The Rev Cislyn Powell, mother of Olympic gold medallist Asafa Powell, prays at a church service held yesterday at the Redemption Church of God in Waterloo, Ewarton, St Catherine. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Songs of praise were belted from the lips of the small congregation gathered at the Redemption Church of God in Ewarton, St Catherine, yesterday morning, to celebrate the tremendous and historic performances of Jamaican athletes at the Games of the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China.

The rural community is home to Olympic gold medallist, Asafa Powell.

The curtains closed on the Olympics yesterday, with Jamaica securing six gold medals, three silver and two bronze.

Special attention

The Reverend Cislyn Powell, mother of Asafa Powell, told The Gleaner that the church service would usually be dedicated to the youths of the church, but special attention is being given to the athletes in recognition of their great achievements.

"He (Asafa) would be here celebrating with us, if he was in Jamaica," Asafa's mother added.

She was in high spirits as she led the congregation through a selection of songs in the praise-and-worship segment of the service, singing appropriately titled songs, such as Celebrate, Jesus Celebrate and I Am Blessed.

After 30 minutes of praise and worship, Rev Powell addressed the congregation.

"I am proud to be Jamaican, I am proud of our athletes," she said.

"We are a blessed nation, and Asafa is a blessing, a blessing to this community."

Rev Powell also congratulated Usain Bolt, winner of both the men's 100- and 200-metre races, for his superb performance at the Olympics, and said that his being in the race was a blessing to Jamaica.

"He (Bolt) did well and I am proud of him."

Praying for her son

She also extended congra-tulations to Shelly-Ann Fraser, winner of the women's 100-metre race, who she said was a good friend of Asafa's.

After the 100-metre race, in which Asafa placed fifth, his mother said she immediately started to pray for her son.

For Rev Powell, prayer is the solution to all of life's difficulties.

Asafa Powell, who anchored the men's 4x100m relays, won gold for the Jamaican team which included Nesta Carter, Michael Frater and Bolt.

Rev Powell encouraged the youths in the congregation to seek God in whatever they do and to put him first because, she said, without him, nothing is possible.