Declare God’s praises at Gospel Fest!

God’s message doesn’t have to be delivered from the pulpit. The St Vincent and the Grenadines Gospel Fest is testimony of that.{{more}}

Praising God in song and dance, the 2010 Gospel Fest kicked into high gear on Sunday April 4 at the Victoria Park under the theme: “Declare God’s praises in the islands.”

The Fest, which is celebrating its eight anniversary, saw a small but enthusiastic crowd at the park to commence the festivities.

Heading into this year’s festivities without one of their biggest sponsors, Chairman of the SVG Gospel Fest committee, Fidel Taylor, noted that they kept praying for finances and God heeded their call.

Although seven-year main sponsors, Digicel is not one the sponsors this year, Taylor said they have still contributed a great deal by taking care of the expenses for the rental of tents, which runs up to $5,000. “We still want to give our thanks to Digicel for supporting us for the past 7 years. They are not totally gone, but have promised to be back on board for next year’s fest,” Taylor told SEARCHLIGHT. He added that other sponsors such as Korean Designs and Fran Paul’s Selection, stepped up their contributions for this year.

Addressing the opening, Minister of Culture René Baptiste urged the gathering not to forget to thank God in everything that they do. Baptiste also spoke about the upsurge in crime against women and abuse of young children. “It is an uneasy thing to see a young lady lying in a hospital bed after being beaten in her head with a hammer by her boyfriend,” Baptiste said.

Furthermore, she pleaded with persons to pray continuously so that “Gospel Fest can be the light on this little island paradise.”

With her song entitled “Homesick”, eight-year-old Jewel Cordice from the Sandy Bay Adventist Church gave the audience an exciting prelude of what was to follow.

The New Generation Gospel Band continued to blaze the trial with songs that had persons dancing out of their seats. The Diadem Dancers from the Faith Temple Church was as usual, a hit with the crowd. The Group Kara, from the New Testament Church, Lowmans Hill also gave an exciting performance through dance.

By the time featured artiste Wendy Mitchell from Trinidad and Tobago graced the stage, nearly everyone had congregated at the front of the stage. Belting out some of her songs: “I am” and “You are great”, Mitchell’s sultry voice captivated many as they lifted their hands to the heavens in worship.

In 1984, Mitchell joined world renowned Byron Lee and the Dragonaires as their first female vocalist.

Now an ordained Pastor and active Evangelist residing in the USA, Mitchell is involved in Ministering at Homeless Shelters, Drug Rehab Centers, Nursing Homes, Prisons and at various hospitals through out New York City.

She released her first gospel CD “The Upward Way” in June of 2003, followed by her second CD “New Life/ New Hope” and the first Visionary Fathers Awards ceremony in June of 2005. She released her third gospel CD “By the Spirit” in June of 2007.

Guest artiste: Vincentian-born, Dr Agnitha Greene who resides in the USA, also gave a worthy performance at the opening. With six studio albums to her credit, Greene, who hails from Biabou, sang “The Anchor holds” and a string of other tracks from her albums.

An altar call was also made, during which 14 persons accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. Some other performances came from Voices of Victory, World Wide Mission Pentecostal, Apostolic Faith Mission in Bequia, Shekinah Worship Centre, Sandy Bay Gospel Chapel and the Vermont Miracle Tabernacle Worship Team.

The featured artiste and guest artiste were both presented with plaques in the shape of St Vincent.

The festival runs from April 9 and concludes on May 15 with the Gospel Awards.