IF you thought the turn out at the Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers' Concert, last week was huge, then you should have been at the Church on the Rock Saturday, when twice the number of people came out to enjoy the soul stirring ministry of Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, Papa San, Carlene Davis, Jodi Macalla, and the Church on the Rock Choir, Forgiven, and Ziggy Soul in concert.
It was more than just a concert. It was a ministering of souls as the audience was totally caught up in the inspirational songs that were performed. So touched were some people that at the end of the performances a number of people went to the alter to surrender the lives to God after Reverend Jackie McCullough made the appeal.
From as early as 5:30 pm traffic backed up on Mannings Hill Road and Cassava Piece. The heavy rains a few hours before the start of the show did not prevent a massive turn out to a concert, which was well organised by Glory Music.
Half an hour after the initial start time, Jodi McCalla and the Church on the Rock Choir opened the show and immediately had most people on their feet singing along to I Just Want To Praise You.
This set the tempo for the other acts such as the trio Forgiven and Ziggy Soul who gave a resounding performance. Carlene Davis gave her usual energetic performance and as a recently ordained minister she did more than perform. She did a bit of ministering in between some of her gospel hits. Her dancers whose movements were well choreographed certainly helped in enhancing her performance.
Papa San was given the task of performing immediately before the two main acts, but, as usual, he was able to captivate and hold his audience long enough for him to do a few of his known hits. He also performed his latest song which speaks out in defence of Reggae Gospel which he says is loved by some but hated by others.
A short stint of poetry by Roslyn Jordan, sister of basketball great Michael Jordan was like the calm before the storm as she made way for Ce Ce Winans. Winans had the audience spellbound by her music, especially when she performed It Wasn't Easy. Her melodious voice resounded over the hills as she did another of her most loved songs Alabaster Box.
Her performance was however too short and many were left wanting for more.
By the time Donnie McClurkin hit the stage, it was like the icing on the cake as he ministered through his songs. This was his first time performing in Jamaica and this made the anxiety even greater for his fans. Although he, too, gave a short performance he returned for an encore after the people started shouting for more. He closed a brilliant performance and a great show overall, with a medley of some of the good old Jamaican gospel songs.
