Our Mission
Our Mission is threefold:
1st: To be the place where the souls of mankind/people may come to an experience salvation and the saving grace of Jesus Christ in the healthy, loving, and non-judgemental atmosphere.
2nd: Where the human spirits of mankind/people may come and be healed from past and present grief, pain, dysfunction, and hurts of this life and become emotionally and spiritually healthy.
3rd: And where the saved and healed soul/person may come to find and fulfil the God destined and designed purpose for their life.
What We Believe
We believe that love is the greatest of all. We believe that the true spirit of love, first for God and then for people unlocks the door to God’s power, provision, and protection in the lives of all people who follow him. We believe that love never fails.
Our Vision
To be a refuge and beacon for those souls who are downtrodden, lost or have lost their way, have been hurt, abused, or need direction in their life through the message of the gospel and kingdom of God and the power of love.
To provide a spiritual environment that is conducive to spiritual growth and healing of the human spirit without the fear of being judged.
To provide a center for skills, training and personal development for all ages; to prepare them to be productive citizens in our society and effective witnesses for Jesus Christ.
To affect the lives of our youth from ages 5 to 25 by hands on fellowship including recreation, scholastic assistance, life issues counseling and bible study.
To provide a housing and counseling center for the homeless and downtrodden.
Our Values
We value life as the precious commodity that only God can give and only God can take away.
We value the family structure as God intended it to be.
We value the power of prayer and believe that it is the primary mode of communication of God.
Our Ministry Leaders
Michael was born in Washington, D.C. 09/08/1960. The oldest of four (4) siblings. He accepted Christ as his savior at the age of 9 and lived the Christian life up until the age of 13 when peer pressure to choose between “little church boy” or a “popular athlete” became overwhelming and he succumbed to the pressure and became a full-fledged athlete, which included football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. Two (2) years after receiving his BS Degree in Real & Pre-Law in 1982 he got involved in drugs and organized crime; which led to God giving him an ultimatum: “Either serve God or spend the next 30 years in prison”. Michael chose God and since that time has become a Senior Pastor and Community Leader.
Chris is a lifelong resident of Las Vegas. He has three children, Adam, Sam, and Suzy. Chris is the Care & Community Pastor at the Balm of Gilead. He also founded and was Executive Director of Casa de Luz, located in the “Naked City” of Las Vegas. Pastor Chris has over 10 years experience in the human trafficking and inner-city types of ministry. He believes that the gospel is more than salvation, but transforms all aspects of the individual as well as the community it is preached and demonstrated in. During Chris’ time in the Naked City crime dropped between 50 – 80%, families restored, and kids GPA’s increase and they start thinking about their future.
Born in Stanton, CA and grew up in San Diego. I moved to Las Vegas in 2000. I earned a degree in Fashion Design from FIDM in Los Angeles. I have worked as a Retail Manager for 17 years at GNC. I love music and art. My vision is to see The Balm of Gilead become the undeniable beacon of God’s light and Hope in our neighborhood. Through our Biblical teaching and application of the Word, Intercessory Prayer, and life skills training, I believe our neighborhood will experience amazing growth and positivity.
Grew up on the streets of Baltimore City. Became a product of my environment. I was in and out of training schools until finally going to prison in 1998 prison. I was in and out of prison, defending numerous charges including 1st Degree Murder. I finally gave my life fully to God in 2007 and have since gained a BA of Science in Religion and counselling degrees.
Carmella Watson was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. In 1984 she married her husband Aaron. They have four adult children and six grandchildren. She’s a graduate of Temple University with a degree in Elementary Education/Special Education. She was a member of Holy Trinity C.O.G.I.C since her earliest memories and accepted the Lord at a young age. She had a praying Grandmother who encouraged her and saw to it that she was under the Word and always reminded her that “Jesus Wept.” She has a passion to see women grow to their greatest potential in Christ. Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.”
Hello, my name is Gloria Hatch. I am the Bookkeeper for the Balm of Gilead Global Ministries, Inc. I have over 28 years experience working in accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll and payroll reports. I also have experience in services related to payroll such as writing checks and submitting payroll taxes. I have a strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, I have an extensive experience with data entry, record keeping and computer operations. I am proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel and Quick Books. With complete confidentiality. I manage the day-to-day accounting and finance requirements.
Veronett Bell was born in Jamaica and migrated in recent years to the United States. She is a lifelong learner the mother of one daughter and works in the Real Estate Industry. Veronett in her position as Prayer Director oversees coordinating prayer activities within the body. Identify and enlist fellow believers to be involved in the prayer ministry. She envisions the Prayer Ministry meeting the needs of the community through prayer walks and ongoing prayer, fasting and intercession. But thus saith the Lord, “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered:” Isaiah 49:25. “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27
Sharon Denise Smith started singing at the early age of four years old and writing plays at the age of twelve. She grew up singing at St. Mark Baptist Church in Long Beach, California. Where she received her first solo gospel song “Down in the Valley”. After that, she was on the mountaintop and became one of the churches leading soloist. The youth director at the church also recognized her gifting and her influence to lead and asked her to go another level in the music ministry to become the youth choir director. In June 2007 Sharon received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Calcoast University and recently graduated fall of 2014 with a Master of Science in Community Mental Health Counseling from the University of Las Vegas. She hopes to not only encourage others with her singing and playwriting but encourage and help the masses to change cognitively and spiritually, negative behaviors that hinder growth becoming fully human and yet encouraging awareness and acceptance in Jesus Christ, who is the Wonderful Counselor.
Sister Shanti Ford was born in Saigon Vietnam, in 1970 near the end of the Vietnam war. She still remembers running to the sounds of gunfire as a child shortly before she was rescued by her father and brought to America. Being raised in Church, Shanti remembers attending services, where she was introduced to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, through song, and good Bible teaching.
My name is Eboni Ford and I am the Balm of Gilead Sunday School leader and teacher. I am a daughter, sister and my favorite an aunt. I discovered my passion for teaching about five years ago, from there I enrolled in college for education and started teaching Sunday school at the Balm since we opened our doors to the community. A few other passions I have are photography, fashion, spending time outdoors and with my family. Favorite verse: Proverbs 3:6 – it says: In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.
Brother Roi is a business owner, chef, artist, husband, father of three adult children, grandfather of five boys and a direct descendant of the Rockefeller family. Born in San Mateo, California in 1968, his life is a true riches to rags story, as he was born into wealth, but after a bitter divorce, the comfortable life he knew as a child all came crumbling to an end. By the time he was in high school, his mother, sister and himself all became homeless. They met a Christian man, who ran a shelter with a home-like setting, which provided the help needed to get out of their situation. To this day, Roi has never forgotten the kind actions of this man, which resonate with Roi today. Roi’s current involvement in Church is nothing short of his personal experiences in life. He has devoted his life and is passionate for helping others the way that little old Christian man helped him, his mom and his sister. He is currently the Director of Care and oversees the day to day operations of the food pantry and monthly farmers market.
Born and raised on the South side of Chicago Illinois in 1959. After attending High School at St. Rita’s, I joined the Army Air Born Rangers. Proud father of two children, Stewart Jr. and Felcity Prestianni. I moved to Las Vegas in 1985. Worked through local 720-Stage Hand Union for 30 years as a soundman. Now retired, working for the Lord!
He is born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is married to his bride Kimberly (Kim) and have three boys. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing with the boys and enjoys watching sports and working with youth, but, most importantly, he loves to spend time with God. Matt’s favorite scripture is: John 3:16.
My name is Yonus Ford and I was born in northern California. I moved to Las Vegas in 1998 when I was just seven years old. I got into video production and animation at a very young age and continue to pursue that even in my adult career. I went to the College of Southern Nevada film program in 2016 and while attending school I managed to receive a student Emmy award for outstanding computer animation and effects. In my childhood, I developed a relationship with God and found the importance of living a life for Christ. I am determined to continue my mission in shining light in the dark places of this world through the means of Media.
Born and raised in Philadelphia Pa. Attended Central High school, 1977 Indiana University of Pa 1983 BA. Grand Canyon University 2014,16 Masters education, Masters Educational Administration. Married the apple of my eye, college sweetheart the former Carmella Walker 1984. We have been blessed with four pieces of gold, our children James, Ashley, Ericka and Courtnay. Received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at an early age and truly found the truth of Christ in the year 1998. Moved to Las Vegas in 2004 and have not and will not look back.
Faith
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Get Connected
There are some awesome things going on at the Balm!! So stay connected and be part of our journey.
Never worry what others say when you walk away from all the drama. Be grateful you had the strength and courage to stay out of the conflict and be at peace with your choices.
The most common form of despair is not being who you are.
Maturity is the ability to think, speak and act your feelings within the bounds of dignity. The measure of your maturity is how spiritual you become during the midst of your frustrations.