Susannah wins 'Hope Academy'
Our very own Susannah Manning from St Mary's Ballybeen is the winner of the UK-wide Under-18 Final of Hope Academy. In London on Saturday 10th May, Susannah, a lower sixth student at Strathearn, competed against the six other regional finalists, wowing judges and audience alike with her own arrangement of Reuben Morgan's ‘Still'.
As winner, Susannah will now be an ambassador for Open Doors, which will include a visit in July to meet persecuted Christians supported by Open Doors in Egypt. She will also have recording opportunites and support as well as guidance on how to develop as an artist from Christian music promoters NGM, and also the chance to perform as part of an Open Doors/Saltmine Tour later in the year.
Open Doors, a Christian charity which serves the Persecuted Church worldwide teamed up with the Saltmine Trust, to enable Hope Academy to happen.
"Hope Academy is a spectacular opportunity to identify a new generation of Christian artist, who use their gifts to the Glory of God. More importantly, we want to provide them with an opportunity to connect with people who have no voice, whose stories have never been told, and who need our support. This fusion of the creative arts and compassion will, we believe, raise the profile of the Persecuted Church which has never been so necessary."
Eddie Lyle, CEO Open Doors UK and Ireland
"Hope Academy aims to release talent for the Kingdom of God, communicate hope for the global Church, present the gospel of hope for the future and inspire young people that God has a plan for their lives through Christ."
Phil Collins, CEO Saltmine Trust
Well done Susannah. Down & Dromore is proud of you!!
Text by Revd Mark Harvey and photograph supplied by Open Doors.