Deborah NOW Ministries Honours Success
Published:Wednesday | March 27, 2019 | 12:28 AMRocheda Bartley - Gleaner Writer
In celebration of its seventh anniversary, The Deborah NOW Ministries, recently staged its annual awards banquet.
Although the clouds darkened and it rained forcing the poolside event to transform into an indoor adventure, nothing could have stopped the progress of the evening. A throng of specially invited guests, including awardees and their supporters as well well wishers turned out to Courtleigh Hotel and Suites for the grand affair.
The tightly packed Somerset Suite, witnessed several women and a lone male, being honoured for making indelible marks in their respective fields. The Deborah NOW Ministries, is a Christian organisation that draws attention to women who boast resilience, motivational influence and steady progression.
SHEER FUN AND EXCITEMENT
Hosted by the talented Stephanie Hazel, the ceremony was off to a great start and got even better and more thrilling as it proceeded.
With the young and gifted violinist Ashley Crisp opening the proceedings with a heavenly performance, everyone knew they were in for a great show.
The organiser Susan Gordon Kinnane explained that it the ceremony is more than just a recognition of excellence, but acts as a motivation for others to follow in the selfless footsteps of the awardees.
“It was quite a deliberation for us (Deborah NOW committee members) to sit down and to look at all the persons we would recognise for 2019. They all deserve it,” she explained.
Among the awardees were Jamaican song bird, Karen Smith who also gave a stellar performance. With entertaining hits after hits, Smith had guests automatically rocking and singing along to tunes such as All For Jesus, Respect and Natural Woman.
Broadcaster Nadine Blair and digital media coordinator for STUSH Marketing, Jody-Anne Lawrence, were rewarded for their outstanding work in the media, while Reverent Jayson Downer, president and founder of Men of God Against Violence and Abuse (MoGAVA), was honoured for his complementary civic duties. Dr Chloe Morris, was surprisingly recognised for nurturing and supporting women and being an exemplary role model and mentor. She copped the Every Woman Award.
Others were awarded in the categories of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, education, partnership, trailblazer and youth ambassador.
International Christian and Empowerment Coach and motivational speaker Crystal Daye, closed the proceedings with a powerful message to the audience, charging others to strive to make a difference.
At the end of it all, the atmosphere was still filled with awe and dancing to soulful music.