21 Jan 2026, 12:47Charlene Martin
The Gathering: One Love, One Mission
In October 2025, four countries along the Caribbean Sea were struck by Hurricane Melissa, causing loss of life and widespread destruction to homes, schools, and businesses. Families were trapped or left without electricity, while severe flooding created roadblocks that prevented access to essential supplies. Around the world, communities came together to collect, pack, and send much-needed items to the affected regions. In response, the North England Conference Music Department felt compelled to support the relief efforts. From this desire to serve, The Gathering: One Love, One Mission was born.
The evening of praise was held on 27 December at the Wolverhampton Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The NEC Music Department issued a call for volunteers to contribute their time, talents, and resources, and many generously responded. Musicians travelled from across the North England Conference and down through the South England Conference - from Doncaster, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, London, Nottingham, and Huddersfield, to name just a few.
As the doors opened and the pews filled, the excitement of the guests was unmistakable.
Attendees gathered with a shared purpose: to worship and to support the cause through generous donations. Funds raised would be channelled through ADRA (the Adventist Development and Relief Agency) to assist those in need. Within 72 hours of the disaster, ADRA’s emergency response teams had been deployed, coordinating the distribution of food kits, water tanks, and hygiene supplies.
Hosts Clive Palmer and Orlene Dunkley welcomed everyone and opened the concert with Adrian Dawati and Co. The very first donation exceeded £200, and with the rest of the evening still ahead, hopes were high that a significant amount would be raised for this vital cause.
Unison was followed by Yvene, who delivered a powerful spoken-word piece reminding us to hold on to God, who gives rest even in challenging times. Byron and Favour then blessed the congregation with a brand-new original song, pointing us back to Jesus as the reason for our gathering. The Nottingham Central group, Grace - who had not sung together for over 40 years - graced the audience with two moving a cappella selections.
Keeping within the spirit of the era, The Palmer Collective followed, succeeded by another Palmer. Michonne shared her remarkable talent, reassuring us that everything will be all right.
Representing the SEC, Lois Moodie shared, “It is good to come together and give back, because that is the character of God - giving.”
As the evening began to draw to a close, Kelechi Chigbo and Chyrane Semper lifted praises through the sweet harmony of their voices. Before the final act, Dhonte and Co., Ainsley Johns, NEC Music Director, made a final appeal for donations. Contributions poured in as he reflected, “This is an amazing cause - supporting those in need, but most importantly glorifying our Father in heaven.”
Artists also painted live throughout the event, creating scenes of creation that reminded us of the beauty God spoke into existence. Local Seventh-day Adventist businesses generously donated experiences: NatJu contributed a three-day juice package, and Néads Cookups donated a three-course meal for two, with all proceeds going directly to the fund.
Throughout the evening, many were moved to tears as the lyrics resonated deeply, prompting reflection on the goodness of our Father. One attendee described the night as a celebration that made a real difference, while online viewers commented that the event was “epic” - their only regret being that they could not attend in person.
The programme closed with prayer, led by Kevin Johns, Trans-European Associate Youth Director, who encouraged everyone to be their brother’s keeper and to care for the wellbeing of others. Donations from the evening of praise will go to ADRA to continue supporting relief efforts in Jamaica.
In October 2025, four countries along the Caribbean Sea were struck by Hurricane Melissa, causing loss of life and widespread destruction to homes, schools, and businesses. Families were trapped or left without electricity, while severe flooding created roadblocks that prevented access to essential supplies. Around the world, communities came together to collect, pack, and send much-needed items to the affected regions. In response, the North England Conference Music Department felt compelled to support the relief efforts. From this desire to serve, The Gathering: One Love, One Mission was born.
The evening of praise was held on 27 December at the Wolverhampton Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The NEC Music Department issued a call for volunteers to contribute their time, talents, and resources, and many generously responded. Musicians travelled from across the North England Conference and down through the South England Conference - from Doncaster, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, London, Nottingham, and Huddersfield, to name just a few.
As the doors opened and the pews filled, the excitement of the guests was unmistakable.
Attendees gathered with a shared purpose: to worship and to support the cause through generous donations. Funds raised would be channelled through ADRA (the Adventist Development and Relief Agency) to assist those in need. Within 72 hours of the disaster, ADRA’s emergency response teams had been deployed, coordinating the distribution of food kits, water tanks, and hygiene supplies.
Hosts Clive Palmer and Orlene Dunkley welcomed everyone and opened the concert with Adrian Dawati and Co. The very first donation exceeded £200, and with the rest of the evening still ahead, hopes were high that a significant amount would be raised for this vital cause.
Unison was followed by Yvene, who delivered a powerful spoken-word piece reminding us to hold on to God, who gives rest even in challenging times. Byron and Favour then blessed the congregation with a brand-new original song, pointing us back to Jesus as the reason for our gathering. The Nottingham Central group, Grace - who had not sung together for over 40 years - graced the audience with two moving a cappella selections.
Keeping within the spirit of the era, The Palmer Collective followed, succeeded by another Palmer. Michonne shared her remarkable talent, reassuring us that everything will be all right.
Representing the SEC, Lois Moodie shared, “It is good to come together and give back, because that is the character of God - giving.”
As the evening began to draw to a close, Kelechi Chigbo and Chyrane Semper lifted praises through the sweet harmony of their voices. Before the final act, Dhonte and Co., Ainsley Johns, NEC Music Director, made a final appeal for donations. Contributions poured in as he reflected, “This is an amazing cause - supporting those in need, but most importantly glorifying our Father in heaven.”
Artists also painted live throughout the event, creating scenes of creation that reminded us of the beauty God spoke into existence. Local Seventh-day Adventist businesses generously donated experiences: NatJu contributed a three-day juice package, and Néads Cookups donated a three-course meal for two, with all proceeds going directly to the fund.
Throughout the evening, many were moved to tears as the lyrics resonated deeply, prompting reflection on the goodness of our Father. One attendee described the night as a celebration that made a real difference, while online viewers commented that the event was “epic” - their only regret being that they could not attend in person.
The programme closed with prayer, led by Kevin Johns, Trans-European Associate Youth Director, who encouraged everyone to be their brother’s keeper and to care for the wellbeing of others. Donations from the evening of praise will go to ADRA to continue supporting relief efforts in Jamaica.
