New Testament Church of God Invests in Young Minds with Seventh Annual Scholarship Award 

By Admin. Updated 11:11 a.m., Saturday, August 1, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

The New Testament Church of God in St Vincent and the Grenadines has awarded its 2026 National Sunday School and Children’s Ministry Scholarship to Neaveah Ragguette of the Chateaubelair Assembly, continuing an initiative that has supported promising young church members for the past seven years.

The scholarship was presented during the ministry’s Annual Scholarship Award Ceremony, held on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, where Neaveah received a certificate along with the first EC$1,000 instalment of a scholarship that will provide the same amount annually for five years.

According to the church, the scholarship is open to children who are active members of its Sunday School programme across St Vincent and the Grenadines. Applicants must rank within the top 500 students entering secondary school, participate regularly in Sunday School, and be in good standing with the leadership of their local assembly.

This year, nine students applied for the award. While Neaveah was selected as the scholarship recipient, the remaining eight applicants each received bursaries valued at EC$200.

Addressing the ceremony, National Sunday School and Children’s Ministry Team Leader, Minister Okolo Patrick, encouraged the students to remain committed to both their education and their faith.

She urged them to read the Bible regularly, spend time in prayer and study diligently, reminding them that academic success and spiritual growth should go hand in hand.

Representing Bishop-elect Dr Gilbert Porter, who is currently overseas, Pastor Patsy-Ann Garraway, a member of the National State Council, thanked God for sustaining the scholarship initiative over the past seven years.

She also encouraged the students to remain focused and committed to God, saying He provides the strength needed to meet life’s challenges.

Meanwhile, Minister Cassandra Barrow reflected on the origins of the programme, explaining that the scholarship initiative grew out of what she described as divine inspiration. She said the concept was presented to the ministry team, which embraced the vision and worked together to establish the programme. She also thanked members of the church for their continued financial support, which has enabled the initiative to continue.

The church highlighted the success of previous scholarship recipients, noting that Delron Delves, a former student of St Vincent Grammar School, graduated in 2025, while Kimora Ashton completed her studies at St Vincent Girls’ High School in 2026.

Four other scholarship recipients—Fitzrene Selby of Barrouallie, Evernique Herbert of Rose Hall, Sherene Pope of Chapmans and Raleique Richards of Calder—are currently pursuing their secondary education and, according to the church, continue to perform well.

The National Sunday School and Children’s Ministry said the scholarship programme remains one of its key investments in the spiritual and educational development of young members, helping to ease the financial burden on families while encouraging academic excellence and faithful participation in church life.

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