by Emily Bowers, Contributing Writer
WEST HARRISON COUNTY (GG) — On Saturday, July 18th, the Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church hosted its annual Friends and Family event. This year, the church organized a praise rally led by the church’s 2026 Family and Friends Committee. Held at the West Harrison Civic Center, the event brought together multiple churches, praise dance groups, and singing crews to showcase their talents.
The committee spent weeks planning, deciding which churches and groups would perform, how to decorate the center, and what to serve.
The rally began with the Master of Ceremonies capturing everyone’s attention with a scripture and prayer, followed by a warm welcome.
The first act featured Trock Jones, who performed two original gospel raps, followed by The Cherub Children’s Gospel Choir from Most Holy Trinity Church. Led by the kids themselves, their unchoreographed dances added a lively touch to their performance.
Next, Koast Kids Konnect sang two songs, one of which they recorded and released independently.
From Goodwill, the gospel group Sounds of Hi Uah took the stage, singing beloved gospel hymns, while the church’s petite praise dancers performed to “Trust in God” by Elevation Worship.
Before refreshments, five dancers from The Chosen Arts Dance Ministry took to the floor, performing to “Manifestation” by Enrique Holmes.
To close the event, performers from Elkhart, Texas’s Ascended Worship shared their talents; Goodwill’s MIME ministry mimed to “No Ordinary Worship” by Kelontae Gavin; The Smith family sang, and The Collective from Elkhart closed out with a lively dance while The Chosen Arts Dance Ministry spontaneously danced along.
The evening ended with a heartfelt closing prayer from Pastor Touissant.
This event saw an incredible turnout, with people from the Gulf Coast and Elkhart all coming together to celebrate not just Goodwill and its members, but also to foster community and shared faith.
(Photos by Emily Bowers/The Gazebo Gazette)
