Refuge Church History
Planted in 2018
On June 10, 2018, Refuge Church International held their first service in the home of our Pastor, Natasha S. Rockmore and her husband, Elder Antoine D. Rockmore, Sr. This was an unplanned service, but God showed Himself mightily. The following Sunday, there were three guests.
On June 28, 2018, we had our OFFICIAL launching service, which was held at The Best Western Hotel in Columbus, Georgia. People came out to support the launching. On the same night, Pastor Rockmore announced that God had blessed us with a building to continue to assemble. Refuge Church Intl.’s would now assemble at 2501 Old Whittlesey Rd STE. F, Columbus GA, 31909. As we came together, we were blessed to complete the planting process DEBT FREE!!!!
One day, Pastor Rockmore and her husband, Elder Antoine D. Rockmore, Sr., met a gentleman by the name of Mr. John Austin. We all worked tirelessly with Mr. Austin from sunup to sundown to build walls, place floors, etc. By doing so we were able to move forward and have our first Sunday service in our new building. That day finally came, on July 1, 2018 at 11:00 am, we had our first Sunday service. Pastor Rockmore’s message was “Under Construction”. GOD blew our minds!!!! Things were moving rapidly, God sent souls every Sunday, and the LORD continued to add to the Body.
On Sept 30, 2018, Pastor Rockmore was installed as Pastor and Founder of Refuge Church International, by Bishop, Dr. Norman E. Hardman Sr.” of Developing Champions Covenant Ministries and Mount of Transfiguration”.
In October 2018, the LORD sent us a minstrel, Min. Larry Gilyard III. He has served faithfully as a member of the ministry. We've seen our music ministry grow tremendously.
In November 2018, our Now Nation youth ministry was birthed, and Elder Dominique Daniel was asked to be our Youth Pastor. In March of 2019, the LORD blessed us with the Expansion Room. This became the space to house our youth services, and it also serves as our fellowship hub.
In September 2019, there were those who answered the call to preach the gospel, and they were licensed under the leadership of Pastor Rockmore. In January 2023, Deacons and Elders were appointed.
Since we have been established, many souls have been saved, baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit, both young and old. We have seen people supernaturally healed and many growing in Christ. We stand strong on our motto “You’re in a Safe Place.” We believe God will continuously add souls daily, and grow them through HIS Word. Our number one aim is that HE is forever glorified.
We are believing and preparing for our new home. The LORD is adding to the body as HE sees fit. We are compelled to cultivate souls through the gospel of Jesus Christ.