Harvest Gospel Choir thrills crowd

Accra, April 8, GNA - Thousands of gospel music fans who thronged the National theatre to participate in the 9th annual gospel music splash of the Harvest International Ministries on Good Friday had more than they could bite and left the venue feeling the show had not ended so soon.

In a five-hour rendition of soul inspiring worship and praise music by the evergreen Harvest Gospel Choir and other seasoned guest artistes, the 93Harvest Praise 2007" did not only live to its billing as the greatest gospel music fiesta but ended providing inspiration and hope to all to share in the resurrection glory of Christ.

On the theme: 93The Gospel Music Ministry-The Crucifixion of Christ" the fiesta was carried live on some local FM radio stations in Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi.

The beginning of what was to be an eventful night started when Tim Wright, a white gospel artiste took the stage by storm and stunned the packed crowd with perfect renditions of worship music in the Ga and Akan languages.

This was followed by other artites such as Moses OK, Phillipa Baafi, Ike Nanor, Divine Harmony, Age2Age, the Harvest Theatre and the Monarch's Praise from Living Streams Ministries International who lit the audirorium with music in different modes all in the praise and adoration of the redemptive work of Christ.

In a message to mark the occasion, Reverend Fitzgerald Odonkor, President of Harvest International Ministries, told the gathering to take hope in the risen Christ to live fulfilled lives. He said it was important that people hope for a better future even in the face of various challenges that might come upon them. Rev Odonkor said Christ's resurrection from the dead should remind all that the victory at Calvary was both incontrovertible and irreversible.

"Jesus Christ rose with a mighty triumph over sin, death and hell and what is more he rose never to die again," he emphasized and added that this should be a source of inspiration and hope that because our redeemer lives there is always a better tomorrow. According to him, the total victory of Christ on the cross was also a challenge for Christians to consiste ntly live out his victory over the world, the flesh and the devil.

Touching on Ghana, Reverend Odonkor said the country will reap economic, social, political and spiritual revival as citizens continue to lift up the name of Jesus with the full knowledge that he keeps faith with his people.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Frank Asante, Chairman of the Planning Committee, said the 2007 show was better organized than those of previous years.

He said one marked success was the huge participation of the media and the support provided by the business community, both of which had been largely lacking in the past.

Mr Asante said planning and preparations would start immediately for next year's event, especially as it would be the 10th anniversary. He said plans would also be made to bring on board next year some foreign artistes to add to the flavour of the local artites. Mr Bethel Donkor, Elder in-charge of Choir said the programme had succeeded to put across the loving message of God and hope to the afflicted through music.

Mr Yaw Antwi-Dadzie, Choir Director and acclaimed Charismatic Weeping Worship Leader said despite the challenges over the years the programme had moved on because of the faithfulness of the Lord to provide. 08 April