Most-likely by now you’ve heard that Gospel star James Fortune & Wife Cheryl have been named in a lawsuit that stems from Child abuse allegations from 2001. Fortune is now beginning to fight back, releasing a series of statements over the last couple of days.

PATH has learned that James Fortune is “shocked by the lawsuit” but the father filing the suit says he’s not sure why.  

Pictures have now been uncovered revealing the extent of the child’s injuries.  You can watch the video to view those images and hear the 911 call by clicking here.

James Fortune, according to court documents, punished his 4-year-old stepson by putting him in scalding hot water.

The photos, taken by investigators, of the 4-year old’s second and third degree burns are graphic and disturbing.  “The injuries look like he has been burned with fire,” says the 4-year-old’s biological father Roderick Davenport.

“He is burned from just above his penis down to the soles of his feet and the upper portions of his buttocks and his hands up to his wrists,” says Davenport’s attorney Toni Jones.

Davenport has filed a civil lawsuit against James and Cheryl Fortune.  Cheryl is Davenport’s ex-wife.  It was November 2001 when the 4-year old was with his stepfather, James Fortune, and Fortune allegedly disciplined the 4-year-old because he colored on a table at school.  

“The child recalls being told to take his clothes off and being whipped naked and pushing him in the tub and not letting him out of the tub,” says Jones.  

“I could not believe that someone would do that to a 4-year-old,” says the boy’s father.  

Davenport tells MyFox 26 that he was told by doctors the 4-year old was likely held in that scalding bathtub of water in order to receive such severe burns.  According to court records, Fortune first said the 4-year old caused his own injuries.

In a 911 recording, Fortune is heard saying, “My son just burned himself in the bathtub.  He was messing around in the bath and turned the water on hot”.  

At times during the call, you can hear the 4-year-old’s screams in the distance.

The 4-year-old spent 63-days at Shriner’s Burn Hospital in Galveston after he was flown there by life flight.  Child Protective Services took custody away from Cheryl.  After an investigation Davenport was granted custody and Cheryl was given visitation.  

“He has had dreams that awake him at night. He remembers the helicopter,” says Davenport.  “He remembers pain.  He remembers screaming. He remembers crying.  The child has flashes of memory of skin and blood in the water,” adds Jones.  

In 2003, James Fortune pled guilty to Felony Injury to a Child and was given six years deferred adjudication.  “You want to be there for your child and you want to protect them as much as you possibly can and I felt I had dropped the ball that I was not there for him,” says Davenport.
              
Here’s James Fortune’s entire statement:  

“Several months ago I received a demand for payment from my stepson’s father for an injury to my stepson that occurred in 2001.  In the midst of negotiating a settlement regarding that injury, I was served with a lawsuit and now my wife and I are defending ourselves in civil court. At no time in my life was I convicted of felony injury to a child.  Following my step-son’s injury, there was a criminal investigation and all matters were resolved. 

Since that time, my family and I, including my stepson, have maintained a continuous loving family environment.  Although his father has maintained custody, Cheryl and I have enjoyed continuous uninterrupted open visitations with my step-son since 2001.  

We are shocked by this lawsuit but understand people are free to use the court system to pursue matters, whether or not the claims are baseless. We are confident through this process, the ultimate decision maker will render an outcome that is just and fair. We believe in our American justice system and know that once all facts are made transparent justice will prevail in our favor. 

This lawsuit is a direct result of our desire to continue the uninterrupted love, commitment and financial support as well as to protect the ongoing wellbeing while enhancing the current living conditions of our son. We have given our stepson who is currently in our care during his summer break continuous support and understand these allegations are a direct result of not only our increased profile and financial viability but an individuals desire to exploit such.  

We intend to vehemently defend our right to protect our family while maintaining the character integrity and trusted core values the Fortune family has been blessed to exemplify.” 

Davenport is suing for five million dollars.  He says he filed the suit because now at 15-years-old his son is old enough to get plastic surgery to correct some of the scarring and Davenport says Fortune was not agreeing to pay for those expenses.

J Moss returns with V4…THE OTHER SIDE, a 14-track set that reflects life “on the other side” of adversity, while highlighting the impeccable vocal skills that have made him a mainstay in Gospel music.

“Good & Bad,” is receiving great response at Gospel radio and is quickly approaching Top-10. The song is a fervent, jazzy reminder of God’s faithfulness to His people. “The mindset of hopelessness that is so prevalent today was the inspiration behind this song,” says Moss. “People think God and church no longer care. ‘Jesus ain’t thinkin’ about me.’ I got tired of reading that on Facebook and seeing it in faces of the people all around me. People just want to give up. The Lord gave me that song to give people hope in time of storm.’”

Moss’ cousins Kierra Sheard and Karen Clark Sheard, join him on the spirit rousing “Good Day,” an upbeat reminder that it is up to you, through your faith in God, to make each and every day a good day. The roof-raising “The Prayers” featuring Hezekiah Walker and Dorinda Clark-Cole has a traditional congregational shout meeting a new school beat. The funky “God’s Got It” boasts a straight forward message not to worry about what we can’t control; while “Caught Up in Love” mesmerizes with a heartbeat pulse and a vibration of pure rapture.

Moss’ deepest testimony is found on the title track “The Other Side of Victory.” Accented by the heart-tugging acoustic strings of a mandolin, the lyric “I see now/ that you really/ care about me, God,/Thank you for delivering me/ to the other side of victory” says it all. “This was one of the first songs written for this album,” says Moss. “The Lord took me into deeper thematic contemplation for this one…and this is the message He wanted me to convey.

“There’s always a lot talk about the storm but nobody talks about how we’re supposed to be when we get to the other side,” says Moss. “We have to celebrate our brotherhood. We have to know how to behave as stronger, wiser, better people in Christ, and we have to thank God for getting us through.”

Three years after stepping down as senior pastor of Without Walls International Church, Randy White returned last week to help restore and rebuild the Tampa, Fla., church.

“We’ve gone through trials and tests and storms … and we can dwell on that if we’d like. But not this preacher!” he told the congregation on Sunday. “Forget the past. I forget everything we’ve been going through. I stand flat-footed in this pulpit and say there’s a brighter day coming!”

Christian Post.com reports that for the last three years, Without Walls has been led by White’s ex-wife, Paula White. The two had founded the church together in 1991 and grew it to be one of the largest churches in the country. But reports of trouble began surfacing in 2007. The couple divorced that year and Randy White took the lead at the church as Paula White pursued her own ministry works.

Amid mounting debt and a shrinking congregation, Randy White gave the leadership to his ex-wife in 2009. He cited health concerns for his resignation.

He’s now back.

He returned to the pulpit last Wednesday and preached at Without Walls’ two services on Sunday.

“I know this church has been through a lot,” he said as he preached from Nehemiah. “I began to scratch my head and ask ‘Lord, why is that?’ Because the devil wants to destroy this ministry. “But we have to understand that no weapon formed against us … shall prosper.”

During his sermon, he rejected reports that he and his ex-wife were fighting all the time. “That is not the case whatsoever,” he stated emphatically. “In fact, we get along great.”

“Life happens,” he continued. “The devil gets behind stuff. But the devil is a liar.” He assured the congregation that Paula White “cares very much for this church” but that “she’s been so busy in Orlando.”

White was named senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center near Orlando late last year after the sudden death of its founding pastor, Zachery Tims. White has been leading the megachurch since January while still serving as senior pastor at Without Walls.

Currently, Paula’s White name is no longer listed on the staff directory of Without Walls. Randy White, however, is listed as a pastor. WWIC did not immediately respond to a request seeking clarification on Randy White’s new role.

Both preachers subscribe to the controversial teaching known as the “prosperity gospel.”

“I told her (Paula) I’m gonna get in here and help,” he explained on Sunday. “We’re gonna build this church and we’re gonna see what the Lord is going to do.”

“It could be that we get property on the West Coast, the East Coast, through all of central Florida,” he said. “And we can have a big church meeting in Lakeland.”

Click Here to read the Full Report from ChristianPost.com

McDonald’s® announced today its list of honorees for the 2012 McDonald’s 365Black® Awards which includes multi-platinum and 10-time GRAMMY® award-winning recording artist Chaka Khan; global humanitarian, best-selling inspirational author/entrepreneur Bishop T.D. Jakes; GRAMMY-nominated R&B singer/songwriter Tamia and husband, professional NBA basketball player, Grant Hill; teenage inventor Tony Hansberry II; youth empowerment activist Mary-Pat Hector; and McDonald’s Owner/Operators, Tina and Harold Lewis. The McDonald’s 365Black Awards will be held on July 6 at 11 a.m. (CDT) at the Mahalia Jackson Theater and are given annually to salute outstanding individuals who are committed to making positive contributions that strengthen the African-American community.

“This year’s 365Black Award honorees showcase an incredible range of talent, intellect and leadership,” said Rob Jackson, U.S. marketing director, McDonald’s USA. “From a high school student blazing new paths in medical technology to a legendary spiritual leader who motivates millions of people every day, McDonald’s is proud to honor and recognize all 2012 recipients for their extraordinary contributions that positively impact communities across America and the world, 365 days a year.”

This year marks the ninth year for the annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards. This year’s event, which McDonald’s hosts as a prelude to the ESSENCE Music Festival® weekend, will ascend to a new level of star-studded showmanship. Taking place for the first-time ever at the historic Mahalia Jackson Theatre, the event will feature an all-star line-up of celebrity appearances and musical performances from leading artists, including gospel sensations Fred Hammond and Mary Mary. Prior to the ceremony, journalist Roland Martin will cover the celebrity action from the red carpet.

“McDonald’s is continually evolving to meet the needs of the communities we serve, not only through new menu offerings, but also by engaging our customers and employees with positive programs that are relevant and important to them,” said Jackson. “From events that impact communities nationwide, like the 365Black Awards, to local education scholarships and sports team sponsorships, McDonald’s values the diverse needs of our communities and will continue to invest in programs that enrich people’s lives.”

The McDonald’s 365Black Awards launched in 2003 as an extension of McDonald’s 365Black platform, created to celebrate the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year-round.

Two of Christian music’s most innovative and talented artists are scheduled to launch their first tour together this fall.  An Acoustic Evening With Jason Gray And Todd Agnew Tour marks the first time the pair has toured together and will bring their chart-topping music in an intimate stage performance.  It’s a chance for audiences to hear the inspiration behind such songs as “God Undefeatable,” “Grace Like Rain,” “Remind Me Who I Am” and “More Like Falling in Love.” The tour kicks off on September 28^th in Bend, OR and concludes November 12^th in South Padre Island, TX. 

“There are few people I’ve met who are as passionate about Jesus and His Kingdom than Todd Agnew,” says Gray.  “His relentless pursuit of the heart of God is infectious and comes through everything he does: his artistry, his speech, and the way he conducts his life.  I’m grateful to make music and tell our story together, but I’m most excited to pursue Jesus with Todd Agnew.”

“I’ve been a friend and a fan of Jason Gray for quite a few years now,” adds Agnew. “Both of his last two records have really impacted my life, so I’m really excited about sharing a stage with him this fall.”

About Jason Gray

Gray began building a loyal fanbase as an independent artist and recorded two independent projects before signing with Centricity Music. Gray released his first national CD in 2007, All The Lovely Losers.  The project received rave reviews and was heralded as one of the top albums of that year. Gray’s sophomore project, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue firmly established him has a solid artist in the Christian music genre.  The album brought Gray his highest-charting single, More Like Falling In Love, and the song garnered Gray his first ASCAP Performance Award in 2011.  Gray’s third project with Centricity Music, A Way To See In The Dark, was voted the #1 Album of the Year by the music website, Sound Opinion.  The first single from the project, Remind Me Who I Am, was iTunes #1 downloaded song and won Gray his second ASCAP Performance Award in 2012.  He has toured with such major acts as Michael W. Smith, Third Day, tobyMac, Sanctus Real, Francesca Battistelli, Tenth Avenue North and Jeremy Camp.  For more information on Gray please visit www.jasongraymusic.com.

About Todd Agnew

Texas native Todd Agnew is a seven-time Dove Award nominee, who has released six albums throughout his 15-year career.  The projects have garnered Agnew numerous hit singles, including two #1 songs, Grace Like Rain and This Fragile Breath (The Thunder Song).  Agnew is currently on Ardent Records and released his latest album, How To Be Loved in March of this year.  The veteran singer/songwriter and worship leader remains active on the touring circuit by performing over 150 dates per year and has shared the stage with such acts as Jonny Diaz, newsboys, Building 429 and Newsong.  He currently lives in Austin, TX with his wife and two children.

Acoustic Evening Tour Dates (subject to change)

11/11/12                Smithfield, PA

11/12/12                South Padre Island, TX

Path MEGAzine has learned that Gospel star James Fortune is being sued for physical child abuse of his then 4-year-old stepson.

According to a civil lawsuit, Fortune is being sued for $5 million after burning 50% of his stepson’s body and leaving him disfigured. Both Fortune and his wife Cheryl, the mother of accuser, are named in the suit.

In the suit, physical abuse occurred after he colored on a table in school. It’s claimed that after trying to verbally punish the child and putting him in time out, Fortune began “preparing a scalding bath” to punish his stepson.

Further in the suit, it claims Fortune “instructed (the child) to remove his clothes and began to whip the naked toddler with a switch.” He is then accused of putting the child in the scalding water, which left his body extremely burned.

The child was then treated at the Shriners Burn Hospital in Galveston for over two months.

Fortune’s stepson has since undergone many operations to repair the skin on his hands, buttocks, legs, and genitals.

The timing of the lawsuit will come under heavy scrutiny.  Fortune went from being a relative unknown in 2001 to a top selling artist, and NOW he’s being sued by the child’s father. 

The incident occurred over 11 years ago in 2001. In 2003, James Fortune plead guilty to felony injury to a child, receiving six years deferred adjudication. The child in the claim is now 15 years old. The suit is being filed by his biological father who says the money will be used for plastic surgery to repair his disfigurement.

Fortune just released the following statement:

I recently became aware of a civil suit pending against my wife, Cheryl Fortune and I, for an incident that occurred in 2001 involving my stepson. There was a criminal investigation and all matters were resolved in 2003. Since that time, my family and I, including my stepson, have continued with family traditions and always have a loving family environment. We are shocked by this lawsuit but understand people are free to use the court system to pursue claims, whether they contain merit or baseless matters. We are confident through this process, if it proceeds to a judge or jury, the ultimate decision maker will render a decision that is favorable to the circumstances and timing surrounding this situation. We believe in our American justice system and know it will work for us as it has for millions of other Americans. I love all my children, including my stepson, and I ask for your prayers as we deal with this matter privately. Thank you for your continued support for me, my family, and ministry.

With hits like ‘I Trust You,’ ‘You Survived’ and ‘I Believe,’ Fortune has become a valuable asset to the Kingdom of God.  Let’s keep him and all parties in prayer.

The excitement is building as plans get underway for EMI Gospel recording artist, Sheri Jones-Moffett first LIVE! Recording.

The Malaco Music Group regrets to announce the passing of Ben Chandler, a longtime member of the legendary Quartet group, The Pilgrim Jubilees.

Ben Chandler joined The Pilgrim Jubilees in 1970.

In 1979, The Jubes signed on with gospel’s venerable Savoy Records. During that era, the group recorded four albums, Keep on Climbing, Put on Your Shoes, Whensoever I Pray and Put Your Trust In Jesus. The Jubes soon became one of gospel’s top quartets. From these albums came such hit songs as Rich Man, Poor Man; I’m Happy With Jesus Alone; Whensoever I Pray; Put Your Trust In Jesus; and I’m Glad You Looked My Way. In 1987, the group signed with Malaco in 1991 and released Gospel Roots, which immediately hit the Top 40 of Billboard magazine’s Gospel Albums Chart. Their second Malaco project, 1988’s Back to Basics, reached the top 25 on Billboard’s chart.

Family Affair, released on Malaco in 1991, hit the top 20 in both on Billboard and Cashbox and was nominated for gospel’s coveted Stellar Award. I’m Getting Better All the Time earned extensive nationwide airplay in 1991 and became a favorite of gospel fans. In 1994, The Jubes released In Revival, a greatest hits album which was recorded live in their hometown of Houston, Mississippi. The charted disc became one of the top-selling gospel albums of any era.

Please pray for the entire Chandler family and friends.  Funeral Arrangements will be forthcoming.

Watch the video below of Ben Chandler sing I’ll Fly Away.