A visiting gospel vocalist and ordained minister promised that God would "show up and show off'' at a weekend conference.

Vernon Chapel, from Bakersfield, California, will be the guest minister of music for the Women of Excellence Conference.

Rev. Chapel, who has four gospel tapes to his credit in addition to his 20 years of ministering, will also be the Praise and Worship Leader for this weekend's conference underway at the Sonesta Hotel.

He said he has put together a team of local singers to "create a presence where God can come in and do his thing''.

"If we create a platform He'll come in and rule,'' he added.

And he said participants could expect the unexpected since there was no set musical programme for the conference.

"In Praise and Worship we try to be led by the spirit,'' Rev. Chapel said.

"We don't go in with a set programme. We rehearse several hymns and what ever feels right at the time, we'll sing it. We will be lead by the spirit. The Holy Ghost will lead us.'' Rev. Chapel said he hoped Bermudians would make his second visit to the Island memorable by turning up for the event.

"I'd like to encourage the people of Bermuda to make an effort to come because I believe there's going to be a moving of God,'' he said. "I feel that God is going to show up in a mighty, mighty way. He's going to show up and show off.'' Roxanne Haynes, an organiser for the three-day conference which commenced yesterday, said people could join in convention part way.

"We have limited space of about 300,'' said Mrs. Haynes. "They will have to get to Sonesta early.

"If someone wants to come and can't afford it, we'll accommodate them,'' she added.

And she said the conference was open to both men and women since a special session would be held for men.

THE UNEXPECTED -- Rev. Vernon Chapel warns participants of a weekend conference to expect the unexpected.