WOW Gospel 2011, the latest installment of the popular WOW Gospel series, celebrates its sixth week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts. The album also sits at #53 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Church on the Moon from Deitrick Haddon holds to the #2 position. Triumphant from VaShawn Mitchell maintains the #3 position while Israel Houghton‘s Love God. Love People: The London Sessions moves twelve spots to the #4 position. Rehab from Lecrae rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, Live At the Cathedral from Pastor E. Dewey Smith, Jr & The Hope Mass Choir re-enters the charts at #13 while Won’t It Be Wonderful from James Hall & THe Voices of Citadel jumps twelve places to #15.

In the world of radio, “I Give Myself Away” from William McDowell celebrates its first week atop the radio charts. Vashawn Mitchell‘s “Nobody Greater” movess to the #2 spot while “I Believe” from James Fortune & FIYA featuring Shawn McLemore and Zacardi Cortez takes the #3 position. “Walking” from Mary Mary takes the #4 spot while “I Smile” from Kirk Franklin rounds out the week’s top five songs.

(Orlando, FL) – March 17, 2011 –“Glorious,” “Mighty God,” and “Because Of Who You Are” are just a few of the songs that have made worship leader Martha Munizzi a household name in Gospel music.  The GRAMMY Nominee and Dove and Stellar Award Winner has literally broken down barriers in the genre.  With a slew of Billboard-charting releases under her belt, Munizzi is known for her spirited performances and powerful songs.  She is preparing to add a new release to her discography entitled “Make It Loud” releasing on Tuesday, April 26, 2011.

Recorded live in Orlando, Florida, “Make It Loud” is a culmination of EPIC Worship (Experience A Passionate Intimate Connection with God), a global movement of worship that Martha started in her hometown of Orlando.  As she began to pull together fellow worshipers for EPIC, Munizzi states, “God not only began to put us in the path of great singers, but people who are great worshipers.  All of them were leaders in their own respective churches, and already knew how to lead people into the throne room,” shares Martha.  Bringing together gifted worship leaders and ministers of music, “Make It Loud” was a live recording of a phenomenal time of praise, and an experience that Martha believes will eclipse any other record she has done. Martha was also joined by special guest Praise & Worship Artists William McDowell, Michael Gungor, Jonathan Stockstill, Lori Morrison, Daniel Eric Groves, and features the debut of Martha’s daughter Danielle Munizzi.

“Make It Loud” isn’t just a record, but it’s a declaration for Christians to stand up and be bold and vocal about their faith.  “I see many artists in mainstream music making very strong, declarative statements,” says Martha.  “This generation is not just suggesting a viewpoint, but they are forcefully speaking their opinions as truth. We as Believers have The Truth, so it’s imperative to declare the Truth that we know.” 
Fans of the singer not only will enjoy the title track, “Make It Loud”, but also the project’s first single, “Excellent”, which is based on Psalm 8:1: “How excellent is Your name in all the earth.”  The song is a reminder that in spite of what’s going on in this world, it all belongs to God.  “No One Higher”, another song on the CD which promises to be a future anthem for the church at large, contains lyrics speaking to the awesomeness of God and how everything pales to His greatness.  Through this new release, Martha continues to display her unique style of praise & worship, merging both Gospel and Contemporary Christian music for an amazing spiritual experience.

“Make It Loud” is Martha’s first time sitting in the producer’s chair, an opportunity that gave her more creative freedom than previous projects.  “I am so excited about this CD,” shares Martha.  “I don’t think I have been more in love with a project God has given me than I am with this one.  It has a special place in my heart, partly because my daughter is on it and partly because it features some awesome Worship Leaders from right here in Orlando.”

Martha Munizzi burst on the gospel music scene in 2002 with the CD, Say The Name.  Since then, she’s earned GRAMMY and Soul Train Award nominations and Dove and Stellar Award wins.  In 2004, she was named as one of the top five Gospel artists by Billboard Magazine.  She was also a part of the Sisters In The Spirit Tour in 2005 with Yolanda Adams, Kelly Price, Juanita Bynum, Rizen and Sheila E.  In 2006, Munizzi dropped No Limits Live which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums Chart and stayed there for 6 weeks.  She was featured on the big screen in the movie The Gospel and at BET’s Celebration of Gospel.  In 2008, she released “Change The World”, which debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums Chart, and earned her her first GMA Dove Award for “Contemporary Gospel Album Of The Year.”  For more information on Martha Munizzi, log on to www.MarthaMunizzi.com.

OK so seriously? I’ve heard of pole dancing as a workout, but one woman is taking the name of Jesus and mixing it with pole dancing. And apparently her church members love it. My Fox Houston television reports on a former stripper now using her “talents” for the Lord.  You have to see this video.

So are you going to ask your Pastor to start a pole dancing ministry?  My Pastor would pray over me right then and there.  Oh my.  The times we live in.

Nashville, Tennessee, March 17, 2011. Dr. Bobby Jones & the Nashville Super Choir along with Gospel Super Star Fred Hammond, kick off the Tom Joyner Cruise which boasts the most African-American Entertainers on board one ship.  The cruise will begin Sunday, March 20, 2011, from Galveston, Texas and will return on Sunday March 27, 2011.

In addition to the Sunday night kick off Gospel concert, Dr. Jones and The Nashville Super Choir will conduct morning devotion services for all devoted attendees. Joining Jones for his Gospel presentations will be Atlanta base singers, Duranice Pace and Denise Tichenor.

Fred Hammond will also make a jazz presentation for all the fans on board. This cruise is touted as one of the best and purposeful cruises this season. Not only will the cruise highlight some of the greatest soul singers, comedians, panelist, artist and fun shore activities, funds will be raised to support Historical Black Colleges and Universities. 

We pray that Bobby Jones and company will have a safe trip and reach someone on-board who may not know the Lord.

I can’t say I’m surprised nor can I say that I agree with the trends that are becoming common in African American television and film-making today.

CNN correspondent Roland Martin brings up a spare of the moment conversation that turned into a full fledged debate between other African Americans in the media.  The discussion was caught on tape.  In it Martin says that he can’t believe that reality show Basketball Wives 2 ranked fifth in viewers the night the 42nd Annual NAACP Image Awards aired.  The Award show honoring the achievement of African Americans in the areas of TV, Film, Radio and literature placed twelfth in viewers that day.  Number one was The Game which airs on BET.

The video goes on to debate what this means about African Americans as a culture.  Are the Basketball Wives really more important than a prestigious 42 year old event ran by an organization influential in assuring black freedom?  Or are we saying as a culture that race issues and achievements no longer are factors in todays society?  Are we willing to invest time in other peoples lives more than enriching our own?  Or was the NAACP Awards just poorly promoted.  These are just some of the question I pondered while writing, but wherever the disconnect is watch Roland Martin’s discussion and let me know your own thoughts. 

Radio host Steve “Praise Man” Washington interviews Jennifer Holliday LIVE on his radio broadcast in Houston.  Holliday is best known for her hit song “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.”

Jennifer Holliday gives a powerful testimony about her battle with Multiple Sclerosis.  She talks about going blind and the promise she made to God if he allowed her to keep her sight.  Don’t miss this powerful testimony and interview.  

Do you have a testimony?  Share your testimony with other PATH Subscribers in our “testimonials” section of the magazine.  CLICK HERE to Read and Submit.  Be the encouragement others need to make it through.

Did you miss this years Stellar Awards?  If you didn’t here is the opening performance of the 26th annual Stellar Awards featuring JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise singing Lord You’re Mighty.

MUSIC VIDEO: “Awesome God” by Twinkie Clark featuring Larry Clark

This is the second single from Twinkie Clark’s CD, “With Humility”. Available everywhere Gospel Music is sold April 5, 2011. This was shot in Detroit, Michigan at Peace and Goodwill.  The lead actress is Alaina Mayfield. Pastor Mark Holloway and Taron Ackles are the male counterparts. The Catherdral Voices make up the choir. Jason Kuehn-Producer, Ryan Betzler – Director. Larry Clark Gospel LLC the Company. Music was written and produced by Larry Clark. The chorus contains an adaptation of the song written by Rich Mullins.

The ladies of the View weigh in on TV/Radio on-air personality Glenn Beck’s comments that the tsunami in Japan is a message from God.  He encourages people to follow the ten commandments.  What do you think?  Does this tragedy mean we need to follow the ten commandments?  Is the Japanese tragedy a sign of the end?  The bible says that during the end times there will be earth quakes in various parts of the world and rumors of wars along with many other signs that you can read below the video. 

Personally, I prefer the hosts of Gospel’s version of the hit show.  “The Gospel View” lends perspective to theses similar topics from a Christian perspective.  You can watch “The Gospel View” web show by clicking here.

Biblical Scripture About the End Times:

In the last days, God says, I will pour out my spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. (Acts 2:17)

I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. (Luke 17:34)

For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am he,” and, ‘The time is near.” Do not follow them. (Luke 21:8)

When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away. (Luke 21:9)

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. (Luke 21:10)

There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. (Luke 21:11)

But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. (Luke 21:12)

You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. (Luke 21:16)

But not a hair on your head will perish. (Luke 21:18)

By standing firm you will gain life. (Luke 21:19)

When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. (Luke 21:20)

Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Luke 21:24)

On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. (Luke 21:25)

There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. (Luke 21:25)

Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. (Luke 21:26)

When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. (Luke 21:28)

When you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. (Luke 21:31)

I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power. (Mark 9:1)

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Matthew 26:34)