By SEETA PERSAD Friday, March 30 2007

THE DEEPLY religious and spiritual singer Rev Peter Regis will head a team of gospel singers for a Judah Promotions fund-raising event this weekend.

The show takes place at Lion Cultural Centre, Fitzblackman Drive, Woodbrook, tomorrow at 5pm. All proceeds from the event will be used to provide food, shelter and clothing for street children in Port-of-Spain. Other gospel singers to perform at the event are Michele Modeste, Pastor Gumbs, Samuel Dyer, Christine Balbosa and the Chris Academy for Dance.

According to Allison Joseph, managing director of Judah Promotions and Catering Services (JPCS), the organisation is a Christ-centred business company based at 71 Long Circular Road, St James. It was established as a youth ministry to assist street children and young adults from broken homes.

“Through the two years we have been in existence, the JPCS has been able to provide counselling, as well as accommodation and basic needs of the many teenagers and other children who were found wandering on the streets of Port-of-Spain and surroundings,” Allison said. They have also been able to employ a number of youths who have skills in baking and cooking.

Allison emphasised that because of the increasing number of street children, she has since dedicated all of her time and effort toward bringing relief to those who have lost their way in life.

“There is a home in God’s world for all of his children and we must see that all of them are allowed to grow up in a proper home where they will learn how to pray and how to become good individuals,” Allison said.

After opening her catering business, Allison decided to give back to society annually through fund raising concerts. She has hope of opening a transition home for street children and is working with the Divine Outreach Ministries to achieve that objective.

The board of directors includes Allison Joseph (managing director); Pastor Daniel Parks (deputy chairman); Ancil Joseph (accountant); Pastor Mark St John (chairman /accountant); Rhadica Boyce; (secretary).Tessa Moses, Allysha Joseph and Jeanette Samuel are event co-ordinators.

Allison said each member of the board is equipped in some area or the other to assist these children. Some members are pursuing degrees in social work and psychology.

This is being done to ensure that qualified persons are on board to guide the children emotionally and professionally.