WITH the start of the Arise Festival 2012 experiencing a minor hurdle with a power blackout on Sunday afternoon, organisers are still confident the fete will go according to plan for the rest of the week.
Arise Festival committee assistant secretary Pastor Peter Chand said the festival drew many people at the official opening.
"People are coming from as far as Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Tonga for the festival.
"So this is not only for the whole of Fiji but it is also for the South Pacific," said Pastor Chand.
"We have a lot of activities lined up for the week and we have 40 churches involved in the organisation of this festival, so we are happy to be hosting this event for the people of Fiji."
Pastor Chand urged the public to come out and catch a glimpse of the performances and seminars delivered by the various church choirs and youth groups.
"People should come to this festival, especially those who have illnesses and want to be healed by the power of God, they should come to our healing seminars.
"I was at Pastor John's healing seminar today (yesterday) and I witnessed people being healed and it is always great to see the power of God working miracles for his people."
The theme of the Festival is Building Stronger Families, Smarter Youths, Better Citizens.
Today's program: Healing seminar 9am-12.30pm at All Nations Church, Andrews Road, Nadi. Speaker - Reverend John Mellor. 9am-12.30pm, prophetic seminar, International Rescue Centre, Waiyavi, Lautoka. Speaker: Doctor Patrick Chandran. 4pm-6pm, youth rally, outside stage at Churchill Park. 6pm-10pm, night rally, Churchill Park.