Residents of Claridge Road, Pinedale, Pineridge and surrounding neighborhoods were in praise mode Wednesday, March 1st as local gospel artists Prophet Lawrence Rolle and Sister Rachel Mackey bellowed favorite gospel songs as the Urban Renewal Commission 2.0 Programme continued its Uplifting Community Services in the Marathon Constituency.

“Keep on the Firing Line”, “God is Real”, “When Peace Like a River” and “Victory Today is Mine” were just some of the tunes that the young and the old along, with staff of the Urban Renewal Commission, clapped hands, danced, stomped their feet and shook their legs to as they celebrated life.

Urban Renewal Co-Chairperson Algernon Allen outlined some of the successes of the programme throughout the years. He praised the work of the Urban Renewal Commission pointing out that they work “hard” to bring compassion to residents.

Thanks to the Urban Renewal Commission, over 1000 homes have been repaired, the Urban Renewal Band has grown from 20 members to some 600, and hundreds of books and related material and clothing have been donated to the needy in New Providence and the Family Islands.

“We’re lifting, holding, loving and celebrating life,” said Mr. Allen.

The Uplifting Services are intended to provide encouragement and a means of comfort to residents after the impact of Hurricane Matthew in October 2016.

Pastor Basil Johnson, Assistant Pastor, Living Waters Ministries and Pastor Denzle Hutchinson of the Good Will Church of God in Peardale shared their testimonies.

Pastor Johnson, a former gangster, encouraged those in attendance to give Jesus an opportunity.

Pastor Hutchinson said in the midst of the crime and other prevailing issues, there are still some “good” young men around who are making a difference.

He told the mothers present to use the power of prayer that God has provided for them.

“Let’s take back our community. Let’s fight for our sons and daughters,” he said.

The Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald, Minister of Education, Science and Technology; the Hon. Cynthia Pratt, Co-Chairperson, Urban Renewal Commission; Joycelyn Simms, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary; Patricia Francis, First Assistant Secretary and Greg Butler, Deputy Director participated in the event.

The Urban Renewal Commission Praise Team and the Urban Renewal Band also provided entertainment for the event.

Care packages of grocery items were distributed to the residents following the service.

By Kathryn Campbell

Bahamas Information Services