The Tribune

LOVE, unity and spirituality are expected to be on full display in Nassau this November at the first “It’s Better in the Bahamas Gospel Fest”.

The festival, a collaborative effort between Ministry of Tourism, Coca-Cola and the First Baptist Church of Glenarden from Maryland, is set for November 16 – 19 at the Meliá Nassau Beach Hotel.

Hosted by Cheryl Jackson of Praise 104.1 FM, Gospel Fest is an event designed to awaken spiritual awareness while bringing the audience closer to the ministry with stimulating conversations, showcases, and activities.

Dwight Armbrister, Director of Religious Tourism, said he believes this event is a step in the right direction of developing religious tourism in the Bahamas. “It’s another initiative by the Religious Tourism department in our efforts to attract heads in beds and certainly affecting the bottom line from an economic standpoint where revenue comes to our country,” he said. “We are following the mandate of the Ministry of Tourism which is to help create jobs and get revenue in the country.”

Eager to share their love for Jesus and God’s people, the First Baptist Church of Glenarden is not only bringing hundreds of its members from Maryland, but also gospel singers, performing artists and preachers.

The festival will also feature a panel discussion for single and married people and an electrifying gospel concert with a special performance by Stellar Award-winning artist VaShawn Mitchell. Some of the special guests are John Jenkins, pastor of First Baptist Church of Glenarden, and acclaimed American gospel musicians Isaac Carree and Stephen Hurd.

It is estimated that 400 to 500 visitors will travel to the Bahamas to attend the festival. Bahamians are also invited to attend. The public can register at http://bahamasgospelfest.com/#registration.

This event is one of the many religious tourism events slated for the remainder of the year. Other events include: “Spiritual Warfare”, September 29 – October 3 at Golden Gates Assembly; “Family Fest”, October 21 – 23 at Arawak Cay, and “Faith Fest”, October 27 – 29 on Grand Bahama.

For more information on the “It’s Better In The Bahamas Gospel Fest”, visit http://bahamasgospelfest