Wednesday, May 17 2006

The Benny Hinn Miracle Crusade is on, in spite of objections from the Hindu-based Maha Sabha.

And event co-ordinator pastor Kris Maharaj is predicting a 30,000 strong turnout for the crusade’s opening at 4 pm on Friday.

Workmen were given the task of building a stage and placing chairs to accommodate the anticipated crowds of Christians at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. The Grand Stand, which is yet to be torn down to make way for a multi-million dollar Carnival complex, is also expected to be filled each night from Friday to Sunday, said Maharaj.

“In this country a lot of people are hurting and it is not about material things but spiritually, emotionally and physically. The Gospel has the answer,” said Maharaj.

He added that the crusade, billed as the Holy Spirit Miracle Services with Pastor Benny Hinn, is open to everyone, regardless of their religion and race.

“Because they all have the same needs as well as the same problems. The crusade is for the whole country. We are preaching Jesus. He is for the world.”

Prime Minister Patrick Manning has been invited to the services.

The Maha Sabha opposed Hinn’s return to Trinidad after he described the country as land of voodoo. Maha Sabha secretary general Sat Maharaj had written to Manning and security authorities asking that Hinn be denied entry to the country. It has also published advertisements about international reports that cast doubts on Hinn’s claim that he was a healer.

Manning has steered clear of the controversy and the Inter-Religious Organisation said it could not reach a consensus although some members were concerned about Hinn’s messages. Hinn is expected to arrive in Trinidad on Friday in time for the opening later in the day amid tight security.