BJM Entertainment LLC will present Survivors Worship: Houston Edition, a worship experience and special tribute honoring gospel recording artist Earnest Pugh, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 4 p.m. at Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church, 4300 Noble St.
Survivors Worship was created by BJM Entertainment founder and CEO Billy J. Morris following his mother’s diagnosis and eventual recovery from breast cancer. The gathering was designed as a collective moment for believers to worship God in gratitude for what they have survived and overcome.
“Survivors Worship is about testimony and thanksgiving,” Morris said. “It gives people space to come together and worship God for bringing them through life’s challenges.” The movement originated in San Antonio and is now expanding into new markets, with Houston set to be the next city to host the experience.
The Houston edition will honor Pugh’s contributions to gospel music and ministry while also celebrating BJM Entertainment’s fifth anniversary. Organizers say this event is an opportunity to publicly recognize Pugh’s influence, mentorship, and enduring impact on the company and the broader gospel community.
Tribute performances will be presented by Pugh’s Blacksmoke labelmate Cedric Ballard, worship leader and Houston’s own Nakitta Foxx, Season 25 standout contestant of The Voice Valerie T. Smith, and Dallas-based gospel recording artist Malcolm Christopher III. The artists will perform selections from Pugh’s extensive gospel discography or musical tributes that reflect his influence on worship music. There may also be a few surprise guests.
Pugh’s career spans more than two decades and includes 13 albums, 17 radio singles, and five No. 1 Billboard Gospel Airplay chart toppers. In August 2025, he received his first Stellar Award for Traditional Male Artist of the Year, after 10 previous nominations.
In March, a whole new generation experienced Pugh’s music after his song “I Need Your Glory” gained renewed attention following a viral audition on American Idol, when a Dallas contestant sang Pugh’s classic, breathing new life into a song recorded 14 years ago. Pugh also appeared on the 25th Anniversary of Gospel Superfest, hosted by Vivica A. Fox, which recently aired on FOX SOUL.
“We want to honor Earnest Pugh for his achievements and give him his flowers,” Morris said. “He has been instrumental in my personal journey and in the success of BJM Entertainment. I believe in giving honor where it is due.”
The event will be emceed by Compassion T. Anderson and hosted by Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church, pastored by Timothy W. Criswell. Additional contributors include A Brown Agency LLC, with sponsorship support from Mom and Pop Morris, Archie Jenkins (Mr. 180 Lyfe), and the Harris family.
Founded in 2021 by Billy J. Morris, BJM Entertainment LLC is an event production and artist-support company specializing in live events, artist development, and promotional services for independent artists. The company’s mission is to empower artists, elevate diverse voices, and create music experiences that connect audiences across cultures and generations. Integrity, creativity, and innovation are central to its work.
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