Hundreds gathered at Black River Independent Baptist Church in New Town, St Elizabeth, on Saturday, May 9 for a special pre-Mother’s Day staging of Fun In The Son, an uplifting community outreach and gospel concert presented by Glory Music.

Powered by ZEAL, residents came together in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa to celebrate life, faith, and community.

“[It was] a phenomenal Black River Fun In The Son, that’s what I would say,” Tommy Cowan, chief visionary officer of Glory Music told the Jamaica Observer.

The event began at 3:00 pm with activities geared towards the entire family, including rides and bounce-a-bouts for children, while adults and seniors benefited from free health checks facilitated by the Lions Club of Mandeville.

The gospel concert commenced at 6:00 pm with Cowan officially opening proceedings in prayer before the ZEAL Worship team delivered an energetic 20-minute set that prepared the atmosphere for an evening of ministry.

One of the major highlights of the night was the ministry of gospel by Dr Carlene Davis, whose performance transitioned into an intense worship session and altar call.

“They just wanted to continue in the God-filled atmosphere,” Cowan shared.

The event also became a moment of significant giving and support for the host church, pastored by Rev Dr Audley Black. During the programme, lead pastor at ZEAL, Kory Cassell, and members of his team donated $1 million towards rebuilding efforts at the church, specifically to assist with doors and windows for the sanctuary.

Cassell also revealed that ZEAL had already contributed $1 million to help stage the event, along with additional thousands of US dollars for Mother’s Day gifts and other supplies.

“ZEAL is a part of a network of churches called Water’s Edge that has over 20 churches in the United States and about 20 to 30 churches around the world, and we partner together to help internationally all the time,” Pastor Cassell told the Observer.

“Two weeks after Hurricane Melissa, our network of churches sent down $10 million to help the people in Jamaica. Since the hurricane, we’ve been helping people monthly.” He continued: “The whole team is kingdom-minded. They’re always thinking of other people first; how they can get people to God. Every time we’ve gotten the privilege of partnering with their team, it is genuinely just an honour. I love those guys so much,” Cassell said.

Meanwhile, Rev Dr Black praised the impact of the initiative, describing it as a ministry that is helping to restore hope and positivity within communities.

“The coming together of the communities; children, young people, adults, and seniors to praise the Lord for life after Hurricane Melissa was truly special. Some people committed their lives to serve Christ and many others turned from their fears and stress and embraced renewed hope, joy, and strength to continue living,” he told the Observer.

Plans are under way for the release of new music from Davis as well as other community engagements.

“I am getting ready to release one of the most significant songs of my career along with a [music] video. There are several dates in the pipeline to include another of our Fun In The Son community engagement celebrating fathers in a pre-Father’s Day event in Savanna-La-Mar, Westmoreland,” she shared.

— Kediesha Perry

Gospel singer Orville Sutherland.

A section of the audience at Fun in the Son at New Town, St Elizabeth.

Tommy Cowan (left), of Glory Music, and Pastor Kory Cassell, lead pastor at ZEAL.