Beth-El church, Poughkeepsie NY.  A member sensing the "holy spirit" rising as the preacher fuels the audience.

A dance performance given by a young member of the church. The energy of the holy spirit is rising.

The services can last over four hours, first with energetic gospel songs followed by dance performances and intense preaching. As the service goes on members are being taken over by what is called the "Holy Spirit". 

A young girl showing her Sunday dress in between the service in a staircase leading to the dance rehearsal room. Beyond the weekend services, Beth-El also engages its ministry to benefit the youth of Poughkeepsie.

Dance performance by the praising dance youth ministry. 22 years old Mariah, leader of the older praising dance ministry says: “It gives me a sense of direction, trust and joy to be able to dance. When I hear the music, I feel joy and a deep sense of peace and trust in the faith of god.”

At the end of the service, by choice, followers come up in the front to receive what they call “the holy spirit“. 

Recieving  “the holy spirit“.

6 years old Emma at the weekly praise dance rehearsal, who moved from Haiti to Poughkeepsie New York with her mother after loosing everything in the earthquake. “ It is very important to have activities for children after school “ shares her aunt Murielle “especially for the poor community who can not afford paying for it. It is also a way to make sure the children stay off the street while they grow up, so they don’t fall into drugs or prostitution later on. It gives them a structure, a sense of community and values.”

6 years old Emma From Haiti with her friend rehearsing.

"I get to spent time with my friends and talk to them about my problems. It gives me trust and joy to be able to dance all together."

At the beginning and the end of each dance rehearsal a collective prayer is made in a circle. 

Downstairs in the rehearsal room, Emma and her friends preparing before performing for the Sunday service.

Emma and her friend having fun in their dancing outfit, just a few minutes before the performance for the Sunday service .

The older youth praising dance group preparing and having fun in their dancing outfit, just a few minutes before the performance for the Sunday service .

During the performance of the older praising dance group.

"The Holy spirit" spirit is rising during the performance.

"The holy spirit" rising in the audience.

Pastor Dwight A. Hunt preaching to the audience, almost going in a trance.

"The holy spirit" rising in the audience.

Many end up Loosing balance and falling on the ground after being struck by the "Holy spirit".

Receiving the power of god can be dramatic as negative energy is being released out of the body and mind. Loosing balance, some stay on the ground for over 15 minutes after receiving it.