LEADERSHIP & MINISTRY TEAM

Pastor Garlton and Kay George have been called to a unique five fold ministry.

Pastor Garlton George, Senior Pastor.
Pastor Garlton was called to preach the gospel at the age of seven. He emulated his pastor’s preaching by using a stick for a microphone. He served under his pastor for many years beginning with janitorial responsibilities, then bible studies, overseeing the finances, evangelism, preaching, and serving as assistant pastor. His mother was the greatest influence in his life, as he watched her live a life of holiness and righteousness. The Lord also trained him while working a secular job at a local hospital, equipping him to care for and love people. Through his leadership role within his job and serving his pastor, this prepared him for leading and equipping the body of Christ. Pastor Garlton flows and operates in the five fold ministry gifts. He has a passion for the lost to come to the salvation of Jesus Christ. His mandate for these last days is to prepare the Bride of Christ for the soon return of Jesus.

Kay George, Pastor Garlton’s wife.
Kay has been called to stand by Pastor Garlton’s side as his help meet to fulfill the mandate upon his life, as well as the vision and mission for Praise International. The heartbeat of Kay includes missions. God used Kay’s calling as an RN to also serve on foreign soil. Kay first answered the call to missions in 1999 and served for one year with Mercy Ships. In 2008 her call to missions included travel to Africa where Praise International was expanded and resulted in an extension of our local church to the village of Bondo, Kenya. Having done many mission trips to various parts of the world she realized the value of the uncompromised, unadulterated Word of God being preached at Praise International.

Johnny and Tammie Murray oversee the Media and Technology Department and lead praise and worship at Praise International.

Tammie Murray, Worship Leader.
Tammie is a vital part of the ministry of Praise International. She is called to usher in the presence of God and lead us into His throne room, while preparing the atmosphere for the Word to be brought forth in Spirit and Truth. Tammie’s passion of being a fully devoted follower of Christ encompasses her desire for the church to experience authentic, heartfelt worship that leads the church towards a transformed life of obedience, holiness, and righteousness. She firmly says that worship is a lifestyle and leading worship corporately only comes from ones private, intimate worship. Tammie leads by example through a life of character and commitment. She is a faithful post in the house of God and has stood with the pastor for 20 years. Also, she assists in the administrative decisions of the ministry.

Johnny Murray, Media and Technology Department Director.
Johnny oversees the Media Department. He is responsible for the recording and distribution of the messages including video, audio, and multimedia presentation. Johnny is gifted in all aspects of multimedia including a combination of audio, video, animation, images, and interactive content that involves various forms of communication and expression. He is an expert in troubleshooting and problem solving, making sure the media equipment works efficiently and runs smoothly. Also, Johnny assists in decision making and maintenance of the church. He has served Praise International with excellence and faithfulness for 20 years.

Calvin Carter, Head Elder and Director of Operations.
Calvin oversees all of the internal workings and mechanics of Praise International. His heart is to serve the pastor and the church, which takes a tremendous amount of weight off of the pastor so he can stay on his face before the Lord. As Head Elder of Praise International. Calvin leads with a servant’s heart and he makes himself available at all times to step in to teach and preach when needed. He is also called to pray for the sick and pray over the needs within the body of Christ, while assisting the pastor in watching over the church with humility and a heart of compassion. As head elder, Calvin is called to be a peacemaker, prayer warrior, teacher, exhorter, and he leads others by his godly lifestyle and example. Calvin oversees the ushers, housekeeping, maintenance, transportation needs, and assists with counseling. He is the pastor’s assistant and has been a trusted, faithful servant of the Lord for over 15 years.

Andre Davis, Assistant Pastor.
Andre accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 1999 and he has faithfully served the local body under Pastor Garlton’s teaching and preaching for 17 years. He was raised by his mother and step-father. As a young boy his mother would take him to church, but he never served God or had anyone train him up in the ways of the Lord, to be a strong man of God. As a young man working at Lowes Hardware, a coworker introduced him to their parents and this couple was instrumental in Andre coming to know the Lord. Andre then began the process of being transformed into the man of God his Heavenly Father destined for him to become. This began the healing process from childhood wounds that had brought on much guilt and shame.

Andre’s purpose and calling on his life is to serve Jesus Christ with his whole heart and help fulfill the mandate and calling on Pastor Garlton’s life, through serving the body of Christ and preparing the Bride for the rapture of the church. Andre’s passion is the Word of God and seeing the manifestation of the glory of God within the body of Christ. God has called him to turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers (Malachi 4:6). His desire is to teach and train men of God to be spiritual leaders and servants within their home, as well as protectors and providers. Andre’s heart is to instruct men to first be sons of their Heavenly Father, then a husband to their wife and a father to their children. He leads the “Mighty Men of Valor” men’s group at Praise International.

Pastor Lawrence and Pamellah Obunga.
Pastor of Praise International Bondo, Kenya. (Refer to Missions Link)
Pastor Lawrence and his wife Pamellah are the pastors and overseers of Praise International Bondo, Kenya. Pastor Lawrence gave his life to the Lord in 1995 while he was homeless and living on the streets of Siaya, Kenya. He was born into a very strict traditional family that practiced rituals exclusive to cultural traditions of African village life. These rituals practiced all manners of evil ceremonies and traditions including worship of the dead. Pastor Lawrence’s paternal grandfather was a practicing ritualist and magician and when his grandfather died he was to be “initiated” to take over his spirit and continue his grandfather’s practice. He was barely 14 years old when he was locked in a hut and at midnight was to be taken to the graveside to await his “initiation”. There was a hoe in the corner of the hut and he used it to dig his way out. He fled to his maternal grandmother’s house but realized he could not stay there due to his grandfather’s influence, so he lived on the streets of Siaya, Kenya. Life was very hard in the streets and he tried to commit suicide twice but failed. Once again Pastor Lawrence decided to end it all, and as he walked along the streets contemplating another suicide attempt, there was a crusade going on. As he stopped and listened, the words he heard brought life and hope to him. He gave his life to Christ that day in 1995. Still homeless, he began reading and digging into the Word of God and it gave him direction for his life. One day the Spirit of God lead him to go back home to the village where his family lived, so he gathered the courage and went back. He shared with his family the gospel of Jesus Christ and what had taken place in his life, hoping there would be a change of heart within them. They refused to accept him and his beliefs and they disowned him. In 1999 he went to stay with an uncle in the city and God led him to a Pentecostal Assemblies of God church. Over the years he grew in the Lord serving God with passion. He became the worship leader and an interpreter and assisted the pastor in ministry. Now he and his wife Pamellah serve the village church in Bondo, Kenya. Pamellah is a blessing from Heaven to Pastor Lawrence and the church. She serves alongside her husband in ministry and ministers to the mothers (women) in the village and has a heart for orphans. They have one daughter, Angella, who is 16 years old and loves Jesus with all her heart and shares His love with everyone.

VISION & MISSION

Vision of Praise International:

Reaching the lost for Christ worldwide.
Equipping the Body of Christ with knowledge, understanding, wisdom and revelation.
Preparing the Bride of Christ for the return of Jesus.
Empowering believers to lay hands on the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead.
Carrying out God’s commands to usher in the end time harvest.
Forming a church with all ethnicities, so we see what heaven really looks like.

Mission Statement of Praise International. Praise International ministry has been called to the nations, to break down the walls that divide the body of Christ such as: racial walls, cultural walls, socio-economic walls and denominational walls. The heart of Praise International is to unite the body of Christ as one and equip every member of the body to function according to their spiritual gifts. This ministry has a great prophetic call to speak into the lives of the church and to pull out purpose and destiny. Preparing the Bride for the imminent return of Christ is the crucial message being preached, so every person can share in the glorious plan of Jesus Christ.

Our Belief Statement is, “We believe the Holy Bible is the inerrant Word of God and we believe in the full gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Sharing God’s Love

Equipping, Preparing, Empowering

Carrying Out

Reaching the Lost

SERMONS & TEACHING AT PRAISE INTERNATIONAL

CLICK ON “LIVE STREAM” TO VIEW SERMON.

SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO VIEW THROUGH:

Search Praiseinternat on Periscope

SERVE & CONNECT IN MINISTRY

Praise International’s pastor has a heart for people and desires for the Body of Christ to be firmly established in Biblical truths and grow in knowledge, understanding, revelation and the wisdom of God. Pastor Garlton’s passion is for the Church to be grounded in their faith and no longer be infants/children tossed to a fro, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive (Eph. 4:14). Establishing yourself within your church and planting yourself in ministry is one of the opportunities for creating a biblical and spiritual foundation that helps to bring growth and maturity. Growing Christ followers that reach out and serve others is key to the fellowship and ministry of Believers. Acts 2:24 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (NIV).

Praise Kids Ministry: Children’s ministry at Praise International is dedicated to empowering the lives of the next generation through providing an atmosphere of love, compassion, and engaging lessons that equips them to become strong in their love walk with Jesus and with people. Our children are like arrows in the hand of a warrior/mighty man, so are children born in one’s youth (Psalm 127:4). Children’s ministry workers are responsible for providing our children with the highest standard of Bible based, Spirit filled lessons and a curriculum that will develop fully devoted followers of Christ. They emphasize what is preached in the pulpit and weekly give the kids bible scriptures to memorize. Teaching our children who they are in Christ and “whose” they are will develop a foundation in their hearts, lives and Spirits that will help push them into spiritual maturity and knowing their giftings and purpose in life.

The Awakenables Youth and Young Adult Ministry: Youth and young adult ministry at Praise International flows across a wide age range and requires us to equip and empower this generation by touching every aspect of their lives. We are building biblical foundations, forming strong relationships, and encompassing the emotional needs of every student’s lives we touch. This group of young people are truly a “Chosen Generation” that has been called to awaken their schools, their families, their communities, and the world from spiritual dullness and darkness, as they preach the Good News of Jesus wherever they go. To accomplish this within our young people we are responsible for providing strong life changing, educational, bible based lessons that equips them for the transitions of life and gives them a firm foundation that will develop strong, fully devoted followers of Christ. It is our desire to disciple students by helping them establish their relationship with Christ, equipping them to grow in their ministry giftings, and providing opportunities for them to serve others in the church and their community,

Worship and Arts Ministry: Praise International is intentional about lifting up the Name of Jesus and glorifying God through praise and worship, dance, banners, flags and drama. As we draw closer to God through deepening our relationship with Him, we respond to His wooing by worshiping the Father in Spirit and in truth. He is worthy of all our adoration because of who He is as the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Holy God. The essence of true worship is a matter of the heart and the depth of a person’s worship develops through “intimately” knowing God. A lifestyle of worship is expressed through a fervent and zealous demonstration of passionate love for God in the beauty of His holiness.

Mighty Men of Valor Men’s Ministry: Andre Davis leads the men’s ministry at Praise International with a passionate heart. He desires to establish spiritual maturity, growth and development in men. His mission is to raise up men to be spiritual leaders, men of honor, character, and integrity, while providing biblical training, discipleship, and mentorship that is centered on building a firm foundation in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Character traits of godly leaders, sons, husbands, and fathers are founded upon being a servant, having a teachable and humble heart, walking in love and forgiveness, willing to admit failures and areas of weakness, and complete submission to the Holy Spirit and His leading. Mighty Men of Valor are men on a journey with God who pray, worship, spends time in the Word of God, loves their wife like Christ loves the Church, provides for their home, loves and trains their children in the ways of the Lord, endures opposition and never loses heart, immerses themselves in spiritual matters, and walks in holiness and is blameless before the Lord.

Counseling and Deliverance Ministry: Praise International provides biblical counseling for individuals who are struggling and suffering under the weight of personal difficulties. By applying the truths of God’s Word to their lives the person transforms their mind and faulty belief system so they can walk in spiritual and emotional healing and wholeness. Biblical counseling involves empathetic listening, discernment, implementation of practical biblical principles, and application of biblical truths. Christ-centered, Bible based counseling unveils whether there are areas of disobedience according to scripture and points the person to submitting to the will of God and His standards for their life. The Bible is the standard and the source of all truth and as II Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” If a Christian has strongholds in their life that are repetitive and they cannot break free from addictive behaviors and thought patterns, a door has been opened in the person’s soul and deliverance from demons is necessary in order for them to walk in freedom in their mind, will, and emotions. A person opens doors to demons to enter their life through personal sin, generational sin, generational curses, sexual activity outside of marriage and association with others that are carriers of demons. The goal of every demon is to carry out satan’s plan to kill, steal and destroy all of mankind. Once you are infiltrated with demonic spirits they do not leave until they are cast out by the power of the Holy Spirit and the Name of Jesus. One of satan’s most powerful tools is deception and what remains hidden and not exposed brings tremendous torment in areas such as mental illness, sexual perversion, suicide, depression, emotional pain, physical illness, seizures, fear, violence, low self esteem, etc.

Ushers, Greeters, and Parking Attendant Ministry: Ushers have a variety of roles such as helping the pastor to establish order in the service, being in tune to the needs of the pastor and congregation during services, assists during ministry at the altar, serving communion, safety and security, and seating for the service. Greeters and parking attendants are the very first people guests and regular attendees come in contact with when arriving at church. It is this ministry, as well as all regular attenders, to create an atmosphere of heartfelt warmth and hospitality that is welcoming to all so the joy of corporate worship will be experienced. Smiles, handshakes and an occasional hug greets new visitors and regular attendees with the love and compassion of our Heavenly Father.

Media and Technology: The Media and Technology Department spreads the gospel of Jesus Christ and brings glory to God through the use of media and technology. We do this by broadcasting live through Live Streaming and Facebook Live, recording sermons by audio and video of regular services and special events to be archived for future viewing and reference, production and duplication of audio on CD, provide audio and video recording and support for outreach and special events, etc. This ministry requires camera operators, audio/sound board technicians, media and worship projection screen operators, photographers of “church life, church services and events” for uploading to website and projection screen, etc.

Hospitality Ministry: Praise International is a church that understands we live to serve God and extend His love by serving others. Hospitality is about being obedient to God and examining how you allow Him to use you and your resources to serve others whether they are believers or non-believers, strangers or friends. Romans 12:13 says, “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” Hebrews 12:2 says. “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” The Hospitality Ministry’s focus is to share God’s love to those that are going through hardships or a difficult season in life such as loss of a loved one, hospital stays, extended periods of sickness, widowhood, ministry to orphans, transportation needs, cards and notes of encouragement, etc.

Missions and Outreach: As followers of Christ we are all called to be missionaries and as we grow we go and expand the kingdom of God throughout all of the world, which means your community and the nations. Every Christian is a missionary and every non-Christian a mission field. Our purpose is to reclaim souls from the gates of hell, disciple believers, and mature the Bride of Christ to be ready for the rapture. We are to present ourselves as living sacrifices to the Lord , holy and acceptable – this means giving up living for ourselves and live to bring glory to God. Missions is God’s victory march into a lost world, while waging war against the kingdom of darkness and reclaiming souls for their eternal triumph.

MISSIONS

The Great Commission of Jesus Christ is to go into all the world and make disciples. We are to humbly, boldly and passionately share the Good News of the Gospel to the world. The world is wherever He sends us and as we go about our daily lives and activities. Matthew 28:19-20

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen (KJV).

Matthew 24:14

14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come (KJV).

Acts 1:8

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (KJV).

Psalm 96:3

3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples (NIV).

1 Chronicles 16:23

23 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation (KJV).

Mark 16:15

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (KJV).

Romans 10:13-14

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (KJV)

EVENTS & OUTREACH AT PRAISE INTERNATIONAL

COME VISIT US AT PRAISE INTERNATIONAL

Praise International
1325 East Main Street
Havelock, NC 28532

Phone: 252-342-4123
Email: garltongeorge123@gmail.com

Use The Contact Form Below To Get In Touch With Us