many years. Passionate about serving God and the church, she loves to cook, sew and be a blessing to her family.

Paula Bain-Williams: Called to the ministry of help and encouragement, Sis Bain-Williams uses her skills in the kitchen and her words of wisdom and love to offer sustenance and support to the members of the body of Christ.

Pernell E. Jones: Faithful to the words of her favourite song ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus’ Sis Jones has been both diligent and joyful in more than 50-years of service to the lord.

Princess I. Fawkes: Passionate about education and gardening, Sis Fawkes has rendered her best service in a number of areas, including as the Women’s Ministry director, Youth Ministry director, Evangelism Ministry director and Sunday School superintendant.

Shannreah Brunella Alexis: Passionate about singing and helping others, she serves as the organist and the assistant director of the youth ministry. She also serves faithfully in the Women’s Ministry and is an assistant leader on the Praise and Worship team.

Minister Sheila C. Munroe: Actively involved in a prison co-ministry with her husband, Minister Munroe also serves in the evangelism, outreach and hospitality ministries of the COGOP Elizabeth Estates. She is a talented designer of women’s wear.

Sheila Helena Curling: With the clear understanding that the lord is her strength, Mrs Curling has been a friend to the COGOP Ragged Island with energy, excitement and enthusiasm.

Verlina Maycock: Mrs Maycock is motivated to do her Christian service by the love that she has for the lord. A friend to the COGOP Ragged Island, she is passionate about cleaning and organizing. She always has a song in her heart and a verse of scripture ready to share in encouragement.

Veronica Mayretta Pintard: A strong Christian woman who loves the lord, her family and her neighbours, Mrs Pintard is a faithful friend and supporter of the COGOP Ragged Island. Passionate about cooking, housekeeping and church activities, she remains committed to the lord.