Since bursting on the scene as the season 3 Sunday Best winner, Le’Andria Johnson has been riding a roller coaster of ups and downs.  As life changes the Gospel star seems to be taken it all in stride with two albums currently in the Billboard Top 10.  In her debut year Johnson has also nabbed a Grammy award and has performed on Gospel’s biggest stages.

Now at the height of her career, Le’Andria has a special announcement to make as she’s expecting a new baby sometime in September of 2012.  

Le’Andria had this to say about her pregnancy:

“In recent weeks, there have been numerous published reports stating that I am pregnant. I would like to take this time to confirm that I am pregnant and due in September. I have been feeling well and maintaining a healthy appetite. I have been busy traveling around the country with my music ministry. One can only imagine that as a mother and mother-to-be, my plate is quite full—taking the kids to school, doing homework, cooking—regular mother duties. I have been blessed to have the love and support of my church, family, friends, label, management, and fans. I have received so many beautiful and thoughtful notes and prayers from people all over the country. I ask that you continue to pray for me and my family. I cannot do this alone. I will continue to pray for God’s guidance and protection over my life. I love you all very much and I will be in touch soon.” –Le’Andria Johnson 

Congratulations Le’Andria!

Recently the popular secular outlet TMZ ran a news story putting R&B turned Christian music artist Montell Jordan on blast.  TMZ reported that Montell Jordan owed back taxes to the IRS from 1999-2001.

Jordan is hugely known for his hit song ‘This is How We Do It,’ which made him millions.  The artist now is a Pastor and Christian music artist, and the IRS doesn’t care.  They originally filed a tax lien on Montell Jordan in 2004 and just recently they re-filed it.  

PATH was contacted directly by Montell Jordan’s camp and we’ve got information that has shed light on the matter.  Montell Jordan has released the following statement to clarify IRS proceedings:

I am writing this in hopes to assist bringing clarity to the numerous media outlets reporting of obtained information regarding my personal finances and the IRS.

In 2004 I filed a Bankruptcy. A combination of making unwise personal spending decisions, being financially ill-advised by council and external life circumstances lead to this decision to file Bankruptcy over 8 years ago. I have taken full responsibility for this life experience. This is all public record.

I also sold my music catalog to a company in 2006 to honor repayment of my debt to creditors and the IRS. At that time the amount was in excess of $500,000 and payment was remitted directly to the Department of Trustees.

In September of 2007, the Bankruptcy was dismissed, yet the case has remained open for negotiations with the IRS regarding penalties and interest fees. It has been in the possession of the department of Trustees for 5 years. Since that time, the Trustee’s department on my behalf has received a total of $617,460.33. This is all public record.

The IRS has recently re-issued the previous liens (this is the “obtained” info referred to in the media reports) to ensure their claim with the Trustees to the monies that have already been collected and are due to be dispersed in the upcoming weeks. This is all public record.

After a long and difficult 8 year long life journey, this case is set to be closed following a hearing scheduled for May 1st, 2012. Upon the conclusion of this hearing, the Trustees will be administering the finances as they have determined. My statements can be validated thru the United States Bankruptcy Court. This is all public record. I am providing the credible media outlets that obtained these initial documents and reported the IRS’s re-filing of the $600K+ debt (on my behalf) with access to the additional information needed to accurately complete the full story behind the IRS’s claims, as this is all public record.

I am hopeful that the media outlets will use the same efforts that went into the initial reporting of this story for news and entertainment value to exercise journalistic integrity and report this statement as well.

Thanks and God Bless!

Montell Jordan

 

Philadelphia native and gospel singer, Conrad Miller, has generated a buzz within the gospel industry with his debut CD entitled My Journey. His unique style of traditional praise has caught the attention of hundreds of gospel radio stations all over the country. Recently, the artist was recognized with a Press Towards Your Vision Award Nomination for Male Traditional Artist of the Year. Now Independence, Kansas, about 70 miles from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has tapped Miller for Two Nights of Inspiration.

The Independence Diversity Task Force will be hosting two events featuring this gifted singer. On Friday, April 13, 2012 at 2:30PM, Conrad will be presenting “Overcoming Adversity”, as he speaks to Independence High School students about the suicide of his 16-year old daughter and how his faith brought him through. The following day, Saturday, April 14, 2012, at 7:00PM, Miller will be in full concert as the Diversity Task Force presents “How God And Music Help Us Through The Difficult Times”. The Saturday event will be open to the public. Both events will be taking place at the Independence High School Performing Arts Center (1301 North Tenth Street, Independence, KS 67301). For more information, contact Chuck Schmidt at 620.330.4576 or cschmidt@indyschools.com.

Conrad Miller is a singer who possesses a classic musical style with strains of quartet and even smatterings of Southern Gospel. Whatever the vehicle that Conrad embraces, listeners can be assured that the message of faith is front and center. Although he found success as an R&B songwriter with the hit “Carla, My Love”, recorded by The SofTones, he found his muse with gospel. A songwriter, deacon and choir member, he tapped GRAMMY, Stellar and Dove Award winner Steven Ford to realize his musical vision by producing his first project.

The press loves Miller’s music. Gospelflava.com says, “From start to finish, the album remains true to the classic R&B/gospel feel of years gone by that is rarely heard in today’s music.” The Black Gospel Blog says, “The lyrics may be grounded in personal faith, but the songs on My Journey sound as if they were pulled off old vinyl records”. Conrad Miller’s hometown newspaper, The Intelligencer, focused on him in their article “Vocational Passion” where they said, “With Miller’s warm, smooth vocals, and the disc’s melodic uncluttered arrangements, the songs speak to God as both salvation and consolation.” More information about Conrad Miller can be found at www.conradmillermusic.com.

The Sounds Of Blackness, winners of a 2012 NAACP Award in the category of Outstanding World Music Album for their current self-titled CD project, releases a brand new video, “Testify” on YouTube.

The Sounds of Blackness have been bringing hope and inspiration to people through its music globally for the past four decades. The group has awed audiences on five continents with the depth and breadth of its artistry, covering all forms of African-American music from gospel and soul to jazz, R&B, reggae, hip-hop, rock and blues, to ragtime, field hollers, work songs and traditional spirituals. As Sounds of Blackness celebrates 40 years of music and inspiration, the group offers a superb self-titled 15-track CD that is a dazzling showcase for its all-encompassing musicality.

GEORGETOWN, Texas — Tim Tebow drew a crowd of about 15,000 to an outdoor Easter church service Sunday, telling the gathering it’s important to be outspoken about faith while admonishing athletes about not being better role models.

“In Christianity, it’s the Pope and Tebow right now,” Celebration Church pastor Joe Champion said. “We didn’t have enough room to handle the Pope.”

Tebow — devout Christian, backup NFL quarterback and cultural phenomenon — has a flock of admirers drawn as much to his religious leanings as his Heisman Trophy skills.

Thousands attended the Celebration Church’s “Easter on the Hill” service to hear Jets quarterback Tim Tebow deliver a guest speech.

He told them he welcomed the attention on his convictions as well as the “Tebowing” prayer pose he often strikes on the field because it puts his faith and prayer in the public conversation.

“It’s being talked about,” he said. “That’s exciting.”

Some at the “Easter on the Hill” morning service under sunny skies drove more than 100 miles to hear Tebow speak. The service took on the feeling of a rock concert with more than a 100 school buses shuttling people to the sprawling megachurch campus from local shopping centers and the nearby college.

The service was peppered with lively Christian rock songs and Tebow hit the large stage to cheers from those who could see him while others toward the back of the crowd watched on massive video screens. Tebow sat for a 20-minute interview with Champion to talk about his faith and the role it plays in his public life.

“It’s OK to be outspoken about your faith,” Tebow said.

He also took a shot at professional athletes who insist they are not role models.

“Yes you are. You’re just not a good one,” Tebow said.

Champion asked Tebow what he thought needed to change culturally in America.

“First and foremost is what this country was based on: one nation under God. The more that we can get back to that,” Tebow said to applause.

Although church officials had said they typically get their biggest crowds on Easter, Tebow was clearly the big draw Sunday. Several hundred started heading toward the exits after Tebow spoke, not waiting for Champion’s main Sunday sermon so they could avoid the 80-degree heat and beat the traffic.

Some couldn’t wait for the official 8 a.m. opening to the church grounds and showed up hours early.

Debbie Sandoval and her husband and two sons arrived before sunrise. They wore Tebow’s Jets jerseys and set up camp close to the large soundstage with a row of chairs.

“I love that boy. … He’s like my third son,” said Sandoval, who is not a regular member of the church but wasn’t going to miss a chance to hear Tebow speak. A self-described “lifelong Broncos fan,” Sandoval said she became a Jets fan because of Tebow. Tebow led the Broncos to the playoffs last season, but was acquired by the Jets in a trade March 21.

“Everything about this young man’s extraordinary life is special,” Sandoval said.

Amanda O’Hara drove about 100 miles from San Antonio on Saturday and got to the church about 4:30 a.m. “to be one of the first ones here.”

“I only got about four hours sleep, I was so excited,” O’Hara said. “He doesn’t hide who he is. Parents should see him as a role model.”

The crowd included people dressed in Easter bunny costumes and one person dressed as the Sesame Street character Elmo. About an hour before the service, Elmo dropped to a knee with a toddler boy to mimic Tebow’s prayer pose.

Media access to the event was tightly controlled inside the roped-off field. Reporters and photographers were required to have an escort when walking through the crowd before the service. Television cameras were allowed to record only a portion of Tebow’s speech and no live video streaming of the service was permitted.

Church officials initially expected up to 20,000 and said Tebow’s appearance on Easter Sunday was coincidental. Church spokeswoman Tara Wall said it was Tebow who reached out to Champion with a request to appear and Sunday was the best date available.

Mike Benaglio and his wife, Debbie, sat on a blanket.

“I’m a fan of any pro athlete who stands up for his faith,” he said. “We’re thrilled to be part of this. It’s not about football. Whatever gets more people over to the cross, I’m in favor of.”

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

Bishop Allen T.D. Wiggins and Pastor David Uth were two of the ministers given the task of spreading the message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to a mass audience that gathered on Easter Sunday in Orlando, FL.

The multi-cultural event was held at the 17,500-seat Amway Center.  Known for being the home of the NBA’s Orlando Magic, the Amway Center would serve a different purpose on Easter Sunday.

Two churches came together to spear-head the effort of a multi-cultural MEGA-Easter service.  The predominantly white First Baptist of Orlando and the black congregation of The Hope Church.

Bishop Allen T.D. Wiggins [left] with Pastor David Uth [Right] at the Amway Center Easter Sunday

First Baptist Pastor David Uth began the service with a reference to the racial divisiveness caused by the killing of Trayvon Martin in Sanford. Sanford is less then an hour drive from Orlando.  Sunday’s service, he said, was a rebuttal to that perception of Orlando as a place divided along racial lines.  

“Let the record show that we are gathered together today black, white, Asian and Hispanic to worship as one. We may look different on the outside, but inside we are identical twins,” Uth said. “We are one here today to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Bishop Allen T.D. Wiggins, pastor of The Hope Church, reiterated Uth’s message of Christ transcending race and gender.

“I feel like the world is looking at us. I feel this resurrection morning is a message to the world that God is greater than anything that could divide us,” Wiggins said.

Hope and First Baptist have worked together in the past on issues such as poverty, homelessness and affordable housing. But this was the first time they combined congregations and worship services, using the occasion of Christ’s resurrection — and the capacity of Amway — to fit inside the same building with room for a new thousand more from the community at large.

There were people who arrived by bus and a tour group from Hong Kong. Free admission and parking attracted more than a few who had never been inside the Amway before. Mayor Buddy Dyer said the purpose of the arena, largely built for the Orlando Magic, is to provide a place for community events.

“Today, the Amway Center serves as a house of our Lord,” he said. “This is holy ground today.”

Uth, in his passionate Easter sermon, retold the story of Jesus appearing after his death to walk among disciples who didn’t recognize him. For those who didn’t belong to a church or had never felt the presence of the Lord, God brought them to the arena for just that reason, Uth said.

“Jesus is a lot closer than you think,” he said. “Jesus is much bigger than you can imagine.”

Rebecca Ferguson, a 61-year-old member of First Baptist, said she found the service uplifting after weeks of accusations on both sides of the Trayvon Martin case.

“It’s encouraging to see us worship all together, especially with all this trouble in Sanford,” she said.

                 Bishop Allen T.D. Wiggins on the Jumbo-Tron at Amway Center

After the extravaganza of arena-size worship, 700 members of both churches “danced their shoes off” on Church Street outside Amway. After performing a four-minute choreographed routine, the dancers stepped out of their shoes, leaving them on the pavement to be collected and distributed to poor families in Orlando.

“I thought it was good for the people doing the dancing to donate their shoes,” said Shelby Williams, 9, whose family attends Hope Church.

The empty pairs of lace-less and Velcro-strapped tennies, brightly colored Crocs, elegant high heels, thin-strapped sandals, and lightweight running shoes echoed the diversity and assortment of people, all ages, sizes, and colors, who filled Amway Center on Resurrection Sunday.

About Bishop Allen T.D. Wiggins

Bishop Allen T.D. Wiggins is a native of Daytona Beach, Florida and has served as Senior Pastor of The Hope Church, in Orlando, Florida for ten years. He is also co-founder and saxophonist of the world-renowned gospel/jazz duo, Allen & Allen. With spiritual wisdom and a heart for helping underserved communities, Bishop Wiggins continually partners with key business, ministerial, and civic leaders that work to bring long-term sustenance to urban cores. Bishop Wiggins is also involved in outreach ministries across the country, and is available for speaking engagements and interview opportunities.

To learn more about The Hope Church and Hope Center West, visit www.thehopechurch.org and www.hopecenterproject.com. For additional information contact Mylika C. Morton at 407-291-4673 or email mmorton@thehopechurch.org.

Inpop Records’ Jimmy Needham has reached a milestone in his young career by achieving the highest first week sales for his latest album, Clear The Stage. Immediately after hearing the new project, the industry started proclaiming the album as Needham’s strongest debut to date, and the first week sales validate that statement. Clear The Stagehas sold 3,899 units, and led to the project debuting on the Christian Combined Chart at #9 and the Christian Adult Contemporary Soundscan Chart at #5.

“I’m so grateful for everyone who continues to support my music and ministry,” says Needham. “I’ve only always wanted to promote an accurate view of Jesus to a world that needs it, and continue to create music that reflects the truth.” 

Momentum is still building for the album with the new single, “If I Ever Needed Grace” going for adds at radio. Some early adds on the song include, KFSH/Los Angeles, CA; WBVM/Tampa, FL; WFHM/Cleveland, OH; WBSN/New Orleans, LA; WDJC/Birmingham, AL and WCSG/Grand Rapids. NewReleaseTuesday.com has already listed the single in the Top Twenty on the website’s Top 40 songs of 2012.

“‘If I Ever Need Grace’ not only highlights Jimmy’s amazing vocal talents, but it also showcases his ability to write a song that conveys God’s greatest gift for all of us,” says Rodney Miller, Music Director, 95.9 The Fish Los Angeles. Media accolades continue pouring in for Clear The Stage with DenverPost.com saying, I enjoyed “Clear The Stage,” because of the mix of music – I’m not a fan of a CD’s songs all sounding the same – and the thought-provoking lyrics. Add in the whimsical with “Daddy’s Baby Girl,” and the listener won’t get bored with the well-written and produced 10-song CD.

NewReleaseTuesday.com adds, Fun, funky and full of faith, Clear The Stage is undoubtedly Jimmy Needham’s finest work to date.

CW’s Place.com says, On his new release, ‘Clear The Stage,’ artist Jimmy Needham proves that when you’re willing to let go of things and turn control over to God that good things will happen!

ChristianMusicReview.com exclaims, His new album “Clear The Stage” is a solid follow up to Nightlights and has a few special songs that can hit your heart strings.

For press and tour updates on Jimmy Needham please visit his revised and updated website www.jimmyneedham.com.

About Jimmy Needham:
Needham released his first album, Speak, in 2006, on Inpop Records, and it generated respect and well-earned recognition from the Christian music industry for this talented singer/songwriter from Katy, Texas. The project generated three singles “Fence Riders (#14),” “Dearly Loved (#8),” and “Lost At Sea,” which charted for an incredible twelve weeks at the #2 position. Needham’s second album, Not Without Love resulted in four hit singles including “Forgiven and Loved” as the break-out Christian AC hit, climbing to #6 nationally, while “A Breath Or Two,” peaked at #3 at Christian CHR radio. Needham’s third project, Nightlights, debuted at #1 on iTunes Top 200 Christian & Gospel Albums chart and #25 on iTunes Top 200 Albums chart for all genres of music. Needham’s newest album, Clear The Stage released March 26, 2012. Needham lives in Dallas, TX with his wife, Kelly, and his toddler daughter, Lively.

About Inpop Records
Inpop Records is an independent music label based in Brentwood, TN and is home to some of the best-known bands in Christian music. Distributed by EMI Christian Music Group, Inpop Records has become one of the top-selling independent labels within the industry, having established a reputation for seeking out the best artists in emerging talent and for expanding the music marketplace with sound and ideas. Inpop’s roster includes Newsboys, Mat Kearney, Jaci Velasquez, Tricia Brock, Jimmy Needham, and The Advice among others. For more information, visit inpop.com.

President Barack Obama spoke about the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection in his own life and that of other Christians as he offered his greetings to all those celebrating Easter and Passover this weekend across the United States.

“For me, and for countless other Christians, Easter weekend is a time to reflect and rejoice,” the President said during his weekly address Saturday.

On Good Friday, he said, “many of us took a few quiet moments to try and fathom the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made for all of us.” On Easter, he added, “we will celebrate the resurrection of a savior who died so that we might live.” Easter is a celebration of “redemption at God’s hand.”

“And tomorrow, my family will join Christians around the world as we thank God for the all-important gift of grace through the resurrection of His son, and experience the wonder of Easter morning,” he said. These holidays, the President added, were rooted in “miracles” in the history. “They connect us to our past and give us strength as we face the future.”

At the annual Easter Prayer Breakfast Wednesday morning, Obama recounted what Jesus said: “In this world, you will have trouble,” and said the story of Christ’s agony and resurrection had helped him over the tough moments of an embattled presidency, according to The Associated Press.

Obama on Saturday said these sacred days could be a time to recommit ourselves to following Jesus’ example. “We rededicate our time on Earth to selflessness, and to loving our neighbors. We remind ourselves that no matter who we are, or how much we achieve, we each stand humbled before an almighty God.”

He said the miracles behind Easter also remind us of “the common thread of humanity” that connects us all. “Christ’s triumph over death holds special meaning for Christians. But all of us, no matter how or whether we believe, can identify with elements of His story. The triumph of hope over despair. Of faith over doubt. The notion that there is something out there that is bigger than ourselves.”

Obama said these beliefs help unite Americans of all faiths and backgrounds. “They shape our values and guide our work. They put our lives in perspective.” Obama and his wife, Michelle, wished a blessed and Happy Easter “to all Christians celebrating the Resurrection with us.” Others, he hoped, would have a weekend “filled with joy and reflection, focused on the things that matter most.”

Obama and his family were members of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Ill., before his presidential run. Since then, the Obama’s have not found a home church.

Congrats to JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, whose latest album, After This, has debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart, the highest debut of the choir’s career.

Also worth mentioning is Le’Andria Johnson, who continues to have 2 albums in the Top 10.  Jessica Reedy’s album continues to climb as it now charts in the top 10.

Next week, look for Marvin Sapp to debut at #1, with Anita Wilson also charting in the Top 10. 

The rest of the Top 10 in Gospel is:

1 | JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise – After This
2 | WOW Gospel 2012
3 | Fred Hammond – God, Love & Romance
4 | James Fortune & FIYA – Identity
5 | William McDowell – Arise
6 | Maranatha! Gospel – 2012 Top Gospel Songs
7 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
8 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson
9 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
10 | Jessica Reedy – From the Heart

Happy Good Friday to everyone!  Good Friday (from the senses pious, holy of the word “good”),is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. The holiday is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday, and may coincide with the Jewish observance of Passover. It is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday or Easter Friday, though the latter normally refers to the Friday in Easter week.

Based on the details of the Canonical gospels, the Crucifixion of Jesus was most probably on a Friday. The estimated year of Good Friday is AD 33, by two different groups, and originally as AD 34 by Isaac Newton via the differences between the Biblical and Julian calendars and the crescent of the moon. A third method, using a completely different astronomical approach based on a lunar Crucifixion darkness and eclipse model (consistent with Apostle Peter’s reference to a “moon of blood” in Acts 2:20) points to Friday, 3 April AD 33.

The Celebration of the Passion of the Lord takes place in the afternoon, ideally at three o’clock, but for pastoral reasons a later hour may be chosen. The vestments used are red (more commonly) or black (more traditionally).^[ Before 1970, vestments were black except for the Communion part of the rite when violet was used. Before 1955 black was used throughout. If a bishop or abbot celebrates, he wears a plain mitre.

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter, which is calculated differently in Eastern Christianity and Western Christianity. Easter falls on the first Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon, the full moon on or after 21 March, taken to be the date of the vernal equinox. The Western calculation uses the Gregorian calendar, while the Eastern calculation uses the Julian calendar, whose 21 March now corresponds to the Gregorian calendar’s 3 April.