Monique Murray, Gleaner Writer
Kevin Downswell performs at the 'Unity' concert, held at Scotts Road, off Maxfield Avenue. - PHOTO BY RAYMOND SIMPSON
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
- Matt. 5:14.
THE VENUE was not exactly a hill nor the place a city, but the message was the same. Scotts Road, off Maxfield Avenue, came alive when 'Unity', a
concert and health fair, was hosted by Inner City Lights ministry, recently.
The concert got off to a late start and was not without its share of glitches, such as microphone feedback, sound problems and a brief powercut, but this did not dampen spirits. MC Energy proclaimed to the scanty audience that, "We are not here just for a show, we are here to lift up the name of Jesus", then eased into the various performances.
LINE-UP
The line-up included Miah-Rychus, Greater Grace Temple, Life Tabernacle, Nicholas, Positive Influence, Emmanuel Apostolic, D.J. Prayz and Tehilia, treating the audience to a feast of praise in song, dance, drama and poetry.
Youth Reaching Youth of the Swallowfield Chapel presented a musical drama which had the crowd in stitches at some points, and deep in thought at others. The first scene illustrated a young boy whose father was too busy to show him enough love. The second was of a girl who found out that her friend had contracted HIV/AIDS.
The use of a narrator who skilfully engaged the audience, as well as songs and dances performed by the group, was effective in getting the message of love and hope across.
Upcoming gospel artiste Joel Myers, accompanied by Felicia Skyers, opened with Come Let Us Adore Him and moved into one of Myers' original tunes, Jericho Wall, which brought a reggae vibe to their performance.
The growing crowd was then treated to a beautiful, jazzy rendition of Jehovah Jireh by bass guitarist Lawrence Reynolds.
'PICK THREE AND WIN'
Rev. Christopher Newton of the Franklyn Town New Testament Church urged the listeners to "pick three and win". Of course, he meant the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. He declared to those present that God was bigger than their circumstance and that it was only by allowing God to use them, that they were going to achieve anything.
Dub poetry by Positive Influence hammered home the message that "inna dem yah las' days, yuh cyaan give up di fight ... cause di Lawd soon come".
Kevin Downswell brought the curtain down, stating "when we call on the name of Jesus, people get bex!" He eased smoothly into Jesus, Jesus (There's Something About That Name). Maintaining the worship mode, he picked up the pace with Nah Bow and gave moving testimony about his conversion to Christianity, giving an altar call to resounding response.
