Our History
On August 15, 1987, Apostle Eleanor A. Estrada founded and pastored Holy Ghost Deliverance Ministries Inc. on the island of St. Croix, United States Virgin Island.
In obedience to a word from the Lord the ministry purchased 18 acres of property in 1992. The Lord said to build Him a City of Refuge; a place of solace, healing and faith that would serve the community of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.
In 1999, the ministry completed the construction of a multipurpose gymnasium, which now serves as the interim sanctuary. The ministry’s multipurpose facility seats 1200 and has been used as a shelter during disasters and hosted numerous community praise and worship events.
In continued obedience to the Lord in 2013 the name Holy Ghost Deliverance Ministries Inc. was officially changed to City of Refuge Worship Center. The mission of the ministry provided services that nurtured and mobilized the saints to become leaders in the ministry and the community. The vision includes a Christian school that focuses on discipline and Christian values, home for the elderly, rehabilitation center for un-wed mothers, adolescents that have been abuse and individuals struggling with substance abuse. It also includes a banking facility, supermarket, restaurants and lodging facility.
The ministry looks forward with great expectancy to the completion of the next phase of the vision; which includes the construction of the sanctuary, the rehabilitation center and the school targeting at-risk students.
What We Believe
ABOUT THE BIBLE
The Bible is the infallible Word of God and the authority for salvation and Kingdom Living. (II Timothy 3:16)
ABOUT GOD
There is one God, who has revealed Himself as our Father, in His Son Jesus Christ, and as the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is God manifested in flesh. He is both God and man. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Ephesians 4:4-6; Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16)
ABOUT SIN AND SALVATION
Everyone has sinned and needs salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Our basic and fundamental doctrine shall be the Bible standard of full salvation, which is the absolute essentially of repentance, baptism in water by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. (Romans 3:23-25; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:3-5; Acts 2:38; I Peter 3:20, 21; Mark 16:16; Titus 3:5) We believe the Bible teaches that the above statement to be essential and not subsequent to salvation
ABOUT THE GOSPEL
The saving gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. We obey the gospel by repentance (death to sin), water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (burial), and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (resurrection). (I Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 2:4, 37-39; Romans 6:3-4)
ABOUT KINGDOM LIVING
As believers we are to love God and others. We should live a holy life inwardly and outwardly, and worship God joyfully. The gifts of the Spirit, including healing, are for the church today. (Mark 12:28-31; II Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14; I Corinthians 12:8-10)
ABOUT THE FUTURE
Jesus Christ is coming again for His church without a spot or wrinkle. In the end will be the final resurrection and judgment