It’s clear that God is prepping a new wave of artists to bridge the gap and unite people from all races, ethnicities and denominations in worship as He builds His Kingdom– Ken Reynolds is one of those artists.

On his newest album, One World | One God (released on Integrity Music this past Tuesday), Ken Reynolds presents a melting pot of musical and cultural influences in his attempt to see his greatest passion come to pass: ”unity through diversity.”

On this project, Reynolds succeeds in creating a barrier-breaking musical offering.  Song styles range from gospel to rock, from worship to funk, but they all fit well into one work.

Stand-out tracks for me: the gospel-laced single, “Persuaded”; “Your Will,” a beautiful worship track; ”Not Ashamed,” a declarative song fit for praise teams; “Lord, You Are,” a rousing choir-backed anthem; and “Your Faithfulness,” a CCM-styled ode to God’s loving faithfulness to us.

I have only two qualms with this project.  First, I do not, at all times, see a significant distinction between Reynolds and his cross-cultural comrades in ministry (i.e., Israel Houghton, Freddy Rodriguez, Trent Cory, etc.).  I suppose that might make sense, though, given the similarities of their apparent callings.

Second, there are a few moments on the album that were obviously powerful in a live worship setting, where the Spirit of God was present and working.  That feeling does not always translate well to an album, though, and in a few of those instances, I feel a bit of a disconnect.

Those issues aside, I have a feeling that this album is going to bless many lives.  There are thousands upon thousands of people yearning for more cross-cultural, cross-denominational worship music.  Church music departments are being revamped to incorporate it in weekly services.  For those reasons, plus the sheer presence of several musical triumphs on this project, One World | One God is a great addition to the worship music genre.

WOWWWWWWWWWW!

Last night, my wife and I went to a taping of TBN’s hit show Praise The Lord, hosted by Pastor A.R. Bernard of Christian Cultural Center.  First of all, if you don’t know about his ministry, you may be missing out on some VALUABLE jewels of knowledge and teaching.  He’s so refreshingly transparent, educated, humorous, compassionate… he’s got an awesome heart and an even greater gift.

The show featured a bunch of folks, including Freddy Rodriguez, who is creeping his way up my “favorite worship leaders” ladder… he had a great interview with Pastor Bernard before leading the audience in worship with his hit single, “I Will Run.”  He’s just soooo not an “artist” in the traditional sense– in his mind, he’s a worship leader who happens to be signed to a record deal.  And that influences the way he approaches ministry– humble, laid-back and in full “servant” mode.  It was awesome!

Also on hand was CCC’s own Malissa Redmond, a worship leader at the church.  You’ve probably seen her quite a few times on broadcasts of Gospel SuperFest on Gospel Music Channel.  I always thought she was cool on TV, but last NIGHT… wow!  She’s got a beautiful voice, some really great original material, and a great stage presence– think I’ll try to do a feature soon so y’all can see what I mean.  Visit her MySpace page in the meantime.

As if the music wasn’t incredible enough, the SPEAKERS had such powerful testimonies and words to share.  First came Dr. David Ireland, pastor of Christ Church in NJ (click here to visit their site).  He’s recently written a book addressing FAITH, called Why Drown When You Can Walk On Water?.  I don’t want to give away all his material, but he outlines three practical components to faith– knowledge, belief and assent– and he asserts that we often make mis-steps because we’re wrong from jump– our knowledge is faulty.  It was so powerful… gotta get the book!

Pastor Bernard also spoke with journalist and media personality Jacque Reid.  You’ve probably seen her on BET, where she used to host BET Nightly News, or on CNN or NBC or… everywhere.  She talked about her faith and her refusal to compromise in journalism and media, where the temptation to do so is often strong.  She also launched a new website, as she’s branching out into her own thing as a speaker, mentor, etc.

Finally, Pastor Bernard interviewed retired NFL player Curtis Martin (he was with the New England Patriots and the New York Jets before retiring in 2007).  He shared his testimony of growing up in a very violent community and lifestyle before giving his life to Christ 16 years ago.  The passion with which he spoke of God, though, was as fresh and strong as someone who just gave their life last year– and we need to see more of THAT.  I know that I, for one, don’t always consider the Gospel nearly as shiny and special as I used to.

So, THAT’S THAT.  It was incredible and you’ve gotta watch for it on TBN.  I’ll try to let you know the airdate soon.  And shout-out to Freddy Rodriguez, Point5ive Agency, Grant Jenkins, Integrity Music and Jeremy Castro.  You rock.

My DUDE Grant Jenkins, of Point5ive Agency, invited my wife and me to an awesome event at Sony’s offices in Manhattan last night– an “Hour Of Power” with Integrity Music recording artist Freddy Rodriguez.

By now, y’all HAVE to know how much I enjoy Freddy’s ministry– I’ve done an album review, album giveaways and a bunch of other features on him at GospelPundit.com.  He’s a great artist, with great music and an inspiring calling.  So, I was super excited to attend the shindig.

It was an intimate “getting to know Freddy” type of deal in which he shared his heart, his testimony and his music with some local industry folks and church leaders.  A very awesome concept and an inspiring time.

Freddy started the event with “No Other Name,” a rousing praise track from his album, Light In The Darkness.  He chatted with us about how he came to know Christ and his passion for inspiring people to worship through music… it was great.  Then, he ministered with his hit single “I Will Run” and the presence of God was practically tangible in the room.  INCREDIBLE.

Among those in attendance were Jeremy Castro of Integrity, Andree Farias (you’ve undoubtedly seen his great album reviews at ChristianityToday.com) and vocalist extraordinaire Melonie Daniels.

A coupla pics for your viewin’ pleasure (please pardon the quality– I used my camera phone cuz I was TwitPic-ing the night away):

Guys, I cannot stress enough that YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT THIS ARTIST!  Visit his website at http://www.freddyrodriguezlive.com and listen to his tracks.  I really think you’ll be blessed by the music, but even more, blessed by his entire ministry.

You may remember that I’ve talked a lot about Freddy Rodriguez on this blog.  I did an album review, a CD giveaway…

Well, just a heads-up:  if you haven’t purchased the album yet, shame on you.  Wait… no… if you haven’t purchased the album yet, you can get a FREE DOWNLOAD of his single, “I Will Run,” from Integrity Music’s website.  You WANT this in your collection.

http://www.integritymusic.com/songs

Check out their whole site, too– they have a lot of resources for worship teams and leaders.  You can download several free tracks along with chord charts and lyrics.  Make sure you check it out.  And big props to Integrity for the free music.  Sick of payin’ for stuff…

Don’t remember the song? Here’s video of Freddy singing “I Will Run”:

DONNA KYLES of Chicago, IL is Winner #3 of the Freddy Rodriguez “Light In The Darkness” CD Giveaway. She tells the story about her local “light in the darkness,” DIANE LATIKER:

“I’d like to nominate Diane Latiker, founder of Kids Off the Block.  Diane, who lives in the Roseland Community, began having children in her home years ago in an effort to give them something to do and keep them safe – if only for a few hours a day.  Her mission is to provide at-risk low-income youth with positive alternatives to gangs, drugs, violence, truancy and the juvenile justice system.
 
This 501 (c) 3 organization is still based in her home, but she has several programs including tutoring, music, drama, sports and community service.  This past Thanksgiving, she held her annual dinner for youth and their families under a tent across the street from her “headquarters” and approximately 650 + people attended.”

AMAZING!  Thank God for people like Diane Latiker, who work “in the trenches” to show that the love of Christ must be displayed beyond the four walls of a church!

Congrats to Diane Latiker and a huge “thank you” to Donna Kyles for telling us Diane’s story.  You’re BOTH gonna receive a free copy of Freddy Rodriguez’s “Light In The Darkness” CD.  ENJOY!

Winner #2 of the Freddy Rodriguez “Light In The Darkness” CD Giveaway is AMY NUTTALL, of Brooklyn, NY, who told us about her local “light in the darkness,” SUSAN PETTREY:

“Every Sunday morning, over 500 children enter the doors of 180 Livingston Street in downtown Brooklyn.  Some of them have spent the week being ignored, rejected, abused and mistreated.  Some are depressed, some angry and some hopelessly lost.  But for two hours on a Sunday, they are exposed to the light and life of Jesus Christ through the BT Kids! ministry.  For this reason, I am nominating my friend (and new boss!) Susan Pettrey as a Light in the Darkness.

Two years ago, Sue was handed the reins of the daunting BT Kids! ministry… five different age groups from birth to thirteen years old, each with distinct needs and a slew of workers and coordinators.  She has since given the ministry a complete overhaul and has sacrificed countless amounts of time, energy, tears and prayer so that our children can experience church in a way that gives them a genuine, authentic connection to God.  Because of her sacrifices, countless numbers of children have been saved and set free through the power of Jesus Christ, and they are experiencing church in a way that is relevant, engaging and dynamic!  It’s not because she’s been formally trained or has experience in teaching or children’s ministry – but I believe that it is her complete and total dedication to serving these children and a reliance and dependency upon the Holy Spirit that has made the difference.

She is a pastor’s wife and has two children of her own, and she also led and directed our entire Brooklyn Tabernacle Christmas production this year.  She was badly injured in a fall shortly after Christmas and fractured a part of her spine, and she fought through that healing process to the point where she was back on her feet and back with the children in two weeks.  She is incredibly gifted to speak and minister to children, and the children adore her.  Her leadership of this ministry has impacted the lives of countless numbers of children, and it has not been an easy road.  She is a Light in the Darkness.”

INCREDIBLE!  You’ve gotta love people like that… kudos to you, Susan!

Congrats to Susan Pettrey and many many thanks to Amy Nuttall for telling us about what she’s doing at Brooklyn Tab.  You’re BOTH gonna receive a free copy of Freddy Rodriguez’s “Light In The Darkness” CD.  ENJOY!

Well, the winners of the Freddy Rodriguez “Light In The Darkness” CD Giveaway have been selected!

The first “light in the darkness” that I’m featuring is JOE CATRICALA.  His story was submitted by MARY BUCKINGHAM of Westford, Massachusetts:

“My friend, Joe Catricala, is truly a Light in the Darkness. God works through him in so many ways. He’s now a 24 year old young man attending Gordon- Conwell Theological Seminary. He organizes the Fellowship of the Believers, a group of 168 Christians. We provide Thanksgiving dinners, where we feed the lost, homeless, and hungry. This past Thanksgiving, 97 people were fed. He helps organize clothing drives to provide pajamas, socks etc to the needy. Toys were provided for poor kids at Christmas. If it wasn’t for a Craigslist ad placed by Joe 3 years ago, my husband would never have found Jesus. Joe and his amazing family led my husband to Christ. My husband led me, I led my son. The circle of fellowship we’ve found through Joe is phenomenal. He truly has a heart for Christ, and I could tell you about him non-stop. My son is in Teen Challenge today, because when I needed help, I called Joe. Joe made the connnection to get my son the immediate help he desperately needed. Today, my son is in Christ, healthy & happy. Yes, I give God the glory, but he’s working through Joe. If I could choose someone to be my son, Joe would be it. I love him like he’s my own, and I hope he wins a CD! God bless.”

That’s an awesome testimony for the Kingdom of God!  God Bless, guys!

Congrats to Joe Catricala and many many thanks to Mary Buckingham for telling us all about him.  You’re BOTH gonna receive a free copy of Freddy Rodriguez’s “Light In The Darkness” CD.  ENJOY!

People, people, people… God has been doing so many AWESOME things for me as it relates to GospelPundit.com.

1. I chatted with BYRON CAGE on Monday about his upcoming live recording!  He’s a good guy.  I’ll be posting our full discussion for you REALLY soon, so you’re gonna wanna check back here ALL THE TIME.

2. Thanks to all who participated in the Freddy Rodriguez “Light In The Darkness” CD Giveaway.  Your stories are incredible!  The winners will be announced soon, along with the inspiring stories that won.

3. I’m doing several more interviews over the course of the next week– y’all are gonna love ‘em!

4. I’ve got another CD Giveaway planned for you guys VERY SOON… I won’t say yet whose CD is being practically handed to you on a silver platter, but I Just Wanna Say…

That’s all. Your hint is someplace in the body of this message.

Oh, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SITE by clicking here.  You’ll get notifications about what we talked about, so you’ll never miss out on important stuff!

Holla!

Hey folks!

Final Reminder to submit your entry for the “Light In The Darkness” CD Giveaway to receive a FREE copy of the debut album from Freddy Rodriguez.

The deadline is THIS SUNDAY, February 22nd!

Click on the banner below for details!

Just a quick reminder to submit your entry for the “Light In The Darkness” CD Giveaway to receive a FREE copy of the debut album from Freddy Rodriguez.

Click on the banner below for details!