A new type of call to worship - Concert among weeklong activities to launch church

Kingdom Empowerment and Deliverance Ministries International (KEDMI) is preparing to officially open its doors at 30 Dunrobin Avenue this Sunday. The 100-member church, which has been operating for two months, is headed by Pastor Jermaine Laing.

"In such a short time our non-denominational church has attracted a wide audience and is still growing," Laing told The Gleaner.

Laing has shared the Gospel for many years before answering the call to become a pastor. Now, after six years in the Church he has decided to expand his ministry by establishing the church. Though non-denominational, he explains that KEDMI follows a Pentecostal direction of worship that focuses on life transformation through one's faith in God.

"We are not fanatical, but add sort of a two-fold purpose guided by a belief in God. Everyone is welcome. Come as you are," he continued.

The opening will take place over a week-long period which will feature presentations on the church's philosophy, as well as healing and deliverance, according to the pastor.

Laing said KEDMI promises to offer people a different kind of "church experience". Anyone that visits the church will be likely to hear reggae music or contemporary music, "once it carries a positive message" for praise and worship.

Persons are invited to kick-start the events at the Church on the Moon Grand Gospel concert on Friday, January 12.

"I believe in science which is ironic for a pastor, but to negate it would not be reasonable. For example, a man journeying to the moon for that to happen proves that there is a Sublime Being, which is how the concert name came about," he said.

The pastor and existing members of the church are hoping the events will raise awareness of its existence and provide stimulation to interested persons seeking spiritual guidance. It features performances by Sterling Gospel Music Award winner for Female Artiste of the Year, Kimola Brown-Lowe, and gospel reggae artistes Jai Kingston and Rian Davis, with a special performance by an international award winning gospel artistes, among other up-and-coming talents.