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Gospel star Donald Lawrence made a stunning announcement in front of a national audience. Lawrence was performing at a post game concert for the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies when he announced that he’s battling cancer.
The Gospel Newsroom has the scoop that explained why Donald Lawrence has been out of the public eye for some-time.
During the hour long concert, Donald Lawrence introduced the audience to some of his beloved singers. In attendance was recently signed EMI recording artist Anita Wilson, along with Memphis’ own Sheri Jones-Moffet who is best known as the voice of the hit song “encourage yourself.”
While singing the song ‘Not Making Sense, Making Faith,’ Donald Lawrence revealed more about his cancer treatment. Lawrence explained that this was the first time in 3 months that he has performed, because he is currently seeking cancer treatment in Los Angeles. Lawrence said that he disconnected from everybody, and put his faith in God testifying that today there is no sign of cancer in his body. It isn’t known what type of cancer Lawrence is battling.
Donald Lawrence with PATH publisher Kris Patrick at the ASCAP awards
The Game Show Network, or GSN, has signed on stand-up comedian Jeff Foxworthy to host its new game show, “The American Bible Challenge,” which will test contestants’ knowledge of the Bible.
“I am excited to be hosting a show about the bestselling book of all time. It will be interesting to find out what people really know, and an opportunity to present the Bible in a fun and entertaining way,” said Foxworthy, who has also hosted Fox quiz show “Are You Smarter than A Fifth Grader?”
The one-hour game show is still in development, but its format will be straight-forward and recognizable to most viewers – contestants will be asked questions designed to acknowledge and celebrate the Bible’s continuing importance in contemporary life and culture. Contestants will be split into different teams, with each playing for “a worthy faith-based organization,” the GSN statement revealed.
“The American Bible Challenge” is being produced alongside RelativityREAL, and counts Nick Stuart and Maura Dunbar of Odyssey Networks as consulting producers. The Odyssey Networks describes itself as the nation’s largest multi-faith coalition dedicated to producing and distributing media that creates understanding among people of different beliefs and perspectives and enriches spiritual life.
Foxworthy, who will also be a producer on the show, is described by GSN as one of the most respected and successful comedians in the country.
“Widely known for his redneck jokes, his act goes well beyond that to explore the humor in everyday family interactions and human nature, a style that has been compared to Mark Twain’s,” the GSN statement elaborates.
According to Access Atlanta, the pilot for “The American Bible Challenge” will shoot in Los Angeles next week. GSN’s commitment to put up money for a pilot means that the odds are very good it will become a series, Access Atlanta suggests.
Foxworthy’s “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” show ran on Fox from 2007 to 2010, and GSN says it hopes to replicate a similar run of its Bible challenge program.
Her undeniable delightful, spirited smile and charm captivates those in her presence. She describes herself as a Fun, Fearless and Faithful woman of God. Actress Brely Evans is a young Hollywood talent rising rapidly in notoriety with her feet firmly planted in a faith ever increasing. Brely is emerging as a multi-talented actress, singer/songwriter and passionate motivational speaker whose career is being fueled by her ability to connect with audiences on-stage, on-screen and on a personal level.
With increasing opportunities in film and TV, Brely boldly continues to stand firm in Godly character against the opportunities that might challenge and taint her integrity and faith. “I’ve been blessed with a team that covers me, therefore, a lot of the challenges I would potentially face are checked at the door,” Brely shares. “When I am asked to play a role that does not ‘kingdom build’, I step back and talk to GOD about it. There have been times when the role was way on the other side, but either the character got delivered or the entire story line had a message to get people to see themselves and change. That’s when the greater good is being served and my faith and integrity are left intact!”
Brely will be seen in the upcoming TriStar feature film remake of the 1976 hit movie Sparkle. Brely was cast in the role of “Tune Ann” alongside of an all-star cast: Grammy® nominated recording artist Jordin Sparks (“American Idol” winner, Season 6), the late Multi-Grammy® Award winner Whitney Houston (The Bodyguard, Waiting to Exhale), Derek Luke (Antwone Fisher, Captain America: The First Avenger), Mike Epps (Jumping the Broom, Friday After Next), Carmen Ejogo (I, Alex Cross, Pride and Glory), Tika Sumpter (“The Game”, “Gossip Girl”), Omari Hardwick (The A-Team, For Colored Girls), Grammy® Award winner Cee-Lo Green (“The Voice”), and Tamela Mann (“Meet the Browns”, Diary of Mad Black Woman, Kingdom Come).
Her role in Sparkle came after a daunting year of personal obstacles. “I slowly stopped reading my word and slipped back into my old routines and the offers came to a halt,” tells Brely. “I knew it was because my focus had shifted to the natural in front of me instead of on the supernatural and God’s Word. On Sept 25th of last year, I rededicated myself, connected with prayer partners, began fasting and got serious! About a month later….Sparkle!”
In addition to Sparkle, Brely will soon be seen in the David E. Talbert production of “Suddenly Single”. She has been noted for her roles in the romantic comedy Just Wright featuring Queen Latifah and Common, in Cookout 2 opposite Fazion Love and Charlie Murphy, in BET’s upcoming film “Note To Self”, and merged her vocal talents with her acting abilities in the gospel play “Torn Between The Two”. Brely’s delightful and caring personality grants her the ability to connect with audiences of all types. Out of her own experiences and life dreams stems a passion to deliver a message to all to LIVE YOUR DREAMS. “As a little girl I always spoke about being a Star, a Singer and an Entertainer,” Brely explains. “I was practicing a bible principle and I had NO IDEA – I was speaking it into existence.” She continues, “I saw myself as those things and worked toward the goal without the promise of money or stardom. MY FAITH was the driving factor. I want to inspire and teach others to do the same.”
In between movies, Brely travels and speaks encouraging others to LIVE YOUR DREAMS which focuses on two points: LIVE BY YOUR GIFT: An empowering heart centered talk on getting to know yourself, coupled with an action plan for living your best life based on your gifts and talents; and DREAM BIG: A stimulating session targeted to younger audiences that encourages the new generation to know that theirDREAMS are REAL and ATTAINABLE.
Although Brely has developed a national platform in motivational speaking, her compassion for people and commitment to ministry dwells firm within her local community. Brely is a disciple from Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, CA where Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer is Senior Pastor. She serves there in the One Voice Choir and in the Drama Ministry. Brely takes pleasure in serving communally byvolunteering every week with My Friends House LA, an organization that feeds thedisplaced on L.A.’s Downtown Skid Row. Brely is also a spokesperson for The Sharon Randolph Foundation which offers programs and support for breast cancer patients.
Brely truly believes Hollywood is an awesome place for Christians. “Hollywood is a WORLD platform,” she states. “We can affect millions of people with just one film and be WORLD CHANGERS!”
Prolific songwriter and nationally acclaimed gospel recording artist Freda Battle hit song “For All You’ve Done” will be featured on the season premiere of BEVERLY’S FULL HOUSE on the OWN Network. The new hour long reality TV series premieres on Saturday, March 31st at 10pm est./9pm cst., which stars supermodel and business woman Beverly Johnson.
“For All You’ve Done”, written by Freda Battle was originally recorded and released in 1998 independently by her city wide recording aggregation Freda Battle and The Temple Worshippers. The song was recorded in a live setting at the then New Covenant Christian Church (now Jubilee Christian Church) in Boston for the group’s debut project FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE FOR ME.
“It was only supposed to be a one time thing”, said Battle in an earlier interview with Stellar Award nominated gospel radio announcer Liz Black, “however we’ve been together since 1997”. It was “For All You’ve Done” that garnered the group national notoriety, which resulted in the group becoming mainstays within the gospel music industry.
In 2006, “For All You’ve Done” was re-recorded by Freda Battle & The Temple Worshippers and produced by Grammy®, Dove and Stellar Award winning recording artist/producer Israel Houghton. The song was the 2nd radio single off of the group’s 3rd project HERE IS OUR PRAISE on Axiom Records. “For All You’ve Done” is considered among gospel music lovers and fans of Battle a favorite among her extensive song catalog. To date, it is still sung in Sunday morning worship church services around the country.
A third generation choir director, Battle has written over 200 songs and hold songwriting credits for her group’s 3 currently released albums FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE FOR ME (1998-Independent), SERIOUS PRAISE (2002- Axiom Records) and HERE IS OUR PRAISE (2006- Axiom Records).
Additionally, Battle secured national songwriting placements for the Thomas Dorsey (known as the father of Gospel Music) National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses (If God Be For Us), Gospel Music Workshop of America: Live In Milwaukee (Here Is Our Praise), Grammy®-nominated and Stellar Award winning legendary female group Witness (It Will Be Alright), Stellar Award nominated project Daryl Coley presents: Here II Praise (Don’t Be Afraid & He Is The Way), Rodney Posey ( He’s Worthy), Patrick Lundy & the Minister’s of Music (Oh How I Love ), AS ONE (God Will Take Care of You), Leonard Burks & the Voices of Praise (Because of You), Heaven Sent (Tell It), King James Version ( Love Song & God Will See You Through), and majority of her protege Clarence Powell debut project MADE IT AFTER ALL on Axiom Records, among many others.
After a 6 year hiatus from recording, Battle is currently preparing to release her long-awaited 4th project with The Temple Worshippers this year (10th overall) entitled, HOW GLORIOUS & EXCELLENT IS OUR GOD featuring special guest appearances from Dove Award -nominated and Stellar Award winning artist Stephen Hurd, Bobby Perry (of Bobby Perry & RAIN), Rodney Posey, among others.
About Beverly’s Full House: The show follows the family life of supermodel Beverly Johnson as she tries to bring three generations of her fragmented family together under one roof: her own. The show is produced for OWN by Good Clean Fun and executive produced by Jason Carbone, Nick Lee, and Johnson herself. Regular cast members include Beverly, her daughter Anansa (a model herself) and granddaughter Ava, Anansa’s husband David, and Beverly’s longtime friend and house manager Robert.
After strong debuts last week, Gospel rapper Flame and Gospel singer Andrea Helms deserted the number one and number two spots on the Billboard Gospel chart. Andrea went to a respectable #5 and FLAME to the #10 spot. The two were succeeded by the compilation CD WOW Gospel 2012 which takes #1 this week.
Gospel artist James Fortune jumps to the #2 spot and Fred Hammond moves up to #3. Congratulations to Lecrae who was this weeks leader as far as increased airplay is concerned. This weeks greatest gainer in CD sales was the compilation CD ‘Top 25 Gospel Songs’ by Maranatha Gospel coming in at #7.
Look below for the full top 10 list:
#1 WOW Gospel 2012 | Compilation CD
#2 Identity | James Fortune
#3 God, Love & Romance | Fred Hammond
#4 Rehab | LeCrae
#5 Moving Forward | Andrea Helms
#6 Arise: The Living Worship Experience | William McDowell
#7 Top 25 Gospel Songs | Maranatha Gospel
#8 The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson | Le’Andria Johnson
#9 The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson | Le’Andria Johnson
Don Moen, world renowned singer-songwriter, worship leader, and producer, utilized the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects, Kickstarter, to fund the efforts of his latest CD, Uncharted Territory. Moen’s new studio album releases on March 27, 2012 by in:ciite media and its distribution partner EMI Christian Music Distribution. The first radio single, “Divine Exchange,” is impacting INSPO radio.
Uncharted Territory marks Moen’s first studio worship project in three years and features 13 new songs written by Moen and his friends with the familiar sound fans have loved through the years. The project includes songs of hope, encouragement, and God’s faithfulness and may not have been possible without the support from friends and donors around the world who pledged on Kickstarter to raise the funds to produce the CD.
The idea began when Moen contributed on Kickstarter to Travis Cottrell’s CD project, When the Stars Burn Down. Encouraged by having creative ownership and control of the project, Moen decided to give it a go. Forty days after launching a campaign with the online platform, Moen not only raised the funding in the allotted timeframe, he easily exceeded his goal.
“I realized God has given me something special in my relationships with people all over the world,” said Moen. “It was encouraging to see people invest not only in the project, but also in me as a person.”
Moen and his ministry, Don Moen and Friends, travel all around the world sharing the Gospel and his music with thousands. Recently, Moen returned from a tour in India and a stop in the UAE. His overseas experiences in ministry combined with this new concept of launching his creative project through Kickstarter remained true to the title of his new project. It truly has been uncharted territory from creation to touring.
“Divine Exchange” is the first radio single from Uncharted Territory, and it continues to be a highlight at his worship concerts. Worship Leader chose “Divine Exchange” to be on Song DISCovery in May. The song is impacting INSPO radio and carries a powerful message.
“I wanted to write a modern hymn that addressed the subject of the divine exchange that happened on the cross,” said Moen. “Jesus took everything bad intended for us and gave us everything good that was given to Him as the Son of God. That’s over simplified, but it’s an awesome concept that we need to fully grasp.”
Moen’s past projects have massed over 5 million units sold worldwide, and he produced 11 volumes for the Hosanna! Music series of worship albums. He won a Gospel Music Association Dove Award for his work on the musical God With Us and has received numerous Dove Award nominations for his other works. Moen is currently the president of Don Moen Productions and Don Moen and Friends, a 501-C3 nonprofit ministry, dedicated to worship evangelism and fulfilling his calling through Psalm 40:3., “I have put a new song in your mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see it and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.” Moen travels extensively teaching and training worship leaders, and hosting worship events that promote unity in the body of Christ worldwide. For more information on Don Moen, visit www.donmoenandfriends.org.
ABOUT in:ciite media: in:ciite is a growing music and film company where creativity, innovation, impacting technology, and experiences merge. Our mission is helping build God’s kingdom by creating remarkable experiences through media products and events that are culturally and spiritually relevant. For more information, please visit: www.inciite.com.
Their mission has taken them all over the world, proclaiming the Gospel at such storied venues as Madison Square Garden, the Apollo Theatre, the Grand Ole Opry and the GRAMMY® Museum. Their voices of glory and praise have brought them 7- GRAMMY® Award nominations, an armful of Stellar and other awards, 18 top-ten albums and the love and gratitude of thousands of adoring fans worldwide.
Whether the Williams Brothers are performing for their international audience in Stockholm, with well over 8000 people in attendance, as they captivated the audience with their acapella rendition of “Amazing Grace”; or Melvin Williams’ appointment as US Music Ambassador for the US Department of State where he embarked on a 5-week tour of Russia, Turkmenistan, Azerberjian and Georgia; or the Williams Brothers making history as the first Gospel headline performer at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino…the story remains the same as it was back at home in Mississippi in the very beginning over 50 years ago, the Williams Brothers remain MEN ON A MISSION.
The music of the Williams Brothers has always incorporated a wide range of stylistic influences. Their albums have even included gospel arrangements of such pop hits as Up Where We Belong and Jesus Is Love. They’ve collaborated with such musical legends as Steve Winwood, James Taylor, Luther Vandross, Al Green, and Stevie Wonder, to name just a few. They were also pioneers in the field of music videos, producing one of the very first gospel concept videos in 1985 for their mega hit song I’m Just a Nobody, followed by another hit song in 1986, Sweep Around Your Own Front Door. No matter where they travel around the globe, no concert is complete without the hit songs “Cooling Water” and “Still Here”.
The Williams Brothers have shared the stage with talented artists such as: Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, Juanita Bynum, Jars of Clay, Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Denise Williams, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Vickie Winans, Luther Vandross, Philip Bailey, Fred Hammond, the Mississippi Mass Choir, Maurice White, Andrae Crouch, Bebe & Cece Winans, Shirley Caesar, James Cleveland, Al Green, Patti LaBelle, Sound of Blackness, Amy Grant, Steve Winwood, Peabo Bryson, Chaka Khan, James Taylor and many more.
Today, the Williams Brothers are secure in their place in gospel history, but the dream is the same as it was for Leon “Pop” Williams and their mother Amanda Williams way back when. It’s a dream that continues day by day concert after concert venture after venture. Down through the years, God has always blessed this group. No matter what, they always trusted God, and when you put God out in front, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. The message is as important today as it was back on that day more than 50 years ago, when Pop Williams put his boys together and told them to sing the glory of Christ. He taught his boys to always put God first, and to treat people the way they would want to be treated.
The Trayvon Martin case will be presented before a grand jury in central Florida next month, following reports that the teenager may have been murdered, according to new reports.
On Tuesday, State Attorney Norm Wolfinger, confirmed that he was sending the case to a grand jury for further investigation.
“I share in the desire of the family and the community to accurately collect and evaluate all the facts surrounding the tragic death of Trayvon Martin,” Wolfinger said in a recent news release.
Wolfinger explained that he will use the grand jury’s “investigative resources” before moving forward with the case, and grand jurors are expected to be called in to session on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, according to MSNBC.
The news follows reports that The U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI both plan to open an investigation into the shooting death of 17-year-old African-American student, Trayvon Martin.
The DOJ said that it would team up with FBI agents to “conduct a thorough and independent review of all of the evidence and take appropriate action at the conclusion of the investigation” in a statement on Monday.
“With all federal civil rights crimes, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person acted intentionally and with the specific intent to do something which the law forbids- the highest level of intent in criminal law,” the statement added.
The case sparked public outrage after it was revealed that neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman shot and killed Martin, who was completely unarmed, outside of his Sanford, Fla. home on Feb. 26.
Zimmerman, 28, claimed self defense and although 911 calls and witnesses reveal that Martin was simply walking home from the local store and that his shooting was unprovoked, Zimmerman has not been arrested or charged with any crime.
Zimmerman, who followed the young teen even after law enforcement instructed him not to, has been accused of killing Martin in what was described as an unprovoked attack.
“This guy looks like he’s up to no good, or he’s on drugs or something. It’s raining and he’s just walking around, looking about. These [expletives]. They always get away,” a heated Zimmerman told 911 dispatchers.
Martin was found dead with candy in his possession, and critics have suggested that Zimmerman’s assertion that the teen looked dangerous was simply the result of racism.
Various community leaders including Rev. Al Sharpton are calling for justice for the Martin family, and a rally has been scheduled for Thursday.
Fans looking for an early preview of new music from chart-topping foursome The Afters will have their chance later this month as the band’s song “Life Is Beautiful” is featured in the upcoming feature film October Baby. Releasing nationwide on March 23 via Provident Films, the movie’s closing credits play to “Life Is Beautiful,” a newly penned song from the band’s forthcoming Fall 2012 studio album. Before the movie hits theaters, however, the music video for the song, which also features footage from the film, is available to view online at TheAfters.com. GodTube exclusively premiered the video for “Life Is Beautiful” on their site yesterday, and the video received over 30,000 views within the first 24 hours.
“It’s an honor to be able to partner with a movie that promotes love, acceptance, forgiveness, and mercy in such a poignant and effective way,” says lead singer Josh Havens. “We hope that the song and the movie remind people of all the things that make every life beautiful!”
Already having had their music placed in TV promotions for “The Biggest Loser,” “Army Wives” and “You Deserve It,” as well as in the trailer for last year’s feature film New Year’s Eve, The Afters are no strangers to their music receiving national film and television exposure. The band’s third record Light Up the Sky bolstered two No. 1 radio hits-“Light Up The Sky” and “Lift Me Up.” The Afters’ current singles include the Top 5 Billboard Christian CHR song “We Won’t Give Up” and the newly released AC single “I Am Yours.”
October Baby-premiering nationwide March 23-marks the feature film debut of award-winning music video directors Jon and Andrew Erwin. It tells the story of Hannah, a 19-year-old college freshman whose world is rocked by learning she is the adopted survivor of an attempted abortion. The realization leads Hannah on a journey to find her birth mother, but it is the power of forgiveness she ultimately discovers. The film earned the Grand Jury Prize for Best Fiction Feature at the Red Rock Film Festival and was named Audience Choice Feature Film at the Omaha Film Festival. In support of the film’s life-affirming theme, the producers of October Baby have assigned 10 percent of the profits of the film to the Every Life is Beautiful Fund. More information can be found at www.EveryLifeIsBeautiful.com. Visit the film’s official website at www.OctoberBabyMovie.net
About The Afters: Texas-based, four-piece band The Afters were propelled into the national spotlight with their INO/Sony Music Label Group debut I Wish We All Could Win. The project spawned the swirling, melodic hit “Beautiful Love,” earning the band an enthusiastic following when the song was selected as the theme track for MTV’s “8th and Ocean.” “Beautiful Love” was also the most downloaded track of 2006 on the iTunes ® Inspirational charts and garnered the band an mtvU award as well. The Afters’ sophomore release Never Going Back To OK (INO/Columbia Records) debuted in the Top 50 on the Billboard Top 200, and proved to be sensation on the silver screen with “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC), “Dr. Phil,” “Army Wives” (Lifetime) and “Rachael Ray.” The band’s third record Light Up the Sky has bolstered two No. 1 radio hits, as well as placements on “The Biggest Loser” (NBC) and “You Deserve It” (ABC). A slew of media including Rolling Stone, Seventeen.com, E! News Live, TV Guide, Premiere Radio and more also picked up on covering The Afters.
Deanna Ransom is back with a new single off her forth-coming album. The new single ‘Never Say Never…Again’ has just been released to iTunes and Amazon.
Ransom says about the single, “I wrote ‘Never Say Never…Again’ based on my real life experience. Alone, broken, hurt, fearful and crying myself to sleep every night for 3 years thinking that was how it was always going to be; I was miserable. Then I really embraced God’s love, healing and rebuilding and my life was transformed. I want all of my sisters (and brothers!) who have been hurt or are hurting, to know that the pain of a battered or broken heart is not greater than the transforming love of God who will make you and your life brand new by allowing Him to love you back to wholeness. I want everyone to get their smile, their trust and their future back when they hear this song; I did!” – Deanna Ransom
Produced by GRAMMY Award Winning Producer Herb Middleton, the street date for the full project Never Say Never…Again is May 2012. You may purchase the single by clicking here.
If you are a radio programmer and want to be serviced with this single, contact Sharron Dunn at 334.226.1189 or by email at All4Christent@hotmail.com
song was recorded in a live setting at the then New Covenant Christian Church (now Jubilee Christian Church) in Boston for the group’s debut project FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE FOR ME. 
