Thousands of gospel music fans who thronged the National theatre to participate in the Ninth Annual Gospel Music Splash of Harvest International Ministries on Good Friday had more than they could bite. They left the venue feeling that the performances of the artistes should not have ended. In a five-hour rendition of soul inspiring worship and praise music by the evergreen Harvest Gospel Choir and other seasoned guest artistes, the “Harvest Praise 2007” did not only live up to its billing as the greatest gospel music fiesta in the country, but ended providing inspiration and hope to all to share in the glory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Organized on the theme “The Gospel Music Ministry-The Crucifixion of Christ” the fiesta was carried live on some local FM radio stations in Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi. The beginning of what was to be an eventful night started when Tim Wright, a foreign gospel artiste took the stage by storm and stunned the audience with perfect renditions of worship music in Ga and Twi. This was followed by other artistes including Moses OK, Phillipa Baafi, Ike Nanor, Divine Harmony, Age2Age, Harvest Theatre and the Monarch's Praise from Living Streams Ministries International ‘lit’ the auditorium with music in different modes all in the praise and adoration of the redemptive work of Christ. In a message, Reverend Fitzgerald Odonkor, President of Harvest International Ministries, told the audience to have hope in the risen Christ to live fulfilled lives. He said it was important that people were optimistic for a better future even in the face of various challenges. Rev. Odonkor said Christ’s resurrection should remind all and sundry that the victory at Calvary was both incontrovertible and irreversible. “Jesus Christ rose with a mighty triumph over sin, death, hell and what is more he rose never to die again,” he emphasized and added that “this should be a source of inspiration and hope that, because the redeemer lives there is always a better tomorrow.” Rev. Odonkor said the total victory of Christ on the cross was also a challenge for Christians to consistently live within the victory in the world, flesh and the devil. On Ghana, Rev. Odonkor said the country could reap economic, social, political and spiritual revival as citizens continued to lift up the name of Jesus Christ with the full knowledge that “he keeps faith with his people.” In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Frank Asante, Chairman of the Planning Committee, said a remarkable success of the 2007 fiesta was the participation of the media and support from the business community that had been absent in the past. Mr Asante said planning and preparations would begin immediately for next year’s event to commemorate its 10th anniversary. He said efforts would be made in the future to invite some foreign gospel artistes to add ‘flavour’ to the local artistes. Source: GNA