Marigot: --- Several hundreds of people living on the island turned out to be part of the first ever gospel concert held by the Women's After God's Own Heart Association. Canadian based Jamaican Gerry Thompson was the guest artist who entertained the crowd. Thompson did not mingle with words when he told the huge gathering that there needs to be more fathers and mothers in the homes to nurture and love their children. He said barrel babies does not farewell in this world, one of the reason he turned to drugs, and gun violence, being a pimp and participated in prostitution. Thompson related his own life story which obviously moved the crowd. He said if God could save him from what he was to what he is today then he can also save St. Martin's youths who are in distress and longing for love and affection. Thompson said grandparents today are left with the burden of raising their grandchildren and even though these grandparents are doing their very best it is simply not enough. "Even though the grannies took care of their own children they are often time burdened with grandchildren, something which should not happen". Thompson also made it clear that any man, woman or child that is hired by God cannot be fired by mankind, and that no arms formed against god's elect cannot prosper.
Singing and dancing to his own composed music Thompson managed to involve the crowd in his singing. There were tears running down several cheeks as Thompson related how he grew up in Jamaica and what he was faced with when he migrated to Canada. He said once while he was in prison he called his birth mother to bail him but she refused and wished if the Canadian government had shipped him back to Jamaica. However, God stepped in just in time and cause him to put down his guns while on his way to kill a man. He said since then he has been in contact with several inmates all over the world with one sole intention which is to give those persons some hope and encouragement. He made it clear he cannot save people instead that is the work of God.
Prior to Thompson arrival Pastor Webb from the island of St. Kitts also had the crowd on the feet as he also sang his own songs. One of those songs was "Only when things go wrong the Pastor is called and It's too late when the Hearse takes you to church."
Giving the opening address was leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams who said the time has come to take back our youths. Also addressing the gathering with a few words of encouragement was President of the Collectivity of St. Martin Frantz Gumbs.
During his three day visit Thompson held a family clinic at Caribpro office on Saturday morning while the visited the inmates at the Pointe Blanche house of detention Sunday morning.
At last night's concert he said there are many young and good looking men in prison who simply needs some love and affection. Thompson advised the parents and other relatives who may have love ones in prison not to give up on these people because god can touch and change their lives. He said one of the things those inmates need is love which is costly. Thompson said the inmates that he saw during his visit all wanted something from God because they all participated in the session giving their full attention. "What the police and the churches here cannot do I managed to do which is to keep all the inmates quite for a short period as they communicate with God. Thompson also promised to stay in touch with the prisoners by phone hoping he would be able to inspire them to do the right thing.
Gerry Thompson is scheduled to leave St. Martin today and has promised to return in the near future.
