Gospel – In the ‘heat’ of Carnival
by Leslie-Anna Joseph 13.JUNE.08
Like a powerful army they marched to the stage side in orange and black colours. The perfect blend of soprano, alto, tenor and bass was as smooth as still waters, unbelievable, soul captivating and so ably grasping their targetsâ attention, as heads swayed from left to right, forward and backward repeatedly, feet stomping, body rocking and a jigging between breaks.{{more}}
Consisting of a membership of just about 100, the SVG Mass Choir took the long journey up Windward last Sunday evening to the New Life Ministries Church, North Union, for a free live concert.
Performing approximately 14 great songs, which included âStand still and know that He is Godâ; âHeâll pick you upâ; âThe Lord is my Shepherdâ and âNo Vacancyâ, which did indeed ignite a completely new atmosphere of joy and praise as was conveyed by the audienceâs response with shouts of hallelujah, during and at the end of each song performed.
The audience was not only blessed with the performance of songs, but also a time of fellowship.
Director of the SVG Mass Choir, Alfonzo âSleepyâ Richards, told SEARCHLIGHT he found it appropriate to have the concert at this time as Carnival is in âfull swingâ. This should remind young people in particular that they can have fun, âclean funâ, and not have to face in the morning any negative hangover or feelings of remorse or guilt, but would enjoy the benefit of peace of mind from being at the right place at the right time, and the contentment of the joy which remains within to the next day and beyond.
Richards encouraged Christians to live a victorious life, to be strong. âSome of us are too weak,â he said. âQuit whimpering (not a very good representation of who we believe in), but instead pray and see God make a wayâ.
The SVG Mass Choir is an interdenominational group with a mission to carry the word of God through ministry in songs.