The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

Using her talents to spread the Word of God is something Ivaneccia Smith believes she has been mandated to do as a Christian. And with her gift of spoken word poetry, she decided to host a special event that will minister to the hearts of all those who attend.

Ivaneccia, who also identifies herself as "God's Advocate", created 'A Night of Praise and Poetry' to offer Bahamians a non-traditional worship experience. It will be held tomorrow at Christ Community Church beginning at 6.30pm.

Joining her on stage will be artists like Numa of Floetry, E-Man, Earthen Veselle, Shanique Johnson, Georgette Smith, and others.

As an advocate of Christ, Ivaneccia has shared a great deal of her poetry and prophecies on her Facebook page, which is now followed by thousands of users.

"I decided to host 'A Night Of Praise and Poetry' because I was given a mandate by God to use all of my gifts to bring glory to His Kingdom.

"The Devil uses music, acting, dance and hip hop to move us away from God, so God has given me a mandate to use those gifts to help bring souls to Him," she told Tribune Religion.

This is the first event hosted by God's Advocate, but it won't be the last. Ivaneccia said she hopes to make A Night of Praise and Poetry an annual event that will feature "new and anointed" talent each year.

"People should support this because this event will be like no other. This event will be anointed, relevant and thought-provoking. We will be addressing real life issues such as sexuality, love and lust.

"If you believe in Bahamians and support Bahamian talent then this is indeed the concert you will want to support, because there will be a move of God," she said.

Above all, Ivaneccia said she wants to see people's lives transformed and restored when they leave her event.

"The main takeaway from the event is for souls to be edified and delivered. God is all powerful and He can deliver us from all sins. I am a living testimony of this truth; His grace and blood are sufficient," she said.

Tickets for the event are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. They can be purchased from the Bahamas Faith Ministries Book Store and The Bible Book Store.