Salvation Army holds Spiritual Queen pageant

In Belize we just seem to love pageants. Many schools hold them as fundraisers, to promote school spirit, or build confidence in young participants. But one Belize City church has decided that a pageant might just help its congregation explore their faith in a higher power. Patrick Jones reports.

Patrick Jones, Reporting
When the curtain opens on Saturday, six young ladies of the Salvation Army will compete to see who will be the next Miss Spiritual Queen. Outgoing monarch Natasha Pipersburgh says it is an event that has deep meaning.

Natasha Pipersburgh, Outgoing Spiritual Queen
?This pageant was put together for youths such as myself to come together with one another and fellowship with each other. They also get the opportunity to like tell of different experiences that they have had, the struggles that they go through just trying to keep their head up in this community. ?

And while they are each hoping to win the crown, four of the contestants told News Five that just being in the pageant is already a plus for them.

Doree Mitchell, Contestant
?It is something to reach out to the people, to let them be blessed, to let them know that Christianity is not boring. So it is really different. We have different segments, so it will be fun for everyone.?

Shakera Shield, Contestant
?I am taking part in this pageant because it is for the honor and glory of God. And I also want other young people and other people out there, unbelievers to know that there are many fun things you can do as a Christian. Because most people say that Christianity is boring, but I can testify to that, that Christianity is not boring. And it’s a fun thing to do and to get in a special activity to enjoy yourself as a youth, and know that you can glorify God’s name at the same time as having fun.?

Nasley Pipersburgh, Contestant
?For the spiritual experience; I feel that I need to know more about God in my life.?

Patrick Jones
?When people come on pageant night what are they going to see??

Nasley Pipersburgh
?They are going to see a lot. They are going to see people giving a testimony of their experience from God, all kinds of stuff.?

The pageant, which will be staged at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall, is divided into four main segments: sports wear, talent, evening gown, and question and answer, all centering around the theme, ?The Fruits of the Spirit.?

After months of preparation, the contestants say they are ready to put all their talents on display for the audience on Saturday night. Because while only one can win, the whole experience has brought the group closer together.

Audra Andrews, Contestant
?When they come to this pageant they will see various segments. They will see introductory, they will see show and tell; that is a segment where we share with them an experience of our life, a testimony. But at the same time we will tell it to them whilst showing it to them. They will see evening gown. They will see sports, because that is a part of spirituality as well, because our body is God’s temple of which you need to keep healthy.?

It?s a healthy competition between the youths to see who will take the title this year. The winner of the first competition says it?s more than winning fantastic prizes.

Natasha Pipersburgh
?After we have selected, this year’s Miss Spiritual Queen 2005-2006 they will be participating in some community service. They will be going around to the Sister Cecilia Home and to the children’s home; just giving back to their community.?

Pipersburgh says she is giving up the crown with no hard feelings and no regrets.

Natasha Pipersburgh
?It was fun. Honestly it was fun. I like when we went to the different areas just to help out. And I actually learned a lot and I believe I have grown a lot too. And I do hope that this year’s Miss Spiritual Queen will have as much fun as I did. I will be working along with her just to show her little pointers as to what should be done and stuff.?

So who should come to the show?

Audra Andrews
?Bring the whole family. Bring everyone. Bring your mother. Bring your father. Bring your grandmother. Bring your grandchild. Bring the baby. Bring the infant. Bring the newborn. Because you will have fun, I mean pure fun. It is only ten dollars reserved, seven dollars general admission, and only four dollars for children. So come out you guys because you will be blessed, you will have fun and you will learn.?

Patrick Jones, for News Five.

Tickets are available from the Salvation Army church office on Cemetery Road or at the Regional Headquarters on Regent Street.