Michael W. Smith Concert for Peace
 The long awaited Michael W. Smith Concert for Peace was staged at the Isa Town indoor stadium, a fine venue holding up to 4000 people. We left to be there in good time as I had been invited to lead the opening prayers, but need not have worried as it didn’t formally begin until an hour later awaiting the arrival of some participating guests. The stadium was probably about 90% full and there was an expectant atmosphere and a sense that history was being made with such a public, identifiably Christian, event supported by the Government of Bahrain. There were speeches from members of Ta’ayosh, The Bahrain Society of Tolerance and Coexistence of Religions and the Minister of State for Information and Affairs was present.  I was sitting among Bahrainis, who were clearly enjoying the event, especially the young people who wanted to be photographed with the stage in the background. The 100 strong choir did very well and it was good to see so many children involved and Michael Smith was very gracious in the way he spoke and his songs and musicwere clearly widely appreciated. |