The Community Times Dispatch

Divine Moves, Minister Mack Washington Jr., along with Vernon Kemp of Walk Right Ministries, sponsored a spiritual Christian musical ensemble at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, who the Rev. Joseph Williams, Jr., is the pastor. Preston Thompson, Jr. a/k/a “Sir Viva” was the MC for the evening.

There were about ten different youths musical groups, musicians, soloists, and band came out to express there sincere dedication for Christ. They came from surrounding areas such as Jonesville, Beaufort, Savannah, and North Carolina. The groups exhibit their purpose, which was to deliver the true meaning of Jesus through the eyes of the youth. The message was very clearly synonymous, “The Love of Jesus”.

The youth participants were very diverse and came from various walks of life to show off their collage of Christian music. I watched many youths standing and singing praises as each participant demonstrated a different elements of music, such as gospel rap, Christian rock, urban gospel and praise and worship just to mention a few.

The hiatus of the evening was the overflowing of the youths worshiping together and sharing their life testimonies. Youths throughout the sanctuary showed their emotions and excitement through their resounding praise and tears.

Minister Washington, a minister at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, stated he felt the need to become a vehicle for the youths and bring the ministries to them through music. His desire is the reached the youths and teach them that there is a non-violent way that can take them from the street into places where they can host their talent to worship our Lord. When asked, what do you want the youths to take from this event? Min. Washington stated “the demonstration of the various forms of Christian music will let them know that they can have fun even in a Christian setting.”

I interviewed a few of the participants and asked them if they would give some encouraging words to the youths. “Vessel of Honor”, Beaufort, SC, Marie Hamilton, stated, “we’re not just a band, but a “ministry” that teach youths of this generation. “We can’t expect them to come to Church, but for us to bring the Church to them”, said Marie.

Walk Right Ministries (Beaufort, SC) was founded by Preston Thompson, Jr. (Sir Viva) in April of 2007. Its ministry mission is to take music and use it as a platform to take God’s gospel to the masses of youths and adults, said Sir Viva. “We stand firm in the assurance of God and that God will triumph over evil, thus we base and root every move we make on his promise.” Sir Viva concluded saying, “look out enemy because were coming armed with the spirit and taking back everything we gave to him in ignorance.”

According to AVOW (A Voice of Worship) out of Savannah, GA, when asked what was his purpose? He implied, “Don’t ever forget who your maker is and the purpose for your creation,” “God is the author and finisher if our faith, through all the pain, the trials the test you can make it. Christ is the answer He is the only way, the truth and the life. Above all remember, he has drawn us with his love and blood, you are healed and can be set free”.

In conclusion, I spoke with a youth, Crystal Richards, out in the audience. When asked what did you get from the program? Her response was I really like it, said Crystal. “I could be my self and you don’t have to change, just simply worship God and come as you are,” stated Crystal.

Special thanks to all the groups and band, Vessel of Honor, Sir-Viva, Anointed Voices of Praise, AVOW, Big Law, Bountiful Word Ministries, WildChild, AW, Result and Min. Mack Washington.

Josie F-Anderson