It has often been said that churches and church members do not embrace change. This cannot be said for those who gathered for 'Cruise and Worship' aboard the Caribbean Queen last Friday.

It was an event that, though comprising many different churches, had unison in voice and purpose. The atmosphere of praise and worship was created by members from the Apostolic Worship Centre (host church), Church of God of Prophecy, Full Life Deliverance Ministries, God's Way Assembly, Harvest of Hope, Unity Christian Centre and Victory International of Jamaica.

The main artistes, Mark and Mervaylle Foga, thrilled the crowd with a medley comprising God Has a Song (written by Mark) and the hymn My Heart and Voice I Raise. The Fogas have been married for 15 years and have been singing together for more than 25. Mark said Mervaylle (JCDC Gospel Festival winner in 2000) gave him his first voice lesson at age 12. They have also performed in Australia with the Hill Song Choir and were featured on the recording Shout to the Lord 2000.

"We plan on starting a music school, particularly for children to do voice training and choir leaders to help develop the praise and worship in churches," Foga pointed out.

Short stint

Their stint was, however, a short one as they were soon replaced by Jackilyn Johnson, who sang Great is Thy Faithfulness, while Debbie Edwards signed the words of the song. It was evident that a 'full course' of performances was being served when Trishan McTaggarth took to the stage. When asked why she decided to do praise and worship through dance she said, "I find it easier to express myself through dancing." The cruisers were, however, soon the ones doing the dancing when Noretta Lewis, also a past JCDC Gospel Festival winner, took to the stage.

There were a few other per-formances before the main artiste (the Fogas) graced the stage once more.

They performed a mixture of original and cover versions.

Outside of the obvious entertainment, there was also an area where persons could purchase tokens such as promise jars, Bible markers and whistles, which were all hand-made by members of the Apostolic Worship Centre.

The mother and daughter pair of Rosemarie and Christina Barrett pointed out that the church had been in the business of making baskets and other items from 1989.

The event is to take place annually.