Meet Our Pastor

Roots & Struggle 
Born in the East Cange district of Guyana, Pastor Joshua grew up on a farm surrounded by the beauty of nature. But while his surroundings were peaceful, his internal world was full of turmoil.

At age seven, his father left the family, leaving a hole in Joshua's heart. The pain compounded when he witnessed his brother take his own life. To cope with this trauma, Joshua turned to alcohol and smoking in his teenage years. What started as an escape became a life-threatening addiction. Doctors eventually warned him that internal bleeding from excessive drinking would kill him if he didn't stop—but lost in depression and multiple suicide attempts, he saw no reason to quit.

The Turning Point 
At age 21, everything changed. Joshua was drawn to the music of a local crusade. Although he was too intoxicated to attend the first night, his curiosity was sparked. He decided to stay sober the next day just to attend.

That night, he didn't just hear a sermon; he met Jesus. Joshua made the decision to put down the bottle and say "Yes" to Christ. God instantly began to fill the void that alcohol never could. The healing process began, and Joshua found the strength to forgive, heal, and let go of the damage of his past.

A New Mission 
Grateful for his second chance at life, Joshua dedicated himself to sharing the Gospel. He served faithfully in Guyana before moving to Suriname, where he pastored his first church for 12 years.

Joshua was ready for the next chapter in his life which brought him to Canada. Shortly after coming to Canada, he married the love of his life, Nirupa Sewchan, who shared his passion for the body of Christ. As far as Joshua had come in his life, this was just the exciting beginning of what God had planned.

Leading Assembly of Prayer 
In 1993, Pastor Joshua obeyed the call to plant a church in Toronto. His vision was never just to hold services, but to create a vibrant, Spirit-filled family that actively reaches the lost. Today, as the Lead Pastor of Assembly of Prayer, he continues to preach the message that saved his life: no matter how dark your past, there is hope in Jesus.