When the eighth edition of the annual Love & Harmony Cruise sets sail from April 1-6 next year, ministers Carlene Davis and Marion Hall will bring the word of the Lord to the proceedings.
A special gospel concert at sea will bring an added spiritual and celebratory dimension to the staging of the series which traditionally is a cornerstone for lovers of Caribbean music and culture.
Affectionately known as Harmonizers, guests will sail for six days and five nights aboard a luxurious cruise ship departing from Miami, Florida, with stops in Nassau, Bahamas, and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
According to the organisers, patrons can expect non-stop entertainment, themed parties, comedy, domino tournaments, and unforgettable live performances from a line-up that never disappoints.
In an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Thursday, Davis shared what she is looking forward to most at the event.
“Amazingly, I recorded the song Love and Harmony in 1982 [second place winner in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission [JCDC] Festival Song Competition] and I am now going on a cruise titled Love & Harmony in such a time where I’m more conscious that true love and harmony come through the acceptance of Jesus Christ. Therefore, I am looking forward to the coming together of our people at the Love & Harmony Cruise,” said Davis.
She shared that her performance will be focused on taking a message to the people on the cruise.
“The message [is] love, hope, and purpose in spite of who you are. There is joy in serving and knowing Christ, to know Christ and let him be known,” said Davis, who added she believes that the message of the Lord is reaching the ears of the people. “Yes, the message of Jesus Christ is. Doing this cruise is a testament to that. It shows that there is a revival going on, and our prayers are being answered and bringing the gospel to this cruise is embracing the message and blessings of our creator.”
Asked what more can be done to win souls for the Lord, Davis said: “I have been praying and continue to pray and believe for more opportunities to spread the gospel and remind people that ‘Jesus loves you.’ I have had a long history with Beres Hammond; back in the day we did a lot of work together, Beres did backing vocals on several of my studio recordings. Today he is a leading, highly respected ambassador for our music, culture, and country; and when he invited me to bring the gospel to his event Love & Harmony Cruise I embrace [the belief] and hope that I will make a significant impact. We are going to have a joyful experience, a great time to fellowship, dance, sing, and praise the Lord for there is joy in serving the Lord.”
Minister Marion Hall, for her part, said that she is looking forward to winning souls for the kingdom of the Lord.
“I’m looking to win souls for the kingdom, I’m looking to baptise people right there on spot in the name of Jesus, while taking a message to the people that’s titled ‘The Time is Now’. Seek ye the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and everything else will be added on to you,” said Hall.
She concurs with Davis that the message is reaching the ears of the intended audience.
“Yes, I believe the message is reaching the people, but not as we would hope for. A lot of people call themselves pastors but they are not appointed by God. All we can do is sow the seeds and pray that it takes root and people start bearing fruit,” said Minister Hall.
