Showing God’s Love in a Tangible Way

A Local Ministry with a Global Mission

From Nigeria to Cameroon, Haiti to Uganda, Dominica to Burundi, Rwanda to Tanzania, Congo, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Canada and within the United States of America, our goal continues to be to walk through the doors of the nations God has given us access to as we do our part to build the Kingdom of God here on earth.

 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

HEBREWS 10:25


Worship Celebration
Sunday @ 11:00am ET (USA) The Lord’s Supper every first Sunday

Morning Encounter with Elohim

Monday @ 6am ET (USA) Facebook Live - Norma Fontaine Philbert YouTube - Norma Fontaine Philbert

Corporate Prayer & Fasting Daniel’s Fast (click here) Tuesday @ 6am to 6pm ET (USA)

Intercessory Prayer
Tuesday @ 8:00pm ET (USA)

www.zoom.us ID: 620 587 1850 - PW: PRAYER

Midweek ReFuel
Wednesday @ 7:00pm ET (USA) Facebook Live - Norma Fontaine Philbert YouTube - Norma Fontaine Philbert

WEEKLY SCHEDULE of SERVICES

I am so glad that you’ve taken the time to stop by and visit this site. I pray that as you scroll through the pages you will feel our passion for the Kingdom of God.

In an age where there are many distractions, it is my prayer that you will become “re-energized” to take your rightful place in God’s divine order.

This ministry sends a clear message of love, hope and healing to people around the world through Bible teaching, global missions and initiatives, empowerment conferences, humanitarian efforts, and my writings including the daily devotional – Fresh Bread.

Whether ministering domestically or internationally, it is my desire to see lives transformed by the Spirit of God and the power of His Word.

I would love to be able to help you on your journey. Contact me today.

For the Love of God!
Apostle Norma

A Word from our Apostle

During the latter part of his residence in New Jersey, Trevor became a very successful real estate developer, and upon his relocation to Florida, continued in that pursuit until the market crash of 2008. He qualified as a Home Inspector and launched Agape Data Home Inspections, LLC – calling himself the “On Call Home Doctor” whilst dabbling in real estate on a smaller scale.

Eventually, Trevor became a pastor (Pastor Francis) - a devoted servant of God. His evangelistic calling was to the nation of Haiti where he would hold crusades and revival meetings as well as provide counsel in agro-economics. He was also the backbone of support to his wife in her mission to a rural community in the Croix des Bouquets region in that nation. Together they served the residents unreservedly for almost twelve years, making several trips per year to that and other regions within that country. From clothing and food drives to coordinating access to healthcare and basic education, Pastor Francis was always working alongside his wife. Most notable are his efforts to assist the survivors of the earthquake of 2010. He played a key role in coordinating the deployment of essential supplies from Hillsborough county, Florida where he lived. In the immediate post-earthquake period and beyond, Pastor Francis assisted his wife in collaborating with several international agencies, providing logistical and other support as part of the long-term recovery effort.

Within the local Garden of Grace Ministries assembly, Pastor Francis’ exuberant worship was inspiring. As a ministry, there were several worship songs which will forever be linked to him. One of those songs is “Goodness of God.” His favorite hymn was “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”

He was affectionately known as Papa Francis or “Our Daddy” by the Garden of Grace Ministries outposts in several nations of the African continent.

During the latter part of his life, like Job in the Bible, he bore his suffering with grace, ministering to others with authenticity, humor, and strength. His vulnerability drew people to faith, and his life became a living sermon.

Whether challenging authority with sharp wit or quietly enduring hardship, his inner resilience shone through. That same fearless spirit saw him through every challenge.

Pastor Francis endured a long battle with illness. He faced numerous surgeries and constant pain but never gave in to despair. Instead, he chose hope, faith, and determination. He transformed suffering into testimony and became a beacon for others.

He fought the good fight. He ran the race with courage and purpose, and on the morning of Wednesday, April 30,2025 at 10AM, the heavenly choir of angels welcomed this devoted ambassador of God’s kingdom into his Father’s eternal embrace.

On the eve of his transition, he recited the following verse to Norma: “ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

2 Timothy 4:7,8

TAKE YOUR REST MAN OF GOD!! WE SHALL MEET AGAIN.

April 12, 1962 - April 30, 2025

Some lives are too rich and impactful to be summed up by a single story. This is true of the life of Francis Trevor Philbert..

Born in Roseau on April 12, 1962, Trevor attended Roseau Mixed School, then the La Plaine Government School. Later he attended the Dominica Grammar School from 1974 to 1979. From an early age, Trevor stood out in his family — marked by a quiet defiance and courage that would define him throughout his life. He was raised in a home governed by the firm hand of his father, Damase Philbert, a former police chief and staunch believer in discipline. His father subscribed fully to the mantra, “Spare the rod and spoil the child,” and was convinced he could spot the signs of waywardness in boys that might lead to crime or addiction.

As teenage boys with afro hairdos, a love for the emerging cadence-lypso rhythms, and other youthful indulgences, Trevor and his siblings often found themselves in the crosshairs of their father’s strict discipline. Trevor, more than others, was frequently on the receiving end. Yet he never showed weakness. Even in the face of harsh punishment, he bore it with brave silence—perhaps a whimper or two but never surrender. One unforgettable moment came when, in his father’s presence, Trevor boldly said, “Daddy’s talking nonsense. Don’t pay him any mind.” The punishment that followed was severe, but Trevor endured it without shedding a tear. That defiant bravery foreshadowed the man he would become.

In 1979, shortly after his high school graduation, Hurricane David devastated Dominica. The family home in La Plaine was severely damaged, and the villagers were left in shock and disarray. Communication was cut off between La Plaine and his siblings in the capital of Roseau. At just 17, Trevor took it upon himself to hike the grueling 16-mile journey from La Plaine to Roseau on foot, three days after the storm. He checked on his siblings, gathered food supplies, and returned the next day—this time bringing along his 13-year-old brother. That selfless act was the beginning of a new chapter. Later that year, Trevor moved to Montreal, Canada to live with his beloved Aunt Martha—a move that would alter the course of his life. He remained forever grateful to her for that life-changing opportunity.

From Canada, Trevor eventually emigrated to New Jersey, joining a growing community of Dominican family and friends in Old Bridge and nearby towns. There, he found new spiritual direction and converted from Roman Catholicism to Protestantism, following the path of his cousin, Jeff Colaire.

Around this time, he also reconnected with his high school crush, Norma, who had relocated to the UK after graduation. Their rekindled connection quickly blossomed, and Norma relocated to the US to join Trevor. They were married in 1986 and went on to raise two wonderful sons, Andrew and Jonathan. Their union lasted 39 beautiful years, filled with love, devotion, and faith.

As a father, Trevor was everything his was not - present and loving. Whether pushing a grocery cart through snow or rearranging his schedule to care for his sons, he showed that real love is found in everyday moments.

PASTOR FRANCIS PHILBERT

ONLINE EDUCATION

  • Center for Christian Studies (CCS)

    Content and training for our Garden of Grace Administrators and Leadership teams around the world.

  • Kingdom Impact Fellowship of Global Emissaries (KIFGE)

    Video series, teaching, and content for our globally connected missionary churches

IN-REACH

The In-Reach programs at Garden of Grace Ministries are designed to facilitate the holistic growth of our members and ministry partners.

PASTORAL CARE
Providing counsel from the Bible in order to develop a plan and strategy for victory while bringing glory to God.

PRAYER C.A.R.E. MINISTRY (Comfort, Aid, Relief and Emergency). We understand that when life throws us curve balls, it is comforting to know that someone will be there to pray with you and to remind you of what the Word of God has to say about your curcumstance.


PRE-MARRIAGE and MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT MINISTRY. We prepare engaged couples for marriage, as well as help couples who are already married strengthen or enhance their relationship. By appointment only.

MEN of VALOR MEN'S FELLOWSHIP
Bringing men into an environment of active fellowship and spiritual growth.

DAUGHTERS of GRACE WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP
Helping women see themselves through the eyes of Christ. Stay tuned for our annual Daughter’s of Grace Cruise Retreats!  

KIDS OF GRACE CHILDREN'S CHURCH
This is an army in training, being equipped for combat!  The mission of the Little Gardeners Children's Church is to Equip the children and youth, training them to walk and minister in the power of the Holy Spirit.  

 LIFE in the SPIRIT FOUNDATIONAL CLASSES
These classes are designed to help the new Convert as well as the more seasoned Believer grow in the Word in a small group setting.

VIRTUAL HANGOUT CONNECTION

This ministry caters to our virtual church who is as much a part of this ministry as is our local congregation. We meet at appointed times for Dinner by Zoom, Game Night, Business meetings etc.

OUTREACH

It is not more bigness that should be our goal. We must attempt, rather, to bring people back to the warmth of community, to the worth of individual effort and responsibility, and of individuals working together as a community, to better their lives and their children’s future.  Anonymous

Relationship Evangelism is the medium by which the GGM family spreads the Word - through lifestyle and deed. Evangelistic outreach at Garden of Grace Ministries is an integral aspect of the ministry that takes us out of the walls of the local church building.

Everything our church does is with outreach in mind!

Outreaches provide an atmosphere where people from all walks of life can experience the love of Jesus extended through ordinary people who care. This is Christianity in action. Enthusiastic, well-organized teams are impacting our 'Jerusalem, Samaria and the ends of the world'.

Living out the Great Commission calls for the collective effort of many people playing numerous roles, all working together to support the ministry to those God has called is to.

Throughout the years, God has opened and reversed the mind-set of His people concerning outreach. Originally people were geared to bringing the lost to the church, but effective outreach is bringing the church to the people.

The outreach programs at Garden of Grace Ministries not only meet the material needs of individuals but also their love needs. The heartbeat of outreach is demonstrating that God is Love by Showing His Love in a Tangible Way. These outreaches serve as vehicles to feed hungry people with the Word of God.

GLOBAL MISSIONS

Until All Have Heard

Engaging - Equipping - Empowering
Garden of Grace Ministries affirms the definition of missions to be any evangelistic endeavor outside our immediate locale, focused on fulfilling the Great Commission by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, making disciples and gathering these disciples into local congregations.


Our efforts center on addressing their individual, spiritual, emotional, humanitarian and social needs.

We currently serve in SIERRA LEONE, UGANDA, HAITI, DOMINICA, BURUNDI, CONGO, TANZANIA, RWANDA & KENYA. We also have ministry partnerships in Cameroon and Nigeria.

As the Lord of the Harvest expands our borders, we humbly solicit the assistance of those with a similar passion, i.e. to reach the lost at any cost. Please contact us if you are led to be part of our expanding global missions outreach programs.

OUR APOSTLE

Norma Fontaine-Philbert is Senior Pastor of Garden of Grace Ministries GGM) based in Clearwater, FL and the General Overseer of Garden of Grace Ministries Global Inc – a conglomerate of ministries and para ministries in various regions of Africa, the Caribbean as well as the USA.

She is committed to raising, equipping, and empowering all people by teaching them the Biblical principles she strives to live by. She speaks frequently at churches, seminars, and conferences and has a heart for the hurting and destitute. She recognizes that her public platform affords her the privilege to make a significant difference in the lives of others.

She is the founder/director of the École Primaire Jardin de Grace (Garden of Grace Elementary School) - the ministry’s flagship outreach program in the nation of Haiti of nearly 200 students as well as the Center for Christian Studies with 11 campuses in Burundi, Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Rwanda.

She oversees GGM’s outreach programs in the Commonwealth of Dominica, seven (7) Garden of Grace Ministries churches in Burundi and two (2) in Sierra Leone as well as the headquarters in Clearwater, Florida. She provides spiritual mentorship to church leaders on the US mainland as well as to political leaders.

Each year she spearheads several foreign missions’ initiatives, sharing the Gospel as well as aiding in the area of healthcare, education, and life empowerment skills under her missions umbrella - Kingdom Impact Fellowship of Global Emissaries.

Born in the United Kingdom, Apostle Norma is a Certified Mortgage Banker by secular profession. She was ordained to the pastoral ministry by the Association of International Gospel Assemblies - AIGA and to the Apostleship under the auspices of the Fellowship of Bible Centered Ministries - Apostle Mark Jones, founder. She has been married to her husband Pastor Francis Philbert for 37 years. Their union has produced two sons and one grandson.

 Her life verse is Philippians 3:14 – “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

ORDINATION DAY

Receiving the charge to the Apostleship from Apostle Mark T. Jones

Meet Our USA Leadership Team

Meet Our Global Leadership Team

WHY WE SERVE

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ..." Ephesians 4: 11-13

Find Your Place in Christian Global

Missions

God made you to share the Gospel with a world in need. But finding your place in His great plan isn’t always easy, and you shouldn’t have to do it alone.

At GGM, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all missionary roles. Our missionaries are artists, doctors, pastors, teachers, baristas, farmers and just about anything else you can imagine. Your personal missions coach will help you explore your passions and find opportunities where you can thrive. And that’s just the beginning.

Once you get started, we give you tools and personal guidance to raise support, and throughout your missionary career, we offer continued training, coaching, financial guidance, medical support and much more.

If God is calling you to Christian missions, we can get you there. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

Additional ways to sow into our Global Missions programs:

ZELLE: 813.654.2656

PAYPAL: admin@gardenofgraceministries.org

CASHAPP: $GGMin

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Garden of Grace Ministries is recognized by the IRS as a 501 C 3 entity. All donations are tax deductible.