Pastor John Z. Reid
John Z. Reid is the director of the center and the senior pastor of the church. He is an ordained minister of the gospel, a certified Christian Counselor, a trained Mediator, and prolific author.
His pastorate with the Caribbean United Church (CUC) began on Saturday, July 1st in 2000. Prior to that calling, in the mid-1970s, he worked in Jamaica, West Indies, as a Colporteur, Bible Worker, Church Planter, Associate Evangelist, and Evangelist.
His wife, the former Betty Ann Heron, also hails from the beautiful island of Jamaica and radiates an embracing and warm personality. She is a graduate of the University of Houston-Victoria with a MBA in Business and Management. She is a church Administrator. They have known each other since childhood.
During Pastor Reid’s formative years, he received his call to the Gospel Ministry and gave his life to Jesus Christ in 1969. His call led him to pursue studies in Theology, Biblical Studies, Christian Counseling, Journalism, and Mediation at:
- Northern Caribbean University (formerly West Indies College)
- Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary
- Austin Graduate School of Theology
- International Christian Institute and Graduate School
- Texas Southern University
- South Texas School of Law
His dedication to the Proclamation of the Gospel Ministry is visible, outstanding, and remarkable. In 1981, he labored in the founding and leadership of the Fondren Seventh-day Adventist Church (formerly Cosmopolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church), Houston, Texas, which gave birth to another church: First Missouri City Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Among many church offices held, he also pastored the Bethel Advent Church (formerly Sheffield Congregational Advent Church).
His devotion, work, time, and sacrifice have gained him high respect, honor, citations, and numerous awards. He is a member of many community organizations and the author of titles such as:
- Cosmopolitan to Fondren: A Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
- The Piano Keyboard: An African-American Children’s Saga.
- Born to Win: A Poetic Biography of African-Americans.