The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE MINISTRY of Rev Idez Laroda has been impacting people’s lives for ten years, not only in the Bahamas but in neighbouring countries in the Caribbean as well.

Pastor Laroda, who leads Bethseda Faith Ministries International, recently celebrated 10 years of ministering the Word of God to people and changing lives. She was honoured during a special service held a two weeks ago at the church.

Bethesda Faith Ministries is a non-denominational religious body which believes in the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). The church was founded in Nassau by the late Rev Dorzier Michel the Bethesda Union Baptist Church.

Upon his death in 2003, his daughter, Idez Laroda, was chosen to succeed him. In 2004, she was ordained as the senior pastor and shortly thereafter the church’s name changed to Bethesda Faith Ministries International and it became a member church of the Bahamas Faith Ministries led by Dr Myles Munroe.
Pastor Laroda equipped herself to take on the task of leading the congregation. While the road was not an easy one, she believes with God’s help she has made considerable strides in advancing the gospel of Christ.

“I assume positions of leadership in the ministry. It was a lot of pressure and transitioning, so taking the leadership as a pastor was something new to me. There have been a lot of hurdles and bumps along the way, but God has kept me throughout the time,” she told Tribune Religion.

“Bethesda Church has been in existence since 18 years, but I am celebrating 10 years of leadership.”

Pastor Laroda’s ministry focuses on spiritual warfare and deliverance. She said she also has a unique gift in the area of prophecy. People come from across the country to attend prayer meetings, prophetic services and conferences that she hosts to deliver people and set free them through the power of God.

Addressing her church’s membership in Dr Munroe’s Bahamas Faith Ministries, Pastor Laroda said leaders learn from others, but they are not made by others.

With BFM churches currently established in Haiti, she believes the Word is reaching more and more people.

“I believe there is more than can be done. But we need more persons who are committed. And God is calling leaders that people have never heard of. He is pulling people from the back and taking them to the forefront,” she said.

“My ministry is geared towards hurting women and we have been seeing people come forward. I see the Bahamas is gearing up to great work. I see a group of young people taking on the mandate of what our founding fathers vowed to.”

The work is just beginning for her ministry and there are several new initiatives the church will embark on in the near future, Pastor Laroda said.

“In the next ten years I am looking forward to owning a church building. I am looking forward to owning a school and writing more books. We are also getting ready to establish a 24-hour hotline and nursery. I also want to open a church in Fort Lauderdale and Chicago. We have two churches in Haiti now that I am senior pastor of. We also hope to open up a church in Jamaica. We thank God that he has already opened up the door ways for new opportunities for us to do those things,” Pastor Laroda said.

Bethseda Faith Ministries International Service Times:

Mid-week prayer meeting:

Wednesdays at 1pm


Prophetic night:

Thursdays at 8.30pm.


Early risers service:

Sundays at 8am.


Creole service:

Sundays at 12pm.