Monday, November 02, 2009

And the psalmist said:

What better way to achieve that than with the exuberant voices of Café of the Gate of Salvation raised in beautiful St. Matthews Church in the heart of multi-cultural Manly on Saturday 17 October. This award-winning, a capella gospel choir of Sydney musicians joined with Manly-Manado to support the work of Compassion and Bridge of Hope. Playing before a packed house of over 300 people, the event successfully raised awareness, funds about $5,000 and the roof!!

There were cheers, tears and goose-bumps as ‘Café’ sang and people clapped along, proving an irresistible lure to the youngest children who just wanted to get on stage and sing along.

Local singer/songwriter Ed Worland with Jake Farriss, set a perfect opening with a bracket of 3 original songs. The Rev. Graham Perry, as MC, welcomed Manly Mayor Jean Hay who spoke of the wonderful community inter-action to help those in need. In between 2 sets by Café, a hushed and attentive audience listened as Vikki Howorth spoke of Compassion’s Child Survival Program and Will Wrathall gave a moving description of the work of Bridge of Hope on the Sumompo Rubbish Dump.

With the sanctuary hung with Sandy Chockman’s ‘story-boards, the tables of hand-crafted Manadonese jewellery, Stu Harris’s exquisite photo-book ‘Love in Action’ on display and the faces of Indonesian children throughout the hall, another ripple of knowledge and awareness was added to those already spreading through our community from such events.  It was a joyous and moving afternoon in Manly – a big thank you to all who worked to make this such a success. Well done!