Father Ho Lung celebrates 40 years of service to the poor with ‘Isaiah’

Isaiah, the latest production from Father Richard Ho Lung and Friends, is written and mirrored from the biblical prophet, widely regarded as one of the greatest of the Bible. His name means YHWH (The Lord) is salvation, and, as Isaiah visioned and prophesied signs and wonders during his time, Ho Lung and Friends envision a better society, for generations to come, and most important for us today.

Father Ho Lung, head of the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP), said the production tells the story of King Uzziah who ascended to the throne of Judah at age 16. He reigned for 52 years, and still believed in the traditional values of the people of Israel. King Uzziah is the opposite of King Ahaz who ascended the throne of Judah at age 20, and is portrayed as the evil King.

“The characters depict the conflict between the old and new generation. The older generation wants peace, while the younger generation wants to be in control, and become powerful through ill-gotten gains. In the plot, the young generation are Ba’al worshippers, and King Ahaz makes a contract with ‘Sennaccharib’, with the promise that if they can conquer nations together, they can become the greatest,” Father Ho Lung said.

Another main character Ana Whim, a beggar represents the poor of the nation, and it is depicted in the production how he is treated. “A nation he said is usually judged by its humanity and according to the way it treats its own people,” Father Ho Lung said.

Isaiah, he said speaks out including warnings to Israel and Judah both for Isaiah’s age and for us today. The production describes many social, moral and religious sins that are similar to the sins that the modern descendants of Israel and Judah are presently committing.

“The dualism of the historical setting as a prophecy for the end of the age is also apparent, which says, “The LORD shall set His hand again the second time”, to bring them back from captivity. The warnings to Israel and Judah of their national sins continue while God gives them encouragement that He will eventually redeem His people,” Father Ho Lung said.

The production has been in rehearsal for over three months, and is the first reggae opera in which the entire set is in song. Despite the complexity of the characters, Father Ho Lung said the production brings hope for a better way in which humanity should be treated.

The religious order known as MOP was founded by Father Richard Ho Lung, a Catholic priest, in 1981, in Kingston, Jamaica. The work of MOP is supported by donations from generous benefactors and ordinary folk who subscribe to the Christian message of charity.

For 50 years, Father Richard Ho Lung and his music ministry, Father Holung and Friends, have been synonymous with helping the less-fortunate in various parts of the world through MOP. Through the concerts and dramatic productions, the Music Ministry spreads the Christian message and helps raise donations to support the work with the poor and destitute.

It comprises a group of local singers, musicians, dancers, actors and team of theatre technicians who volunteer their services and put on performances in Jamaica, the Caribbean, the United States and elsewhere internationally.

Missions are located in Jamaica, Kenya, Uganda, India, Haiti, The Philippines, the United States of America, and East Timor.

All proceeds from the play go towards the poor and destitute.

Isaiah will open on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at the National Arena, with shows at 10 a.m. for students. It is scheduled to run for one weekend only.