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History
The New Testament Church of God in
Tortola, British Virgin Islands was started in the early part of 1970 by
Pastor George Best a native of Grenada. It was a group of about fifteen
(15) to twenty (20) persons under a tree.
The handful of expatriates from the Eastern Caribbean who
migrated to Tortola in pursuit of a better economical living was the
beginning of a great work, for the glory of God. There were Nevisians,
Kittitians’, Grenadians’, Antiguans and Vincentians. The divine
transformation of thousands of lives began and five persons were
baptized in 1970 as new believers.
The church paid $75.00 per month for the first building
that was built by Charles and Thomas Hendrickson. The first pulpit
which was a table was donated by the late Clarice (Tiny) Howell. She
later got converted and joined the new group of believers.
The late Christina Warner donated a plot of land for the
church to construct a new building for worship. In 1976 the group of
believers moved into their own building, to God be the glory, the
Pentecostal message began to spread over the entire Island through the
preaching of the word and gospel singing. A new group of gospel singers
was birth, called the “Regenerated Singers” who touched thousands of
lives all over the Caribbean and North America.
In August of 1980 a young man Ishmael Charles joined the
congregation after arriving in the BVI from ST. Vincent. He lived in
Virgin Gorda and would travel down to Tortola on weekends to be in
church. By the divine intervention of God, Overseer Robert Cary met him
on the job and helped him to attend Lee University and the theological
Seminary for theological training. He then committed to the Church of
God World Mission to return to the Virgin Islands not knowing where he
would go after getting married to Miss Patricia Simpson from England.
In July of 1989 a new era began, nineteen (19) years of
ministry with Pastor George Best was completed and he moved on to
continue his ministry in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I..
The Ministry under the new leadership of Bishop Ishmael &
Patricia Charles began with approximately one hundred members. The
ultimate awaited explosion took place and the dedicated prayers of the
saints for years began to materialize, the power of darkness was
crumbling, miracles, salvation, healings, revivals, blessings and
deliverances became eminent. There were unusual divine moves of God’s
presence and explosive growth began to occur.
In 1992 the building was renovated and expanded; every
area of ministry was outgrown. Three new churches were birthed out of
the congregation on different parts of the Island. In 1999 new property
was purchased, 2002 work on the new sanctuary (project 2000) began and
on October 25, 2003 a new tabernacle was dedicated unto the Lord. The
building seats over 1500 people.
The church now known as the New Testament Church of God
International Worship Centre under the leadership of Bishop Ishmael
Charles and Lady Patricia Charles, is now reaching the entire
Caribbean through weekly television and radio programs and live
streaming internet weekly. There are approximately thirty local
operating ministries. There are over thirty different ethnic groups
that in the congregation
Today the history of this church is pinned on those who
sought the Lord and labored faithfully under a tree, with no
electricity, just pure faith.
As the pastor for the past twenty one (21) years, I give
glory to God for Dr. Robert and Jeanette Cary. These missionaries who
worked as Overseers of the work were the key leaders who helped to move
the work into its future. They have mentored my life for true kingdom
building.
Presently the New Testament Church of God International
Worship Center stands as a Beacon of Light to the territory of
the British Virgin Islands and all its neighbours with a membership of
approximately eight hundred (800).
As the present pastor of this work I will agree with the
writer that said “Our Present Position Is Not
An Indication Of Our Future Potential In God.”
This is the place where Divinity
Still Touches Humanity.
To God be the glory
Written by Mrs.
Caroline Brumant & Bishop Ishmael Charles |
