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In a
time when secular music is the theme of the day, scores of
individuals converged at the North Campus of the Northern Caribbean
University (NCU), on Sunday, March 11, 2007, to experience “Gospel
in the Garden,” as Petal Richards, Tashena Adams and Orale Johnson,
ministered through music.
The atmosphere was warm with melodious singing, but cool with the
sensation of the breeze gently kissing each and every face. The
surrounding was beautifully decorated with nature – palm trees, and
a wide array of flowers painted in various colours. Praises were
ascending to Christ in a natural environment. It was truly gospel in
the garden.
The ‘praise-ministers’ as they were referred to, captivated the
attention of the audience, as their solos and trio ranged from low
to high notes. Evident in their performances was not just ‘singing’,
but a genuine worship from the heart.
Petal Richards (praise minister number one), is a registered nurse.
She started singing at age two (2) at various churches across the
island, and most of her performances were video taped by her mother,
Paulette Richards.
At age five (5), Petal was a contestant in the Jamaica Cultural
Development Commission (JCDC) music festival. She scored the highest
points in her category for the song ‘Save the Children’ and won the
all-island trophy.
Petal has written over five (5) songs, and is looking forward to the
creation of her album. At the worship session, she sang two (2) of
her original songs – “I call you Lord’ and ‘I need you Lord,’ both
produced by Danever Scott. “These songs encourage me each day. Once
I call on the Lord, he will hear me. I can call him at anytime, and
he will be there,” said Petal. Her philosophy is in the text
Phillipians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who
strengthened me.”
The second praise minister, Tashenia Adams, is currently pursuing
her Bachelors of Arts degree in Primary Education, with an emphasis
in music, at NCU. She believes that the greatest gift that God has
given to men is the gift of giving and sharing. Hence, she will
share her musical talent with young children.
Tashena hails from the parish of Kingston, and commenced singing at
age eight (8) in church. She is currently a member of the Riversdale
S.D.A. Church, and a member of the chamber choir at NCU – a choir
that has performed locally and internationally.
During her performance, Tashena encouraged Christians to keep
holding the faith. She said, “God has done so much for us and
everyday we get up and go about our business without thanking him.
The devil has tried to design our lives so that we will have no time
for God. However, the best decision we can ever make is to serve
Christ.”
Orale Johnson was praise minister number three (3). He is popularly
known to the musical arena for his song ‘Mercy,’ produced by
Jermaine Hamilton, when he advanced to the 2005 JCDC Gospel Song
Competition Finals. He has also performed at the National
Independence Day Ceremony. In 2003, he was a gold and silver
medallist in the JCDC music festival.
Orale began singing at age four (4), started composing his own songs
at age seven (7), and by age nine (9), he was capable of playing the
piano. He is currently working on his debut album.
Orale worships at the Cedar Grove S.D. A. church in Mandeville, and
serves as the youth choir director and pianist. He reminded the
audience to “claim a promise in Psalm 3. “Even when our own tries to
tear us down, remember that God is the lifter of our hand,” said
Orale. His background vocalists were a group called CRIMSON, from
Northern Caribbean Univesity. His backing band was Great Vine, 3rd
place winners of the 2006 JCDC Gospel Song Competition with the song
‘Stay in your Presence.’
The high point of the worship session was the trio consisting of all
three praise ministers. It was a wonderful rendition of four (4)
praise and worship songs – Hallelujah, Above All, Shout to the Lord,
and Total Praise.
Gospel in the garden was produced by ALKAY - a diversified
entertainment company operating in three major areas: television
production, events planning and artiste management. The company is
headed by Noreen Daley and Rona McKoy. The objectives of gospel in
the garden are to engender a deeper appreciation for praise music;
to expose gospel artists to the public; to encourage originality in
artists; and to provide continuous, wholesome, Christian
entertainment. The worship leader for the evening was Pastor Andrew
Thomas.
The sponsors for Gospel in the Garden were: Central Jamaica
Conference (CJC) of Seventh-Day Adventists Youth Department, Nerv
Studios, and the Reality Card Centre. The next scheduled Gospel in
the Garden will be on June 10, 2006, featuring AVODAH, Hands of
Praise Extension and Great Vine.
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