OUR PASTOR
THE HISTORY
In the year 1966, while the world continued on its sinful path, God moved to anoint a man for a mission: his name, Orrain Golbert Simpson. Three months after immigrating from Jamaica to England, God touched the heart of this 18 year- old man who had lost his parents at an early age. Orrain Simpson's father had forbidden his son from entering a Pentecostal church but God had a plan that no one could stop. God purposefully placed Orrain Simpson on an inescapable path thus filling an empty void within his life. Three years after surrendering his heart to the Lord, Brother Orrain Simpson started preaching as the Holy Ghost gave him utterance. Filled with the heavenly fire, Brother Simpson moved to the next level and was ordained a Minister of the Gospel... God's anointed servant.
Minister Simpson in 1976 Minister Simpson's value in the kingdom became evident to all. He lived an exemplary life, preached under the anointing and infected others with holy zeal. While working faithfully in his ministry under the guidance and leadership of Bishop S.A. Dunn, Minister Simpson was asked to relocate and assume the task of pastoring a small church in Edmonton, Alberta. With great humility and absence of selfish ambition, Minister Simpson kindly refused the request to pastor the small church. However, unbeknownst to Minister Simpson God had ordered his steps and placed him on a path that he could not elude. Shortly after refusing the post in Canada, Minister Simpson, normally a cautious worker, fell while working on a roof one day and was hospitalized for three weeks. (Later he would come to realize that God moves in mysterious ways to accomplish his will).
During Minister Simpson's recovery, he resided himself to accepting God's call upon his life. But although acknowledging God's plan, Minister Simpson still struggled to accept the ordained position. One particular obstacle facing Minister Simpson was getting through immigration. Within his mind this would prove to be the deciding factor in determining if going to Edmonton was truly within the Lord's will. Minister Simpson purposed in his heart to do everything in his power to get turned down, allowing him to remain in England. Minister Simpson bewildered the immigration officer conducting the interview, for Minister Simpson had neither a university degree nor a certificate from a prestigious bible school as credentials. Wondering how this man could be a pastor without institutional qualifications, the immigration office listened attentively. With great enthusiasm Minister Simpson emphasized that he had no university of bible school qualifications not only because this WQS the truth, but it was also a factor he felt would keep him in England forever. Minister thought that surely he would be turned down; there was no way the officer would clear him for passage to Canada. Baffled, the immigration office asked, "How could you be a Pastor... My uncle is a Pastor and he had to go to university?" Following this question, God began to work! Minister Simpson replied, "Your uncle could never preach in one of our churches. For you would need the qualifications of the Holy Ghost. Without this you Uncle could never preach in our church." Surprisingly this was all the immigration officer needed to hear for him to soften. God had anointed those simple words. Minister Simpson passed the test thus paving his way to Edmonton. God had set him on a course, which he could not escape and nothing would stop that progress now. Although Minister Simpson had struggled to accept the position, the interview was yet another confirmation that he was destined to pastor in Edmonton. In July 1977, Minister Simpson was ordained an Elder. Leaving his family behind in England. Elder Simpson immigrated to Edmonton September 1977. He was ​greeted by Minister Edward and Evangelist Cordella Walters upon his arrival.
Elder Simpson stayed with the Walters for the next four months until his loving wife, Pearline, and his children, Wayne and Barrington, joined him. Upon accepting pastorship, Minister Simpson maintained a full-time job in addition to being a full-time pastor... A very demanding charge. The mission awaiting Pastor Simpson was daring and arduous for a 29-year-old; however, he was ready for the commission. Desiring to please God and be faithful to the Church and Bishop S.A. Dunn, as a warrior he armed himself with the Word of God, descended into the depths of prayer and emerged under the anointing. With a passion to save souls and faithfully manage the affairs of God, Pastor Simpson accepted the challenge putting God and his people first in all things. The result of his labor is witnessed on this monumental year, evident by a growing congregation and an expansion of the house of God. Today Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) stands picturesque on the corner of 148th and 99th avenue. A sacred building filled with God's people and His ever present anointing. The Church is the result of faithfulness, integrity, honesty, and sacrifice, qualities which describes a man who does not rest until God and His people receive the best. Pastor Simpson, with the direction of God, has proven himself faithful after answering the call to minister 26 years ago. In 1991 there was a call for a work to be started in British Columbia. After much prayer and fasting and seeking the direction of God, in February 1992, Minister Edward Walters and family were sent to pastor a church. Today, Bethel United Apostolic Church is located in Surrey, British Columbia. With great confidence we believe that God will continue to bless this work. Overseer O.G. Simpson today In 1998, there was a cry for help sent throughout Canada from a 15-year-old girl in Regina, Mackenzie Morgan. Her desperate plea was answered by Elder Simpson and Bishop D.W. Thompson from Toronto. They sought the direction of God and started a work in Saskatchewan. By September 1999, Minister Albert Rapley and family relocated to Regina and started to pastor the church. We are faithfully praying that God will continue to bless this work at Bethlehem Apostolic Church. The hand of the Lord is never far from Elder Simpson. In July 2000, he was ordained Overseer of the Western District churches, an achievement for a servant who has driven himself.
