ABOUT US
OUR PASTORS
Pastor Monica L. Showell-Watters
Pastor Monica LaVerne Showell-Watters, the only child of Bishop Joseph M. Showell & Lady Elaine V. Showell, was born August 10, 1971. At the age of two, she began her educational pursuits at the Mainfield Day Nursery. This was the beginning of what would be over 45 years of education that continues to this day. Since that time, Pastor Monica has achieved her high school diploma from the Baltimore County public school system, a baccalaureate of Science degree and a Masters of Science degree both in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson State University, and a Graduate Certificate in the Education of Students with autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders from Johns Hopkins university. Pastor Monica is currently employed by Kennedy Krieger school as a license and certified Speech-Language Pathologist. In 2014, Pastor Monica received a Masters in Church Ministries from St. Mary's Seminary & Ecumenical Institute.
Throughout high school and college, Pastor Monica had one other major involvement and that was with her one true love, Edwin Watters. This love affair began in 1987 and continues to this day. Edwin and Monica were married on September 27, 1997. To this union came Joseph Edwin, Noah Everett, and Zion Micah.
Monica was an active member of the United Pentecostal Miracle Church. Throughout the years, she participated in the Jr. and Youth and Young Adult Usher Board, the Children’s Choir, the Youth and Young Adult Department, the Sunday School Department, the Women’s Department, the Praise and Worship, The Prison Ministry, and the Joint Ministerial Staff.
During Monica’s educational pursuits at Towson State University, she developed a stringent study system. Although tedious at times and overwhelming, her desire for enhancing her educational and spiritual knowledge base was kindled. Through her role as a Sunday school teacher, the Lord bestowed a great feeling of enjoyment, enlightenment, and conviction. As a result, she heard the call to the teaching ministry. In the years to follow, the Lord slowly groomed and elevated her to new levels of ministry. In 1998, she heard the Lord speak to her about preparing herself for the office of pastor. Many confirmed this word that was spoken into Monica’s life; however, the call was just the beginning. A time of preparation commenced. Finally in 2003, Monica was consecrated and installed as pastor of the United Pentecostal Miracle Church later named Beacon of Light Citadel of Praise, Inc.
Pastor Edwin Watters
Pastor Edwin Watters was born April 29, 1970 in Baltimore, MD. He is the youngest of five children of Min. Lillian Watters. Edwin attended Baltimore City and County Public Schools, graduating from Forest Park High School. After graduating, Edwin attended Community College of Baltimore and has studied business at Catonsville Community College and College of Notre Dame. He is married to Monica L. Showell Watters and has three sons, Joseph Edwin, Noah Everett, and Zion Micah. Pastor Edwin has worked at Kennedy Kreiger School Programs since 2002 and currently serves as an Administrative Services Coordinator in the business office.
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Edwin was a member of The First Apostolic Faith Church for approximately 20 years, under the leadership of Bishop Winfield A. Showell and Bishop Franklin C. Showell. In 1997, He became a member of United Pentecostal Miracle Church under the leadership of Bishop Joseph M. Showell. In 2003, He stood by his wife as she was elevated to the office of Pastor, carrying the mantle passed down from her father. Edwin supported and led various ministries at United Pentecostal Miracle Church, now Beacon of Light Citadel of
Praise, over the past 21 years including the Prison Ministry, Men's Department, the Praise and Worship team, The Deacons Board, the Youth and Young Adult ministry, the Outreach Ministry, and the Audio-Visual Ministry. Edwin's service at Beacon of Light runs the gamut from preaching the gospel to cleaning the toilets. He oversees the structural and maintenance needs of the facility and serves administratively as the church treasurer.
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In 2014, Edwin successfully completed the required catechism courses and was ordained an Elder in the International Bible Way Church of Jesus Christ organization, under Apostle Franklin C. Showell. Edwin has a burden to reach men, young and old alike. He believes that, as men surrender the Christ and walk in their God-ordained purpose, they will be able to reach and inspire the families, churches, and communities to impact and change the world.
Bishop Joseph M. Showell
