The Brianna Fund for Children with Physical Disabilities presented their 12th annual Gospel concert on Saturday, January 16th at the beautiful Evangelical Covenant Christian Church in Springfield. This free fundraising event showcased schools, churches, and individuals, who volunteered their gifts and talents by “wowing” the community once again! By the end of the evening $10,000 in donations was received! On behalf of the children of Haiti, $3,000 will be donated to the Shiners Hospital to assist those injured from the earthquake. This year’s community recipient was William Dowell, who will receive monetary assistance, as well as    other disabled children whose families have applied for help.

       The warm connection of hosts Kelly & Melissa Jones was evident from the start. The opening prayer by Denise Ridley was very powerful. The evening was filled with music, singing, dancing, and spoken word. “Breaking Down Barriers in the Spirit: Unity in the Community – Part II” was the theme. The evening speaker, Rev. Dr. Velva Burley-Flowers asked a very important question: Do you really care? She shared that sometimes people don’t always need a hand out, but maybe a hand-up or just a helping hand. Do we really care about our community, our region, or even the world? It has been said that people don’t know you care until you show them how much you care.

       Crystal Senter Brown started off the night with an inspirational poem about letting your light shine, emphasizing community power and unity. She asked the audience to raise their fists as if to fight for it. Crystal left me wanting to hear more. The Daughters of Praise and Iglesia Apostolica Renovacion Creative Arts Ministry danced to “Holy Visitation” with mime and flags that really set the tone for the evening. The St. John’s Fellowship & Praise Choir dressed very colorfully and sang just as vibrantly, performing two selections with an especially excellent rendition of “My Help.”

       Four singers from Revival Time Worship Ministries Choir sang so loud and beautifully “I Have No Other Choice,” that if you closed your eyes you would have thought you heard a mass choir. The T. Robinson Chorale was a group of singers led by an organist, who sang original songs that I apologetically do not have the titles of. They sounded great, but I was unable to clearly hear the enunciation of words of one of the soloists.

       Shooting Star Dance Center gave a professional and moving performance to Mariah Carey’s “Hero” that brought the audience to their feet. The evening ended with Recording Artist Jackie Powell, who along with her singers almost sang the roof off with many songs, including “It Shall Come to Pass.” Unfortunately the time grew lengthy and people began to leave, but not before Pastor JP Morgan Jr. was called to sing the song “Go” with her. Words cannot describe his incredible voice. In fact, Pastor Morgan was asked to conduct the appeal for contributions from the audience, which he sang through – and very well I might add!  

       What I took home with me that night was that we all matter. We can be a help to our fellow man both near and far, by uniting and breaking down barriers.  n