17th August 2012, St. John’s Antigua- The ever-popular Jesus Party will be back this year with its seventh instalment scheduled to take place on Friday August 24 at the Paradise Lawn at 7pm. This year’s edition will be staged under the theme “The Overflow” a follow up to the last year’s “The Take Over.”
Producer of the event, Mario “DJ Bless” Conner of Kingdom Soundz Ministries, explains that 2012 on the Christian calendar is the year of abundance and that has inspired the theme.
“It is dubbed ‘overflow’ from what God has in store, knowing that it is going to be an out pouring of his spirit,” he said. “We’re in abundance, we’re showing up. Knowing God is going to do something great.”
This year local acts will include Sounds of the Levities (SOL), Variety Dance Ministries, Kulture D, Kirklan McKay, Christ Family, Tina Walter, Chain Breakers and Dance Ministries.
Regional acts will include Jerwin Lake out of Anguilla, Positive out of Trinidad, Prodigal Son from Jamaica, and Psalmist from Barbados. Conner also promises that a special guest artist will perform.
Being a DJ and seeing how much music has impacted our nation in terms of influencing so many lives, Conner said his motivation for producing the event was “put something else out there.” He bemoaned the fact that secular things are so much more accessible to young Antiguans and Barbduans.
“There are so many distractions around. Music talks about guns, violence, sex. Everything is out there except God,” he said. “We tend to say the gospel is censored while everything else is exposed.”
Conner said that some people have come to Jesus Party for a good time but being inspired end up giving their life to Christ. He also addressed the issue that some people may be uncomfortable with the idea of mingling ‘Jesus’ and ‘partying’ but defends his event by saying he is bringing God to the people.
“God created music and what makes music right or wrong is the message behind the music.”
Jesus Party began in 2006 at the YMCA with an attendance of about 1,100 people. It has since grown to nearly 3000 attendees at the last year’s event, which also took place at Paradise Lawn. Conner expects this year to be even better.
“It’s been an upward mobility, growing from strength to strength,” he said. He added that the purpose is not about making money but rather spreading the message of Christianity.
“What we put into this goes back into ministry. We give away tickets to the Boys Training School and the (Sunshine Home for Girls).”
Interested person can get tickets from Flo’s Perfumery, Will City, Cool & Smooth, Map Shop, and any member of Kingdom Soundz. Ticket prices are $25 or one can pay $30 at the gate.
