New Testament Assembly Sherwood

Bishop Peart appointed Sister Giddings and Sister Afflick, both members of the Port Antonio church, to serve and lead the congregation. Together, they labored faithfully for several years, supported by Pastor Richard and others, all under Bishop Peart’s careful supervision. These foundational years spanned 1980 to 1981.

As the church continued to grow, regular services were established, including Sunday Divine Worship, Sunday Night Evangelistic Service, Thursday Testimony Service, Christian Endeavor, and Youth Fellowship. Fasting services were held on the first Tuesday of each month.

In time, Sister Giddings was called to lead a new location, leaving Sister Afflick in charge at Sherwood Forest. By then, both had been ordained into pastoral ministry. With strong support from the community and the church body, the construction of a permanent concrete structure began.

In early 1986, three young men gave their lives to Christ—Overseer Ruan Walker was one of them. Later that same year, Pastor Afflick migrated to the United States, presenting a significant challenge for both the local church and the New Testament Assembly (NTA). Despite the uncertainty, Bishop V.C. Peart continued to offer spiritual oversight, while the congregation remained steadfast in faith.

During this transitional period, several individuals played pivotal roles in sustaining the ministry. These included Elder Watkis, Evangelist Colleen Peart, Pastor Franklin, and Deacon Sterling. The Nonsuch congregation, under the leadership of Pastor Dennis, also provided consistent support—especially during fasting services.

Around that time, the NTA Jamaica established a Bible School, and Pastor Walker enrolled with great anticipation. Bishop Peart personally taught Doctrine classes on Friday evenings. At the conclusion of what would be his final lesson, he turned to Walker and asked, “Brother Walker, are you ready to baptize the people?”

Tragically, the following morning during class, news arrived of Bishop Peart’s passing. It was a moment that shook the church deeply—everything changed.

Following Pastor Walker’s graduation from Bible School around 1991, Overseer Kenneth Holgate visited Sherwood Forest a few months later and officially appointed him as the leader of the Sherwood Forest New Testament Assembly.

To God be all the praise—He has kept us! From humble beginnings—a zinc roof, slab seating, and a dirt floor—the church has grown into the sanctuary it is today. This journey has been marked by perseverance, unity, and the unfailing faithfulness of God.