FUN In The Son returned with greater momentum on Saturday, after being shuttered for two years due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“The turnout was better than expected. With promotions being focused on the communities within South St Andrew, we expected about three to 4,000 persons, but were hoping for 5,000. The audience was beyond even those numbers and attendees were from beyond the borders of South St Andrew. Even with this, the event remained incident free,” Tommy Cowan, co-conceptualiser of the event, told the Jamaica Observer.

It was held at the Pembroke Hall High School in St Andrew. The event featured American minister Donnie McClurkin, as well as Kevin Downswell, Carlene Davis, Goddy Goddy, Rhoda Isabella, the Pembroke Hall High School band, and Isaiah Raymond.

Nadine Blair was the master of ceremonies, alongside Sounds of Perpetual Praise.

According to Cowan, all the acts delivered exceptionally well; however, one of the highlights was Pastor Donnie’s exhortation.

“One of the highlights was the preaching of Pastor Donnie McClurkin that the gospel message must be about the pure and unconditional love of God that embodies the grace of God that leads to salvation,” he said.

Pastor Donnie, along with a team, provided 127 dental procedures, including cleaning and extractions. The doctors saw approximately 300 patients and this was supported by the Sagicor team doing additional health checks.

Fun In The Son — which started in 2002 in Ocho Rios, St Ann — is one of several gospel events he has staged with support from Jamaica Broilers Group.

Cowan said Fun in the Son will be returning to New York next year.

“Fun In The Son Bronx will be back in August 2023 with Good Neighbors Community Outreach and New Testament Church Temple in the Bronx who were present at this event giving out grocery packages to members of the community,” Cowan said.

In the meantime, he is also extending gratitude to all stakeholders for another successful staging.

“Fun In The Son and Glory Music are grateful to the community of South St Andrew for inviting us to serve you and working with us to make this Community Engagement a success. We could not have done it without the members of the community, including the Pembroke Hall High School and the South St Andrew Division of the JCF [Jamaica Constabulary Force]. We are thankful for the support of our sponsors who have helped bring this to reality,” he said.