Fathers showered with blessings

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

"We wanted a soul-stirring concert that would be a blessing to fathers," said Monica Campbell McFarlane, one of the organisers of the Father's Day concert, 'A Blessing for Fathers', held last Sunday on the grounds of King's House West Lawn. And so it was.

Representing ENT Xpress, McFarlane bemoaned the fact that while Mother's Day events were publicised, those honouring fathers were not, and that the Jamaican environment did not empower men.

In a brief message, Olivia Grange, minister of sports, youth and culture, announced that the Bureau of Women's Affairs would be changed to gender affairs and would deal with crisis management for men.

The performers, Judy Mowatt, Chevelle Franklin, Andrae Crouch and others delivered more than a gospel concert. Reaching out to the audience in general and fathers in particular, they used the occasion not only to entertain but also to minister and give personal testimonies.

Andrae Crouch, multi-Grammy Award winner, was the show's featured artiste. He was more than inspirational. In spite of his four-time encounter with cancer and his current problem with diabetes, his presence was a testimony in itself.

Looking rather frail, Andrae, along with his twin sister Sandra Crouch and their team, began his act with an up-tempo Living This Kinda of Life. And before launching into There's Nobody Like Jesus, Crouch shared his testimony with the audience. Afflicted with diabetes, (which he described as the devil's work), six months ago he was told that he should have his leg amputated but with prayer God healed the leg.

"But the devil has gone to the other leg," however, that leg is healing, too. Thus, his message is that whatever the problem is, "don't ever think God can't do it".

And after the audience was treated to a Sandra Crouch-led Glorify The Lord, her brother, Andrae, sang a touching recently penned Oh Yes I Can. Then he began a medley with familiar songs such as Oh It Is Jesus In My Soul, Soon and Very Soon, It Won't Be Long and Take Me Back Dear Lord. A prayer followed and God was asked to restore joy to Jamaica: "Let your Holy Spirit come through like a tornado. Bring back trust in Jamaica."

Chevelle Franklin, 'the girl from Tawes Penn' in St Catherine, prece-ded Andrae Crouch. The very mature-looking and vocally powerful Franklin began her act with a lively You Bring Joy. Walking through the aisle, she engaged the audience with How Great Is our God. And after returning to the stage, she witnessed to the audience, greeted the fathers, then sang Kill My Flesh. She ended her act with a soul-stirring I Put No One Before You, Jesus.

Other acts

Former member of the I-Threes, Judy Mowatt, began her act with Praise Him, followed by Thank You Lord For What You Have Done. In ministering, she told the audience: "Fathers are the priests of the houses and they should inculcate the values that children need today."

Other performances came from the colourfully costumed, energetic Ashé Ensemble, the experienced Emmanuel Mass Choir, which also joined Andrae Crouch towards the end of his act, young violinist Nadje Leslie, Movements Dance Company, Andrew Lawrence and Marvin Fisherly.

The concert was the culmination of the first Father's Week celebration which began with a church service and a Father of the Year competition. Eric Higgins was the winner. Emcees for the show were Norma Brown Bell and Markland Edwards.