Mother Bernetta Kelly was born in Bladenboro, North Carolina. At an early age she relocated to Paterson, NJ where she graduated from high school and received a degree in Business from the Sawyer School of Business in Passaic, NJ.She is the mother of 2 biological sons, Cedric and Ervin and 5 adopted boys.

 

In 1980 she accepted the Lord and two weeks later, she received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. Mother Kelly was called into the ministry in 1982 and received her license to preach the Word of God. While under the tutelage of Bishop Archie Buchannan, Mother Kelly conducted revivals both at home and abroad. The Lord sent her to Anchorage, Alaska where she conducted revivals and conferences. She was also involved in street ministry and various community services. While in  Alaska, Mother Kelly held numerous positions which included: Usher, Bible Band Teacher, Pastor’s Aide President, State  Overcomers President, YPWW Teacher and served on the Mother’s Board.

 

In 2013, Bishop John Blunt asked Mother Kelly to serve as the Assistant Supervisor of Women for the Historical Pentecostal Fellowship of Churches, International. She served faithfully, teaching, preaching, and training the women under her charge. Throughout this tenure of serving under the leadership of Bishop John Blunt, she established and was installed as the founding pastor of the  Refreshing Springs Church in Lumberton, North Carolina (2014). She has put her whole heart into training the people of God with love. She has 2 biological sons, Cedric and Ervin and 5 adopted boys.

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Bishop John Blunt consulted with Asst. Supervisor Kelly about taking the HPFCI into the UCOGIC. After much prayer and wise council, the decision to take this path was made and Mother Kelly was asked to serve as the Supervisor of Women for the Georgia North Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the UCOGIC. 

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While serving as the Jurisdictional Supervisor for the Georgia North Jurisdiction, Mother Kelly continued her mission of UNITING WOMEN OF GOD to serve in the KINGDOM OF GOD! Mother Kelly ensured her life was an example not only for women in her jurisdiction, but for women throughout the United Churches of God in Christ, Inc. 

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Mother Kelly has served in several capacities throughout the United Churches of God in Christ, Inc., and through her unquestionable work ethic and dedication, she was appointed in 2019 by the Chief Apostle of the United Churches of God in Christ, Inc., Presiding Bishop Aaron B. Lackey, Sr., as the new International Supervisor of Women for the International Department of Women. 

“My greatest joy is to win souls for the kingdom and to see the people of God made whole. I love the Lord with all my heart and my greatest testimony is: I am saved, sanctified, and filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost.”