The Jesus is Lord Life Group, an international church based in the Philippines, has grown a vibrant spiritual community in Bermuda. Nestor Necesito, the JIL Life Group’s administrator, explained more in this interview.

Can you tell us a bit about the Jesus is Lord Life Group?

The Jesus Is Lord mission is to bring all peoples to the kingdom of the living God, regardless of race, status, belief, and religious affiliations through the saving, healing, delivering, and transforming power of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our vision is a glorious church evangelising and discipling Filipinos and all peoples of the world through teaching, preaching, and living out the full-Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our core values are:

• Passionate love for God

• Love and compassion for others

• Integrity

• Faithfulness

• Excellence

Our Life group co-ordinator, Marites B Salvatiera started with a dream in Hong Kong. She had only heard of Bermuda then, but something stirred in her heart – a longing to one day set foot there. That dream turned into reality when a godchild offered her the opportunity to go.

Upon arriving, she searched for a familiar spiritual home – a Jesus is Lord Church – but found none. A regular churchgoer, she felt a growing burden: perhaps she was called to plant one herself. The thought was daunting.

Starting a church was no small task. Then came divine connections. She met fellow believers who shared her faith and vision. Conversations turned into conviction, and conviction into action. Together, we began a simple Bible study in Victoria Park.

Rainy days forced us to move from place to place, but our group never wavered. A member offered his apartment, and the fellowship continued.

Months later, we were placed under the covering of Jesus Is Lord British Isles, led by Pastor Arnold Barrientos. Challenges persisted – rental issues, constant relocations, limited space – but the spirit of unity kept us going. Everyone gave what they could. They prayed, served, and built a worshipping community from the ground up.

One year later, we had moved several times, staying wherever we were welcomed – even for just a few months. Yet through it all, the JIL family in Bermuda grew.

Despite facing frequent relocations and the struggle to find stable rental spaces, our commitment never wavered. Ms Salvatiera deeply appreciated the tireless efforts of each member – serving, adjusting, and persevering through every move. Their dedication was the glue that held the ministry together.

Just this week those efforts were rewarded, when we signed a rental agreement with the Mariners’ Club, to use its premises at 22 Richmond Road, Pembroke, as the venue for our Sunday services. Please use this as the venue of the Sunday worship services. Beginning this month, all our Sunday worship services will be held at this location from 10am to noon.

Is your group affiliated with the larger Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide?

Yes, our group is affiliated with the larger Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide.

How long has the group been active in Bermuda and where do you currently meet?

The Jesus Is Lord Life Group has now been one year and eight months – all by the help and powerful moving of the Holy Spirit in us. JIL Life Group offers a variety of gatherings and services designed to strengthen the faith and fellowship of its members.

Every Sunday, we have held Worship and Healing Services at the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, a temporary location, which will be replaced by the Mariner’s Club.

What types of gatherings, services, or outreach activities do you offer?

To equip and build a strong foundation in the Word, we conduct a basic Bible seminar for all members. We also gather every Wednesday night for Bible study, allowing us to grow deeper in our understanding of Scripture.

In addition to these regular activities, we hold special events such as Family Day, an outdoor fellowship meant to strengthen relationships, and a Sports Fest, which is currently in the planning stage, to encourage unity and fun through physical activities.

How can members of the community get involved or learn more about your ministry?

For updates on gatherings, events, or changes in venue, please visit and join our public Facebook page: Jesus is Lord Bermuda Life Group.

Are you a registered non-profit organisation locally, or in the process of becoming one?

JIL Life Group is a non-profit organisation. Our registration is in process, with the help and dedication of our team who are working together to fulfil all the necessary requirements.

Is there anything else you’d like to share – any upcoming events, invitation, or messages of encouragement?

We have an upcoming Thanksgiving event in the autumn and are excited to invite everyone available on October 5, 2025. Come and be refreshed in the presence of God, be encouraged by His Word, and experience the joy of fellowship with one another. Let us continue to grow together in faith, knowing that what we do for the Lord is never in vain.

As it is written in Isaiah 40:29-31: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

A lasting hope is anchored not in circumstances, not in people (even the best doctors), not in a good bank account – because all of these can fail us – but in the God of hope. He will never fail us. Manifesting John 3:16, let us focus on God’s promises of salvation, provision hope and unconditional love. God bless us all!

We are community-minded and last month in celebration of Bermuda Day, JIL Life Group partnered with Keep Bermuda Beautiful to conduct a community clean-up at Astwood Walk.

This initiative reflects the church's commitment to community development and environmental stewardship, aligning with the spirit of Bermuda Day, which honours the island's heritage and unity.

Members and volunteers dedicated their time to removing litter and debris, contributing to the beautification of the area. This act of service embodies the church's mission to live out the teachings of Christ through tangible actions that benefit the community.