#BajanVibes – Hope springs eternal . . . Gospel live gives viewers encouragement

The promo at the beginning stated that there were: “Eight artistes with one mission to inspire hope” and at the end of the close to two-hour live broadcast, the mission was indeed accomplished.

The event, Live In Hope Online Worship Experience, as stated by host Raphael Saul, was intended to bring: “strength, hope, encouragement and a reminder that we are surrounded by a living hope in Christ Jesus even in this challenging time”.

The event was simultaneously broadcast on Live In Hope’s Facebook, Instagram and YouTube social media platforms on Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. to thousands of viewers.

Raphael started the praise session off with an assuring song titled: We Will Rise. This was followed by an inspirational video with all the gospel artistes giving their personal testimony and words of encouragement. The cast: Mya Daniel, Paula Hinds, Levitical Praise, Promise, Trinity Clarke, Neesha Woodz and John Yarde. The singing and videos made for an excellent production.

A trio from the Leacock family calling themselves Levitical Praise sang a medley of songs which set an atmosphere of worship. The group features front runner Stephen Leacock and Jan Keizer, daughter of Carolyn Leacock.

Mya Daniel sang her own song, He’ll Bring The Sun, a reggae-type gospel tune and Nigerian singer Sinach’s He Did It Again, which has a soca flair. Mya said she suffered a stroke one year ago, and it has been a challenging year, but she is claiming “resurrection time.” She reminded viewers the sun will shine.

Paula Hinds delivered a powerful rendition of God’s Love. The lyrics are an affirmation of God’s love, grace, hope and peace that are “everlasting”.

Neesha Woodz’s original music, Be Alright, was a more ballad-type song of assurance. With So Amazing, a more up-tempo tune, the singer had an enjoyable time delivering it.

A timely message from veteran gospel singer Sister Margrita Marshall was poignant as well. The singer said: “Best person you can get in contact with is Jesus Christ. He is the best friend I have ever had and still got.”

Trinity sang her spouge gospel selection God is Good and the 14-year-old then returned for God Provides.

Promise, led by Sheldon Hope with Andrea Chase and Tavia Drakes on vocals, did a five-song medley which they said was a message of “reassurance”. The trio was in fine voice. They brought a different energy to the evening. And viewers reacted accordingly with love, dancing and fire icons. It was a true dance session as they did a medley of God Is Fighting for Us, I Seek Your Face, I Still Have Jesus, God is Standing By and I Command My Hands to Praise The Lord.

Pastor John Yarde sang three of his original songs. He first reminded viewers that everything gets Better with God. He then urged them to Count Your Blessings. He ended by giving thanks and praise for Friends and Family.

Host Raphael ended with a “feel good” and happy song called Smile. (IMC)