at the City Hall Theatre tonight.

The celebrations begin with "New Sounds For Christ'' in concert tonight at 7.30 p.m. and conclude on Sunday with an evangelistic rally.

Major Woody Hale, Divisional Commander, said the term Explosion 2000 was adopted to emphasise the necessity for an explosion of prayer, passion and power.

It will be the first visit to Bermuda for Canadian Commissioner Bill and Gwen Luttrell, the territorial commander of the Salvation Army.

Also visiting the island for the explosion will be Dr. Jerry Burgess from Whitley City in Kentucky.

He is a medical doctor half the time and the rest is dedicated to Christianity and evangelism teachings.

Mr. Burgess has had international acclaim as an entertainer and has appeared on international and American television many times.

Major Hale said Dr. Burgess's unique gift is to use various illusions which he presents powerfully to teach biblical truths.

Also coming from Harlem Temple in New York City is a group called "New Sounds For Christ,'' who will be featured at a special concert at City Hall theatre at 7.30 p.m. tonight.

The group is led by Ken Burton and has travelled to many countries and produced several compact discs.

Friday Night will be the official launching Rally of Explosion 2000 , taking place at the Hamilton Citadel on North Street.

The town crier and the Bermuda Divisional Band will be on hand to welcome the territorial commanders and guests.

Following this is one of the most exciting events of the rally according to Major Hale.

He said: "The Corporation of Hamilton has given approval to block North Street from 7 p.m. to midnight to hold a block party with a laser light show and many musical groups from around the island are taking part.'' The event is open to the public and Major Hale encouraged youth from all over the Island to come along as there will be lots of freebies and it should be very interesting.

Family Day is on Saturday and was organised largely by Major Hale's wife Sharon.

The theme for family day being held at Whitney Institute is: "God's Ark of Protection.'' An Ark will be built at the school and guests will come out of the Ark onto the stage, and will include a drama troupe of Timbrellists.

A special March called "Rise and Shine'' has been written for the Bermuda Divisional Band by Bermudian Kevin Hayward.

Kids will have the opportunity to have their face painted and a family dinner will be held later in the evening.

On Sunday, there will be a morning worship at 10 a.m. and an afternoon worship at 4 p.m.

In both events the New Sounds For Christ as well as a variety of other Bermudian musicians will take part including "The Seekers.'' On Saturday, there will be a registration fee of $20 for adults and $15 for children which covers the cost of dinner.

Major Hale said: "my hopes as divisional commander of Bermuda would be that there would be a revival of interest and commitment amongst Salvationists throughout Bermuda.'' For more information about "Explosion 2000'', contact Divisional Headquarters at 292-0601.