The University of the West Indies satellite of the Tarrant Baptist Church/Freedom Come Ministries International celebrated its first-year anniversary on February 1 with a Friends and Family Day. It did not feel like a first year at all—it seemed more like five years of shared life, faith, and fellowship. From the moment worshippers gathered that morning at the satellite’s Chancellor Hall location on the UWI Mona Campus, it was clear that this wasn’t simply a congregation assembling to give God thanks for a major milestone, but a family united under God, closely knit in love and purpose.
Originally planned for October 2025, the celebration was postponed due to Hurricane Melissa and rescheduled for February 1, 2026. The event drew an overwhelming turnout of students, families, and first-time visitors from other parishes, including Manchester and Clarendon, resulting in an overflow attendance that exceeded expectations.
Families and their invited guests were encouraged to wear the same colour, but, almost instinctively, many arrived dressed in varying shades of blue, prompting laughter and reinforcing a shared sentiment—that this gathering reflected the essence of who we already were: one big family, the family of God.
Under the leadership of Evangelist Carol Williams (satellite leader and coordinator), a truly wonderful and exciting day unfolded—a three-course meal, games, and joyful fellowship transformed an ordinary gathering into something exceptional.
Drawing on the account of the five loaves and two fishes in Matthew 14, Pastor Warren Williams, who delivered the sermon, highlighted how signs, miracles, and wonders can take place when one becomes a part of the family of God. And like the consummate Master Teacher that God is, our Father immediately showed us a practical demonstration of this principle, for even though more persons had turned up than were catered for, every single attendee was fed as the “food stretched” beyond expectation—a moment many described as a modern-day reflection of biblical multiplication.
Pastor Williams further encouraged the congregation from 2 Corinthians 4:8–9, reminding us that although every family had to deal with problems, we should never allow difficulties to divide us. Unity and harmony are essential requisites for the family of God to work together.
TESTIMONY – UNKNOTTING KNOTS
In just its first year, the UWI satellite has achieved significant milestones. Prophecies have been spoken and manifested in real time. The youngest member of our family is Baby Asher, who was recently born to Brother Romario and Sister Dana Knott. The couple will tell you that their knot was unknotted and Asher was conceived the very same day it was prophesied by Evangelist Carol that the Lord had heard their plea for a child.
Asher Knott is a powerful reminder that the Word of God does not return void.
And so am I, as I was facing many challenges completing my master’s degree, but again, the prayers of my UWI church family piloted me through, and today, I can testify: “The words spoken over me that my final semester would be my best did manifest accordingly! To God be the glory! ”
Representatives from Taylor Hall, Mary Seacole Hall, Rex Nettleford Hall, and, of course, “The Lion that roars”—Chancellor Hall—were in attendance at our Friends and Family Day.
And what celebration is complete without presents? There were lots! Gifts were presented to several persons in appreciation of our shared fellowship and partnership across the university campus.
TBC/FCMI UWI satellite is more than a church gathering—it is a haven, a true sanctuary of faith, family, fellowship, and belonging.
