Bermudians need to exchange religion for a true relationship with God.

This was the message of Reverend Jacqueline E. McCullough, who spoke at two meetings presented by Transfiguration Ministries last week.

And she said that reaching out to those whom society ignores, was an important part of the transformation.

''The ministry of the church should be to the grassroots people, those whom people don't think of as important.

''Jesus touched people who were unknown, who were not named. And he is doing for us in the 21st century as he did in the first.''

Rev. McCullough added that reaching out to such people would improve the quality of life on many different levels.

''We are caught up in death. There is a death grip on our lives whether it is emotional, financial or physical.

''Bermudians are a people that stay afloat, but at another level people are looking for something else. They need an intimacy with God that extends itself to other relationships.

''This would eliminate falsehoods in relationships and make life real.''

Rev. McCullough said her audience was very receptive.

''They were very responsive to the word. I knew they were listening because they were very interactive in their response,'' she said.

Rev. McCullough has visited Bermuda several times and said she feels at home here.

''Its like visiting cousins. I love the Island, the people, the food, the culture, and the nuances of the language. I have a lot of friends here.''

And she has invited Bermudians to join her for the Wordalive Crusade to be held in Portmore, Jamaica from October 13 to 21.

For the past four years Wordalive has been the biggest event for the Daughters of Rizpah ministry, which McCullough started in 1986.

The crusade is a medical and evangelistic four day event which has helped more than 10,000 people.

Between 200 and 400 volunteers, which includes church and medical professionals as well as laypersons, participate in the crusade each year.

''There is a holistic theme which includes a medical mission. We have dentists, gynaecologists, podiatrists, psychologists and health teachers.

"We have prayer ministries that includes counselling and giving away biblical literature. We also immunise children, test eyes, teach about the HIV virus and AIDS prevention.''

Rev. McCullough, who worked as a nurse before becoming ordained, said volunteers work along with local nursing students and doctors.

She said she is also concerned that people continued to benefit from the crusade long after the volunteers have returned home.

''We make referrals to local churches and clinics and leave medical supplies to last a while. We give out eyeglasses, food and toiletries. Everyone leaves with a package.''

The ministry also built a library and reading room in Rema a part of impoverished Trenchtown neighbourhood in Kingston, Jamaica.

An after school programme that helps 350 children was also set up.

This years event will include a women's conference, a concert featuring gospel singers Fred Hammond and Donny McClurkin, and a sports day during which athletes from Orlando, Florida will hand out balls and tee-shirts.

Rev. McCullough, who spends much of her time teaching, preaching and giving seminars throughout the United States, said she plans to spread the programme to other Caribbean and third world countries.

Anyone wishing more information about the ministry can log on to www.rizpah.org