LORNA ‘JOY’ SIMMONS (MINISTER)
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you. “
Great jubilation filled the Birmingham home of Minister Linford and Sis. Eldith Watson at the birth of their first child and daughter, just days after celebrating Christmas; they called her “Joy” and christened her Lorna. Her personality is reflected in the very essence of her name.
Caring and compassionate by nature, Joy’s love for people propelled her to study Sociology and while in the UK, she worked with and ministered to children from dysfunctional families. Joy also served as Youth Camp Ministry counselor in both UK and the Bahamas and as a member of the Youth Advisory Board for the COGOP in the Bahamas. Professionally, she held the position of Administrator at Kidz Care Pre-School & Activity Centre, Albania Christian Academy, Infant Education Pre-School and a Clerk at The Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute, BTVI. Serving God is her greatest joy and her attitude of gratitude is reflected in her daily walk.
Recognizing God’s purpose for her life, Joy accepted Christ at the tender age of seven. And for over three decades, she has devoted her life to Christian Service and the Ministry of Music. She served as National Minister of Music for the Church of God of Prophecy in England for five years, conducting music workshops and directing the 500 members Mass Choir, which ministered nationally and internationally. After moving to the Bahamas in 1990, her passion for music continued as she inspired many local choirs and Worship Teams. Her giftedness in this field is recognized in her continued contribution to the Music Ministry of Churches, Workshops and Weddings. Nationally, she serves as Co-director of the Tabernacle Concert Choir (TCC).
A lady of distinction, Joy serves with excellence and has contributed to various Ministries at the Blue Hill Road Community Church of God of Prophecy where she worshipped for sixteen years. Namely, Director of Empowered Youth Ministries, Co-director of Family Life Ministries, Music & Special Projects Coordinator, Youth Choir Director, Cell Group Leader, Sunday School Teacher and Worship Leader. Presently, Joy worships at the East Street Tabernacle with her husband and Associate Pastor, Kendal Simmons and their two wonderful children, Kendal Joshua and Kalei Jadyn. Her granddaughter, Karei-J is her pride and joy. Locally, she served as Youth Choir Director and presently serves as Assistant Women Ministry Director.
Growing up in a Minister’s home, Joy nurtured the seed that was planted by her father and Pastor, and willingly accepted the call of God to the higher ministry of preaching. God has sanctioned and the Holy Ghost has validated her and has opened doors for ministry both locally and internationally, namely Canada,United States, the Caribbean, Africaand the United Kingdom. Indeed the Spirit of the Lord is upon her, for He has anointed her to preach the good news of the Kingdom.
Joy has weathered the storm of sickness and is truly a testimony to the amazing power of God's miraculous healing virtue. She believes that this is the season for God to rain His blessings upon His people, especially Woman. She has a passion to see woman healed, delivered and restored, thus the birth of Women Of Worth Ministry International on May 2nd, 2010 - a non-denominational ministry for women.
Administrator, Coordinator, Counselor, Director, Educator, Friend, Leader, Mother, Ordained Minister, Preacher, Psalmist, Sister, Soloist, Teacher, Wife, Worshipper; a woman of Excellence, Integrity and Purpose. A Woman Called by God the Father, appointed by God the Son and anointed by God the Holy Spirit. A woman called into the kingdom for such a time as this.