GOSPEL Explosion event - April 2019 Meeting Recap

Holy Week was made even more special on April 17, when the members of Gospel Explosion Norway sang at Bethel World Outreach Church in Brentwood, TN. MCV member Carol Fidler, a pastor at Bethel, welcomed the audience, which included many MCV members, and introduced Norwegian songwriter and recording artist Solveig Leithaug, now living in Franklin. Solveig told the audience about the choir director and his vision for gospel choirs all over Norway. Solveig prayed in Norwegian before she introduced the 100 member Norwegian gospel choir, who were accompanied by two keyboards, two guitars and drums.

The choir members took personal and vacation time to join Gospel Explosion Norway & Kline L. Fossheim on a tour of the USA. Through the gift of song, they spread the joy of being a Christian in the world today. Kine sang Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee to open the show, followed by Take Me Back, sung by a native of Bergen. Most of the audience was on their feet clapping and dancing before the end of the song My World Needs You Right Now, followed by Take Me To The King and Don’t Cry, all written by Kirk Franklin. HIs lyrics proclaim," Why Do You Cry? He Has Risen! Why are you weeping? He's not dead." The concert was one of hope and peace for all nations.

Kaffee and a variety kakes, some frosted to look like the Norwegian flag, were served after the performance in the newly renovated Bethel Fellowship Hall. The audience and choir members exchanged stories and took photos together and talked like old friends.

The highlight of the kaffe was a spontaneous a cappella rendition of a Norwegian table prayer with many verses sung in Norwegian by the choir. It was a moving experience to be surrounded by the choir members as they sang with joy and love. The evening of gospel praise singing left the audience with a feeling of happiness and joy, and with many words of encouragement, comfort, love and hope.

Go to www.bethelworld.org, click on Media, then click on b Bethel special media where you will see a photo of the choir. Click on watch.

The following is the direct link to the concert. http://www.bethelworld.org/media/special-media/gospel-explosion-norway