1 month ago
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Gospel artistes Kevin Downswell, Rhoda Isabella, Alicia Taylor, Kevin Heath, and Nadine Blair & Perpetual Sounds of Praise will all lend their voices to the Jesus All the Way concert on Sunday, June 29 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew.
A production of the Jamaica Seventh-day Baptist Conference Inc, President Pastor Kevin Carter shared that all proceeds will go towards the construction of a brand new headquarters for the church, which has been around for a century.
The building plans are 75 per cent complete and Carter and his team are ready to transform the conference’s historic headquarters at 29 Charles Street into a multifaceted hub. It will include a modern sanctuary which will house youth development and counselling suites, as well as fully equipped community outreach facilities.
“It is the first time ever that we are expending ourselves like this,” Carter, who is in the second year of his presidency, told The Gleaner. “Our headquarters was erected 100 years ago, and, in this modern time as we seek to expand the gospel and our reach as a historic denomination, we thought it necessary to raise funds for a nice facility.”
The proceeds from the concert will launch a J$5 million campaign to restore the headquarters.
“As soon as we get the blueprint signed off on, we can set a precise date for construction,” Carter said, adding that he and his team “are moving with urgency”.
He is confident that this “worship-filled gospel concert” is the way to kickstart the campaign.
“We believe that it will be successful. We have chosen men, women and groups who are well known and established and are spiritually attractive to an audience. We will be raising funds, expanding the message of the gospel locally and internationally and build fellowship and camaraderie with the gospel community,” Carter said of this “three-pronged approach”.
ARTISTES
Described as “an incredible gift to the world and the body of Christ”, Kevin Downswell is an ordained evangelist, author, motivational speaker and international recording artiste. The 2003 Jamaica Gospel Festival Song Competition winner, Downswell is known for hit songs such as Stronger, If it’s not you, Carry me, and a host of others. A dynamic performer, he has emerged as one of the commanding faces of gospel music and remains in demand for live performances both locally and Helmed by broadcaster, Nadine Blair, who is the founder and CEO of Allowed to Shine Ministries — the parent company for Perpetual Praise — the gospel group “emphasises the power of music to bring restoration, encouragement, healing and hope”. Nadine Blair & Perpetual Sounds of Praise celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2022, and was last year recognised by the Sterling Gospel Music Awards for their outstanding contribution to the musical landscape.
Rhoda Isabella, considered to be among the leading voices in the Christian music industry, “uses her talent to preach the message of hope and faith via the power of her passionate and emotionally charged music”.
Carter noted that his organisation “is rebuilding more than with bricks and mortar; we are strengthening and reinforcing a foundation already laid as we move boldly into the future and advance a historical legacy for the next generation and beyond”.
“Your presence, prayers, and gifts will transform lives long after the music fades,” he said.
The Jesus All the Way concert promises a “blending [of] dynamic music with theatrical storytelling”. It features a single live band, classical interludes, and dramatic scripture readings which will “create a seamless, immersive worship experience”.
English (US) ·