OWENSBORO, Ky. - God’s people gathered together for Gospel Explosion "2002" at Blessed Sacrament Chapel, located at 602 Sycamore Street here, on Sunday February 24, 2002, at three PM. Although the gathering was small, Jesus tells us in Matthew 17:20 that "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (NAB)

Jesus’ presence was certainly felt from the beginning to the end of the program, as D. J. Pounds from Sanders Temple in Henderson, Ky., sang God’s praises with a rhythmic beat that closely resembled the blues. The Sweeney Street Baptist Church Choir also participated in the Gospel program, adding to the meaningful praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. Black Gospel music has long been instrumental in bringing the black community together in the midst of their suffering from social injustice and oppression.

At the beginning of the program, D.J. Pounds and Makia Black lit a black, red and green candle. The black candle is the symbol of black, the red candle represents the blood shed of the community’s black ancestors and the struggle they still face. The green candle represents the symbol of hope for a better tomorrow. As the black candle was lit, Gloria Adams, Pastoral Associate, read from (Ephesians 4:3) " Make every effort to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force.