PASTOR SIMEON OUTTEN, of New Life Community Church, announced on Wednesday plans to hold a free Gospel Concert on Sunday at the Independence Park to aid three local charitable ministries on Grand Bahama. From left are Bishop Washington Williams, of New Canaan Baptist Church; Pastor Outten; Jecholiah Braynen, Strategic Partnerships at Aliv; and Dudley Seide, of Reach Out Youth Organization.
By DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
PASTOR Simeon Outten has announced plans to hold a free gospel concert on Sunday at the Independence Park in aid of three local charitable ministries on Grand Bahama.
Under the theme, “A Celebration of Gospel Music”, the event starts at 6pm and will feature some of the finest in the genre, including the Cooling Waters, Jay Mitchell, Bishop Lawrence Rolle, the Rahming Brothers, Wilfred Solomon and Simeon Outten and the Freedom Band, among others.
In an effort to raise food donations, Mr Outten said that persons attending the concert are asked to bring one food item or a canned good.
He stated that donations will be made to Rev Rudy Roberts Ministry, Bishop Washington Williams Ministry, and to the Reach Out Youth Organization.
He said that Aliv and the Ministry for Grand Bahama are also assisting to make this event happen.
“We are asking the public to come out and support by bringing a food item. It is going to go a long way in helping to fill food pantries that assist the needy in our community,” Pastor Outten said.
“The need is great, and while Grand Bahama is transitioning and things are getting better, at the same time there are so many that can use a bag of groceries.
“And so, we are making this appeal for people to be a part of this initiative; you can stop by and drop off a canned good. It will go a long way in touching some hearts.”
Dudley Seide, of Reach Out Youth Organization, commended Pastor Outten for spearheading such an event.
He said it is still difficult on the island and many will benefit from the donation.
“I want to say a special thank you to Pastor Simeon for this vision and bringing some legends together... to help others. I thank him for choosing my organisation, which has been feeding over 20,000 families since Dorian and the pandemic,” he said.
Mr Seide added: “Our pantry is low and so I am asking the wider community to support the concert, and we are asking churches in Grand Bahama on Sunday to ask their members to bring canned goods to the church and then bring it to the park.”
Jecholiah Braynen, of Aliv, said the company is pleased to be part of the event.
“At Aliv, we are happy to be partnering with Simeon Outten. We believe in the community and in initiatives that are going to uplift the community,” she said.
Rev Washington Williams, pastor of New Canaan Baptist Church, will not only be a recipient of the donation collected, but he will also be performing at the concert.
“I have been singing for the past 50 years and all for charity. So, any time there is something to help build the community that is my life I believe God has called me for,” he said, adding that he has been the leader of the Cooling Waters for the past 58 years.
The event will be streamed live on social media.
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