Story and photos by contributor Ricky Ricardo
What Shall We Do Ministries presented the 2nd Annual Spirit of Thanksgiving Gospel Experience on Saturday, Nov. 16th, at Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles. What Shall We Do Ministries, led by Minister Lionel Peters and Joy Peters, is a non-profit “Faith Based Organization” serving the community through outreach events and concerts.
The spirit of the Lord had engulfed the small intimate Grand Park Performance Lawn, (Olive Court-between Grand and Hill Street) when I arrived on site. It was a picture-perfect beautiful day in Southern California for this celebration of songs and worship.
Dr. Antwon Martin, Assistant Pastor at Greater Bethel Cathedral Church, served as Master of Ceremony. The show opened with the talented Lakeisha Solomon. I arrived just as De Ante Duckett & The Justified Crew rocked the stage with songs of praise and worship.
Several special invited guests were present to give thanks and praise and invited members of the crowd to alter call and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Sister Jeanette Bentley, followed by Dani B. JAIA, gave powerful testimonials that resonated with the crowd. David D. Price, Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti, Southwest Los Angeles Area Representative, and Minister of Youth at First A.M.E. Church brought greetings from the Office of the Mayor. Chell and Alicia Benn, Platinum Stitches, Inc, were in the house to show their support of the event. Their amazing handiwork is the huge banner that you see in most of the attached photos.
Apostle Henry B. Alexander is presiding prelate and founder of Shield of Faith Fellowship of Churches International, Inc. He delivered an encouraging and inspiring message before the captivated crowd.
The program continued with a thrilling performance by Vocalist April May, followed by multi-instrumentalist Jason Brown, on vocals, saxophone and guitar.
Minister Lionel Peters, Founder and President of What Shall We Do Ministries, delivered a powerful, uplifting and inspiring sermon. The live entertainment continued with a set of roof raising gospel tunes superbly performed by Jyon Gray and a grand finale performance by VaShawn Mitchell.
The crowd listened to Gospel tunes that address their spiritual needs. Several food vendors were on site to take care of the crowd’s nutritional needs as well. Mike’s Fatboy served up delicious burgers and chicken sliders, Wings-Waffles and Beignets Box were also on site. We’re Blessed Catering, owned and operated by Lois Threats and her business partner Kimberlee Smith, served up some mouthwatering New Orleans style cooking. They served BBQ dinners with all of the fixings (sides), gumbo, and Po’ Boy sandwiches. Klassic Desserts served cakes, cookies, and more. The holidays are coming up, and that could only mean – OFFICE PARTIES! The above-mentioned food vendors are available to cater your upcoming events.
There were several merchant vendors on site with some amazing items for sale, Paparazzi Jewelry, Gotcha Hooked, Sunglasses and Accessories, The Fashionista, and authors Tina Maddox and KamaSpeaks. Again, think of them in terms of the upcoming holidays and other special occasions.
The mission of What Shall We Do Ministries is to create local and national outdoor events to reach people and direct them to places of fellowship in their communities. For more information visit spiritofthanksgiving.com
Grand Park provides Angelenos of all walks of life a place where they can come together to celebrate, reflect, and shape the future in one central gathering place. The small intimate Grand Performance Lawn is a relaxing and serene place to come together in a welcoming and distinctly urban oasis.
TheFumeofsighs.com 