"There ain't nothin' like...a Holy Ghost Paaartaaay," goes the first song of the CD, Live at Maranatha. Well, what exactly is a Holy Ghost Party? It's hard to describe unless you're there to understand the beautiful mystery of God and His anointing on this artistic group. But, I will do the best I can:
When you hear the vivacious drums, the melodious flute, the contagious guitars, the complementary keys, the groovy special effects, and the unique soulful voices and harmonies, you simply cannot help your face from lightening up, your head from nodding, your feet from tapping, your hand from beating your lap like a set of bongos, or your soul from singing-in fact, yearning-for more. Tap, tap, tap, tap go your feet as you hear Thomas Sligh sing, "I'm free to praise!!" and then you find yourself shouting, "I'm free to praise!!" Suddenly, you stand because not only is the music moving you, but so is the spirit of God as He always seems to have a wonderful way showing just how much He loves us. You clap your hands sharply and you keep the dialogue going: "I'm free to praise...I'm free to praise!!"
And then there are moments in this experience that as the tempo slows down for a while, and Thomas asks the crowd to just contemplate on the next song, a feeling overwhelms you. Arms in the air, you sway from side to side, and you then exclaim, "Victory!!" You may even find tears flowing-perhaps the song reveals a fond memory, or even a craving for something better in your life.
Perhaps you now realize that something has been missing for a long, long time. Or maybe you feel that regular renewal in your spirit that keeps you walking in the light of the Lord. Whatever the case may be, you are certainly grateful to have felt God's grace through the work of Thomas Sligh and Treasures of the Heart Ministries.
The above is just a snapshot, a glimpse if you will, of the experience that this album can represent. It tells of a very personal journey of the group's history, from painful separations to electrifying news, from a group that started out with five in August 2001 to now 24 members. It captures the love, fellowship, and a unique blending of versatile voices. It reveals the messages God put in the hearts of writers like Thomas, Dr. Brookes and Glacia; of singers like Ineda, Zohnette, Ricky, Vonetta, Jorbuay, Tobore, Sharon, Lauretha, Frank, Ashli, Lionel; of managers like Anita; of dancers like Robbyia, Karyn, Martina; of instrumentalists like Chris, Terrence, John-John, Mani, Damion, J.J., Benji, Lalaine, Jabril; and of constant supporters like Kendel, Richelann, Charity, the Washingtons, the Slighs and the Sessoms.
But, most importantly, it is full of the hope in the Lord Jesus, and of the many possible-yes, possible-things He can do and has already done. It is full of praise for the Father of all, who is over all. It is full of an assurance, a Blessed Assurance.
Yeah, there ain't nothin' like a Holy Ghost Paaaartaaay. Thank you, Treasures, for being a gift for us all to embrace.
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