Ministry History
Rhema Prayer Ministries
In 1976, Our Father, by His Eternal Holy Spirit, began to stir and burn within the hearts of three women a deep earnest desire to pull aside and fellowship with Him.
Rev. Yvonne Stradford and Rev. Madeline Donaldson met in a park under a tree to pray during their lunch hour. Soon after, they were joined by Rev. Carol Bert who began hosting prayer in her home. In the process of time the Lord divinely connected them with other sisters that had the same earnest desire to sit at the Father’s feet and minister unto Him.
Holy Spirit began manifesting very gently bringing a word of wisdom, a word of knowledge, tongues and interpretation or prophecy as the process of inner healing began. They knew the Lord was calling them to walk a Holy life before Him; for He had a purpose for their lives.
As years passed, the Lord separated them geographically; Rev. Donaldson relocated to Florida and Rev. Bert to North Carolina. However, they continued to pray and come together for times of fellowship knowing God had knit them in the Spirit.
In April 1987, under the mandate of Holy Spirit to stretch forth our tents, we began gathering annually. These “gatherings” eventually gave birth to our Annual Retreat, known today as the “Advance”. The Advance fosters an environment of worship and reverence that releases the Holy Spirit to destroy yokes and set captives free.
In 2003 the leadership mantle was placed upon Tammy Stradford, who in 2006 was ordained and licensed. Subsequently, in 2013 she was set apart in the Pastoral Office.
The Holy Spirit continues to enlarge our territory. In addition to the National Headquarters in Staten Island, NY, Rhema Prayer Ministries has established three Chapters in Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Commissioned by God, we continue to impact His Kingdom for His Glory. Isaiah 61:1-3
Our Vision.
To transform lives through the intimacy of prayer, the ministry of the Word of God, and the indwelling power of Holy Spirit. To disciple and empower believers to lead a spirit-filled victorious Christian life.
Our Mission.
Our mandate is to engage in spiritual warfare to bring forth salvation, healing and divine purpose to humanity. Through the agency of intercession to break through and dismantle strongholds affecting communities, cities, and nations so the Kingdom of God can be advanced.
Tenets of Faith.
Rhema Prayer Ministries accepts the Scriptures as the revealed Will of God, the all sufficient rule of faith and practice, and for the purpose of maintaining general unity, adopts these Statements of Fundamental Truths and Doctrine.
“The measure of our prayer is the measure of our power.”
- Andrew Murray