TOP GOSPEL ARTISTES IN BIG ‘IVAN’ FUND-RAISER

Today’s concert at Christ Castle, is one of the many initiatives of the local Pentecostal community, in response to Grenada’s devastation. Representatives from various Pentecostal organisations have been visiting the Spice Isle, assessing the needs and actively assisting by tangible means.

An impressive cast of top local Gospel artistes come together today for what promises to be a grand charity event, in aid of hurricane-ravaged Grenada. Thirty-plus Gospel artistes are collaborating to host the event, labelled In Response, which gets on the way at 4 pm today at the Miracle Ministries Christ Castle Auditorium, in Chase Village, Chaguanas. Popular Gospel artistes J Errol Lewis and Renaissance, Pastor Peter Regis, Apostle Vernon Duncan, Sherwin Gardener, Sean Daniel, Christopher “Tambu” Hubert, The Flow Masters Crew, One Accord, Earl Phillip and Grace Notes and JD are just a few of the many frontliners pledging their support. 

In addition to performing free of charge, each artiste has committed to contribute food items and cash before commencing their performance. To be admitted, patrons are required to make a cash donation along, with non-perishable food items. Among the artistes, Sherwin Gardener and Sean Daniel are two of this year’s winners of the prestigious Caribbean Gospel Music, Marlin Awards. The Marlin Awards event has grown to premier status in Caribbean Gospel music. The Awards are spread across an international spectrum, including the US, Canada, France, England, Africa, the Bahamas and other Caribbean countries. Among this year’s winners were Gospel music superstars Kirk Franklin, Papa San and Chevelle Franklin. Sherwin Gardener, who captured five Marlins this year, said, “It’s a delight to be a part of this concert. This is an opportunity to showcase the love of Christ. It’s what Christianity is all about.”

Sean Daniel took three 2004 Marlin Awards for his overwhelmingly popular “Waving Ting.” He said that he felt “inspired and honoured” to be a part of addressing “this urgent social need.” “I am urging everyone to be there on Saturday and give something very tangible to this extremely worthy cause,” Daniel remarked. Apostle Vernon Duncan, whose song, “Sailing,” also won another prestigious Gospel award — The Caribbean Gospel Song of the Year International, at the 2004 Hopeton Lewis’ Annual Caribbean Gospel Music Awards —would also be a part of this evening’s event. (Among this year’s Hopeton Lewis Award winners were Papa San and  Sanchez — former dancehall stars from Jamaica —  K D  Foster and Cleve Dawson from the UK).

Apostle Duncan said that Gospel music ministers are able to mobilise people because of their (the people’s) love for music. The atmosphere today would be one conducive to free and open giving. Veteran Gospel singer/musician J Errol Lewis, who left for Grenada shortly after the storm “to get a first hand look at the needs of the people” and returned on Thursday, was sombrely biblical in his comments about his involvement in today’s event: “When I stand before Christ, I would not want to hear Him say to me, ‘Depart from me, I never knew you... When I was hungry you gave me nothing to eat; when I was thirsty you gave me no drink; when I was naked you clothed me not’ “ (Matt. 25:43). The highly respected, and immensely popular Pastor Peter Regis said that he sees this as a Macedonian Call. “It is a cry for help and I am extremely happy to be a part of this.”  Regis added, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). 

Former soca star JD, who once sang with the band Horizon, is now a born again Christian using his outstanding talent for the Lord.  He is delighted to be involved in this gesture: “I am glad to be a part of the restoration process of Grenada. This is about the promotion of life.” Today’s concert at Christ Castle, is one of the many initiatives of the local Pentecostal community, in response to Grenada’s devastation. Representatives from various Pentecostal organisations have been visiting the Spice Isle since Ivan’s strike, assessing the needs and actively assisting by tangible means. The Open Bible Standard Churches, The Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies (Trinidad and Tobago) and the New Testament Church of God, have collected special offerings during their services at all branch churches. Boats chartered by Pentecostal/Full Gospel churches have taken building materials, foodstuff and clothing to Grenada. Construction workers of churches have also volunteered their services to assist in rebuilding homes and churches on the island.

Other Ministries including Divine Encounter Fellowship, Faith Revival Ministries, Faith Assembly and Miracle Ministries (of course!) are also very much a part of many of these initiatives.  Pentecostal radio station, ISAAC 98.1 FM and the local missionary group Is There Not A Cause, led by popular radio personality, Avonelle Hector-Joseph, have been busily involved in packing containers to ship to the people of Grenada, “in the more remote parts of the island.” In addition to all these efforts, we continue to pray for the people of every island affected by storms, as we offer all the tangible assistance possible.