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Gospel hip-hop artist The Ambassador has issued the following official statement in response to his widely publicized “moral failures,” last year, which led to a rather lengthy sabbatical.
Read it here:
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Dear Friends and Supporters:
First I want to thank everyone for your understanding, mercy and grace while my family and I worked on rebuilding our marriage and reconciliation. From the very beginning, I have wanted to communicate with you. However following the advice of the church leadership, and others to whom I entrusted my restoration, I remained silent.
Back in late April 2009, the Lord exposed me and consequently delivered me from being entangled in a season of willful disobedience, deception and darkness. I was involved in a non-sexual but very inappropriate relationship with a woman other than my wife, thereby betraying my Lord, my wife, family, Epiphany Fellowship (the church I love and was instrumental in founding) my co-laborers and ministry supporters like you.
It has often been suggested that no genuine Christian can willfully sin habitually for a prolonged period (1 John 3:6). And that those who do sin cannot do so without some sense of great conviction and internal disturbance. My life is a personal witness to this statement, as I for several months battled great depression, gradual and graphic spiritual deterioration. However, it indeed was God’s mercy that exposed me, breaking sin’s enslaving grip on me. It was also His mercy which used that to lead me to experience what David did when Nathan revealed that the “gig was up” and said, “You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7).
Like David, I instantly knew that, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13). I was crushed by an enormous weight of guilt, shame, fear and sorrow, and I knew that the journey back to “ground zero” would be insanely difficult. Even to this day, I wrestle with that shame from time to time, but I also know there is one place I can turn—the gospel! I have to continually contradict my feelings and believe the rest of 2 Samuel 12:13, “The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.”
After nearly a year of retreat, rehabilitation and intense family focus, God’s grace has me reset on a trajectory toward spiritual wholeness. Like Paul the great apostle I admit, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect…” “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14). God’s grace is teaching me that I am not supposed to attempt to “work” my way back to some supposed level of super-spirituality and then come out feeling “qualified.” But I am to recognize that I am never “sufficient in myself,” but “our sufficiency is from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5). As someone once said “He doesn’t call the qualified, but rather qualifies the called.” I am deeply comforted by this gospel truth and equally dependant on its reality. Without this comforting and affirming word, I might never have come back to the service of our Lord.
So I say now, what I believed then—I sinned greatly against the Lord Jesus, my wife and family, the other woman and her family, my church, and all my ministry co-laborers and supporters. I ask you to forgive me for being a prime example of the spiritual leaders I have often “put on blast” in the past, and further reinforcing the notion that the church is full of hypocrites. Forgive me for how my actions have caused many to be confused and insecure about the faith, and brought disruption to the peace of homes, churches, and ministries. May God give you the grace and the ability to forgive me, “as I have received the Lord’s forgiveness” (Colossians 3:13). By God’s grace, many that I have offended have forgiven me, most notably, my wife and kids. Pray that the Lord will continue to permit us to build on this foundation that will give the Lord Jesus Christ the greatest glory.
This has been an extremely painful time and now I accept the fact that although God’s grace is based on the merit of Christ and not my own performance, favor with man (Luke 2:52) must be gained through consistency over time. All I ask is for the opportunity to get started!
I have spent the past ten months in concentrated prayer, counseling, reading, studying, and fellowshipping with saints, and I am committed to diligently continuing on this course. Unfortunately, the sin has taken a toll and has created some unpleasant consequences. Among many, the one that particularly grieves me is the separation from my church. With regard to the Epiphany Fellowship, I will not be permitted by the leadership to continue in covenant fellowship. This decision brings me much grief. However I trust the Lord Jesus Christ to heal my heart and that of my family and the covenant community.
After all this I have so much more tenderness toward the “fallen,” and an appreciation for the glory of a gospel that is so easily preached but not as easily applied. Lord permitting, I plan to proclaim the gospel with even greater passion than ever before and herald its liberating truth wherever the Lord will allow. The plan is also to musically represent the Lord Jesus so that the “fall of Ambassador” will not end with a period, but rather, with a comma. As you may or may not know Cross Movement the group had retired but as a soloist I was planning to continue as long as the Lord Jesus would provide grace. The release of my third solo album THE CHOP CHOP actually fulfilled my contractual obligation with Cross Movement Records, so now as The Ambassador I’m trusting the Lord for new direction and for what lies ahead.
My experiences during this time of seclusion and obscurity have indeed been very challenging. And, I’m still not clear on all the things that the Lord has been doing. But I plan to leverage every lesson learned and every insight gleaned for the glory of God and the benefit of others.
Since the very beginning, I have been under the care of a restoration team led by Pastors Byron Craig of Macedonia Baptist Church (Norristown, PA) and Zach Ritvalski of Sweet Union Baptist Church (Philadelphia, PA). They have given me the “green light” to move forward in serving the Lord Jesus Christ publically. My wife has also given her blessings and support to this decision. Therefore The UpLift! Group and I are actively seeking God’s direction for new opportunities to honor the name of Jesus Christ.
The nature of my call to be an aroma of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15), a minister of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18), and his ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20), compels me to reengage my generation and “proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you (me) out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). This experience has taught me many things but one that will always stand out and I hope to become the embodiment of is God’s grace and mercy is more than sufficient.
William “The Ambassador” Branch
www.theambassadoronline.com
www.myspace.com/upliftagency
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Done and done. Let’s continue to pray for him, cool?
Whatd’ya think???
This is ministry at its finest! It's a raw example of the Christian lifestyle. This happens daily, but kudos to The Ambassador for showing other Christians and non-Christians that this life is a serious walk! Blessings to him and his family.
Cool, I will continue to pray for the brother. There is nothing more to say.
So..... His home church epiphany fellowship disowned him??
Be Blessed man !
If he has repented, how could his church not accept him in the fellowship? Isn't the Body called to restore? We just send our fallen out to the world and hope they make it? What happen to restoration with all meekness and humility? Smh
He never owed anybody an explanation or an apology except for his family and God. At one point or another, we all will be the hypocrite in one form or another. Thank God even when we deliberately sin, we're still able to get back in right standing and still be called righteous! Ambassador, live your life and I wish you the best.
@mylum I sooo agree with you. I am praying for The Ambassador. May the Lord richly bless him.
This was amazing, I am glad that he asked God for forgiveness because he that is without sin let him cast the first stone, cause ai`nt nobody perfect but the man sitting on the throne! I pray that he would seek counseling and learn from his mistakes. This is a warning to all christians, we must keep God first and not sin because if we sow into the flesh we would reap destruction. Let us not get all holier than thou because we all make mistakes, even the best fall down sometimes. We are all striving to be like Jesus, I am glad that he was upfront about his sins,that is more than I can say about some people. The bible says if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves but if we confess our sins, he is faithful and unjust to forgive our sins and clean us from all unrighteous.
Wow. His church basically kicked him out. Unfortunately, the church often times kills the wounded instead of restoring them. It's sad how the very ones you expect to stick out a hand to help you up is the very one that pushes you back to the ground! My prayers go out to The Ambassador and his family that God would continue to restore him so that he can be a witness to others that we serve a God of ANOTHER chance (and we've all needed ANOTHER chance from time to time!) God is faithful! Thank God for ANOTHER chance!
" I will not be permitted by the leadership to continue in covenant fellowship." that is so disappointing to hear. i was once notified of the "termination" of my membership from a previous church via certified mail. i don't think i could ever experience that kind of pain again...and survive. honestly, i'm not familiar with his ministry at all but i will be praying.
I was so touched by this...
how humbling... i love his ministry and praying that God would open a door for him and continue to use him.. His life is a lesson for me. About God's restoration and how its about God's grace and mercy and not bout me working to gain His favor. I am praying for you and your family.
Do those in the public light, operating in the capacity of ministry and helping to lead others toward Christ have a greater responsibility to the community of believers? I ask because someone stated above that he didn't owe any one but those involved an apology or explanation...I don't know...The weight of the office of ministry seems to warrant some forthrightness, no? Anyway, I applaud his honesty...I pray that he continues on this path of restoration. And I could only hope that some of his brethren in the gospel were as honest and [seemingly] sincere as he...
I'm truly happy for Ambassador and his family and what God is doing. Just agreeing with some of the others as to why the church would not let him back if he's repented. Nevertheless, I look forward to the future of his ministry.
@ROR Nope, still no explanation, because the "press release" that started this whole mess wasn't necessary in the first place. All that took place could have happened "in house" and nobody really would have known. He committed the sin against God and put his family at risk. As long as those two are ok, the rest of us really have no say or place in the matter, except to lift him up in prayer.
EPIPHANY DID NOT KICK HIM OUT OR DISOWN HIM. He was under church discipline while still being a part of the church. This is the biblical standard by which a lot of churches could learn from instead of just sweeping mess under the rug as if nothing happened. The bible is an amazing book!
I pray continued blessing upon him and your family. It takes alot of Godly strength, courage and maturity to step up to the plate like that. @R over R: I totally understand where you're coming from on all levels...the sad thing about it is there are 'many' that will not and have not done this. Maybe it is because some don't think they owe anyone an explanation to anyone but their families and God which to a degree I understand, but, when in you're in ministry or in the public eye, there is a level of accountability that one has to those that has been assigned to them. I applaud our brother! Let's continue to embrace him and lift his family up in prayer!
@mylum: "He committed the sin against God and put his family at risk" it's not that i don't hear ya, but....his (or anyone else's) ministry and those who have a vested interest in that ministry were at risk, too...IMO. i didn't view his explanation as an open door for "us" to have a "say" (to a degree). i think he recognized that he has supporters, believers in his ministry, friends, etc and in some ways felt he owed (<--- that's not really the word i'm looking for, but the best i could think of right now) it to others to offer his side with no speculation on rumors. hey, we all will not agree with how the public was told and what was "owed" or not...at the end of the day he did what he felt was right. and that's more than what some others would do.
@R over R: Agree 100%!!
I am moved by this and I hope that others will follow in his footsteps. I agree with those who believe that to whom much is given, much is required...this statement was necessary to jump start his ministry...cause it certainly ministered to me. Any good songwriter is usually a passionate, sincere, and honest person...especially in gospel music. We write what we witness, study, and experience. Not addressing this situation would have limited what God could say through him. Boundaries have a tendency to dry up the pens of songwriters. Songwriters cannot survive like that. Trust me, this statement was about more than being accountable to the public...
@v4c: Well said. I did't think about it like that!
@ Tami - I'm telling you what I know. We are critical of, convicted, and tormented so much by our own choices it's not funny (people have, do, and will continue to find ways to ignore this though...but that's why gospel music is where it is today). We feel responsible for the integrity of the message God is saying through us. And as one who also performs his writings, I'm sure he dealt with this more than other songwriters. So, I'm not surprised by his statement and his openness. When you open yourself to listen or be ministered to by a trusted source, the impact is so much greater. Imagine how many lives can now be changed because they don't assume or question but know where he's been and how he's been restored, rewarded, and redeemed!? Hallelujah...
its none of our business what this man does between the walls of his home, dont judge all we can do is pray!
Once admitted and repented of (Ambassador) in GOD's eyes, it was 4gotten... (removed as far as east is from west). I understand that we must simply "reap what we've sown" but if GOD has 4given and 4gotten, I'm heartbroken that ur church hasn't. Restoration is the issue that breaks my heart that we must master because hasn't JESUS exhibited the exact same to us all? Mercy received will be proportionate to mercy given. "They" in a split second, could easily become "me." "We" have a responsibility to "restore those gently" (scripture warns) considering ourselves lest it be us in need of the same restoration. Be encouraged sir and look at it this way: if the fall makes you a more empathetic minister of hope to those that will endure (or are currently immersed within sin but just haven't been caught) the same pitfalls, praise GOD for using the fall to teach u humility and a servant's heart as u now minister. I didn't learn compassion as a guns ablazin' minister... until I needed it. On any given day, we think, watch, feel, go, or do things that qualify us 4 hell sans the blood of JESUS applied to our souls. Let us pray that Christ's love be evident in how we deal w/ another. We all have issues that we'd be ducking and running for cover in embarrassment if GOD decided to put "our" mess on the big screen of life that public Christians must deal with. That's keepin' it real but we allow this hypocritical spirit to engulf the church as if GOD doesn't know the recesses of our mind. One more word of encouragement to us all: If David and Bathsheba blew it in a major way... both experiencing the consequences of adultery, shame, deceit, illegitimate pregnancy, murder, etc., the preacher (Nathan) let them both know that GOD wasn't holding a grudge of unforgiveness or restoration toward them (as your church has chosen 2 do so). We say I forgive but don't 4get... well that's not 4giveness because GOD forgets. Nathan informs them that "the child had to die" but GOD sanctioned the two "to lay" together again and GOD blessed David and Bathsheba (once married) with a child that GOD loved so much... HE called him "beloved." GOD blessed David and Bathsheba (in pregnancy) to produce the richest and wisest man to ever walk this planet... AFTER the mistake. Never has been one or never will be one as wise and rich as the new blessing for David and Bathsheba. GOD called the child "beloved"... we call him: Solomon. Moral: If David and Bathsheba messed up immorally, I'm sure they asked themselves: "What Good Can Come From This?" I'd say Solomon qualifies as a great example of GOD still using, blessing and restoring us... even after we've blown it. Man after GOD's heart... throw ur sin in the sea of 4getfulness and seek a church that mimics Jesus and exhibits Christ's love toward u and ur family regardless of ur past transgression. "He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone." And since no-one can, Jesus in love simply asks her: "does anyone condemn thee?" "No Master," she replies. "Neither do I. Go and sin no more." Prayin 4 u, ur family, and the love of Jesus Christ to fill those who represent our Saviour and HIS Church because there's too many in need of HIM... and nothing else. MDI
I don't know him or of his music however, I feel that you have to count up the cost to be the boss. When you are in front you have a standard to keep. I'm not going to judge him at all because that is not my job. All of these situations evolving artists are making me careful on who I support. At the end of the day its about ministry. I hope that he and the other artists seek help from God to deal with their issues because if they are not delivered it will rare its ugly head again. If you don't kill it, its coming up again. You can say pray and forgive me but until God takes it out of you its still there. Alright i'm done.
Wow. I totally felt his heart in this open letter. May God continue to raise him up and cover his family.
"Moral: If David and Bathsheba messed up immorally, I’m sure they asked themselves: “What Good Can Come From This?” I’d say Solomon qualifies as a great example of GOD still using, blessing and restoring us… even after we’ve blown it." Don't make me run around my cubicle...
@v4c - I hope that's in praise (cubicle run!) because we've all certainly blown it enough times but can still depend on GOD being who HE is... when (on any given day)... we're who we are. You can watch the sermon @ www.wolchristiancenter.org or the facebook link on the back page to view. If it encourages you, pass it along. LORD knows we need 2 realize GOD isn't in the business of throwing us away when (not if) we stumble in any capacity of life. MDI
@ MDI - Most def in praise cause God used that one point to encourage me... (I'd need a Lifetime mini-series to tell the story that is my life, LOL...Tyler Perry couldn't even make it make sense in 2 hours, LOL) It's probably not that dramatic compared to Precious-like stories but it's been...interesting...to say the least... Thanks for typing that point. I needed that one... *back to listening to the new PJ Morton tunes on my iPod (lovin it)*
wow what a well written heart-felt statement it takes ALOT of courage to first admit you've done wrong and ask for forgiveness not just from the effected parties but from the masses as well. God's grace & mercy is ridiculous because it can reach you way way way down were you are and pick you up, restore you & give you a fresh start! I send mad props to the Ambassator & I know God is going to use him to reach more people than ever before! God bless you Man!!
Here is Ambassador's video response to his moral failure. http://vimeo.com/10774773
Wow. It was deep, it was sincere, it was passionate and I felt his love for god. He let his heart show and for him to publically appologize to his fans?? That makes it even more respectable,let this be a lesson to us all: don't ever think we are beyond messing up,everyone does wrong even the greatest of us. I thank god for grace and mercy, because without it, where would we be?? I'll continue praying for him and his family, and I pray that his testimony can touch the lives of many.
@ MDI... Thank Jesus that He loves us that much and still works to finish the good work that He started. Thank you for the comment! It was uplifting. I hope it also uplift Ambassador.
Gracious lady (Mrs. Branch). Grace to you Brother...
"With regard to the Epiphany Fellowship, I will not be permitted by the leadership to continue in covenant fellowship. This decision brings me much grief. However I trust the Lord Jesus Christ to heal my heart and that of my family and the covenant community." wow. this is just...wow. i know sin is sin and we must not put up with sin in the church but when he has asked for forgiveness from God and is genuine about it how come the church can't do the same and be forgiving? lord knows i feel for him at this point. the last thing anyone needs is to be disowned by their own church especially when they are down... just wow... as long as god forgives then thats all he needs. maybe this is God's way of showing him that he needs to find a church that will love him DESPITE of flaws...