Messengers: Portraits of African American Ministers, Evangelists, Gospel Singers and Other Messengers of the Word.
About this book
Beautifully designed and featuring stunning black-and-white photographs, this moving book will appeal to fans of Crowns and to Christians of all denominations and colors who seek a deeper understanding of the meaning and the glories of their faith.David Ritz recently embraced Christianity, and Messengers is a tribute to the people who awakened his personal faith and to others, both famous and unknown, whose words—sometimes set to music—have inspired millions of believers. The gifted photographer Nicola Goode contributes glowing portraits of each of them.The messengers are an extraordinarily diverse group: women and men; ministers and musicians; singers and teachers; preachers known throughout the world and preachers known only in their neighborhoods. There are stories and reflections from Bishop Noel Jones (brother of Grace); Harlem’s own Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts; Rev. Peter J. Gomes of Harvard; gospel mega-stars Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Winans, Smokey Norful, and Candi Staton; Christian life coach Dr. Arlene Churn; Dr. Mable John, a Los Angeles evangelist and former backup vocalist for Ray Charles; Chris Burge, a former Wall Street executive salesman who is saving souls in New York City and is also now a well known author; and a Washington, D.C., pastor who also runs a window-washing business. In voices joyful, clear, and strong, these mighty men and women of God convey messages of faith, love, and hope addressed directly to the heart.CONTRIBUTORS: Dr. Mable John—SATURATE THE HOUSE WITH PRAISE Reverend Professor Peter J. Gomes—ENNOBLING, ENABLING, POWERFUL Smokie Norful—A TEACHABLE HEARTBishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry—I HAVE HEARD THE VOICE OF GOD AND I WILL ANSWER HIMPastor Jesse Andrus—JESUS IS ABOUT CHANGEDr. Arlene Churn—WALKING EPISTLESReverend Calvin Butts—CRY OUT TO HIM IN PAINReverend Elliott Greene—THE MYSTERY OF HISTORYCandi Staton—HE’S NO FARTHER THAN A THOUGHT AWAYPastor Reginald T. Johnson, Jr.—TURN, TURN, TURN Chris Burge—THE BEAUTIFUL BUSINESS OF DOING GOD’S WILLThe Reverend Dr. Otis Moss, Jr.—MY JOB IS TO PROCLAIM HIMPastor Willette A. Burgie—JESUS MEETS US WHEREVER WE AREPastor Marvin L. Winans—HE IS THE SONG Bishop Alice Pope—I AM A SERVANT Reverend Altagracia Perez—ENCOMPASSED IN TRANQUILITYBishop Noel Jones—GOD IS SETTING YOU UP: SITUATIONS FOR REVELATIONSReverend Georgia Hill Thompson—THE IRRESISTIBLE PULLKirk Whalum—SACRED FOUNTAIN OF CREATIVE BEAUTYReverend Anthony Trufant—TURN OUR EYES INTO EARSPastor Jackie McCullough—THE LOVER OF OUR SOUL, THE HONEY IN THE ROCKPastor Donnie McClurkin—DELIVERANCE AND RECONCILIATION Kirk Franklin—HEALED AND SEALED IN GRACE Bishop Kenneth Ulmer—BUILDING CHAMPIONS FOR DIVINE DEPLOYMENTPatrick Henderson—PRAISING GOD FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE, WORSHIPPING HIM FOR WHO HE IS“ . . . he who receives and welcomes and takes into his heart any messenger of mine receives me.” —John 13:20 (Amplified Bible)