The saints of God were rockin’ the house as the Holiness Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ 2nd Annual Midnight Musical went into full effect over the Memorial Day weekend, May 26.
“Let the high praise, begin!” rang the chorus of voices as the Holiness Tabernacle Worship Ensemble opened up the night with a season of praise and worship. Coming off the heels of a 40 day Pilgrimage to Pentecost, which included corporate prayer and fasting, the Ensemble was ready to magnify the Lord and usher in a spirit of joyous praise.
Midnight Musical Chairman, Minister André Powell, served as the emcee for the evening. He opened the night with prayer and introduced the guest artists.
First to hit the stage was Elijah Schoolfield, aka “Wizey,” of Fredericksburg, Virginia who shared his very life-altering testimony through gospel rap.
“God is just so real!” Wizey exclaimed as he recounted how the Lord delivered him from drug, alcohol and pornography addiction, three life-threatening encounters in the emergency room and recovery from an STI. Not only could one feel the sincerity of his testimony, but his lyrical prose and honest words were punctuated by heads nodding, feet tapping and an occasional “Yes!” from the audience.
Next up was a musical trio made up of keyboardist, Howard King; bass player, Aaron; and drummer, Brandon Robinson, all from the Northern Virginia area. As they opened up with a familiar tune, “Thank you Lord, for all you’ve done for me,” the congregation literally rose to its feet, pulled out their cell phones and began recording. In true 21st century-appreciation, many wanted to capture these young men’s God-given talent.
After a brief intermission, allowing guests and visitors to worship God through their offertory giving, Minister Powell returned to the stage to introduce the next musical group.
“This next guy is like a little brother to me,” he began as he welcomed Elder Darius Moore and Moore Muzik of Charlotte, North Carolina to the stage.
“Are you’ll ready to bless the name of the Lord!?!” exclaimed Elder Moore, inviting the audience to stand up on their feet and give God some praise. His bandmates – which included a keyboardist, two guitar players and a drummer –brought a God-anointed sound that literally electrified the sanctuary. After going through a full set of music, Elder Moore ended the night with a somewhat familiar tune.
“I’m saying goodbye, goodbye to the old me, old me!” he declared over the microphone in a song about saying goodbye to our past sins, defeats and struggles.
“Nah, nah, nah, nah… hey, hey, hey… goodbye!” came the familiar chant from the crowd as they waved goodbye.
Continuing in that same spirit of total praise and surrender, the final act of the evening – a talented group of young people from the Great Northern District of the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia – sang to the glory of the Lord.
“I’m chasing after You, no matter what I have to do,” their voices echoed with sincerity. “I need You, more and more!” With hands raised, the congregation again leapt to its feet to join in magnifying God.
The service ended in the early morning hours with an invitation for people to come to the altar for prayer. The Holiness Tabernacle Worship Ensemble sang the now familiar tune, “Break Every Chain,” in the background, inviting the Creator of the universe to free His people from every chain of bondage.
By all accounts, the musical was a smashing success! As the Lord continues to bless this newest avenue for ministry, all signs indicate the Holiness Tabernacle Midnight Musical will be an ever-growing, community outlet for Spirit-led praise and worship.