Organizers have described as very successful a recent gospel concert in Grenada to help raise much-needed funds for the Methodist Church.
“The show can be described as not just praise and worship but a coming together of persons from various religious denominations who shared testimonies,” Derek Ventour, the Grenadian-born president of the Brooklyn-based Dee Vee International Production, told Caribbean Life. “They explained to the audience [that] gospel has now become their music of choice.”
Ventour had collaborated with the Methodist Church Circuit in Grenada in staging the fundraising venture at the Spice Basket in the “Spice Isle.”
The undisputed Calypso Queen of the World, Calypso Rose, headlined the gospel concert that also included three other overseas gospel artistes – Gerald Placide, Sister Beverly and Eastlyn Orr.
The local performers were the Circuit Band, a gospel band of young Methodists, and the Methodist Circuit Choir, including Jeverson Ramirez and Randall Robinson.
According to Ventour, Calypso Rose, whose real name is McCartha Lewis, spoke about her breast and stomach cancer challenges.
“I am survivor by the grace of God and that is why I am here today,” Ventour quoted Rose as telling hundreds of patrons. “He has a purpose for me, and I am here sharing the message.”
In her testimony, Orr spoke about praying to God on a hospital bed and promising Him that, if she survives, she will go and preach His messages all over the world.
All performers sang a medley of well-known international and Caribbean gospel songs.
“This gospel concert is a call to worship,” said the Rev R. Emasseau Pierre, the superintendent minister in Grenada. “It is a call to ministry in song.”
At concert’s end, the Methodist Circuit presented Ventour with a plaque for helping to ensure the concert’s success.
“I truly appreciate this recognition in assisting to put this event together,” he told Caribbean Life. It was an honor and a privilege to work with a great team.
“I thank all for the support, especially those from the New York and Grenada business communities who partnered with us for this venture,” he added.
It was the second major fundraising event organized by the Methodist Church, as it embarks on activities to raise funds for the circuit.
