Sunday 26th July, 2026 PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — Four prominent Christian leaders used the platform of the National Prayer Breakfast on Friday 17th July, 2026 to deliver a unified message of faith, national unity and spiritual renewal, urging the Turks and Caicos Islands to continue placing God at the center of its future as the country commemorated 50 years of ministerial government.
The prayer breakfast, held at The Shore Club in Providenciales, brought together government officials, clergy, members of the media and representatives from churches across the islands. The event formed part of the golden jubilee celebrations marking five decades since the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands gained the ability to elect their own ministers.
During interviews conducted ahead of the breakfast, Apostle Ruth Ariza, Overseer and Prophetess Irma Coleby, Prophetess Violet Thompson and Pastor Dennis Swann each reflected on the importance of prayer, faith and leadership in shaping the nation’s future.
Apostle Ruth Ariza described the gathering as more than just a ceremonial event, saying it was a visible demonstration that the nation is committed to putting God first.
Quoting Scripture, she reminded listeners that believers are instructed to “seek first the kingdom of God,” expressing confidence that when the country prioritizes God, “everything else will align itself.”
She declared that God remains sovereign over the Turks and Caicos Islands and prayed that His guidance would continue to rest upon the nation.
Reflecting on the music during the event, Apostle Ariza said the performances by the Turks and Caicos National Choir brought back treasured memories from her years with the former Turks and Caicos Mass Choir, recalling how members traveled internationally sharing the Gospel through music.
Although she is no longer a member of the choir because of other ministry commitments, she said hearing the choir sing reminded her that continued praise and worship help maintain God’s presence over the country.
She also supported the idea of expanding future National Prayer Breakfasts to a larger public venue such as the National Stadium, saying many people who may feel uncomfortable attending a formal event would likely participate in a more relaxed outdoor setting.
“They will come as they are,” she said, adding that such an event could attract thousands of people from across the islands.
Overseer and Prophetess Irma Coleby echoed the importance of prayer, saying she was encouraged to see government and church leaders working together during a time when she believes the nation needs spiritual guidance more than ever.
“I believe the Lord is asking the nation to come closer to Him,” she said.
Rather than suggesting that the country had abandoned its faith, Coleby said she believes the people of the Turks and Caicos still know God and continue to recognize His blessings upon the islands.
She pointed to the country’s prosperity, educational opportunities and continued protection from major disasters as evidence of God’s favor.
Coleby acknowledged that church attendance declined following the COVID-19 pandemic but said she has witnessed many people returning to worship in recent years.
“I have seen since two years, people have been coming back,” she said, adding that congregations are growing again and that Christians should not lose hope.
She also spoke about her personal calling, explaining that moments when people contact her during times of desperation remind her why her ministry remains important.
“There are some situations that only God can deliver you out of,” the Overseer said, emphasizing the continuing role churches play in supporting families facing difficult circumstances.
Prophetess Violet Thompson, known for organizing island-wide prayer motorcades over the years, became emotional while describing what the National Prayer Breakfast meant to her.
She praised the opportunity for Christians from different denominations and backgrounds to gather together in one place, calling it an answer to years of prayer.
Thompson explained that since 2003 she has led early morning prayer motorcades throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, often beginning before dawn and traveling through communities praying over the nation.
She expressed hope that the unity displayed during the breakfast would continue long after the event concludes.
“This unity will continue,” she declared, adding that lasting national transformation must first begin within individuals.
Thompson also called for similar gatherings to be held more frequently instead of only once each year, saying opportunities for collective prayer should become a regular part of our national life.
Pastor Dennis Swann, who was attending the National Prayer Breakfast for the first time, described the event as a meaningful opportunity to publicly acknowledge God’s goodness.
While some may question whether such gatherings have become ceremonial, Swann said he believes the sincerity behind the event is genuine.
“The fact that you come to acknowledge God,” he said, “shows commitment.”
Swann also rejected suggestions that the Turks and Caicos Islands has ceased being a Christian nation.
Instead, he said the country is experiencing rapid social and economic transition brought about by unprecedented growth and investment.
“We are still a Christian nation,” he said. “Our faith is in God, our values are in God.”
He acknowledged that no nation is perfect but maintained that the country’s spiritual foundation remains strong.
Looking ahead, Swann said he hopes everyone attending the breakfast leaves with a renewed understanding that “God is the center of everything that we do.”
He emphasized that the responsibility for creating lasting change does not rest solely with organizers or government officials, but with every individual who attended the gathering.
“What do we take out of it?” Swann asked, encouraging participants to carry the positive messages shared during the event back into their churches, workplaces and communities.
Drawing from the example of Jesus and His disciples, he noted that meaningful change often begins with a small number of committed people who faithfully share what they have received.
Together, the four ministers delivered remarkably similar messages centered on faith, unity, prayer and personal responsibility. While each approached the discussion from a different perspective, all agreed that spiritual leadership, community involvement and continued dependence on God remain essential as the Turks and Caicos Islands continues its journey through its next chapter of self-governance.
The National Prayer Breakfast formed part of activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of ministerial government, marking an important milestone in the constitutional and political history of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
All four Gospel ministers were interviewed by Senior Journalist and TCI leading Talk Show Host Mrs. Cheryl-Ann Foreman and her daughter RTC News Reporter Ms. Zoya Faessler
