Welcome to Dutchess Assembly
Welcome Message
Rev. Maureen Arku
(Resident Pastor}
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Minister Isaac Veejay
Minister Patrick Boatey
The Dutchess Assembly (formerly called Fishkill Assembly) of the Light of the World Ministry is a branch of The Light of the World Christian Ministries International, with its headquarters in the City of New York. The Church began after the Holy Spirit had inspired the Rev. Dr. Arku to plant a branch of the church at the Hudson Valley.
In obedience to and the directions of the Holy Spirit and also being convinced of the impact that the church will have on the lives of those who are residing in the Hudson Valley, the Church began as a home cell, meeting with only a handful of people: namely, Rev. Arku, his wife and children; and Mr. Joseph Agyemang, his wife and children. They were later on joined by Evangelist Patrick Boatey and his wife Josephine. We met from house to house for the teaching of the Word, Fellowshipping, breaking of bread, and to pray as was the pattern of the early Church, (Acts 2:41-47). As the days went by, the Lord added Sister Helen Kumaga and her children to the fellowship. What a joy it was!
Since it was the desire of Rev. Arku to house the church in a permanent place, the church started meeting in one of the classrooms of the Church of the Nazarene on route 52. After a couple of months the church moved and started fellowshiping at the Holiday Inn hotel on route 9, Fishkill. During our stay at the Hotel there were moments where it looked as if the church was not going to grow but we believed that any thing that is born of God has the ability to overcome and we surely overcame those moments. Much as we loved fellowshiping at the Holiday Inn Hotel it became very burdensome as we had to carry our instruments and other fixtures for worship every Sunday morning, set up for service, and then dismantled after Church. A meeting was held to discuss the next move.
It was there that Rev. Arku decided that we have to stop meeting at the Hotel for a time and then resume in April 2007. The purpose was for us to secure enough money for a permanent place which indeed was the Rev’s heart desire..
In light of that, the Rev Dr. Arku and his wife, Rev Maureen started looking for a place where we could meet permanently. It was during one of these moments when they were on the lookout for a place for the church to meet that the Lord made them come in contact with James and Cyndi Mullen. Rev. Arku shared his burning vision for the Hudson Valley with Bro. Mullen, who was also seeking God with his dear wife Cindy for God’s direction for a permanent Church home where they could use their God given gift of Music to bless God and His people. It is amazing how God works! Rev. Dr. Arku declared that we would resume our services in April 2007, and surely it was April 2007 when God brought Brother Jim and his wife Cyndi into the ministry. The couple was instrumental of helping us secure a place of worship. Bro Jim then introduced Rev. Arku to Pastor Mike Valencia and wife Loyda, who were also looking for a place to start worshiping, They were willing to come and help build the Kingdom of God here in the Hudson Valley. And indeed they have been faithful in their service.
On Sunday, December 7, 2008, Rev. Michael Valencia was ordained and installed as the Pastor of Dutchess Assembly. He is a Spirit-filled teacher who has a passion for the Word of God. Pastor Valencia loves to share that passion with others to enhance their spiritual growth and victorious walk with the Lord. We thank God for what He has done for us thus far, and it is our belief that He will continue to do greater things through us for His glory. Praise the Lord!