From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Faith

To say that God has brought this church a long way would be a profound understatement. Through the unwavering dedication of our beloved founding mother, Sister Christa Raphael, who has since gone to be with the Lord, God transformed a simple prayer meeting in a living room into a thriving community of faith. He breathed life into us, established us as a refuge for those seeking Him, and united us as part of His Body. By His grace, He has washed us, saved us, and brought us together to glorify His name.
 

When Brother Noisin Raphael left Haiti to join his wife in Maryland, he anticipated a short stay. With no Body of Christ church in the area, he saw little reason to remain. However, Sister Raphael held a different vision. She prayed earnestly for God’s guidance. While Brother Raphael planned a move to Florida, Sister Raphael traveled back to Haiti, seeking divine direction during a convention in Delmas. Hearing her heartfelt plea, Pastor Joseph Desrivieres felt led to visit Maryland, convinced that God had a purpose for them in the region.
 

In 1983, a delegation from Haiti, including Pastor Desrivieres, gathered at the Raphael home in Washington, D.C., to lay the spiritual foundation for what God was preparing to build. Sister Raphael, who had already returned to the States, was able to take part in the inaugural prayer service as well. That moment marked the humble beginnings of Gospel Assembly Church.
 

Over the next three years, the group held prayer meetings in the home and continued to grow. By the end of 1985, Brother Raphael was ordained as Pastor of the church. In 1986, the growing congregation moved its gatherings to Takoma Park Middle School. However, as the assembly flourished, the limited space soon became inadequate.
 

By late 1988, the church relocated to New Hampshire Elementary School, where it remained for ten pivotal years. During this time, the ministry expanded, the number of congregants increased, a band was formed, and the first church choir began. Though richly blessed, the assembly faced challenges, particularly the time constraints imposed by the school facility, which limited the freedom of worship.
 

In 1998, the church moved to a storefront on Rhode Island Avenue. Though it was no larger than the previous venue, it offered the flexibility necessary for unrestricted praise and worship. Plans were in place to purchase the property, but a higher offer led to its sale. What seemed like a setback proved to be a divine redirection; God had greater plans.
 

In January 2000, the church secured a new location in Riverdale, Maryland, using the very funds intended for the previous property. This space proved to be a tremendous blessing. As the congregation continues to grow, so does the need for a larger facility to accommodate the expanding ministry.
 

From those early foundations to the many milestones reached, the hand of God has remained evident, guiding Gospel Assembly Church every step of the way. More than two decades later, God’s faithfulness still shines brightly. Today, the church continues to flourish at 8740 Cherry Lane in Laurel, Maryland, serving as a beacon within the community. The seed planted through Sister Christa Raphael’s simple yet powerful prayer has blossomed into a vibrant congregation with multiple thriving ministries.

Our Children’s Sunday School ministry is nurturing young hearts, grounding them in the truth and wisdom of God’s Word. Our music ministry continues to develop and uplift musicians who honor God with their gifts. Through our pantry and outreach efforts, we joyfully serve our neighbors, offering food and essential items to those in need. Our hope is to share the love of Christ locally and abroad, carrying His message of hope to a world in need.
 

As we look to the future, we hold firmly to the promise of Scripture:
“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
 

With grateful hearts, we remain committed to following wherever God leads, trusting that He who began this good work will bring it to completion for His glory.
 

We warmly invite all who are seeking a place to worship and grow in the knowledge of God’s Word to join us as we walk together in the love and truth of Jesus Christ, standing firmly on the inerrant Word of God.