Bethel Born Again Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic)
LEADERSHIP OF BBAC
CURRENT LEADER
Pastor Yvonne Codner, J.P.
Yvonne Codner, J.P., the seventh of nine children, was born on February 1, 1962 to Daphne and Herbert Ferguson. A charming woman, Yvonne developed strong morals built around honesty as she grew up ‘rough-horsing’ with her cousins and siblings. She attended the Zion Hill Primary School where she took an interest in track and field, particularly the 100 and 200 meter races along with the relays. Upon completing this level, she moved on to Richmond Secondary school where she added netball, high jump and long jump to her repertoire of sporting events. After completing secondary school in 1979, she pursued a business certificate focusing primarily on secretarial skills at the Jamaica School of Business. However, this was not where her direction laid as after leaving business school in 1981, she remained home for a while because of her inability to get a job. She later got married to her beloved Choyes Codner on September 26th of 1982. Following this she decided to pursue her second love, designing. After doing a course in pattern making at the Jamaica School of Fashion, she continued her studies at Mack's School of Fashion where she received a diploma in designing, dressmaking and pattern making. Yvonne then pursued certification in machine embroidery at the H.E.A.R.T./N.T.A. where much to her surprise, upon completion, she was named valedictorian. Since then, she has pursued her love from home while fulfilling her duties as a wife and mother. Though having a handful with three daughters, Kereemah Khedesha and Syisha, to care for, Yvonne has taken the work of God in her stride. Since her baptism within the Apostolic faith on her birthday, February 1, 1981, she has been a dedicated woman of God. Yvonne is a hard and constant worker tor the faith. never wavering. This steadfastness has deemed her fit to hold many positions within the church. She started out molding the minds of youngsters as a Sunday School Teacher for the Junior Class and Secretary for Sunday School Department. She then progressed to Youth Department, where she held the roles of Assistant Secretary arid Assistant Leader of Group Confidence. She is also considered a veteran on the choirs; as she has had the opportunity to progress through the ranks, starting as a member of the Tribulation, Junior and Senior Choirs before becoming Director of the Junior Choir and finally, Assistant Director of the Youth Choir, leading along-side Evangelist Diana Lawrence. Although she has a special place in her heart for the choirs, her love is for the Women's Department where she held the positions of Local and International President. This love sprouts primarily from her belief that the Women's Department has brought out the best in her, molding her for such a time as this. Also, it was during her tenure as Women's President that she was not only directed by God to establish two prayer-warring groups, Gideon and Joshua, within the department over eight years ago but also, took up the position of Leader of the Joshua Prayer Group. Over the years, Yvonne has found Philippians 4:13 i can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" and Psalms 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength. a very present help in trouble" to be scriptures that have guided and given her hope. In July of 2015 despite her hesitancy, she accepted the confirmation of God, given to her and others over the years, and was appointed Pastor of the Bethel Born Again Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. Today, she hopes to continue the work of God which her predecessors had started, putting God's Will first in all things. With this desire she has obtained Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Theology from the Parkersburg Bible College (PBC) International University of Biblical Studies (IUBS) Jamaica Chapter. Pastor Yvonne Codner also serves as a Justice of the Peace in the parish of Kingston, Jamaica. It is her sincere prayer that the Bethel body will come together in unity and work together as they move forward still as it is Jehovah's will.
CURRENT LEADER
Assistant Pastor Peter Campbell
Assistant Pastor Peter Campbell. was born on July 4, 1964 in the parish of St. James hailing from the district of Mocho along with 7 siblings. Peter and his family lived very close to Oakland Road on 35 Lane. Soon enough he made friends with the children of the Allison family and Evangelist Allison took him as one of her own, treating him with love and care. Growing up, he describes himself as “something else” meaning nothing was ever too hard for him to do. The only thing that he could remember being challenging was school for although he was a lover of Mathematics, he was very timid of reading, having a fear of pronouncing the words or getting a beating from his mother about it. Home duties were the very least for him being the assistant baker to his mother helping to cut up the potato and to taste the batter of his favourite pastry back then, potato pudding. Assistant Pastor Campbell’s journey of faith began after his baptism by Elder Golding on January 20th, 1980. He received the gift of the Holy Ghost on May 10, 1981. After that, he recalled that there was a great change within him as he developed a love for God that made him push to seek God more through prayer. His pushing came with visions upon visions upon visions and up to this day there is just something making him different, has he would describe. Peter started out in the Prayer Band. The Prayer Band headed by Overseer Caswell Lawrence, was a set of youth and elders who were Bishop Allison’s armour bearers. They prayed much for him and the ministry and assisted the ministry and saints both naturally and spiritually as called upon. From the band came a group known as Greater Ministries. Some of the members attended the first Bible school at church that was taught by Overseer Christopher Walker who was also the principal. They were also members of the CFBJA (Christ for a Better Jamaica) Fellowship and went to many camps, hikes, walkathons and socials. Peter was a very vibrant young man in the church. When he was filled in 1981 he joined the Tribulations choir named and formed by Bishop Allison in one Sunday service as referred to a set of young people who went on 5 days fasting at Golden Acres as “those who have come out of great tribulations.” The choir went on to merge with the junior choir. As an armour bearer of Bishop Allison, Peter was one of the many persons to accompany Bishop Allison when he went to preach both around the country and abroad. He also got the opportunity to assist in marriage ceremonies under Bishop Allison’s license one such is the wedding of Elder Jackson’s daughter in the United States. Peter joined group Faith and indeed served the group faithfully eventually becoming the group’s assistant leader to Bishop Codner and then leader. Under their reign the group was very successful in winning youth congress, group of the year and in-gathering rally. He then went on to serve as the president of the youth department where he created workshops to teach youth officers how to do altar work, street evangelise and live and work within the ministry. Overseer Campbell enjoyed working in the Gospel. For 2 years he and Overseer Robert Bartley had weekly services and street meetings in Manchester. In the end over 20 persons were baptised in the name of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, the church did not open a Manchester branch, but thankfully the newly baptized saints were able to attend an Apostolic church close to the community. Back in Kingston, He taught Sunday school for the intermediate class and occasionally Bible class. He served in various positions such as Vice President and President of the Brotherhood Department serving alongside the likes of Bishop Codner, Elder Dalling and other strong in the Gospel. He was also president of the Marriage Auxiliary. While he was Brotherhood President in the 1990s he developed the Brotherhood choir which is now known as the Sons of the Prophet choir. Outside of the ministry, Overseer Campbell works hard to provide for his family. Although he left Norman Manley and Tivoli Comprehensive High Schools as a certified caterer doing baking and cooking in 1982, He loved working in sales. For most of his younger years he worked as a cargo agent with Trans Jamaica Airlines at the Tinson Pen Aerodrome until its closure. He went on to work in various positions such as Salesman at Tibby’s Auto and even the owner of a grocery store. Today, Overseer Campbell views it an honour to be the Assistant Pastor of Bethel and wants to bring to the fold more awareness of where we are going because deeper depths and higher heights lies before us. He is also the president of the Brotherhood Department, the teacher of the Sunday school New Converts Class and sits on the board of The Apostolic Fast Fellowship. He loves to read the book of Psalms and although he has many favourites, one that has stood out from his younger days is Psalms 27.
Bishop Raphael Crawford
FORMER LEADER
The late BISHOP RAPHAEL CRAWFORD, former senior bishop
Bishop Raphael Crawford, affectionately nick-named ‘the young people’s bishop’, is a man whose dedication to God and the Bethel Born-Again Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic is worthy of the highest acknowledgement. Originally from Newport, Manchester, he experienced a rather rough childhood which worsened with the sudden death of his mother when he was only ten years old. With the death of his mother, he was forced to periodically discontinue his schooling to help his father who had returned to Jamaica from his farming job aboard and was now buying land and animals and producing horses for racing. By the time he was able to take his education seriously, it was too late and the only avenue available to him was the numerous odd jobs that he sought to do to the best of his ability. Raphael travelled to Kingston to attempt an exam that would qualify him for farm work abroad. When that did not work out, he stayed in Kingston and struggled through many odd jobs not knowing that his main job of selling frozen treats on a bicycle would be the vehicle to lead him into a lifelong relationship with Christ and years of unselfish service to the Bethel Born Again Church. While living at Crescent Road in Kingston, Raphael stopped at a small church service being conducted by Luther Allison at the lower end of Crescent Road. He was captivated by the ministry of the small man and was amazed at the power of God working through the man. A few days later he again visited the church and Luther laid hands on him and prayed. Raphael Crawford surrendered to God that night and became a standard bearer and right-hand man for Bishop Allison. The role that Raphael Crawford was to play in the growth and expansion of the church was quickly apparent. In 1962, Luther Allison was evicted from the place on Crescent Road that he had been using for church and home. It was in this crisis that Raphael Crawford first proved his worth to Bishop Allison and the ministry. In his own words, “While he was at Crescent Road something happened and that woman landlord put out Bishop Allison for the church was in her yard. I was living at Crescent Road in a two pound board room and I had to take him in and leave my single bed and give Bishop Allison refuge. And the bed is so blessed. Up to now I have the bed. My wife sleep on it sometimes.” (Raphael Crawford – 2008) While his sacrificial provision of refuge for Luther Allison demonstrated his commitment and support for the Man of God, his value to the ministry as a pioneer and founder must be measured from the day he found the lot at 3 Oakland Road which is still the site of the church. “I had my little bicycle selling fudge and icicle and when I ride and come down here I saw the sign ‘For Sale’. For when they put him out the saints rent a room on Delamere and put him. So when I saw the sign I asked how much they were selling for.” (Raphael Crawford – 2008) It was Raphael Crawford who rallied the few saints to build Oakland Road and establish this ministry. It was his idea to throw a five shilling a week partner to buy the location and transform it from a little dirt floor shed to the building that it is now. He remained faithful to his pastor and committed to the ministry. He was the first and remained foremost. The first Bishop, the first musician, the first Sunday School Teacher, and probably the first to own a car. When Bishop Allison took to the airwaves Raphael Crawford was right there with him, sitting in a live studio at Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) and playing his guitar. Raphael Crawford held many positions and groomed generations of youngsters as a Sunday School Teacher before he was appointed a Deacon. Eventually, proving his dedication to the mission through his hard work for the Lord, he was consecrated a Bishop. He fondly remembered the Bethel of the past and spoke highly of the members with whom he came in contact, praising the willing spirit that most exhibited and their burning desire to serve the Lord. Bishop Crawford had wise words for every occasion and every generation. He encouraged the older generation of the church to set aside time to share their Christian journey with the younger generation. He demonstrated this by being the link between the generations, supporting the young saints through attendance at their youth services and participating fully in their activities. He was always immaculately attired and was noted for his shining black shoes. When most of the musicians migrated and left a gap in that department. Bishop Crawford descended from the rostrum and took up the guitar. To the surprise of the younger members he played flawlessly and continued to fill that role for many years. While he held strong opinions and was unafraid to express them, Bishop Crawford was extremely mild and full of humility. Neither his work, his achievements, nor his position ever got to his head. He was the first and only assistant pastor to Bishop Allison but never sought the acknowledgement of the position. He stood aside after the passing of Bishop Allison and never tried to benefit from his rights to the church or the land. From humble origins he rose to the position of Senior Bishop but was still the meek and jovial man that the young people laughed with, loved and honoured. He diligently kept his watch throughout the leadership of Bishop Choyes Codner and remained a strong supporter of Pastor Yvonne Codner. He was all for the church and believed that nothing should get in the way of kingdom building. His death marks the end of an era for the church. The legacy that he carefully cherished ensures the preservation of the church. As we contemplate his work, his labour, his patience, and dedication, we salute him as patriarch, pioneer, and kingdom-builder.
Bishop Choyes Radcliffe Codner
FORMER LEADER
The late BISHOP CHOYES CODNER, former pastor
Bishop Choyes Radcliffe Codner is the immediate past Pastor and Presiding Bishop of the Bethel Born Again Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic Inc following Bishop Luther Martin Allison. During his time the network of churches comprised of four branches in Jamaica and North America that are recognized as a citadel of apostolic doctrine. Bishop Codner was evidently a Man of God; operating in fivefold ministry. A humble man, he had proved himself to be not just the protege of the eminent Apostle L.M. Allison but an Apostle in his own right. Prior to being a Minister of Religion, Choyes worked as a taxi operator and a Customs Officer at the Kingston Wharves Limited and Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA). Bishop Codner’s installation to the Pastorate and Presiding Bishopric on October 24.2009 marked a culmination of progression through various ranks of the church ministry. Bishop Codner has served as Youth Coordinator, Group Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Brotherhood President and Assistant Pastor. A man whose stature betrays his competence and anointing is a living miracle. In 1997 during an unsuccessful robbery attempt he was shot in the mouth, the bullet travelling under his tongue and exiting the right side of his neck. Emerging from modest beginnings in the rural town of Keith District. St Ann. Choyes was one of seven children born to Llewelyn and Eleith Codner. Even as a child growing up with his two sisters and four brothers Choyes demonstrated a love for the Lord accepting the call at age eighteen. He attended the Keith All-Age School before moving to Portmore, St. Catherine in 1972. This move facilitated studies at Kingston Technical High School. Later he pursued an Associated Accounting Technician course at College of Arts Science and Technology (CAST) now University of Technology (UTech). Choyes married Yvonne and had two adult daughters Kereemah and Khedesha and has guardianship of his niece Syisha. Bishop Codner’s leadership had been marked by a diversifying and strengthening of the church's ministry encompassing live video streaming of services, DVDs and CDs of services, educational and welfare programmes and vibrant community intervention initiatives. The ministry is poised to realize the dreams of this visionary servant of God to operate a 24-hour Christian Fellowship Network to echo the message of Christ and the need for RIGHTEOUSNESS worldwide.
Bishop Luther Martin Allison
FORMER LEADER
The late BISHOP LUTHER MARTIN ALLISON, founder of the Bethel Born Again Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic, Inc.
The Bethel Born Again Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic. located at 3-5 Oakland Road, is a lighthouse of faith and a bastion for the apostolic movement in Jamaica and the world. The unchanging nature of the doctrine preached at this sanctuary and the continued high standards of righteousness in behaviour, deportment. dress and worship have made the church legendary and it is revered and even fear. by many. Much of the regard in which the Bethel Born Again Church is held however, has to be attributed to its founder, the late Bishop Luther Martin Allison, first pastor, prophet and spiritual leader extraordinaire. When Bishop Allison moved his ministry to 3 Oakland Road in 1962, he not only established a church for the few saints who were with him, he opened a door of deliverance for all who would pass through. Even as he laid the physical foundation established a foundation unto posterity and ensured that 3 Oakland Road would become a monument to holiness and oneness apostolicism. From the very first day that the zinc and ply board structure went up there was evidence that God was in the work. Bishop Allison in his days. frequently stated that God had shown him that the saints who were with him would do the work. This promise began to be fulfilled from the first day that Raphael Crawford rode his bicycle down Oakland Road and saw the 'for sale. sign on the open lot. Today we embrace the realization that the present day senior Bishop, Bishop Raphael Crawford must have been led by God to this location. The hand of God was also evident in the zeal of the members to acquire the property from the owner, Mr. Proverbs. Faced with the prospect of raising more funds than they could realize from the offering the members began throwing a partner of five shilling a week to purchase the property. Things got from bad to worse when the Landowner lost patience and began proceedings to evict the church from the land. Before he could do that the members raised the funds and to his great surprise the church purchased the land. Looking back at the toils, persecutions, trials and sufferings of these patriarchs, we must realize that their labour gave birth to the pillar and ground on which we now stand after fifty years. Truly every disappointment faced by Bishop Allison, every tear shed and every hardship endured was for us. Even as he looked at the few members and the rude structure in which they worshipped, prophetically, he saw this church in the spirit. A mighty vision must have remained before the Man of God and he served and nurtured that vision with an incredible faith. The structure in 1962 was just a shed. It had no ceiling and it had no floor. After services the members would be covered with the dust that rose up from their jumping and shouting. This did not discourage them. God was in the midst of them and they could not be moved. The signs, wonders and miracles that flowed from Bishop Allison were confirmation that God was with him and the saints believed without doubting. Like the Manifest Destiny, the Bethel Born Again Church was destined to be the leader in the apostolic movement and to set the pace for all the apostolic churches in Jamaica. Bishop Allison believed in doing all things by the spirit. His insistence on this kind operation and his total belief in the ministry of the spirit was to set him apart from other apostolicin his time and somehow influenced the ministry at Oakland Road with that approach and principle. Fifty-eight years later, the church still holds to these principles and consistently manifests the gifts of the spirit in its operations. Today, if Bethel is a healing centre it is because Bishop Allison healed countless thousands at this location usually by the laying on of hands. If prophecy continues to be heard it is Because Bishop Allison uttered accurate prophecies from this location to Jamaica and to the world at large. It was from this location that Bishop Allison prophesied the June rains of 1979 which killed 42 persons and devastated the island. This was a location from which he prophesied in 1998 that Portia Simpson-Miller would become Prime Minister of Jamaica. Every gift of the spirit was put into practice at 3 Oakland Road and over time the members, Jamaica and the world, came to the realization that God had established a healing, deliverance, miracles and prophecy ministry in Jamaica and Bishop Allison was his prophet. The legacy of Bishop Allison is not easily defined. Unlike other great men of his time he did not expand materially and left no great endowment as a monument to himself. There is no street, university or college named after him and no statue has been erected in his memorial. His legacy however is more than that. It is much more than we can see or easily explain. It is best found in the ministries of those who came into contact with him and whose lives were changed by his word. His legacy is that little piece of the man that remains in us and motivates us to worship with that same kind of faith, to preach and teach with that kind of zeal and to work the gifts of the spirit as sanctioned by the oneness apostolic doctrine . This is the legacy that adjures us to show the same depth of love that he exercised as a matter of course. This legacy requires that we stand up for Jesus Christ against all odds and to boldly obey the voice of the Lord even when it is not popular to do so. Our awareness of this legacy is rooted in the fact that even if we were never to dance like Bishop Allison, to throw a towel as he did, to minister with that power of speech or to prophecy, discern or work miracles as consistently as he did, the same spirit resides in us and or potential is limitless. Essentially, we are the sons of the prophet and a mighty ministry has been committed unto us. As Jesus assured his disciples, greater work will we do. Many years after Elisha died his bones raised a dead man who had been thrown on them. This speaks to the perpetuating anointing which had distilled so deeply into the Prophet but even after death rested upon his bones. As a major prophet of his times Bishop Allison manifested an awesome anointing through his voice, his touch and his presence. His saliva, his perspiration, his clothing and even his photographs have been used for healings and miracles. Like Elisha this anointing has been distilled in us by his touch; and in whatever capacity we serve or in whatever country we worship we carry the word, the work and the ministry that we received from this prophet of God. Today we honour God for his prophet and for the obedience that he showed in responding to the voice of the Lord. It is this obedience and commitment of Bishop Luther Martin Allison that we pay tribute to as its quality is what has exemplified his leadership and has enabled us to achieve significant milestones.