Gospel By The Sea-Review
Name of Event: Gospel BY THE SEA
Date of Event: JUNE 2, 2007
Where: NORMAN MANLEY BOULEVARD,NEGRIL
Time: 7PM - 12PM
Type of event: CONCERT
Featuring: BLESS AKA PRODIGAL SON JUDITH GAYLE RB SINGERS KRYSTAL MORGAN LIGHTHOUSE Gospel BAND
The trip from Kingston to Westmoreland was nothing short of an excellent road trip with clear skies and gorgeous scenery. The much anticipated “Gospel by the Sea” at Norman Manley Boulevard, Negril kicked off an hour later of the original show time with a sizeable crowd, mostly from Kingston.
The “Gospel by the Sea” had certainly caught the interest of many patrons. Conversely, some hopes were dashed only momentarily at the sight of the large open space filled with chairs and adequate room for some ‘jiggy praise’ but “boxed around” providing no view of the sea. Only the tell-tale signs of salty air, sandy ground, ‘a nice cool breeze’ and even crabs eager for the Gospel themselves reminded those in attendance that it was really by the sea .
Members of Elasha Ministries getting busy at Salvation PHd at Utech Earlier this year
Nonetheless, Lighthouse Gospel Band took the stage first preparing the atmosphere for the succeeding acts.
Marlon Leslie- the emcee with his witty and effervescent personality was a refreshing medium for every act or band-change that night.
At 10:45 pm the young and beautiful Krystal Morgan was on stage with her three harmonious background vocals dressed in full black opening with “Every Step” followed by “Throne Room- Worship You”. A rendition of “Lord You Are Holy” similar to Terry-Ann Wedderburn’s version was done much to the delight of the worshippers and the group closed with a lively “Put Your Hands Up”.
It was now 11pm and time for another band change. On the Shout band took command of the stage as it was time for the so-called “crazy queen of Gospel” Judith Gayle-Wright. Judith was not to disappoint lifting the level for worship amongst the audience. One and all were encouraged to greet their neighbours as they sang along to a salsa- pulsating “Jesus Is The Best Thing”. A moment’s calm to recall God’s grace and mercy with Judith’s version of “The Anchor Holds” led Judith to recount earlier performances on the north coast at secular Events and her present heartfelt joy in ministering at a Christian event.
The preamble to “The Sun Will Shine Again” saw Judith Gayle asking patrons who felt led to walk boldly to the front of the stage to worship God. Judith lost no time in ministering using Billy Graham’s ministry as a classic example of the true Christian whose own heart is after Christ.
Subsequent to asking all the Christians to stand, Judith sang “More Than A Conqueror” and “Jesus is Alive” to close her set at 11:45pm.
Another band change and by the start of Sunday morning, RB Gospel Singers commenced with Anishka Sinclair leading “Precious Lord”. A different lead singer Clayon Levi took the mic with “Press Along”. Almost impeccably as the first change of lead singers, Patricia Levi-Bennett took the final lap of the praise relay with favourites such as: “Rock My Soul”, “Massa God” and “Hold On Pon Yuh Victory”. What seemed like hours with pleasant-sounding vocals was in actuality 35 minutes long and the tireless patrons shouted for more even after “doing the rock” with the RB vocals.
At 12:40am it was the final band change for the night and the Radikal Crew kicked off with “Tell Mi If Unuh Ready” to not only signal the end of Prodigal’s 31st birthday but also to mark the beginning of another year of life in Christ and the ministry.
However, the “hype” was cut short as Prodigal began to explain his purpose of ministering even on his birthday. According to Calvin “Prodigal Son” Wilby, Judith had started with worship, RB Gospel Singers with praise and now it was time for the WORD of God. Prodigal went further to reprove patrons for their lack of generous praise. Gospel ministers in comparison to secular artistes had to continually request their audience to ‘give God a praise’ whereas in essence it is really the patrons who ‘owe God a praise’.
With that reproach, the Radical band launched into some old hymns including “Holy Ghost Power” and “He Is A Miracle-Working God”. By this time the crowd was really in a storm when Prodigal demanded that they got something to wave to “Worldchanger”. With a few minutes shy of 1am, no one seemed to be leaving as they sought to find more space to dance to “Woe”. Nevertheless, Prodigal stepped back to introduce fellow Radikal member Shepherd who brought the crowd to another level with his popular “What A Day”.
Prodigal returned with “Ketch A Fire” which described the very essence of the vibrant crowd shouting and screaming praises to The Almighty. As if the band was not already worn-out from a day of travelling to the venue, Prodigal once again took the time to minister with “Journey” thanking the Lord that he has given him “beauty for ashes” sharing his past hardships in his marriage to manager Joan Wilby & career whilst encouraging those with similar problems to come to the altar…
All in all, Prodigal Son felt he was sincerely blessed for receiving such a gift of ministry & he closed with a worshipful “You Make My Dry Bones Live Again”
It was 1:20 am, the closing benediction was said and now the crabs could scurry around with less traffic. “Gospel By The Sea” was no doubt worth the trip from Kingston and an out-of-town event that will do well if it continues in the future.
Blessings and congratulations to promoter Audrey Reynolds, Darren Brown- President of Elasha Ministries and the rest of the “Gospel By The Sea” team.