On the afternoon of August 13th, there were three performances of cantata by Gracias Choir. About 1,800 seats of Accra ICC were all occupied by VIPs from Ghana and participants of IYF World Camp. On VIP seats, about 20 VIPs including Cephas Mensah, a vice advisor of a president, Hon. Samuel Ablakwa, a minister of ministry of information, and ambassadors from Germany and Bulgaria visited to watch the cantata.
The cantata consisted of four chapters described the birth of Jesus and joy from His birth.
Especially, when the choir was singing ‘Halleluiah’ among the four chapters, there was people from VIP seats who were appreciating the performance standing. It was surprising to see an old tradition of standing applause when Handel first played this song in Ghana.
After all the performances were done, there was a special message by Pastor Ock Soo Park. The pastor said that a son who met despair while crossing the desert was able to embrace hope from his father, and likewise, not only we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but we also have to receive righteousness of Jesus, who took care of our sins through faith.
“It was so beautiful and I was very happy during the whole performance. I had an opportunity to experience good performances because of Gracias choir. I really thank members of Gracias choir, and I wish I can attend the performance again next time.”
(Vivian Asare, Paul 2)
We hope Jesus, who was born in dark and filthy manger, will visit people who are in pain because of sins in their hearts. So, they can experience true meaning of Christmas in their hearts.
After evening performance was done, there was a reception attended by VIPs and Pastor Ock Soo Park. Pastor Park had light refreshments with VIPs and presented his book, “Notes on Genesis,” to each of VIPs. They said they were all fascinated by Gracias choir’s performance and are willing to help IYF.
