Wife to Pastor Derek Hawkins and mother to their 7 beautiful children, First Lady Wauketa has walked humbly and graciously into her calling and first ministry at home.  Yet, her gifts extend beyond their home.  Her love for people and her willingness to serve has taken her from sharing the love of Jesus in nursing homes to teaching classes at youth summer camps, and from hosting intimate Women Fellowships to Guest speaking at conferences.

Adorned with tenderness, kindness, warmth and keen intelligence, First Lady Wauketa serves as Director for the state-accredited Lothian Church of God Academy (established since 2005). She is also a volunteer at Capital Hill Pregnancy Center and a mentor with YoungLives PG (which works solely with teen moms in the Prince George's County area). In both positions, First Lady Wauketa ministers to women and children by providing meals for the families, encouraging parenthood during parenting classes and discipling young women through bible studies.

Sis. Wauketa is also the Director of My Sister's Keeper Women's Ministry at The Church of God Lothian. In this capacity she encourages women in the Body of Christ to grow in their faith, in their relationships and in service to God's Kingdom. 

Ted Marshall brings a high level of organization, energy and innovation to the ministry.  He has served in the Church of God for well over 30 years in varying roles, from Director of the Youth Ministry to Director of Special Services.  His years of experience, passion for church growth, and expertise in organizational agility, budget, and management have made him an invaluable resource to the church. Ted embodies the compassion of Christ as he has served as a mentor to our youth for 30+ years, some of whom include Pastor Derek and other members of our leadership team. Ted has been married to his lovely wife, Adrian, for over 30 years and has seven beautiful children, 13 grandchildren, as well as countless others who affectionately call him dad, or Uncle Ted.

An entrepreneur and carpenter by trade, Elsworth knows the value of laboring for a greater purpose.  He has worked many years in the ministry to the necessity of the saints and to the needs of the community. Whether exhorting through Scripture or raising funds for disaster reliefs, Elsworth embodies the phrase, "the hands and feet" of Christ. Elsworth is also known as the Church Historian, being born and raised in the very church he serves faithfully. Married for over 40 years to his beautiful bride, Evelyn, he is the father of 4 amazing children and grandfather of 6 beautiful grandchildren. 

With humility and tender heartedness, Tyrone has spent many years serving in the office of a Deacon. Faithful as Transportation Coordinator in the early 90s, Tyrone drove routes spanning between counties and as far as 1 - 1/2 hours one-way between a passenger's home and the church.  With great compassion for God's people and the church he helped construct, Tyrone also co-ordinates the beautification and management of the church edifice. Never a person to look for applause, Tyrone most often is heard thanking God for his wife of 30+ years, 4 children and 12 grandchildren. 

The gift of speaking and writing, and a love for the Lord has made Janice passionate in serving the body of Christ and the community for over 40 years.  Janice was the first to be appointed as church announcer by our Founder, and she authored the first published church newsletter. An innovator in bridging communications between the church and the community, Janice utilizes various mediums to keep everyone current and connected. 

Raised from birth to love the Lord, Carlos' ears were tuned and  heart shaped for a life-long desire to worship and praise God.  After receiving free piano lessons as a youth, Carlos was able to perfect his skills and go on to learn other instruments, including the organ, drums and trombone.  For over 35 years, Carlos has served in the Music Ministry, leading numerous church choirs, praise groups and the church band. Carlos also hosts Music Workshops, and teaches piano classes every year to young children and aspiring adults. As Music Ministry leader, Carlos' greatest desire is to use music as a tool to lead corporate worship, and to prepare the hearts of the congregation for the Spoken Word of God.

Full of grace and love, it is with great care that Marilyn has the ability to exude that delightful feeling of "WELCOME", to every event she has planned or co-planned for 20+ years! Known for her expertise in hosting an array of events, Marilyn has organized retreats for small and large groups, planned community dinners, health fairs, social affairs and picnics.  She is certified in food safety management and the owner of Cookielyn & Company Catering, LLC.

The daughter of the Late Elder Raymond C. Wills and the loving wife for 45 years to the Late Bishop George W. Hawkins, Sr., Gertrude knows personally the hardships and pressures Pastors (and their families) encounter. A need often overlooked, Gertrude's heart is responsive to seeking ways to minister to the Pastor and his family in the ministry.  Graceful and meticulous, Gertrude works behind the scenes, devoting her time and talents to finding solutions and resources that can strengthen and support the Man of God.  In ministering to the physical needs of the Pastor and family, the Pastoral Care Ministry, in turn, encourages the ministering family spiritually. Lovingly re-stocking bottled waters in the Pastor's study or preparing and hosting a delectable dinner for the family are just a few ways Gertrude contributes to bestowing love and support to the Pastor and his family.

As a child, Nichola loved being in the presence of Seniors soaking up wisdom and life lessons they imparted. These early relationships left a lasting impression on her, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding for the needs of the Seniors and their place in God's plan at their seasoned age. Led by the exhortation from 1 Thes. 5:14, Nichola endeavors to comfort the feeble minded, support the weak and to be patient towards all men.  For 9 years, she has diligently served as leader in the Senior Ministry, designing events and activities that would help Seniors embrace the quality of life they have in Jesus Christ, as well as encourage continuous spiritual growth and physical wellness.

Life's hardships and distresses are guaranteed in this broken world, but the light and love of Jesus is never failing and the Benevolence Ministry is dedicated to display that light and love. Whether it's collecting coats, delivering holiday meal baskets, hosting school supply give-a-ways or comforting the low in spirit, the Benevolence Ministry's mission is to serve and meet the needs of all.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 lets us know 2 important truths: 1) God is a God of All comfort; 2) He comforts us so that we can in turn extend the same comfort to others.  Having God's presence and comfort in her life has gifted and fortified Bessie to so warmly comfort others, especially those experiencing loss. The first to call, to pray, to send a card, to give a warm hug, or just to listen -  Bessie's very presence brings peace and comfort to the broken-hearted.  Bessie and the Suffering Loss/Grief Ministry also extends assistance in funeral procedures. Be it assistance in funeral arrangements or the after-burial repast, the Suffering Loss/Grief Ministry is present and willing to provide comfort and support.