By Janet Silvera, Freelance Writer
A part of the congregation at Faith Temple, Montego Bay, on watchnight, December 31. - Janet Silvera photo
WESTERN BUREAU:
PRAISE AND worship resounded through a number of churches in Montego Bay on New Year's Eve night.
From as early as 9:15 p.m., the voices of celebration could be heard from within the confines of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Glendevon. And this was after a three-hour marathon of special prayer in which both the congregation and visitors participated.
SCURRYING TO CHURCH
Several worshippers were seen scurrying to church before the clock struck midnight. With bibles in hand, they made the very obvious statement that they preferred to render their hearts and not their garments.
Unlike the people who flooded the many balls, fashionably dressed, these worshippers donned very comfortable clothing some in jeans pants or skirts.
They were more concerned about the message their pastors would bring forth. But while they awaited the messages of their church leaders, they entertained themselves with choruses that echoed across the night, bringing a spiritual light.
The job of the Adventists at Glendevon was to keep the inner-city community alive and spiritually focused, while the churches in downtown Montego Bay energised the city centre with their pulsating rhythm of the soulful singers.
At Fresh Bread Ministries, Market Street, musical instruments resonated loudly and a talented group of singers delivered a powerful glorification to the Lord.
And as the words, 'I will bless you Lord,' rang out, the worshippers showed they had a personal thing going with the Master.
JOYFUL NOISE
Just a few chains across the road, neighbour St. Paul's United Church had a vibrant group of youth leaders making their own joyful noise.
Ten minutes away at the Faith Temple, Rev. Conrad Pitkin stood behind his glass podium, bent on making new 'disciples' for the 21st century, as a large ensemble of singers made beautiful music just above his head.
"God has been good to us, he has brought us this far and if he has taken us this far, he will take us to the end," preached Rev. Pitkin, before he gave the members of his congregation permission to share their testimonies.
His message at the end of the evening dealt with the theme, 'Forward in the New Year', the lesson taken from Joshua 1, verses 1-9.
