The Holy Jumpers

About this book

The Holy Jumpers is an amazing account of the coming of the Church of God to the Bahamas in 1909, the growth and development of the institution throughout the years, and its far-reaching impact on the economic, social, moral, and religious values of the present day. The author, through painstaking research of public and private historical records in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the United States, has produced a review that is historically accurate and well-documented. He patiently recorded the events and presents them as a tribute to the men and women who were instruments of God as He carried out His pre-determined plan. Proper emphasis is given to the early years when the "Jumpers" and their ways of worship were not accepted by the mainstream church and political leaders. They were ridiculed and persecuted. The steadfast determination of countless thousands of faithful men and women who persevered in the face of adversity has brought the Church of God of Prophecy to its position as a highly respected institution throughout the Bahamas and beyond its borders. Careful attention is given to the life stories and testimonies of the outstanding leaders as well as the unsung heroes who labored without recognition or reward. The impact of the organization "beyond the isles" is accurately presented with the participation of the Bahamian leaders in the worldwide General Assemblies, including special emphasis on the impact of the Bahamas Brass Band. It is the desire of the author that the reader will develop a greater appreciation for history, a deeper sense of God's love for His creation, and the reality of man's spiritual relationship with his Creator. Michael Stevenson Swann was born January 6, 1959, on the beautiful island of Grand Bahama, Bahamas. He is the fifth of ten children born to Bishop Joseph Swann and his wife, Minister Roselyn Swann. He is the father of a talented daughter, Miquelle Swann-Nairn, and grandfather of a beautiful and adorable granddaughter, Jaliah. He attends the Church of God of Prophecy East Street Tabernacle where he serves in various capacities to support the numerous ministries of the church. Photography is one of many hobbies about which he is passionate. He is well-known and highly respected for his accomplishments in and around Nassau, Bahamas, where he resides. Michael is a Hydrologist and Senior Manager of the Water Quality Laboratory at the Bahamas Water and Sewerage Corporation.