On St. Croix, A Worship Experience Never To Be Forgotten

The people of the Virgin Islands have seen a lot. We are not nomads who wander earth’s dry terrain, unsure of where to go next. In fact, we are located on some of the best real estate the world has to offer. Our sandy beaches attract tourists from unknown corners of Mother Earth. Our culture, rich with history, spellbinds curious travelers who spend whatever it takes to indulge in the unadulterated pleasures of our Islands.

And when it comes to entertainment, we’ve seen some of the top names in the business flock to our shores. “King of Pop”, Michael Jackson stopped by once and wanted to invest; R&B crooner, Brian McKnight has serenaded many a Virgin Islander at the Reichhold Center for the Arts; and gospel singing sensations, Mary Mary has blessed the people on St. Croix and St. Thomas. Plus, let’s not begin to mention the long list of Caribbean artists who have visited these United States Virgin Islands.

Worship In Paradise

But on Friday night, at a church in Beeston Hill, the glory of God fell heavy on St. Croix as local artists lifted their voices the best way they knew how–sending praises into the atmosphere that ricocheted through every corner and crevice of the island. Dancers tapped their feet and raised their hands, expressing gratitude to God with out-of-this-world passion. And the people who came to worship followed suit, moving in tandem with every chord that was hit, every drum that was struck and every note sung.

Now, would you believe the experience was only just beginning? The featured guest artist hadn’t even made his way to the stage and God had already placed His stamp of approval on the event.

At around 10:05 p.m., William McDowell, a world-renowned Gospel recording artist, with hits such as “I Give Myself Away,” “Withholding Nothing,” “My Heart Sings,” “I Won’t Go Back,” “Wrap Me In Your Arms” and many more worship-inducing songs, took to the stage along with his consummate band and birthed an encounter never before experienced in the Virgin Islands. (Images courtesy Media One Productions VI).

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It was unique in every category imaginable. There was a certain sound coming from McDowell and his band that pushed attendees toward God. You felt like getting closer to your Creator. From everywhere across the expansive room, hands were raised as a sign of surrender; eyes were teary as a mark of gratitude; and mouths were open with words of praise that reverberated throughout the building. And, although it could not be seen physically, hearts were undoubtedly opened to God as a declaration of submission.

Harrella Goodwin Ministering At Worship in Paradise

It was that sound, though. An inexplicable moment in time where, to the latter portion of the worship experience, McDowell, who is also a pastor, called for those to meet him at the altar who were ready to dive into the “new thing” he said God was doing with this generation. “I understand that this is not for everybody,” he announced, adding that it was for those who wanted to experience more and become world-changers.

I made my way to the altar without hesitation and immediately fell to my knees. It was my moment with God; a significant encounter. I expected to have a great time of worship on Friday, September 5 at Miracle Revival Deliverance Tabernacle, located at 22a Beeston Hill, but I had no anticipation of what would actually take place. And it’s an experience I will never forget.