Our Story
Praise in the West United was birthed from a holy hunger for connection. In July 2019, seven youth presidents came together on a phone call initiated by President Tiana Smith of Sacred Heart Spiritual Church of Jesus Christ Water Works. She expressed a deep yearning to connect young people across the Revival faith, to share insights, encourage one another, and collaborate for kingdom impact.
On that call, united by purpose, were:
There was a shared desire and mutual vision among all: to establish something by youth, for youth that would focus on elevation, exposure, and empowerment.
On the basis of that vision, the presidents met officially at Mt. Refuge Holy Trinity Zion Church to brainstorm how this initiative would work. Around that table, Praise in the West United was born and formally established on July 19, 2019.
In recognition of its role in hosting the founding meeting and its continued commitment to the fellowship, Mt. Refuge Holy Trinity Zion Church was conferred as the Conference Headquarters of Praise in the West United. It remains the spiritual and administrative anchor of our movement.
Mantra
"We are Revivalists and we are not ashamed"
Motto
"United for the cause of Christ"
These words guide everything we do. We stand boldly in our Revival heritage while pressing forward together in unity and purpose.
Tragedy struck the world with the COVID-19 Pandemic. Churches closed, gatherings stopped, and uncertainty rose. But the fellowship refused to be silenced. P.I.T.W pushed through, adapting to restrictions while keeping unity, prayer, and youth engagement alive through virtual meetings and creative outreach.
In the midst of that season, we faced a personal tragedy. On August 6, 2020, the Lord called our beloved foundation member, Missionary Sesno Halstead of St. Peter's Zion True Fellowship, from labour to reward. His loss is forever etched in our hearts. He was a faithful servant, a beloved brother, and his contributions to the foundation of this fellowship will never be forgotten. His name and legacy remain a part of us.
Praise in the West started with 7 churches, 7 presidents, and 1 shared vision. As time progresses, change is inevitable. Leaders across the Council of Presidents have changed due to individual church structure updates or migration, but the purpose remains the same and the vision has widened its horizons.
Our organizational structure has matured, our operations have strengthened, and new doors have opened for expansion across Jamaica and internationally - all while remaining anchored in our plight for unity and faith-driven purposeful fellowship.
Praise in the West United is alive and well. What began as a desire to connect youth across western Jamaica has become a fellowship of churches committed to worship, discipleship, outreach, and mutual support. We are still governed by the same spirit that birthed us: unity, elevation, and kingdom purpose.
We are Revivalists and we are not ashamed.
United for the cause of Christ.
And we are still coming to fellowship with you.
"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity." - Psalm 133:1