Welcome to our history page

During the Summer of 1991, Evangelical TV Producer, the late Daniel Hilaire, approached then performing Christian artist  and Bible teacher, Gide Demosthene, with a vision for the development of a Bible teaching program through access television.  This teaching ministry program was based at the Somerville Public Television Network, and later on, it was produced at the Boston Neighborhood Network, BNN-TV, and was also featured on WCEA-TV Network.  Mr. Hilaire inquired of my willingness to volunteer at Télé-Évangélique as its Senior Presenter & Chief Editor.  Fifteen years later, until Summer 2006, through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we were empowered to serve faithfully and selflessly. But also, by this time, my service officially ended as the show  Producer moved to Pawtucket, Rhode Island.  

Seven years through this tenure at the Evangelical TV in 1998, a series of Biblical teachings entirely focused on the Ethics of Christian Living and their ultimate application in family-life were introduced.  These teachings were presented under a new ministry introduced at Evangelical TV under the acronym “MEGR” which stands for Ministère Évangelique de la Grâce Rédemptrice or Redeeming Grace Evangelistic Ministries.  The purpose was to share with the viewers an intentional program from a ministry perspective which aimed at implementing redemptive ministries to urban families who are impacted by various social ills that are often overlooked by traditional church ministries.  

The Epistle of 1st Peter and other Scriptures were used in the series.  The response to this new program and teachings were unbelievably extraordinary as viewers would call to offer their words of encouragement. This was a new movement in the annals of Evangelical TV and in my own life and ministry. Through this program, Redeeming Grace Evangelistic Ministries International was born as a God-given vision for holistic ministry to families in the twenty first century. 

In March 2005, Redeeming Grace Evangelistic Ministries became a church plant.  A few colleagues who were attending Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Boston came along, including:  Jean-Claude Jean-Baptiste, Emilio Elysée, and Ramona Desiré.  Our Sunday School began at 11:30 AM, and services were held in the afternoon until 2:30 PM at the St. Stephen Methodist Church at 5160 Washington Street, West Roxbury, Massachusetts.  We ministered to a number of saints in the area, and brought under the Lordship of Christ a few converts. 

This church plant continued until 2007 with the exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment and encouragement and prayer and support of Ramona Desiré, Ruth Pamphile and her family, and a few other friends.  During our time in West Roxbury we have held workshops and a Community Family Day event providing entertainment and presentations for children of all ages, medical assistance to community families, food and refreshments, and the Gospel message through a feature film:  Escape from Hell, which brought all the youths (about 10-12) in the house on their knees committing their lives to Jesus Christ.  

Toward the end of 2007, the lack of ministerial support, family-life challenges, and academic demands of a rigorous doctoral program caused me to decide on closing the church plant in West-Roxbury.  Many lessons had been learned in the process and I have emerged with new experiences for future church ministry endeavors.  The doctoral research projects from 2006 to 2009 have provided exceptional insights in envisioning and designing faithful holistic ministries for today’s families.   Many of those challenges have been part of my life's journey and they've given me various types of firsthand experiences that are proven absolutely indispensable for understanding and undertaking effective ministries at Redeeming Grace.  With the understanding that urban family life challenges are the same for all families throughout the cities of the world, we embrace the disposition to be an international ministry partnering and networking with faithful ministers and ministries around the world in the mighty name of our Lord and God Jesus Christ.

Currently, RGEM International is taking its first steps toward ministry in Brockton, Massachusetts.  We are using every form of media available to us to make Christ known to the entire world as we minister also to our local community of families.  We meet on a weekly basis for Bible study and prayer and we are planning a non-denominational contemporary worship service in the early afternoon and/or early evening for people of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds—as our journey continues till the day of Christ.  Indeed, all glory be given to the Lord our God! 

The Year 2013 introduced a new historical territory in the missional development and expansion of Redeeming Grace Evangelistic Ministries in Brockton, Massachusetts.  From 2007 to 2012 many things have happened.  First, in 2009, the successful completion of the doctoral academic program at Gordon-Conwell was faithfully achieved; yet, the LORD was also working in many other areas of my life.  When I moved to Brockton, MA, I quickly joined the First Baptist Church of Brockton (FBCB), and remained an active member ever since. 

The First Baptist Church of Brockton's ministry truly blessed my life. The Rev. Richard Babcock, at that time, led the congregation with evangelistic passion and enthusiasm.  Then, Peter Bradstreet, our lead soloist, sings excitingly and with inspiration performing always as though he is in a mega church.  Our exceptionally talented pianist and organist, James Hay, plays the music with splendor.  Terry DeArruda, the Head Deacon, leads her ministry with the high dignity required of the office, yet with the heart of a servant.  The trustees, a committee I joined upon the recommendation of its former chair, Dr. Edward Perkins, performed their task professionally, but always with understanding of necessary actions that must be taken for the welfare of the church in its current context, history, and with the members in mind.  The contagious warmth of this small church community is a perennial experience. 

Upon the retirement of Pastor Babcock, through the LORD’s guidance, the Deacons invited me to serve FBCB as an interim minister in the year 2010, and I was privileged to serve the church for about ten months.  Two other interim ministers followed, including the Rev. Dr. Marnette Saz who oversaw the preparation and transition of the church toward the calling a new pastor and she served until the year 2014.  In the year 2015, the Rev. Melanie Towle became the new pastor.  As I served alongside Marnette, and through our interactions in the church, I understood that the LORD was calling me to move forward from where I left in 2007.  Many prayers were lifted up unto the LORD for guidance, and a decision to approach FBCB leadership with the proposal for a church plant was effectuated. 

This proposal was received enthusiastically, and then the subsidiary Redeeming Grace Christian Fellowship (RGCF—RGEMI's church ministry), was inaugurated at First Baptist Church of Brockton, on November 3, 2013.  It was a delightful event with a multi-cultural gathering of many clergy colleagues, family and friends, and many other people through whom God’s praise and glory was proclaimed; and the vision and mission of a church ministry established to proclaim salvation through the LORD Jesus Christ to all and to strengthen family life was made possible.  The theme: “A People after God’s Own Heart,” from the texts of: Psalm 133:1; 15:1; John 17:22-23; Ephesians 4: 3, 13; Colossians 3:14 established the dream of a new community whose passion is to make God known to others through radical experiential loving Christian teachings and actions.  It was stated:  “We are a people who acknowledge the Triune God of heaven and earth and who have been baptized into His oneness nature.  We are a people directly related or united to God by divine origin or heredity, by divine blood, by divine love, by divine suffering, and by divine praise and glory—A People after God’s Own Heart.”  And then, the Christian life application was preached about our need to love one another from the heart.  

The ministerial team which worked toward executing this new church plant ministry undertaking through various leadership consultations, prayer meetings, and implementation meetings included:  Roody Herold, Mario Bycinthe, Mazama Davids, and Lyn Demosthene.  Their sacrificial participation contributed to the establishment of the ministry’s presence in Brockton.  Since the inaugural, this church ministry has persevered in its vision and mission to be one of God’s faithful agents for reconciliation, restoration, and Shalom in family life.  

The age-old battle that is being waged today in society at large, and among God’s people, to undermine God’s unique blessing of true happiness through authentic family-life relationship is an ever present challenge all around us.  I have witnessed it firsthand.  Yet the LORD God Almighty prevails always!  As in the days of Noah, God gives us a ministry of witness to His great love in Jesus Christ, plus His redeeming grace and power for those who are willing to turn from their wicked ways and receive His eternal love (2 Chronicles 7:14, John 3:16).

God’s amazing grace to us, His love and faithfulness in sustaining and guiding this ministry in the Greater Brockton area is celebrated yearly in the first Sunday of the month of November.  Indeed, God is always doing something new as Jesus said in Revelation 21:5:  “Behold, I make all things new.” He raises people from all walks of life to uphold His marvelous plan in and for us.  We are looking forward to partnering with God as He uses us in the building and developing of effective leadership teams of selfless, passionate, committed, engaged church leaders who will seriously consider consecrating their lives, time, talent, and resources to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, in order to help advance His kingdom in every area of family life and in His local church in the 21st century.  

This vision reflects First Baptist Church’s dedication and commitment to families in our community and is the heart of our partnership.  Therefore, if you are seeking a church fellowship where you will be encouraged to grow in knowledge and in faith, and empowered to use your God given talent for the edification of His people, please visit our church gatherings on Sundays at 11:30 a.m., or send us an email at: rgeminternational@gmail.com.   Truly, all are welcome in Jesus Christ’s glorious name!

 During the Fall of the year 2018, it became evident to the leadership and Pastor Melanie Towle of the First Baptist Church of Brockton (FBCB), and the congregation, that attendance was seriously failing, and that the church could not continue with the status quo. It had become financially impossible to remain in ministry. A meeting between the leadership of the church took place to consider future operations, and we realize there were not many options left. Some advanced the possibility of relocating the church to a smaller manageable place—but still, the few remaining members would not be able to support the ministry wherever it would be relocated, and this idea did not prove to be the wisest in terms of practical stewardship. This was a matter for fervent prayer and the seeking of God’s will on how to proceed with handling the next phase of the organization. Pastor Melanie Towle takes it to task to seek God’s face, and pursue a faithful answer from the Lord—to be presented before the leadership and the congregation the next favorable time. 

In the interim, Redeeming Grace Evangelistic Ministries International (RGEMI), and its subsidiary, Redeeming Grace Christian Fellowship (RGCF), the developing church ministry under the leadership of its founder, the Rev. Dr. Gide Demosthene, sensed the approaching crisis of having to find a new operation site in the event FBCB decides to part with their building. As a member of FBCB, serving as the chair of the board of trustees, he selected to recuse himself in the decision-making process to avoid any conflict of interests. The facts were presented and it was up to the rest of the trustees and the deacons, under the guidance of their pastor and the Holy Spirit, to come up with a final decision. Accordingly, his mind became preoccupied with the need to get RGEMI/RGCF well situated, and he began to unofficially look around for whatever opportunity may present itself to the organization. Then, Rev Demosthene explains what happened next: The congregation and I prayed to the LORD God to provide a place for us; but we also had to be proactive in finding the place where the Lord would establish us. Regardless, we too were in prayer for God’s provision and the manifestation of his lovingkindness toward us. 

Soon, a plot of land of about one acre, advertised for sale, and located across the intersection of Montello and Exchange Street, was identified as I drove in the area, and I decided to write the number down to contact the real-estate agent. Then, as I held the pen and paper in my hand, and was about to write, a thought came to me: “Since the Lord has led and placed you in Brockton for the ministry, let Him provide the place for His ministry!” That sounded perfect! I prayed the same words back to the Lord; and I felt relieved—and then I threw the pen and paper back into my car and drove away. Redeeming Grace, as a growing church ministry, met with a number of families, including: the Philemonds, Marcellus, Montesuma, Remy, Tilus, Labossiere, Quarrles, Samonte, Cabiles, Madrigal, Depestre, Cenafils, and the Demosthenes for a total of 40-45 people on record, plus (Celestin and Bourciquot as active visitors). Therefore, it became all the more necessary to keep the fellowship united in a final place of worship, and we committed our need unto the Lord.

The Year 2019 was a decisive year for FBCB. The leadership and the congregation needed to come to term with a solid decision for their organization. In the Spring of 2019, as I entered the church from the main entrance at 256 Forest Avenue, the 9:00 AM service just ended, and Pastor Melanie and I exchanged our usual greetings. We need to talk, she said. “I have been in prayer,” she continued, “and seeking God’s face for a decision for the church. I think I may have an answer to our problem. I have a proposal for you and your people, and if you can agree to it, then I will submit it to the leadership of the FBCB in a planned meeting.” What is it? I asked. “I am proposing a merger between FBCB and RGEMI with conditions that would satisfy the needs of both congregations” she replied. This was seen as the work of God’s direct providence and I informed the people after the service that day about the proposal, and they supported the option to merge. Immediately, the information was passed on to Pastor Melanie, and a first meeting was planned between the FBCB joint leadership and myself—where a ministry presentation would be made for clarification on Redeeming Grace’s vision, long-term plan, current operations, and leadership structure. The presentation was well-received, and FBCB’s joint leadership voted unanimously to merge with RGEMI.

Another meeting was held subsequent to the joint leadership meeting to present the decision to the congregation, and the people too accepted the decision and voted unanimously to proceed with the merger proposal. Next, a transition team was put together with people from both congregations to facilitate processes and iron out smaller details regarding ministries implementation, programs, participation, and meeting hours. It was decided that the full year 2020 would be necessary for both congregations to join together in worship, and various activities toward a seamless transition, whereby FBCB would terminate its operations by December 31, 2020, and RGEMI will officially take over all operations effective January 1, 2021. To ensure our ability to successfully execute our long-term ministry obligations, and keep the organization moving forward and growing spiritually and numerically—Rev. Demosthene decided to not have a salary currently and deferred compensations until the organization is able to afford them.

As the Year 2019 ended, the threat of a contagious virus, identified overseas in China as COVID-19, began to be monitored and discussed in U.S. news. This virus was going to be very damaging to the global economy, the world population, and to all institutions. The year 2020 began with a call for companies to close operations and allow employees to work from home. At Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where I served, the organization was already dealing with a financial crisis that required a re-organization to maintain its accreditation status. COVID-19, the leadership said, caused a faster descent into administrative woes. At the same time, the FBCB-RGEMI merger continued thru planned worship services, programs, as the process was finalized in the beginning of the New Year with the unanimous congregational vote at the February 2020 annual meeting to ratify all leadership decisions. But then, like all other organizations, we were still affected by government shutdowns decisions and needed to close operations in response to mandatory state procedures for crowd management, and prevent the spread of the infectious virus which, by this time, had achieved a Pandemic status.  

People stayed home and hundreds of churches closed their doors. Some will never be re-opened again and joined the statistics of 40% of U.S. churches that went out of operations. Technology allowed for meetings, but the fellowship dynamic was hampered. Also, the fear of catching COVID-19 strongly scared a number of people out of church fellowship, and we witnessed a quick disintegration of people coming together for worship, even if enough space was available to maintain social distancing principles among worshippers. Nonetheless, RGEMI/RGCF implemented most of its programs during the year. In April 2020, Gordon-Conwell decided to cut its workforce, and my position was eliminated. Quickly, it came to me that it was an opportune time to implement another dream, the development of a Bible institute that would provide for laity in our local churches to receive effective ministry training with maximized accessibility. And that project was initiated with the involvement of ministerial and academic colleagues who came along and helped launch the organization by Summer 2020 in anticipation of offering a first course in the Fall.

As the Year 2020 approached its last days, the FBCB-RGEMI merger continued with pre-planned joint worship services, and transition plans for FBCB staff departures which took place at the last Sunday in December of the year; whereby, leadership for FBCB-RGEMI came together in a solemn service to certify the transition and affirm Redeeming Grace’s ministry moving forward in Greater Brockton. With great joy and deep gratitude, I offered thanksgiving to the LORD God who fulfilled his purpose for the ministry, and we joyfully welcomed two former members of FBCB into our fellowship and leadership: Terry DeArruda, and Georgia Allen. Only God Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth, could effectively execute such a plan amidst worldly chaos from a Pandemic, disintegrating membership participation, and evident socio-cultural differences among people of diverse backgrounds. The first service of RGCF on Sunday, January 3, 2021 we recorded a standard group of people who came to witness a movement of God fulfilling his purpose in establishing RGEMI/RGCF ministries at the location of its former host, FBCB. God achieved His will, and on Friday, January 8, 2021, FBCB dissolved and officially assigned and transferred remaining assets, administrative obligations, and operations to Redeeming Grace Evangelistic Ministries International.  The document was signed by Terry DeArruda, FBCB Head Deacon, Georgia Allen, FBCB Clerk, Gide Demosthene, Founding Senior Pastor, President and CEO of RGEMI, and RGEMI Secretary, Ramona Desire,.

The Year 2021 in Review, the official publication of RGEMI, has in-depth information, and revealed various administrative undertakings, project accomplishments, and program implementations that gave evidence to a very productive first year for RGEMI.  The leadership team participated in the collaboration study series which was geared at keeping our leaders focused on contributing their gifts for the vision and mission of the organization. The following is a summary from the Year in Review: 

"The training was also used as a catalyst to help prepare the heart and mind of our leadership team toward embracing one-another with the love of Christ based on each one’s ability and contributions. Central to our study is the vision and mission of RGEMI-RGCF. As we move forward together in our study, it was also noted that: Collaborative ministry is ministry committed to mission. It is not simply concerned with the internal life of the church. Rather, it shows to the world the possibility of transformation, of community, of unity within diversity” (p. 46). Moreover, we learned that “collaboration ensures vitality of the whole… and challenges leaders to become more collaborative for the sake of the [people] they are serving” (p.50). This is the enterprise we undertook in the year 2021 for the development of RGEMI-RGCF. The year 2021 was an overture in welcoming in leadership servant leaders for the sake of vision and mission."

The study proved itself indispensable and prophetical as some in the leadership team departed after the collaboration studies that had been just completed.  

The Year 2022 came and propelled RGEMI forward in a spirit of perseverance and resiliency. The Year in Review clarified: “Mobilizing our leadership team for ministry integration and program implementation was of the first order for the year 2022. We engaged our plans and moved swiftly with pre-announced projects. So, early on, we moved to organize our teams in alignment towards the fulfillment of ministry obligations with various departments. What we could not anticipate, was indirect resistance from some who studied “Collaboration” with us some months earlier. Yet, far from being discouraged, we sought to regroup, reorganize, relaunch, reeducate, with sensitivity to the teams who were willing to work alongside us and with much patience. God blessed the ministry all year through by His providence, and guided us with His loving shepherding hand.”

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the LORD of hosts” is not a verse buried somewhere in the Bible (Zechariah 4:6), but the reality to be lived out from the end of the year 2022, and throughout the year 2023 and forward. Zerubbabel who played a major role in the rebuilding of the Temple was fortified not by human hands, knowledge, and strategy, but because the LORD God Almighty wills it and provided for it as prophetically established in Zechariah 4:8-10, where the prophet received a word from the LORD, saying: “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, his hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hands of Zerubbabel.” The LORD has always been involved in all the affairs of his people all over the earth.  As noted at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit alone could faithfully anoint and add good and effective leadership to Christ’s church. Thus, our continued intercession is for the movement of the Holy Spirit to continue at RGEMI/RGCF in the years and days ahead by choosing, calling, setting apart, anointing, leading, and placing faithful men and women among us for authentic ministry unto the LORD and unto one another (Acts 2:1-4; 13:2; 2 Timothy 2:2). That the Spirit of the love of Jesus Christ may fill our congregation, and transform our community, city and region. 

The Year 2023, the tenth year since our founding in Brockton is a year of renewal, recommitment, and absolute surrender unto the LORD for Kingdom ministry. Redeeming Grace is a church organization focusing on advancing the Kingdom of God and empowering families. Our time is in God’s hand. Our commitment is to follow God’s movement in the world throughout the years ahead until the glorious day of Jesus Christ—and be God’s light and truth in a spirit of love and redeeming grace among the nations, and we praise God that in Jesus Christ we have been blessed, and we have won the victory! To God be the glory!