Powerful praise . . . Gospel concert reaffirms power of faith

Powerful sound in worship filled the atmosphere at the Let Praises Rise gospel concert held under the Community Independence Celebrations of the St Thomas Parish Independence Committee.

Those who came out amidst the damp conditions to Bloomsbury in Sturges, St Thomas, on Saturday, at the Faith Emmanuel Pentecost Church, were treated to the fine voice of Paula Hinds who delivered two songs which rocked the house.

Sixteen-year-old head boy of Alleyne School Shem White, musician and young pastor, reminded the audience that they are more than successful in Christ Jesus. He got the crowd to rise to its feet as he delivered a strong sermon about death and the fact that not even the Covid-19 could touch the spirit of God’s people.

The Rhythm and Worship dance group danced to the African song of Onaga and were beautiful as they worshipped from the soles of their feet. The group of seven painted a picture of beauty in their blue and purple gowns.

Minister of People Empowerment and Elderly Affairs Cynthia Forde described the concert, which showcased the work of the youth as wonderful. Forde, who is also MP for St Thomas, spoke of Shem White as moving and added that young people needed outlets such as these to worship God in fullness.

“There are young men who could have been at the beach or gone to a fete, but they chose to be here in God’s house, and they are all performing for free and the level of the concert is so high.”

Forde encouraged Barbadians to keep trusting in God. “When you put your faith in Him, he is going to ensure that every disease, every travesty, every tragedy, every negative activity is just swept away and we can keep focusing on Him because he is the way, the truth and the life.”

Also present was Attorney-General Dale Marshall, whose St Joseph constituency was set to be the next on the calendar for We Gatherin’ festivities.

Organizer of the event and representative of the Community Independence Celebrations Secretariat Cherise Dawe said that their mandate is to develop community spirit and for the remainder of the year they will be aiming to present activities for November.

The non-profit organization is promoting a project called St Thomas on the CASE (Culture and Sports Engagement). Dawe was speaking on the sidelines in a moderately filled auditorium and added that she was satisfied with crowd turnout. (MR)