Christian youth compete to be South Florida’s Best

Youth choirs, liturgical dance groups and soloists performed in competition

“I look to you,” Sharion Davis belted at the South Florida’s Best: Youth Choir, Soloist and Liturgical Dance Competition on Dec. 15. The young woman placed first in the soloist competition. Several Christian solo artists and liturgical dance groups participated in the competition which was sponsored by the City of Miami, P.U.L.S.E., WMBM Gospel AM 1490, CAC Florida and CBS Outdoor.

Audience members jumped up and praised God as New Generation Dance Group ministered. They were awarded first place in the dance competition.

The second place winners were: Sandra Cencharl, for the soloist’s category and Angel’s Expression for the dance category.

The night truly brought together the young and the old, and while young people performed, the seniors showed great support as the audience.

Senior pastors: Rev. Douglas Cook, who pastored Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church for 45 years and Rev. Gilbert Smith, who has pastored the Apostolic Revival Center for 42 years — both were awarded $5,000 for their respective churches.

Although only two acts were awarded South Florida’s Best, all of the performers were winners, Rev. James Pacley, the president of P.U.L.S.E., said in his written message.

Other competitors included: Angelica Campbell; Jamirah Gause; Little Ryan Green; Kingdom’s Ambassador, Keenan James; Boys 2 Men Mime Ministry and Dive Poetry In Motion. There were special performances by the Voices of Faith Choir, South Florida’s Best 2011 winner and the Spirit of Life Choir. Robert Townsend, well-known filmmaker, also made a special appearance.

Danesha Adams, 20, a member of the Spirit of Life choir, said that her favorite part of the event were the performances because everyone had great energy.

“It’s always good to see young people come together and do something positive,” she said.

Lawrence Campbell, 60, a deacon of the Apostolic Revival Center, said he enjoyed the entire event, including the dancing, the singing and even the dinner that was held for the seniors before the show.

“Everybody did a good job,” he said. “We should do it more often.”

Jade Lamar, 17, a member of Angel’s Expression, said she and the other members of the group diligently prepared for the event and she felt that she did her very best.

“It’s a way of showing the gift that God gave me and ministering to His people,” she said.

By Malika A. Wright
mwright@miamitimesonline.com