Visionaires Apostolic was birthed through a vision from God through its Founding President, Bishop Dr. Robert O. Coates, J.P. This vision was given to him over twelve (12) years ago and came to realization on April 14, 2008.
We began with a committee meeting consisting of 6 persons, followed by our 1st Bible Study and Prayer meeting which was held on Monday, April 14, 2008. Regular Monday meetings were held on the veranda of Bishop Coates’ home but due to the growth, it was moved downstairs to his garage.
In an effort to reach out to the community, we hosted our first “Back-to-School” treat on August 31, 2008, where over 120 children were treated with school items and refreshments. This event is now held annually on the church grounds.
The Apostolic teaching of the oneness of God, baptism in the Name of Jesus and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, continued to spread throughout the Rose Heights community and other neighbouring districts. Based on this, there was a constant cry for Sunday worship services. Bishop Coates, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, announced our 1st worship service to commence on Sunday, September 28, 2008. On this remarkable day, we were surprised at the turnout of the many souls who were so hungry for the Word of God. Bishop Coates, along with his wife and family, opened their home for divine Sunday and Sunday night services, and Bible Study and Prayer meetings which were held on Monday nights. He would make regular trips to pick up and take home persons who were not living in close proximity and even until today, this car has proven “faithful”, as he continues to ensure that especially the women and children are transported home safely after services. Regular attendances in the garage amounted to over 70 persons some Sundays and God continued to move miraculously in our midst. Persons received instant healing, most of our members received the Holy Ghost in their seats, and we witnessed the rich and awesome presence of Almighty God as the brethren worshipped in the garage.
On December 26, 2008, we hosted our first annual Family and Friends Fun Day at Cranbrook Flower Forest in St. Ann. This day was filled with exciting activities which were enjoyed by all participants. In 2009 we visited Mayfield Falls and in 2010 we visited Apple Valley Park. In December 2012 we visited Tropical Escape in Hanover where we enjoyed ourselves in various competitions. Other places visited were Bubbling Springs and Turtle River Falls and Gardens.
In September 2008, Bishop Coates, with much determination, started to pursue property in and around Montego Bay. After enquiring of various properties that were on sale, he realized that the prices were extremely high but continued to pursue by faith and after spotting a beautiful piece of land, he enquired of the owner and was told where to go and who he should speak with. Before doing this, he walked the property and claimed it in Jesus’ Name. On the Sunday evening of June 28, 2009, Bishop Coates led the ministers on to Lot 8 Vernon’s Drive for a dynamic prayer meeting. The scripture that was read was Psalm 24: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein.” After praying, Bishop Coates stooped and kissed the ground, then claimed the property in Jesus’ Name and briefly spoke with much assurance and confidence that Visionaires Apostolic would be stationed on this same spot of ground in the near future.
On Tuesday, June 30, 2009, Bishop Coates visited Mrs. Sheila Lewis, the caretaker of the property and introduced himself then stated his cause for meeting with her. For approximately six (6) months, each Tuesday he would visit her workplace beseeching her permission for us to erect the sanctuary on this spot of ground. While Mrs. Lewis did not readily give permission, Bishop Coates, with much determination, constantly told her that “this spot of ground will be ours through you”, speaking of Mrs. Sheila Lewis. During these six months, a mutual relationship developed and Ms. Sheila Lewis then became “Grandma Sheila” both to the Coates’ and Visionaires Apostolic family.
It was then that she realized how serious this man of God was. Finally, she stated “Rev., you’re not building a hotel or a casino. You are building the kingdom of God and you and your wife are doing a good job by helping people. My sister, though deceased would be happy to know that a church is built on that land instead of some squatters taking it over.” With that being said, she eventually gave Permission. Thanks be to God, the property was purchased for erection of the House of God.
We had our first communion service in April 2010 after 3 months of consecrating ourselves before God in much fasting and prayer. This was a unique service where the words of God were expounded with much vigour and fervour. Our 2nd Communion was held on the 1st Sunday evening in January 2011 and this was an extraordinary service. At the end we rejoiced and sang praises as the awesome presence of God filled the place. The anointing of God moved through like wild fire that night as we echoed “Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see. Praise God! This is now an annual event during which the Right Hand of Fellowship is extended.
During our tenure in the garage, each Sunday morning we had a feeding program for the children and just about anyone who desired a snack. The church now has a care team and needy persons can get food supplies, toiletries and clothing on a consistent basis. We desire to continue to care and share for the less fortunate.
In keeping with the words of God stated in II Timothy 2:15, which states “Study to shew thyself approved unto God”, we launched our first Bible Quiz on the Book of Acts in May 2009. In 2010, we completed the Gospel according to St. John, the Book of Proverbs in July, 2011 and the Book of Genesis in July 2012. The Youth Department is now in high gear to re-launch the Bible Quiz during the summer holidays.
With much determination, Bishop Coates desired that the church needed to get out of the garage because we no longer had space to accommodate the numerous persons that came out for Sunday services.
With this in mind, he committed himself to the cause and sacrificed his personal resources to erect the building at Lot 8 Vernon’s Drive. On January 20, 2012, the doors were opened to a section of the first phase of the building by The Honourable Customs Rotulorum Ewen George Corrodus, C.D., and Mrs. Sheila Lewis. Since then we have been experiencing a rapid growth as so many hungry and wounded souls have come to experience new life in Jesus Christ.
The church now has active Youth, Sunday School, Usher, Praise and Worship Team, and Ladies Auxiliary Department. The ministerial body consists of the Presiding Bishop, Dr. Robert O. Coates, J.P./Marriage Officer, his wife Dr. Andrene Coates who serves as Pastor, Elder Benjamin and Mother Martha Coates, parents of the Bishop, Deacons, Evangelists, and Missionaries. There is also a Care Team who ensures that food, clothing and toiletries are distributed on a consistent basis to needy persons.
We can report victory in Jesus! We hosted our first Convention April 14—19, 2013 and our Ordination was held on Tuesday, April 16, 2013. Since then, our Convention is held around the same time annually during which Anniversary celebrations are also held. Another major event is our Women’s Convention held on the 3rd Sunday in October annually. This commenced in 2014 .
The church has been experiencing great revival and rapid numeric growth, especially since 2017. Numerous persons have been baptized in the Name of Jesus, most of whom have also received the gift of the Holy Ghost. There are some Sundays that we have seen the manifestation of the Holy Ghost moving like a magnet in our midst. At times during Praise and Worship, God steps into our midst and changes the order of service so that we have to go according the leading of the Holy Spirit. Oh, what rejoicing when we get into His presence – This is holy ground where we are sure that there are angels all around.
Obedient to the calling of God on his life, Bishop Dr. Robert O. Coates resigned from his secular job and decided to focus on the vision. There were days when he suffered bruises and severe pains after falling from the top of the building while working effortlessly to complete the sanctuary. Many laughed at him, rejected him but he was determined to complete the task that God assigned him to do. The Sanctuary is now completed with the official dedication date – April 16, 2018. This marks history in the Apostolic Arena! Visionaires Apostolic has come this far by faith and we will continue to grow from strength to strength with God as our guide.
The aim of Visionaires Apostolic is to spread the gospel of Jesus to the world at large whilst maintaining holiness standards and godly principles. Our motto is “To be witnesses of Him (God) in all the world”, thus reaching the lost and dying.
