Restoration of Hope Gospel Fest set for July 11

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

LAPLACE — Bishop Antoine Jasmine is calling on all choirs, singers, praise teams, liturgical dance groups, mimes and talented artists to participate in an inspiring community event.

A Restoration of Hope Gospel Fest will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 11 on the grounds of the Choice Multi-purpose Complex, located at 1005 Cambridge Drive in LaPlace.

Inspired by the renowned Gospel Tent at Jazz Fest, the Restoration of Hope Gospel Fest promises food, fun and fellowship. Admission is free for all, and food can be purchased from vendors during the event.

A production stage will be set up outside for a full day of positive words and entertainment. Jasmine predicts even those driving by will feel called to park their vehicles and listen. He said the faith-based community has been at the heart of St. John the Baptist Parish during major events ranging from elections to hurricane response and everything in between.

“Considering we are coming out of COVID, we wanted to be the first to bring hope back. We want to be a bit more proactive about gathering our community,” Jasmine said. “It will be a family affair, and we’ll have items for kids. We want to ignite it through faith and our belief in God, no matter the denomination. We are asking other churches to participate by bringing their choirs, praise teams and dance ministries. We’re looking for pastors and government officials to speak and inspire.”

New Foundation for Life Full Gospel Baptist Church will be participating, along with at least eight groups from the New Orleans area. Local political figures including Bill Hubbard, Parish President Jaclyn Hotard, Sheriff Mike Tregre and Judge Nghana Lewis have extended their support.

Local artists and dance schools are invited to join, even if their performances are not religious in nature. Any performance with a positive message is welcomed.

The Restoration of Hope Gospel Fest is part of a Choice International Ministries weekend event known as The Hope Project.

The weekend begins Friday evening at 8 p.m. with a Hair & Fashion Show at 516 E. Airline Highway in LaPlace. This event will feature local hair stylists as well as Jasmine’s fashion line that was birthed from his travels to Africa. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

On Saturday, July 10, an Africa comes to America Grand Gala: “Return of the Kings and Queens” event will be held at 1005 Cambridge Drive in LaPlace. According to Jasmine, this is another event centered on hope that also pays tribute to culture and family legacy. The gala will honor Jasmine’s parents, Edward Jasmine Sr. and Diane Jasmine. He invites community members to submit pictures of their loved ones who have passed on so they may be honored during the event. African attire is required, even if it is just a tie. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Food and drinks are included in the price of Saturday’s gala.
Jasmine said Sunday’s Restoration of Hope Gospel Fest is an event for everybody in the community.

“I believe a church or a non-profit should be involved outside of the four walls,” Jasmine said. “Once a spirit is changed, there’s no limit. We are planting seeds within the soul that say, ‘I can change,’ ‘I can do better,’ ‘I can be better.’

Through this event, Choice International Ministries strives to address another epidemic in the community – gun violence.

We want to offset crime in the community and let them know you don’t have to resolve to shootings, crimes and devaluing life,” Jasmine said. “The key to saving the community is having a relationship with the community.”

For more information, call 985-651-7844 or email nationprays@gmail.com.