“We Love Jesus…And We’ll Shout A Little Louder!”
By Renee McIndoe
Passion and Purity Co-Ed Conference 2023 was an experience!
The day began at 9 a.m. with prayer and high praise. Pre-registrants moved through the line swiftly, receiving their conference folders and fans as they entered. The morning’s emcees took the stage and called attendees into a high-energy, quick-moving programme that was nothing short of fantastic. After their introduction, the opening dance “This is a Move” paved the way for the host principal’s address shared by Mr. Mark Smith, principal of the Munro College.
THEY FLOCKED THE ALTAR
Have you ever seen young people flock to an altar in response to the Call of the LORD? This was the scene by the end of the next two dynamic speakers, Misters Sean Graham and Ronaldo Rust. Principal Graham of the Maggotty High School sprang into a much-loved chant: “We love Jesus, couldn’t be prouder – if you wanna hear us, we’ll shout a little louder,” and of course, the whole auditorium responded!
When parents and teachers departed for their respective forums, the youth remained at rapt attention, getting what they came for. Mr. Rust, of the Students Christian Fellowship and Scripture Union (SCFSCU), spoke powerfully into the lives of the youngsters and released the rhema Word of God over many. At the altar call, Passion and Purity Founders and Presidents, Andrew and Donnette Norman, sealed the Word of challenge, encouragement, and blessing over the youth, pulling them into a moment with the LORD, just ahead of the lunch break.
Selfie frames up; love and good vibes permeated the day. It was a beautiful mingling and spontaneous collaboration of schools, colleges, and other organisations as people navigated the lunch hour, reuniting and making new acquaintances.
FASHION SHOW WITH A TWIST
Upon re-convening, afternoon praise, led by the Passion and Purity Praisers, took us higher; while the Passion and Purity Dancers had tambourines knocking and bodies rocking all the way into the anticipated Fashion Show, which, this year, took on an edifying twist.
Not only did the models step out in their best casual, Passion and Purity, and formal looks, but they also spoke from the heart regarding God’s perspective on various fashion-related issues. Props to Designer and Co-Coordinator Tah-Shawn Riley of ‘For Your Glory Designs’ (please see page 28 in this edition for more on Tah-Shawn Riley).
QUICKER-VIEW FEATURE
Six representatives, spanning Passion and Purity youth, ministers of the Gospel, and business professionals from various spheres, took to the stage in the ‘Quicker-View’ feature, sharing their views on current hot topics such as” Purpose, Sexuality, Serving Jesus while Young, and How do I find my Passion?
Visiting schools such as Merl Grove and the Port Antonio High School graced the conference with beautifully rendered selections.
FIVE-HUNDRED STRONG
A second altar call was made by the Normans on the heels of ministry by the day’s final speaker, Mr. Duane Taylor. Young men were called out, and several responded affirmatively to the challenge to stand up as God-men in their generation—to give themselves over to the LORD for His service in whatever sphere.
The day would not be complete without the long-anticipated concert, which did not disappoint! Ministers Arianna Whyte, Chavel Stewart, and Munro-old boy David Sutton had the auditorium worshipping, dancing, and jumping within moments, all the way into the end of the conference.
It was indeed a ‘conferring-with’ the LORD of the over 500 youths in attendance.
A special thanks must go to the hardworking Passion and Purity team!
Together with our kind sponsors, including TBC Radio, Love 101, Gospel JA, GT-Sounds, Vision TV, Spathodia Gifts, Ecopower Jamaica, Mattcorp Power Solutions Ltd., Airports Authority of Jamaica, Kountry Delite, and Freedom Come Rain newspaper, this event was a success!
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Contact passionandpurityja@gmail.com, Tel. No. (876) 350-7976, or their website at www.passionandpurity.com.