In the southern Caribbean, close to the coast of Venezuela, lies Trinidad and Tobago, a nation of around 1.3 million people made up of two main islands and several smaller ones.
The country is known for its beaches, tropical landscapes and rich cultural diversity. Yet behind that beauty are people facing very real challenges in their daily lives.
It was with the desire to reach people with the Word of God that the Universal Church began its evangelistic work in Trinidad and Tobago in 1999.
From a Small Home Meeting to a Nationwide Mission
The work began as a small group connected to the Universal Church in Jamaica.
The first meeting took place in the home of a member who had previously attended the Church in London, England.
From that simple beginning, the work gradually expanded.
In 2009, the Universal Church became established in Arima, Trinidad, and by the end of 2010, the work had also reached Tobago, the countryâs second-largest island.
Today, the Universal Church is present in all nine main regions of Trinidad and Tobago, with:
- 18 churches
- 28 pastors
- 5 native pastors
- 155 volunteer workers
- A national headquarters with capacity for 460 people
What began in a home has developed into a nationwide effort to take the Gospel to people from different communities, backgrounds and cultures.
Taking the Gospel Beyond the Church Building
Much of the evangelistic work happens outside the church walls.
Volunteers and pastors reach people in different ways, including:
- Street evangelism
- Television programmes
- Social media
- Prayer groups in homes
- Hospital visits
- Social outreach
- Distribution of coffee to workers
- Food assistance for families in need
Sometimes the first step towards change begins with something simple: a conversation, a prayer, a visit during a difficult moment or even a cup of coffee.
These everyday encounters create opportunities to listen, offer spiritual support and share the message of faith.
Reaching People From Different Backgrounds
Trinidad and Tobago is known for its cultural and religious diversity.
According to Bishop Ricardo Pereira dos Santos, who is responsible for the work of the Universal Church in the country, one of the goals of the mission is to reach people from different traditions and backgrounds with the message of the Gospel.
The Church works among communities with Indian, Arab, Syrian and other cultural influences, where customs and beliefs can vary widely.
Bishop Ricardo explained that these differences do not have to become barriers.
The mission, he says, is not to impose religion, but to present the Word of God and give people the opportunity to make their own decision of faith.
Spiritual Support and Practical Help
Although Trinidad and Tobagoâs economy has traditionally depended heavily on oil and natural gas, not every family experiences the same level of economic security.
Bishop Ricardo highlighted concerns such as unemployment, crime, financial hardship and cases of suicide affecting families in different communities.
For this reason, the Churchâs work is not limited to spiritual guidance.
Food baskets and other practical forms of assistance are also provided to families who may be struggling to meet basic needs.
This combination of spiritual and practical support reflects an important part of the Churchâs mission: to be present where people are hurting.
Preparing Local Leaders for the Future
As the work expands, one of the priorities is to prepare more local pastors and leaders.
At present, five of the 28 pastors serving in Trinidad and Tobago are native to the country.
This is especially important because obtaining visas for foreign pastors can present challenges. In response, the Church has been investing in the training and development of local disciples who can eventually take greater responsibility for the work.
This approach can help strengthen the long-term future of the Church in the country.
Five New Churches Planned
The work is expected to continue expanding.
Plans are in place to open five additional churches in more remote areas of Trinidad and Tobago, bringing the Gospel closer to communities that may currently have less direct access to a Universal Church.
For Bishop Ricardo, the purpose remains clear:
âOur goal is not to bring religion, but the Word of God.â
That statement captures the central focus of the mission.
The goal is not simply to increase the number of buildings or locations, but to reach more people with the message of salvation.
The Great Commission Continues
More than two decades have passed since that first meeting in a memberâs home.
Since then, the work has grown across Trinidad and Tobago, but those involved believe there is still much more to be done.
Bishop Ricardo describes the mission in simple terms:
âThe Great Commission is not an option, but a command from the Lord Jesus.â
That commission is found in the words of Jesus:
âGo into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.â
Mark 16:15
For pastors, volunteers and members, the challenge is to look beyond themselves, recognise the needs of others and allow God to use their lives to make a difference.
A Mission That Continues Across the Caribbean
The growth of the Universal Church in Trinidad and Tobago is part of a wider mission taking place throughout the Caribbean and around the world.
From large cities to smaller communities, the goal remains the same: to take the Gospel to more people, support those who are suffering and help individuals build a genuine relationship with God.
From one small home meeting in 1999 to 18 churches across the country today, the story of the Universal Church in Trinidad and Tobago demonstrates how a work of faith can grow when people are willing to serve.
And the mission continues.
