THE HUMBLE BEGINNING

The International United Bethel Assembly (IUBA) has evolved from humble beginnings.

With no intentions of starting a church, Mr. Lascelles Reader left the beautiful island of Jamaica in 1973 in search of a better future for himself. Getting saved, serving the Lord and being a pastor, were not on his to-do-list. Little did he know the plan God had in store for him. Of course, he pursued his dreams for a while until the day came when he had no other choice but to answer the call God had on his life.

It wasn’t long after the Lord saved him that He gave him the vision of becoming a sheppard; and so in 1981 that dream became a reality and the Church of God was born. Bishop Reader became affiliated with the Bible Church of God under the leadership of Bishop Annan, who was very instrumental and a tower of strength.

With a membership of 8 people, Sister N. Reader his wife, Sister Elyn Reader (affectionately called Grandma), his mother, Sister Monica his sister, Sister Barton who is now a Missionary, Sister Doyley, Sister Stevenson and Sister Pat, the church was established on that humble beginning and they had wonderful fellowship.

Glory to God! Within the first month the membership doubled, and the new additions included the late mother Thomas, Sister Velma Morrison (now a Missionary), Sister Norma Greenland, Brother Elwin, Sister Dawn, Brother Nidus, Brother Simpson and Sister Daisy. We thank God for the part they played and for those who are still with us; your service will not go in vain in the Lord.

Things began to look brighter in 1984 when a divine connection linked Bishop Reader with Evg. Kilgore who introduced him to the beautiful, virtuous, powerful, amazing, anointed and dynamic woman of God, Overseer V. Walker, who so graciously assisted the church in obtaining ministerial licence under the name “The International United Bethel Assembly. The Nazarene church of God was the original name given to him by the Lord. However, because of governmental standards that name was already in use and could not be duplicated. This official registration started the church on its way to international ministry.

Overseer Walker spent some time with the ministry performing several weekly meetings and crusades in which the Lord moved tremendously. Through her leadership, the ministry traveled to places like Africa – Pastor Grace Nugent, Chicago- Dr. Enton, Las Vegas – Pastor Ben, Brooklyn, NY – Pastor Howard, Louisiana – Bishop Turner, and various other parts of the United States.

The church as we know it today is a continuation of previous voyages to various locations. It started out at Salem Street and from there, moved to 2774 Dundas Street West, where the church experienced an enormous growth. The move took the church to its own building at 1909 Davenport Road where the Lord moved mightily on our behalf and the membership grew exponentially. Shortly thereafter that building was sold with the hope of purchasing a more suitable building with adequate parking and a better facility. However, before that happened a property on Milford Drive was rented for two years while Bishop pursed his dreams of finding the perfect building.Some hard times were experienced but Bishop held on to that vision until this location, 24 Sable Street was Identified in 2003.

This existing building, wasn’t always this beautiful but Bishop saw a diamond in the rough and with the help of the members, but most of all tradesmen like Brother Amos Henry, Bro Joseph, Brother Clement and Pastor Lynch, the building renovation process was brought to a place where we could occupy in comfort. These men are worthy of more than just a round of applause and our God who is just will ensure that they are rewarded for an Excellent job.

We acknowledge our Bishop who toiled long and hard. When we didn’t see a way to get the job done he pushed for us to keep going and today we are indeed sitting in a sanctuary fit for the King. Well we give God the glory for the more than 30 years that the Church has stood firm upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone! We are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ and His grace has been sufficient amidst the challenges that we have experienced over the years. Now We press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.

Presently the membership stands at approximately 120, and is governed by the Board of Directors and its leaders.There are several ministries that are focused on keeping the mandate of the great commission – go into all the world and preach the gospel. The Men’s Minister is overseen by Pastors Carlton French and Thomas Terrell; The Women’s Department is overseen by Missionary Velma Morrison, Pastor Ricketts and Nelletta Reader; the Children and Youth Ministries is overseen by Pastors Winsome Stewart and Grace Buddington; the Sunday School superintendent is Pastor Leason Rowe. There are other ministries such as the Planning Committee, overseen by First Lady N. Reader; the Finance Ministry by Sister Phyllis Longley and Deaconess Else Longley; the Prayer and Intersession Ministry led by Sister Andrea Richardson, the Music Ministry led by Minister Zachariah Reader and Sister S. Mitchell; the Health and Wellness Ministry overseen by Pastor Valerie Mitchell; the Hospitality and Ushering Ministry led by Pastor Grace and Sis. Hope Reader; and the Wednesday Fasting and Prayer overseen by Deaconess Else Longley.

We are always looking at embarking on new grounds, continuously improving and exploring innovative ways by which the body of Christ can be most effective in attending to the needs of the membership, community, the nation and even the world. We know it’s not easy for we are wrestling against principalities and powers, but God has given us the P O W E R to tread upon our adversary, the devil, and we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

This year we are aiming at initiating and tapping into the fullness and true potential of our Church family here at IUBA and this requires the cooperation and team effort of each member in particular. The Church is moving on from low lands and valleys to mountain tops, we are going to lift the banner high and wave it in the sky for the church of God is moving on.