Carolyn Johnson, Freelance Writer

True Worshippers in performance. - Contributed

The headline artiste was a no-show, the speaker cancelled, a choir member had a death in the family, it seemed almost everything was going wrong. Yet, despite all the disappointments, True Worshippers had a grand anniversary celebration.

Dubbed 'Overflow', True Worshipers ministry, the vision of Jody McCalla, celebrated their first anniversary on Monday night at Family Church on the Rock in a three-hour worship session.

When McCalla took the microphone, after the opening prayer, she went straight to the point. She told the audience that international minister William Murphy III could not board his flight because his passport had expired and that Bishop Vaughn Laughlin was unable to attend. These were a few of the disappointing calls she had received during the day.

Still, she was not perturbed.

"We're here for an audience of one. He allows us to plan our little things and then at the end of the day he has the last say. I am still expecting in my spirit. I'm expecting a catawampus time tonight," McCalla said.

Marathon

She also promised some surprises for the evening, thanking all the persons who had supported the journey and vision over the year. The audience then joined in with cheers of confirmation that the night must go on.

And so it did. Intent on worshipping, the choir, dressed in white started the marathon with audience in tow.

You Are God Alone, Our Father Prayer and Lord You're Holy are just a few of the songs that had the audience jumping, screaming, waving, singing and praying. The singing was interrupted only twice, for McCalla's surprise, testimonies of divine healing and provision and then for her sermonette.

A dance group comprised of members from various churches worshipped in movements as the choir sang a celebratory chant. Waving silver, green and red metallic flags the troupe marched around the room, ending their presentation at the altar.

The next surprise was Natasha Coombs, a member of William Murphy's team who had taken a separate flight. Coombs' rendition of The More I Seek and Empty Me had the audience crying out for just that. As the session ended, the choir began another victory chant as the audience left still dwelling in the overflowing they had given and received.