Church leaders from across the Caribbean and beyond will come together over the next week for five days of spiritual healing and learning at the 18th annual Caribbean Covenant Ministries Conference.

The conference begins at 7:30 p.m. Monday with a service at Global Life Church on Raphune Hill. Daily sessions are from Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Living Word Family Ministries in Four Winds. Evening services will be nightly at 7:30 p.m. at Global Life Church.

The seven local churches and pastors hosting the conference are Pastor Gladstone Hazel and Christian Fellowship Ministries Center; Pastor Dr. C. Lucia Woods and Agape Total Life Center; Pastor Dennis Estridge and St. John Pentecostal Church; Pastor Franklyn Connor and Bethel Christian Fellowship Ministries; Pastor Oral Hazell and Global Life Church; Pastor Damas Eloi and Living Word Family Ministries; and Pastor Agnola Martin and Deeper Life Christian Ministries.

In addition to the hosts, guest speakers are coming from across the Caribbean and the United States to participate in the conference. Some 25 spiritual leaders will be contributing to the conference; more will be attending. The list of guest speakers includes Apostle David Castro, Apostle Johnson Anthony, Pastor Seaton Wilson, Pastor Dr. Jno Finn, Prophet Dennis Davis Pastor Mitch Quintana, Pastor Vonnie James, Pastor Aubrey O'Neal, Pastor Paul Andrews, Minister Yvette Blaize, Pastor James Morris and Minister Barrett Hazell.

The theme for this year's conference is "Developing Transformational Leaders in the 21st Century."

Daily conference sessions will be conducted in a seminar setting and cover a variety of topics. Evening sessions will be revival services with preaching and singing.

Topics addressed in the seminar sessions include "how to mentor upcoming leaders," "leading by example," "ethics in church leadership" and "creative thinking for church leaders."

"We do it to encourage the ministers, to strengthen them, to share," said Prophetess Muriel Ylestin of Caribbean Covenant Ministries.

In addition to the daily seminars, a Youth Conclave will take place on Friday evening with topics ranging from crime on the internet to self esteem and sex to touching the community.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend these events.

"For those who attend the conference this will be a life-changing experience. You will be challenged to walk more closely with God," said Prophetess Ylestin.

Local attendees will be charged a one time registration fee of $20. Lunch will be provided for a $5 charge daily.

For information, call 774-5400, 774-4770 or 344-9211.

- Contact reporter Genevieve Ryan at 774-8772 ext. 340 or e-mail gryan@dailynews.vi.