Athaliah Reynolds, Staff Reporter

Worshippers ring in the New Year at the Church of the Open Bible on Washington Boulevard, St. Andrew, during the New Year's Eve church service Monday night. - Photos by Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

If the crowds that turned out to welcome the New Year at the Church of the Open Bible, Washington Boulevard, on New Year's Eve were reflective of watchnight services across the island, then it's safe to say most Jamaicans found it necessary to start 2008 on a thankful note.

By 10:30 p.m., the church hall was packed to capacity with the young, old, hearing impaired and even babies streaming through the doors and on to the grounds. But not even those on the outside were kept from enjoying the heated testimonies in song and speech as they were provided with a small screen on which to watch the night's proceedings.

With chants of "God is good" and "Him a mi daddy oh", the worshippers were in a joyful mood as they praised God for keeping them through the struggles and challenges of 2007.

"Yuh tek us through two elections, hurricanes and floods," shouted a member of the church's praise team. This was followed by cries of "thank yuh Jesus" for life, health, protection and family from almost everyone in the congregation.

Erupted in applause

Pastor Ewart McDonald, who brought the message, told the group that "2008 will be even greater". To this, the church erupted in applause.

"You are moments away from your miracle," shouted Pastor McDonald. And with that he declared "a change is on the way for Jamaica".

As the clock struck midnight, the church exploded into a frenzy of 'halleluias', 'happy New Year' and 'praises to God for one more year'.

This was followed up with the baptism of 10 individuals who all vowed to start the New Year "on God's side".

Several individuals who crammed the churchyard told The Gleaner they always attend watchnight services before they make their way to the parties.

"Bwoy, a just so mi believe yuh fi start off the New Year, yuh know. Mi come fi tell God thanks fi 2007 cause mi never haffi mek it," said a man sporting dreadlocks.

athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com