The Minister of Internal Affairs Hon. Andrew Solomon Napuat has made cash donation of VT 322,950 to the Zion Fest Committee to support organisers with this year’s Zion fest event.
In an official handover ceremony held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs on Thursday this week, Minister Napuat says notable positive impacts have been seen and felt since the religious family and youth oriented musical event is organised as a separate event from the annual Fest Napuan music festival. At such a time when People are becoming negligent to religious affairs He says “It is encouraging to see such a spiritually uplifting program with clear positive messages through gospel music and prayer and worship. Past participants have positively commented on the impact of the event with the involvement of young musicians who have turned up to participate in stage performances and have also encouraged people to having a relationship with God which would in turn result in a generation of God-fearing Ni-Vans ".
The donation was delivered in response to a Zion Fest committee request for cash donations from various donors to support Zion Fest 2019. Whilst handing over the donation, Minister Napuat says " this year the Ministry of Internal affairs have stepped up its efforts in service delivery in all sectors its managing, and is running under financial constraints, however as ministry responsible for Religious Affairs we are keen and excited to support this very important gospel themed event with much emphasis on character development for young people through gospel music worship prayer and encouragements.”
In receiving the donation, the Chairman of the Zion Fest committee Mr Nigel Quai said the contribution is significant, he said “It is rare to find leaders who look beyond challenges and continuously provide much needed support to religious affairs in this nation.” He said request for donations have been made to some prominent leaders in Port Vila but the committee have not received response to date.
Zion Fest 2019 will be held at the Freshwota Field in Port Vila, from the 10th to the 14th of May and organisers are calling on churches, youth groups’ families and the community at large to participate.