There was a joyous atmosphere on the Market Square in front of the Port Elizabeth City Hall this afternoon as several thousand Christians participated in an Ascension Day celebration initiated by city church leaders and hosted by PEFM 87.6 radio station.
More than 100 church leaders worked together to arrange the celebration, said Apostle Neville Goldman, one of several pastors who addressed the crowd at the event which was called to “reclaim” Ascension Day which was removed as a public holiday 25 years ago.
“Never forget, there is no Pentecost without Ascension Day. Jesus said: ‘Except I go to be with the Father I cannot send you the Holy Ghost.’
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“It is important for us to know that we will not get the job done without the Holy Spirit. We need the Spirit of the Living God. Programmes are great but it is the presence of God that will make the difference in your home, your family, your children. They must know the power of the supernatural presence of the Lord God Almighty,” he said to enthusiastic cheers at the start of a short message on why it is important to celebrate Ascension Day.
Pastor Jerome Liberty, one of the key organisers of the event, told Gateway News volunteer reporter Ndileka Aboagye that he was very blessed that so many people turned out at the first-of-its kind celebration on a working day,
“The turnout was more about a hunger for God in the city, rather than attending just another programme,” he said.
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Nelson Mandela Bay executive mayor Mongameli Bobani made a brief appearance on the podium and urged believers to keep praying for the civic leaders.
The presence of God was tangible as the multiracial crowd worshipped the Lord to rousing worship songs — mostly in English but also with snatches of Xhosa and Afrikaans.
“You have no rival, You have no equal
Now and forever, Our God reigns
Yours is the Kingdom, Yours is the glory
Yours is the Name, above all names
What a powerful Name it is
What a powerful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King” rang out on the square.
Thousands of believers linked arms and cried out to God with conviction as they were led in prayer for families, for our cities and government.
The celebration started at 3pm and ended at 4.30pm by which time the number of participants had swelled, no doubt as more and more people got away from workplaces to join in proclaiming the ascended Lord. There were loud “amens” when the assembly was assured that it was not a one-off event but the first of an annual celebration.
God is for us, not against us.
I was there and I must say it was awesome…. The Holy spirit was sooooo real… Could feel the spirit of God in our midst…. I was at a point weeping and felt God’s presence it was real…. I believe God is going to do a wonderful thing in the Nelson Mandela bay….