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ESP WORSHIP CENTRE | Monthly Newsletter
Edify Reloaded Issue: # 1 February 2016
Dear Friend,
I believe there is no greater way to begin your year than with a season of prayer. Our church united together in one accord with twenty one days of intense prayer and fasting to start 2016. As Saint Augustine said, "We pray as everything depends
on God, and work as everything depends on us."
The church is experiencing a new outpouring of the spirit in our services. We believe our best days are still ahead of us. It is our prayer that as you read these articles you will be inspired and encouraged to trust God regardless of your circumstances. Don't live out of your circumstances but out of your faith.
One Accord - Together for His Glory-Excerpts from 2016 Theme Sermon Series by Rev. Joseph Persaud-
We are excited about the direction that the Lord has given to our Senior Pastor for 2016. Our theme this year is, "One Accord - Together for His Glory." We believe that as we unite together with one mind and one purpose, we will experience the presence and power of God like never before. As we partner with God in 2016, both as a church and as individuals, truly all things are possible. Below is an excerpt from the theme sermon series delivered by Pastor Joseph Persaud.
What does in mean to be in One Accord?To be in One Accord, we must have unity. It is the stage of being one; the singleness and consistency of purpose or action. It is to bring differing opinions into
a unified understanding. "Homothumadon" the Greek word means to be "with one mind". If we are going to experience the revival that God wants to give us, we must be in one accord.
I. ONE ACCORD IN PRAYER (Acts 1:14)
In This Issue
One Accord
Bombarding The Gates of Hell
Leave The Chickens, Leeches and Buzzards
Behind
A Crazy Night of Praise
Watch This, Catch This, Dont Miss This
Look What The Lord Has Done
Winterfest 2016
Quick Links
ESP Website Devotionals Give Online
Photo Credits
ESP Media Team
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Victory over the enemy involves a tremendous commitment to prayer. Prayer is a God appointed way to resist the devil. It is God's way for us to obtain what we need from Him. Prayer with thanksgiving is God's way for us to obtain freedom from anxiety.
II. ONE ACCORD IN POWER (Acts 1:8)The first century church was born in an atmosphere of praise and worship. The church was a soul-winning, loving, caring, missionary minded church. It was a church where the supernatural was normal. It was the anointing that made the difference.
III. ONE ACCORD IN PURITY (1 Peter 1:22)To live right, we must first be made right. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8)." We can see God in our experiences and in His gracious dealings with us. But this is nothing compared to when we will see Him one day in eternity.
IV. ONE ACCORD IN PROCLAMATION (Acts 5:20)"The Lord gave the word; great was the company of those that proclaimed it (Psalms 68:11)." This verse depicts an army on the march, proclaiming the gospel. If you decide to make a difference, God will make up the difference. You may feel incapable of completing the job, but that's alright. Remember, when God's super touches your natural, it will become supernatural!
Bombarding the Gates of HellBy Vishnu Manoon
"Moreover, when you fast ..." Who said so? Is it necessary? What's in it for me? What is fasting anyway? The questions are numerous, and the answers, well, that depends on who you talk to. One thing is common though, and that is, it is always practiced and encouraged.
At the beginning of each year our Pastor, Rev. Joseph Persaud calls the congregation together for 21 days of Prayer and Fasting, which culminated this year with our 33rd Anniversary celebrations. It seems obvious from the statement of Jesus in Matt. 6:16 that fasting is expected of every believer. It is not an option nor a suggestion, but rather a command - "...When you fast..." As a result, everyone is encouraged to participate.
This year our 21 days of praying and fasting commenced on Jan. 4th and concluded on Jan. 24th. During this period, the congregation met every weeknight for prayer. Each service began with a time of personal prayer and gradually transitioned into praise and worship, corporate prayer, praying for individuals with specific needs and a short exposition of the Word. Every night was unique in itself. The Spirit moved differently and mightily, many were blessed and lives transformed. Although I was unable to attend every night, I was tremendously blessed and encouraged. I experienced God's presence in a way I have never felt before.
Well then, what is fasting? Fasting is basically the abstaining from food or water for a specified period of time for a specific spiritual purpose. It is the "afflicting of one's soul" (Isa.58:3). It is incorporated with prayer to demonstrate the sincerity in our prayers.
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There are many kinds of fasting mentioned in the Bible: "Absolute" fast- abstaining from food and water. The "Normal" fast - abstaining from food with a little water. The "Daniel" fast - a 21 day partial fast which involves limited consumption of food and abstaining from certain kind of foods and liquids such as meats and beverages etc. Apart for the type of fast, one should also consider health issues, personal schedules and other factors that can be impactful.
What can prayer and fasting accomplish?
Prayer and fasting that saved a Nation:According to the book of Esther, Haman's plot to destroy the Jewish people was foiled and brought to naught. In fact, he was tying a noose around his own neck. When Mordecai learned about his scheme, his soul was afflicted. Mordecai used his connections and went to Queen Esther who proclaimed a three- day fast among the people. As a result, the nation was saved.
Prayer and fasting brought about Household Salvation:Acts 10:29 tells us that after Cornelius the Centurion prayed and fasted for four days, he sent for Peter. Upon Peter's arrival he preached the Gospel to Cornelius' household. As a result, they were all filled with the Spirit and were baptized.
Prayer and fasting helps to determine Direction in Ministry:The devil divides, but God separates. Acts 13:1-3 tells us what happened after the Believers prayed and fasted for direction in ministry. The Holy Spirit said "Separate me Barnabas and Paul for the work whereunto I have called them". As Believers in the body of Christ, we are all encouraged to seek God's plan and purpose for our lives.
Prayer and fasting for Strategy and Accelerated Blessings:In the Old Testament we see how Ezra, the Priest and Nehemiah the Cupbearer, Governor and Civil Engineer prayed and fasted for strategy and favour with the king in rebuilding the city of Jerusalem after it laid desolate for several decades. Not only did they obtain favor in establishing law and order in the city, but the blessing was accelerated, they accomplished the difficult task of rebuilding the wall in 52 short days (Neh. 6:15). Amen.
Fasting and praying is the most powerful weapon in the believer's arsenal against the enemy. Let us therefore stand united in "One Accord" and fight the good fight of faith to bombard hell and populate heaven.
I must confess. Participation in the Daniel fast was quite an experience. I have never felt closer to God as I do now. My faith is renewed and I am excited to see what God is doing, and going to do this year and going forward. Remember the words of the Master Himself who said that some things cannot be accomplished by prayer alone. It must be accompanied with fasting. (Matt.17:21)
Leave The Chickens, Leeches and Buzzards Behind
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By Alicia Singh
Thirty-three years of service resulted in a momentous Anniversary weekend celebration beginning Friday, January 29th. As we reflect over the years, we must pause and be thankful to the Lord who has blessed ESP immensely with His Presence year in and year out.
Thirty-three marvelous years of God's faithful leading, blessed provisions and abundant service for His Kingdom is a testimony to the Glory of God. The celebration rally commenced with Sis. Marissa Tahal and the Youth Ministry delivering a powerful anointed time of praise and worship, which had the congregation literally on their feet dancing and rejoicing. Citing Psalm 150, Pastor Brian Clarke highlighted the importance of praising the Lord. Noting that we ought to praise Him for all He has given us and all He will provide for us in the future; for being with us every day to guide, lead, protect, and comfort.
Pastor Donnie Persaud prophetically declared "uncommon favour for 2016"over the ESP family. However, in order for this to happen, he cautioned that the church had to continue praying and believing that God was going to move in a mighty way for the year. We need to believe that there is nothing too hard for God. After all, God is the God of miracles. He can do miracles in response to our prayers.
Guest Speaker Evangelist Fred Felton, from Impact Ministries Intl. Fl. USA, a genuine, humble, passionate man of God was excited to celebrate ESP's thirty-three years of fruitful ministry. He proclaimed that God was going to do something amazing during the service and encouraged the Church to leave the
House of the Lord differently than when we arrived.
Using Acts 3: 1-9 as the base scripture for his sermon 'I Will Arise", Evangelist Felton underscored the significance of praising God during the good, bad and ugly times. Three key components were illustrated:
1. Peter and John Were Partners - Minister Felton spoke about how essential it is to be connected to the right kind of people. Noting that God will bring certain people and divine connections into our lives to assist in getting us to the place He intends to take us. Therefore, time should not be wasted with people who were not going anywhere or did not radiate zeal.
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This included individuals who are phoney, shallow, arrogant, and love to complain. "Bad company corrupts good character" (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Evangelist Felton, pointed out some people surround themselves with leeches (those who suck the life out of you), chickens (constantly walking in fear, lack faith) and buzzards (pessimistic and fault finders). Thus is crucial to enfold ourselves with people who love God, who believe He is a Healer and Deliverer, but most importantly who believe His word is true from Genesis to Revelation. We need to be around people who are visionaries: who display courage, inspire, challenge, encourage, and motivate us to be all that God created us to be.
Citing Martyn Lloyd-Jones "Prayer is beyond any question the highest activity of the human soul. Man is at his highest and greatest when upon his knees he comes face to face with God." Pastor Felton reminded the congregation that praying is the ultimate expression of our faith in God and above all, that we need to pray as though our lives depend on it. God wants us to depend on Him. He wants us to have a life of freedom, wholeness and true success, but this cannot happen if we do not pray.
2. Peter And John Are Nearing The Gate - Evangelist Fred Felton urged the Church not to give up as the doors are a symbol for opportunities. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20). There are people who are feeling hopeless, discouraged, defeated, and rejected because their situations seem as though nothing is happening nor changing. As Believers, we are to trust and declare that God is going to do something big and magnificent. Things are getting ready to change and there will be shift in life.
3. Peter And John's Response - Evangelist Felton concluded by reminding the congregation that the enemy wants to distract us, but despite what is going on globally, locally or nationally, we are not to lose focus. He assured, that we were not created to live in bondage, brokenness or failure. Although times may be challenging, we must keep walking close to God, so that we can live a life of freedom, wholeness and true success - a life that works. What God is going to do in our lives, it is going to happen in the powerful NAME OF JESUS - the Living God, the Prince of Peace, the Miracle Worker, the Baptiser, the Healer, the Deliver, the King of King and the Lord of Lords.
A time of complete surrender to God at the altar ended the service. God's Presence was definitely felt in the sanctuary. What a beautiful way to end the first night of celebrations, those who came out to the rally walked out of ESP with joy, hope and peace in their hearts.
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A Night of Crazy Praise!!! A Star Studded Event!!!By Vashti D. Bharat-Ally
A highly anticipated evening, the second night of ESP's 33rd Birthday
Bash... what an event! One of the best "parties" I've ever attended. It was a
star studded affair! The Guest of Honour: Emmanuel, showed up in Power
and Might and did not disappoint! I believe from the youngest to the oldest
was filled! No one left this party lacking. If anything, we left wanting more of
the King, Jesus Christ.
The evening got underway with ESP Praise tearing down the house after
doing a rendition of 'I Shall Recover It All', with Bro. Rensford De Hann
bridging the song beautifully on his saxophone, evident when the
congregation erupted in cheers. The next two performances encouraged a
persevering attitude which God will honour amidst our struggles. Pastor
Brian Clarke and Friends (BCNF) took over cheering-on the wounded
soldiers in the sanctuary with the anointed singing of "Again" and "He's
Intentional". People are broken by various situations, but God forgives and
restores. And He is intentional in His plans for our lives; always turning bad
situations around for His good. The group then sang "I Can Do All Things
Through Christ" to a reggae beat which brought the warring soldiers up to
their feet! People started to loosen up! Pastor Donnie even surprised the
church with his very own dance moves to "God Strengthens Me".
Guest Speaker, Evangelist Fred Felton engulfed in the excitement urged
everyone not to miss Sunday's service saying "WOW! AIN'T NO PARTY
LIKE A HOLY GHOST PARTY, CUZ A HOLY GHOST PARTY DON'T
STOP!" Enough said there! The house was free: breaking loose and on
their feet, basking in the glorious sounds of praise.
Sensing a shift in the atmosphere, Sis.
Charissa Johnson was invited to minister
in dance. Talk about anointing! She
moved in precision and grace to every
word of "Never Would Have Made It", a
song that resonated in many hearts
restoring hope and thanksgiving for the
goodness of the Almighty.
DJ Evangelist had a Holy Ghost dance
party, slowing the pace down with "Here I
Am to Worship". The stage was set for what God did next! A young woman
by the name of Sis. Judith Gayle was introduced. My, oh my... The
anointing of the Holy Spirit was so rich! Sis. Judith ministered Spirit-filled
worship; calling out the gifting and anointing in each of the ESP musicians
on stage, from the saxophonist, to the drummer, to the rhythm and bass
guitarists and the keyboardist - they played like they never did before. What
anointing! It was a beautiful picture of what would happen in heaven,
standing in the presence of the Almighty with instruments playing, the
dancers dancing and the worshippers worshipping our King of Kings and
Lord of Lords. An absolutely breath-taking vision!
Belting out lines of her song "God
Had Revealed My Identity," Sis.
Judith Gayle recounted her
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testimony of working her way up the
hotel industry to wealth, then being
stripped of everything for the sake
of Christ, given a new identity and
remade in the Glory of King Jesus.
God made His Presence known in
the house! It suddenly became a
party again when she sang "I Will
Not Suffer". The Church danced in
jubilation, assured that our
Heavenly Daddy has got our backs.
To view highlights of the Celebration concert, click the image below:
A give-away, compliments of Live Christ Clothing
(www.livechristclothing.com) allowed the crowd a moment to catch their
breath, then it was time for the group Krystaal to bring the fire. The leader
singer Fabian Lwamba came with a message: "A strong man fights up for
himself, but a stronger man fights up for others!" Pointing out that we can
do all things through Christ and the best is yet to come." They started out
with "Send Your Power" and the Holy Ghost power did come in magnitude.
He continued, "Nothing dies in heaven because nothing dies in the
Presence of the Author of Life. Originally God intended for earth to reflect
what would happen in heaven where everything lived and lives for God's
honor. For us today, if we have the Author of Life living inside of us, then
everything around us shall live".
Obeying the prompting of the Holy
Spirit our Bishop, Rev. Joseph
Persaud invited worshippers to the
altar for a time of complete surrender
to our Lord. Jesus was present! He
never left the house! Tears flowed, a
deep desire to follow God was birthed,
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and a passion for more of God was
evident! The experience was real; it
was felt by our Bishop, who said he
was brought to tears, and every
person who was present in the house.
The night also sparkled with our very own singers and dancers: Sis.
Christina Tahal, ESP Praise, Sisters Tessa Persaud, Redjy Georges and
Charissa Johnson, not forgetting the ESP family and friends who filled up
the sanctuary.
This night was all about being broken, redeemed from the flesh and
restored in Christ! What a way to ring in the 33rd year as a Church, through
such expression of praise. To God Be All The Glory!
Watch This, Catch This, Don't Miss This...By Vashti D. Bharat-Ally and Alicia Sing
Talk about celebrating God's goodness and faithfulness, this weekend was
powerful beyond words can express. The taste left on one's tongue was
absolutely filled with pure sweetness. Sunday January 31st, culminated the
final day of the glorious anniversary weekend at East Scarborough
Pentecostal Worship Centre.
This was a day Bishop Joseph Persaud
and the leaders of ESP had looked forward
to with abundant gratefulness, as it
commemorated thirty-three magnificent
years of perseverance, dedication, great
admiration and love for God. Being
obedient and taking God at His Word had
brought them through many trials and
tribulations. Who would have thought thirty-
three years ago, when God planted the
seed for the building of ESP, that we would
be here today celebrating this victorious
accomplishment? God is never late - we
can always count on His faithfulness and
favour.
This special Sunday Service got underway
with Sister Judith Gayle and ESP Praise inviting the Holy Spirit to be
present in our midst and leading the congregation in a dynamic time of
praise and worship. During this time, all the worshippers were up on their
feet singing in glorious praise to our Lord and Saviour.
Shortly after praising the Lord, Pastor Donnie Persaud declared by
December 31st, 2016, the building of ESP will no longer be large
enough to meet the demands of the church, nor will the building be
able to contain what God is about to do in this place. He proclaimed
ESP was going to be filled to the overflowing this year and all we need to do
is believe and receive as we partner with God. Pastor Donnie decreed God
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was about to move in a way we have never seen before - both in the church
and in our very own lives. He reminded the church that if we were expecting
from God, we needed to talk, move and act differently.
Sisters Charissa Johnson and Heena Prasad danced gracefully for God's
glory. Sister Pam and Brother Jai Singh recounted their journey with ESP
from January 1983 to present.
Cheers erupted as Bishop Persaud introduced our humble guest speaker,
Evangelist Fred Felton. He began his message "Come Up Higher" by
confidently assuring the worshippers in that we are a part of something
huge, great, remarkable, and magnificent called the CHURCH. Pointing out
that the Church is raising up an army of Believers that know how to fight the
enemy and submit to authority.
He compared the Church to the following:
• A hospital: Helping sick people get well through healings
• A boot camp: Producing soldiers, not wimps; developing people with
strength, courage and boldness
• A mental ward: Aiding people to get their minds and emotions
together; Encouraging and guiding people to smile, laugh and
experience joy, as well as to believe and have faith.
Evangelist Fred Felton continued by asking the congregation to ponder the
question of where would everyone be today, had it not been for the
existence of the church. Noting that some of us would have pursued a path
of destruction; engaging in substance abuse such as drugs, alcohol,
tobacco which would alter our judgement, perception, attention and/ or
physical control, or buried in toxic destructive relationships; and/or
worshipping or idolizing false demonic spirits. There was a pause after this
interesting correlation and before the congregation erupted in applause;
thanking and praising God after the Evangelist declared, "But for the
church!!!"
Had it not been for God, appointing and designating this institution, there
would be nowhere to gather together in "One Accord" under His anointing.
Pastor Felton further continued highlighting how the House of God has
benefited each of us. It has without a doubt saved, healed, delivered,
strengthen and guided us all through difficult times. There has been
freedom from pain, depression, fear and anxiety because of the decision to
have humble faith in God.
The devil may be kicking you, your emotions, marriage, family dynamics, or
work situation, but we are reminded in "Upon this Rock I will build my
church and the gates of Hell will not prevail" (Matthew 16:18).
NOTHING will defeat the CHURCH - not scandals, injustice, natural
disasters, slavery, wars, financial collapse, nor persecution! The church is
still going to grow and will continue moving forwards in a powerful manner.
Thinking of all the attacks the enemy has attempted over the thirty-three
years of ESP's existence... Pointing out that some people may try to
discourage us when we praise God, but they don't know what we have
been through: thank God we have been saved! The congregation
instantaneously jumped to their feet and begun praising God out loud for
His goodness. The entire sanctuary was filled with thanksgiving.
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Citing Matt. 17: when Jesus took three of His disciples Peter, James and
John to the top of Mount Hermon, (Hermon in Hebrew means quick or
suddenly), Evangelist Felton prophesied that in 2016, God was going to do
something quickly, suddenly and abruptly in our lives, but just as the other
nine disciples were left behind, we have to stop wasting money and time
with people who are going nowhere. God is calling us to go higher in
consecration, devotion, sacrifice, sanctification and commitment we must
understand that not everyone is going to be on the same ride as us.
Emphasising the need for a time of total
separation in order to experience
complete elevation, Evangelist Felton
used a ladder to illustrate the difference
between people who are on the rung
compared to those at the bottom as he
climbed his way up.
People at the top of the ladder have a
different mindset from those at the
bottom. People at the bottom are
considered to be unstable, inconsistent
and always wanting to know what the
church can do for them as oppose to
what they can do for the church.
"After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in
heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said,
"Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." (Rev.
4:1).
Evangelist Fred Felton advised Jesus is calling our generation to come up
higher as He wants to show us greater things which cannot be seen at the
bottom of the ladder.
Feeling a tug on their hearts and
the desire to come up higher, the
congregation recommitted their
lives at the altar. What a day of
celebration! God was great in our
midst as we rang in the thirty-third
year of ESP Worship Centre.
The weekend was a time for
comfort, healing, deliverance and
experiencing peace. It was a
weekend well spent for the glory
and honor of our King of Kings
and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ!
Congratulations to Our Bishop,
First Lady, Associate Pastors, Leaders and Congregation!
Look What The Lord Has Done! By Ryan Jaggernauth
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"Your story is the key that can unlock someone else's prison." - Pastor John Hagee
What is a testimony? It's simply honoring God by sharing all that He's done in our lives. Your testimony is a powerful tool you can use against the enemy, as its primary purpose is to glorify God.
During our January 3rd Sunday morning service, Pastor Joseph Persaud invited all who needed prayer for healing to come forward and be anointed with oil. There was a tremendous response and as the altar filled with Believers of all ages, the Holy Spirit began to move in the lives of many. Members couldn't wait to share what the Lord did for them.
Sis Jennette Khan: "I obeyed God and went up for prayer when Pastor called everyone who needed healing and felt a shock from the crown of my head to the sole of my feet and I knew I was healed."
Sis Angela: "I went to physical therapy 3 times a week for 3 years with no improvement, but I went up for prayer in faith and I was instantly healed".
Bro Vinood: "Keep pressing until God gives you the power to deliver a TKO and with His power you will knock out the devil".
Week after week we heard the miraculous and remarkable testimonies of all those who were healed. After personally hearing the joy in all those who testified, it encouraged me to have faith and know that the Lord is always working in the lives of His children.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Wherefore comfort yourselves together and edify one another even as also ye do".
The devil would love for Christians to keep their testimonies to themselves as it prevents the saved and unsaved from hearing about the salvation God brought to us by His Son Jesus Christ. Taking the time to testify allows us to help others by building their faith, as it brings God's word alive in our current situations. Seeing and hearing what God has done for others brings hope that He is more than able to do the same for us. If God can provide, heal and bring restoration to others, He can do it for you.
Proclaiming God's goodness also helps build a relationship with everyone who hears it, as we open our lives and share our difficult, and many times private trials, it allows others to be a part of our experience. Coming together with the body of Christ forms a bond that can cause a great movement in your life. It causes numerous people who genuinely care for you to intercede on your behalf. I am sure most would agree that having a number of Believers praying for your benefit lifts our own faith that God will see us through any situation.
Winterfest 2016 Wonderful Life Changing ExperienceBy Briana Tracey
Over the second weekend of February, approximately 40 youth from ESP will join the thousands of young people who will gather together in Rochester, New York for the annual Winterfest youth conference. This is an
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amazing weekend filled with powerful praise and worship and the Word of God.
Speaking from experience, Winterfest is a wonderful life changing experience. For those who have never gone, it is nothing close to what you imagine it to be. This year will be my fifth time going to Winterfest and I am more than excited. I'm expecting to receive something from God on this trip and I encourage every youth to not just let it be a weekend getaway. I am hoping that everyone going to Winterfest will leave what they have been battling in Rochester and return home with something they've been longing for: A Closer Walk With God!
The purpose of Winterfest is to experience the presence of God and for those who may not know God to come to know him. Being in a room full of people who all just want to worship God is amazing and uplifting.
For those who aren't able to make it this year in person, you can tune in to www.Winterfest.tv on Friday and Saturday to view a live stream of the sessions.
About UsESP Worship Centre is a multi-ethnic, loving and supportive body of kingdom focused individuals. ESP is called to Evangelize the lost, Exalt the Lord in worship, Encourage the believers in fellowship, Edify the church through discipleship and to Equip the saints for service
East Scarborough Church of God, 869 Progress Avenue, Scarborough, Ontario M1H
2X6 Canada
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