Accra, April 07, GNA - 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 and left the venue feeling that the performances of the artistes should not have ended but continued.

In a five-hour rendition of soul inspiring worship and praise music by the evergreen Harvest Gospel Choir and other seasoned guest artistes, the 93Harvest Praise 2007" did not only live 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 93The Gospel Music Ministry-The Crucifixion of Christ" the fiesta was carried live on some local Frequency Modulation (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 91lit' the auditorium with music in different modes al l 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 93this 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 93he keeps faith with his people."

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Frank Asante, Chairman of the Planning Committee, said the 2007 fiesta was well organized than the past.

He said a remarkable success 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 to invite some foreign gospel artistes to add 91flavour' to the local artistes.

Mr Bethel Donkor, an Elder In-Charge of Harvest Gospel Choir, said the programme had succeeded to put across, the loving message of God and hope to the afflicted in society through music.

Mr Yaw Antwi-Dadzie, Harvest Gospel Choir Director and an acclaimed Charismatic Weeping Worship Leader said despite the challenges in the past, the programme had progressed because of the Lord's faithfulness.

07 April 07