About us

HISTORY OF GREAT COMMISSION MINISTRIES

Great Commission Ministries (GCM) was established in November 1987 in Nassau, Bahamas. The ministry was officially launched by its founder, Bishop Walter S. Hanchell, signaling the beginning of a multifaceted, non-governmental organization that focuses on the needs of the poor, homeless, hurting and at-risk youth.

The theme of the ministry is “LIVE TO GIVE” and the mandate came from Psalms 82:3, “Defend the poor and the fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy.”

Emergency shelters were opened in densely populated areas and a Feeding Centre, Food Bank and Clothing Distribution Centre were later added. Thousands of clients have been served from these facilities over the years. Great Commission Ministries is committed to assisting fire and disaster victims and defending the rights of the poor. The Ministry has assisted and counseled numerous ex-prisoners in need of a second chance along with hurricane victims, refugees, and persons in crisis.

Bishop Walter S. Hanchell & Elder Minalee Hanchell

GCM is a movement of reconciliation and restoration. A team of compassionate staff and volunteers minister to hundred of clients each day through a number of initiatives including our various feeding programs, homeless shelters and youth outreach programs.

Presently GCM operates a successful substance abuse program and is a member of the National Drug Council. In addition, the ministry continues special outreach in the community, hospitals, prisons and to our youth through “The Children’s Club” and “Teen Aflame.” These are programs established to reach boys and girls ages 5 through 19 years.

In 1999, Great Commission School of Evangelism and Missions was established allowing persons from various churches to be trained in evangelism and for the local and foreign mission fields. The foreign Missions Department has ministered in India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Jamaica, Cuba, The Turks and Caicos Islands and the Dominican Republic. Hostels for abandoned girls and boys have been established and a number of new churches have been pioneered in some of these nations.

Great Commission Ministries networks with many agencies and churches and is supported by the Government of the Bahamas, a number of businesses, committed individuals and churches who donate finances and supplies each month. Construction will begin shortly on the $3.5  million state-of-the-art “Hope City” Emergency Shelter on Carmichael Road, which will accommodate 100 homeless persons when completed.

why donate to us

Comprehensive Support:

We provide essential services like shelters, food banks, and substance abuse programs to help the needy and at-risk youth.

Proven Impact:

Established in 1987, we have almost 40 years of continued service transforming thousands of lives through rehabilitation, education and spiritual guidance.

Global Outreach:

Our foreign missions department extends beyond the Bahamas and has impacted countries in the Caribbean, South East Asia, and many African countries.

Meet Our

Board of Directors

BISHOP WALTER HANCHELL

President

Dr. Tejado Hanchell

Vice President

MR. LINDON NAIRN

Treasurer

Rev. Emily Demeritte

Secretary

Dr. Tamalia Gibson

Executive Director

Mr. Ray McKenzie

Deaconess Antoinette Sands

Mr. Gene Krcelic

Mr. Mark A Turnquest

Bishop Roston L. Davis

Rev. Berkie Rolle

Capt. Randy Butler

Transfer from a Bahamian Account

Great Commission Ministries
Star Plaza, Mackey Street
Nassau, Bahamas
Checking Account – 1002208
Branch Code –
21101021

Wire from a USD or CAD Account

Commonwealth Bank

Incoming Wire Transfer

Bank of America N.A.
Miami Branch
701 Brickelk Ave
Miami, FL 33131
ABA# 026009593 or Swift Code: BOFAUS3M

FOR CREDIT TO:
Commonwealth Bank Ltd
Mackey St, P. O. Box SS-5541, Nassau Bahamas
A/C# 1901009680

FOR FURTHER CREDIT TO:
Great Commission Ministries
Star Plaza, Mackey Street
Nassau, Bahamas
Checking Account – 1002208
Branch Code –
21101021