MANY THINGS have their birth in music and a church is no less. On Brunswick Avenue in Spanish Town, there stands a tent. It is the interim shelter for Harvest Ministries, run by Pastor Edgar and Mrs. Lorna Eason. They recently returned to Jamaica after living in Dallas, Texas for many years. Their intention is to carry on the ministry they ran for six years in Texas here. Of course, the tent won't last for a very long time, so they decided to raise the money to build their church through music.

The task was bestowed upon Lorna Eason and her daughter Marie to use their musical abilities to generate the resources for the church building. Their first CD has been completed and is now in record stores. It is entitled Celestial Praise.

Project

"The Lord opened the way for us to get Grub Cooper to work on the album for us. He has been most generous and kind because if we had gone any other way it would have cost us a lot of money. Grub has given of himself to this project and we praise God for him," said Mrs. Eason.

Mr. Eason said they had a big concert on April 30, at the Police Academy in Spanish Town, where most of the island's popular gospel performers appeared free of cost and helped to make their musical dream a reality. With a growing congregation, the pastor said he was hoping that they will be able to erect their building soon.

The CD is made up of largely traditional songs, but Mrs. Eason said several original pieces are in the making. "We are still young in the professional aspect of the music, but with the Lord's strength we are learning,' she added.

Pastor Eason said he felt a great urge to come back to Jamaica and that he wants to help the entire community in Spanish Town, by establishing a skills training facility, a counselling programme as well as a feeding and clothing programme for the less fortunate. Pastor and Mrs. Eason have a combined total of 60 years in ministry and are both ordained ministers. Pastor Eason said, he is looking forward to doing great things with the church.

- Andrew Clunis

Jamaica Gleaner June 2000