Marvin Sapp has made gospel radio history with the longest number one song and also the longest number one record played at urban station KJLH in Los Angeles. The song is "Never Would Have Made It."

     Sapp's song has maintained the number one spot in Gospel radio for six consecutive months – making it the longest number one song in the history of the NielsenBDS Gospel Chart.

     In addition, "Never Would Have Made It," is the number one song at KJLH in Los Angeles, getting more spins than singles by artists such as Rahsaan Patterson and Alicia Keys. It is the only Gospel song in the country that is number one at a mainstream station. KJLH's Aundrae Russell says, "'Never Would Have Made It,' is a life changing song."

     "Never Would Have Mad It," is the first single from Marvin Sapp's third CD, "Thirsty," which debuted at number one and spent a total of 19 weeks in the number one sales position. It is currently the number two album on Billboard's Gospel Chart.

     Marvin Sapp delivered a show-stopping performance of his runaway hit January 27th on BET's Gospel Celebration of Gospel and on the Stellar Gospel Music Awards.

The two-day Christian Music Festival for Renewed Faith will have a performance line-up that is headed by gospel sensations Vickie Winans and Marvin Winans, Jr.

Launched by Attorney C. Daniel Harry, The Christian Music Festival for Renewal Faith's goal is to inspire thousands of people to come together in peace and worship to enjoy music and family fun in the pastoral setting of Northern Oakland County in Michigan.

The Christian Music Festival for Renewed Faith will be held Friday/Saturday, August 1st and 2nd in the Springfield Oaks Park in Davisburg, Michigan. The event is expected to draw 13,000 and will have a packed schedule of entertainment.

In addition, Michael King, smooth-jazz musician Tim Bowman; The Calvarymen Quartet; The Cassens-Murphy Band; the original "Michigan Man" Mike Ridley; Hip-Hop artists Bro. L.A. and Apostle J; Chrisitan funnyman Horace H. B. Sanders; comedian Phenecia Banks; Pat Dunn, and Minister Frank Turner, are also schedule to appear.

Artist Management LLC is producing the festival. All proceeds from the event will be contributed to the Michigan Christian Music Festival for Renewal Faith Foundation, a regulated non-profit whose purpose is to support the elderly and children in need.

For more information visit the festival's web site www.renewalfaithfestival.com.

In these times of church individualism and isolationism, three Houston pastors, have chosen to join forces to meet the needs of marriage and singles ministries in the Houston area, and are inviting other pastors to join with them. Pastors Gregg Patrick, Remus Wright and Reginald DeVaughn, (The Bridge, The Fountain and The Lake), have come together with their congregations to present a benefit event, which will bring together not only Christians within the church, but also unbelievers and un-churched of the world.

The One Heart Valentine’s Day Benefit Gala and Dinner, with Maze, Featuring Frankie Beverly and Kelly Price, will be held at the Hilton of the Americas, Thursday, February 14th, at 7:00 PM. Heralded as an event which will bring all people together, not only to enjoy the festive spirit of love within the season, but will also show forth the love of our Savior toward the entire world? Pastor Patrick of Southwest Community, The Bridge, started the effort four years ago, as a fundraising benefit for the churches’ school and youth sports programs. The event has also been used as a means of bringing together the singles and marriage ministries of his church; to take advantage of great entertainment and Christian fellowship.

This year, the event leaps to staggering heights, as the three churches combine to compel the saved and the lost to come together and enjoy great fellowship, without secular spirits being served and consumed.
Pastor Remus Wright, along with his wife and co-pastor Mia, lead The Fountain Of Praise, and sponsor Metamorphosis, one of the largest women’s conventions in the state (March 6-8). Pastor Wright stated, “This is an effort to search out those who have been lost in the shuffle of faith, and to let them know how the church is not hiding or hypocritical regarding their status as current or potential believers. I’m excited to share the opportunity of reaching people with the good news of Jesus Christ in such an innovative way. Wright went on to say, “I’m equally excited to bring together these dynamic churches in a spirit of oneness, in an age in which churches seem to be in competition and conflict. We’re not just reaching out, we’re reaching up together.’
Each church has their own annual efforts, but have come together in this unusual event to not only show unity, but also bring a greater closeness and clarity to the work of the church. “Pastoral friendship is wonderful, but we didn’t do this because we’re friends; we came together because it’s time for churches to work with one another, not against one another,” Patrick added. When asked to comment on some who question whether the church should sponsor, pursue or attend such events, Patrick said, “A broad line seems to be drawn in the sands of faith, which is keeping the world away from the church, and the church away from the world.”

Pastor Reggie DeVaughn, who leads thousands at the Silverlake Church of Pearland stated, “Some critics have suggested that the church should stay aloof and separated from the world in service and entertainment. But even Jesus recognized that hypocritical stand, and chided the Pharisees when they accused him of cavorting with harlots and sinners, and said, “I came to call sinners to repentance, not the righteous.”
“Our marriage ministry is so excited about this, in fact the entire church cheered even louder, when we announced we were doing it with The Bridge and The Fountain. There’s a fresh, new Spirit of unity in the air, and this event is evidence of it,” said DeVaughn.
Wright went on to say, “This event is to show that a collective effort from Pastors alike can collaborate and work together for one common cause. That common cause is to help bring lost believers to Christ. Many may say that it’s a very different kind of event (than normally) given by pastors, but others will realize that this Benefit Gala is about love, support and fellowship; and that is our focus. I’d like to think that we’re doing things in a unique and special way, and many will appreciate our efforts.”
Patrick then said, “Our churches have become so paranoid of the world reclaiming our membership, that we have ignored venturing out, and have insulated ourselves, and remain indifferent to many of the needs and questions of the world.
“Our church members may not openly admit it, but they enjoy good secular music and attend concerts as well. To me, there seems to be nothing wrong with the church organizing effort for singles and couples to enjoy these events together” said Patrick.
Described as a part of the great commission, and a strengthening factor for the inner fabric of family and singles ministries, all three churches are spearheading the promotional effort.

This is an effort of unity, said Wright, who pastors one of the largest majority Black congregations in the city, “it’s meant to cause the church to take a look at itself, and begin to broaden its spiritual thinking and escape “the small box” of exclusivity in with it has placed itself. It’s time to think outside the box.”
Q. Indeed the great commission is “to go out into the world, and teach all nations…” is this event a continuance or a hindrance to that effort?
Patrick. In all honesty, I don’t see how you could call it anything but a continuance of the “Great Commission.” We’re not going to some strange, clandestine nightclub to cavort with evildoers, in lasciviousness. We’re going to a five-star hotel, to see two of the most exciting, love-ballad singers of our time, and contribute to a worthy and noble cause at the same time.
“The children the Gala will benefit have been lost in this theological discussion. Hundreds of young people will benefit from the proceeds of sales and the Silent Auction, to be held that night at 6:00 PM, prior to the dinner.”

During the auction, artwork and dozens of autographed sports memorabilia will be auctioned off in support of the school. Hall of Famer, Calvin Murphy, former Globetrotter Jimmy Blalock, and other national sports personalities, are contributing their efforts to the auction.

The Gala boasts itself as a complete package for loved ones, on Valentine’s Day, providing not only a three-hour show, but a box of chocolates, a rose and complete dinner consisting of salad, crab and chicken and scrumptious chocolate desert.

“It’s been determined that most people spend a minimum of $200.00 for Valentine’s Day; flowers alone are up to $125.00. The Gala will give a couple or single everything they need for a memorable occasion, without the use of “other” spirits, Patrick said. There will be no alcohol served on the entire floor where the gala will be held. Tickets are only $100 if you buy early and even a dinner seat near or at the stage is only $150.”
“We are inviting all pastors to join us in this united effort through being a part of our “Pastor’s Support Team,” and receive a front row table for their support. Marriage and Singles ministries can also call for a table, and receive a discount, and a reserved table.

Tickets are on sale at all three churches at a discounted rate, and also available at TICKETMASTER. Interested pastors, administrators, donors, and all marriage/singles ministries may call 281-983-LOVE for more information, group discounts and sponsorship packages.

GZ Underground reports that Urban Gospel Industry Award winner DJ Will was arrested on November 16th while sharing Jesus outside of South Beach Florida night clubs. Reports speak of officer abuse as well.

DJ Will was in Miami for a "Walk For Christ" event where he and fellow ministers walked the streets of Miami, with a police escort to direct traffic.

Will decided to ride the "Jesus Bus," a self funded converted school bus used for ministry, to South Beach Miami (an area known for racist police).

After two hours of playing gospel Hip-Hop and giving music away, two police intervened, telling DJ Will to "stop the music and get this bus off the street and take it back to the ghetto."

Will left and saw a police officer a couple blocks away and told him of the encounter and that officer allowed him to continue his music ministry with give-aways. The first officer heard the music came back and arrested DJ Will; he was later released and given a citation for disturbing the peace.

If Prophetess Juanita Bynum set up her husband, what was her motive? 

      In this portion of our exclusive interview with Bishop Thomas Weeks the disgruntled domestic abuse suspect spills more details about why he thinks his soon-to-be ex-wife set out to destroy him. 

      He says if all she wanted was a divorce he would have gladly obliged. Oprah's name even comes up in his speculative tale of alleged spousal betrayal and deceit.

      We find out that in this couple's feud, Weeks is a total victim who thinks he is being used for Bynum's personal gain. 
      
      Still, as of this Dec. 21 interview it seems like a part of him doesn't want to let her go.

Lee Bailey:  You said earlier and you've said this many times, that you're the victim -the actual physical victim in this relationship.  Is that correct?

Bishop Thomas Weeks: Yes.  She hit me and choked me.  I wanna put it in this perspective.  The reason I have never shared this with the public before-not that anybody should be abused, women should not be abused or men should be abuse or kick or hit or anything.  In emotional dysfunctional times people shoe things to a spouse that say I need help.  There's a cry for help.  There's a need for somebody to reach out and do something.  I walked through the situation.  I tried to talk with her and deal with it.  If it was s daily experience where she came home and threw things at me and she just did it every day, then of course that is a deeper issue of abuse.  However, I think some people just lose it for a moment or possibly for a segment and really have to deal with it for a cry help.  And that's why I took those areas even though I wish she would have stopped and said, 'Yes, I lost it on some of our heated fellowships and I did some things that I regret.' she never mentioned it.  And that's one of the reasons I'm speaking out because you can't become-first of a fictitious face of domestic violence because you wanna take this cause and run with it for whatever gain it will bring to you, but you're not even bringing the balance to say 'listen, there could and might be issues on both sides depending on who you're married to and what their previous experiences are.'  And as a person that is principle oriented that has always dealt with the fabric of empowering single and married relationships I just can't stay silent anymore without addressing this with truthful facts.

Lee Bailey:  It's not beyond the realm of possibility to believe that you could strike back at her or strike her is she's been physically abusive to you. You are in the male species. That's in the DNA. I'm not saying that you did, I'm just saying it's not beyond the realm of possibility to believe that, after all, if like you say, she's been slammin' you. At a certain point …

Bishop Thomas Weeks: I believe that anybody could have the possibility to hit on anyone.  However, my track record was consistent.  I've always walked away.  I've always kept the posture that we're not going to fight. I'm not going to be a person that will be labeled an abuser.  My goal has always been t get away and I've always walked away from any volatile, aggressive situation.  I've jumped out of the bed, put on my jeans grabbed my shirt, slipped into my slippers and walked out of the house in freezing cold weather in New York.  I've had to push her off me before in a limo and tell the limo driver to stop the car and I've jumped out of the car on the highway outside of JFK Airport and start walking away.  I've done it before.  I'll do it again if ever confronted with something that looks to be volatile.  However, when a person needs a clear out to do other ambitions and this seems to be a distraction-her marriage-and her base is women and she knows that women won't trust her if she divorces a man who's been good to her, then yes he has to be "villainized" … and unfortunately this was over the top.

LB:  So did you seek counseling?

BTW: We've had counseling in our marriage. We've had good counselors.  We've had counselors at the time of need.  As a counselor For 21 years in relationships, singles or married, I'm a counselor, so I know when I or someone else needs counseling.  I believe that counseling is healthy and necessary at points in times in relationships if need be. So at times we sought them when necessary and got good help and continued to grow … If people follow the track record she came out 2 weeks later, called herself the new face of domestic violence, did an exclusive with a local affiliate here.  And listen, 'he's never hit me he's never done anything, he only pushed me at times.'  She told the truth there and then she turns around on a national program and says 'wait a minute, there was a time of abuse and I had to seek counseling from his father and there were 12 sessions.'  Now, why today you can tell the truth and tomorrow you can't?  There are issues with that.  There are issues when you know the facts 4 and a half hours earlier and then2 of your girlfriends come and pick you up and you go to a parking lot and sit there for a little bit and then you come back to the hotel and sit there for a little bit.  Then you take photos of some alleged bruises and upload 'em to a gossip Web sites and then you call people to tell them to start looking and then you go the hospital and tell the hospital the attack was 2 hours ago and it just goes from one thing to another.  Unfortunately, somebody has to bring this to a halt and that is me speaking.  Just the facts. Leave the hype alone and deal with truth.

LB: You've said it in round about ways.  What is her motive? Does she hate you? She wants to use you?  What is her motive?

BTW: Clear cut.  Juanita Bynum could not foresee another person married to me.  She woke up at night and shook me and told me 'I never want a divorce form you because I know how your first wife feels you're a good man.'  She's said on videotapes, through messages and times of teaching if anything ever happened to us she would stalk me.  That she could never live without me.  Now here's a woman who is going through emotional changes, and I can't say some things that I need to save for trial, but she's going through emotional dysfunction and she needs somehow or another to separate herself from her husband further.  Therefore, the only way the feel free from him-is not to see him free by a divorce and married to somebody else, but if he gets jail time, especially 27 years, guess what, I don't have to see him again with anybody-by himself or with anybody.  Secondly, 'let me use this as a cause and let me take it further and strengthen social women who are not spiritually and let them join me with all the base that I have from the "No More Sheets" era.'  When people look at  it gets fine tuned even to the place where she comes out, she makes a please on the local affiliate hoping that Barack Obama will give her twenty seconds to share what she thinks about domestic violence.  She goes to Oprah Winfrey's house for a political fundraiser with other hundreds of guest who paid for the same ticket she paid for and makes it seem like she was invited by Barack and Oprah.  Then she gets back and goes on the Tom Joyner show and says that Barack Obama just signed her to his campaign which was not true.  She has a way of always adding hype to something to build her brand.  Unfortunately I've been put in a place to be an instrument of destruction to do what-build her brand.  I would have rather her to say 'I don't wanna be in this marriage, here's the divorce.  I'm moving on.'  I would have gladly signed it. But she knows her base would not have stayed with her.  Because they would not believe what she taught and preached.  There had to be a situation conjured like this to let her walk away and keep most of her base.

LB: (Sighs.)

BTW: … In the book that I wrote, chapter #3, her ambition was so relentless to be the next Oprah.  There was a person in her camp who had worked for Oprah, who had direct ties to Oprah and Oprah was communicating with her, with Juanita personally that in 2 years Oprah was going to put her as the next her … Unfortunately at trial We'll break it down … Juanita was on a path of destruction.  Some people were trying to save her, she was removing them because they were no longer agreeing with her.

LB:  From a legal point view, the trial, where are things at?

BTW: Legally it's progressing.  We're discussing the divorce.  It's yet in the progressive mode. We're trying to finalize some clarity on a few points of motive.  Not just for the divorce but how the divorce came about and we're moving forward with great clarity and focus.

LB: So you're dealing with 2 legal issues now-one of the alleged abuse-physical, and then of the divorce, is that correct?

BTW: That's correct.

LB: Which one takes precedence?

BTW: Obviously the divorce has precedence right now.  The criminal may shift into precedence.  It all depends on the timing between two judge and the parties.  We've been trying to do the divorce very amicably and make it very clear.  However, it is apparent from the documentation and evidence that has come since August 21 there have been some deep motives to destroy, discredit and totally annihilate the ministry and entrepreneurial developments that I have. . .

LB: How do you see this playing out. . .obviously I think you want it to go away

BTW: Honestly I think there will be a resolution to the divorce that will be amicable and appropriate and I believe the same will be with the trial. . .there will be a lot of people exposed, more than they ever desired.  Unfortunately, this was not brought on by others and we'll just have to go all the way. . .

LB: So what kind of a Christmas are you gonna have?

BTW: It is a one of prayer and meditation reflecting for the new year and hoping that all that has been affected by this will begin to process their emotions and see the new year as a new day. . .I plan to come into 2008 with great focus on some of the entrepreneurial developments that I have been working on . . .

LB: Anything you wanna add that you want people to know one way or the other?

BTW:  I'm just appreciative for individuals who knew that there was more than what the media was given to give them. . .I just hope that people will have an open consciousness to hear the facts and not fiction.

LB:  One last thing.  You were going to release the book and then you changed your mind.  What was that all about?

The book was a 192 page document of some of my memoirs, my notes and sin the last 6 months about how I saw things and how I know things were carried out. . .The book was released on a Monday.  Somebody brought a communication back to me that Juanita said when she heard about the book she felt like someone had hit her over the head with a bat.  It was a very dramatized statement, but I heard it and felt it from a husband's perspective.  I am obviously still sensitive as a husband because obviously I didn't get married to not be an effective and protective and guiding husband.  But this side of me is also protecting  the church because to whom much is given, much is required. . .I pondered for 48 hours and made an apology to her. . .and I made the decision that I would not ship it.  I would not sell it.  However, my advisors, 36 hours later, heard her brother go on the Tom Joyner show and blast me, blast the ministry, blast everything concerning us. . .We asked them and her and her publicist and anybody else to put it to bed. . .At the time, my publicist has the right to release the book if need be to bring clarity if the drama continues in the negative areas.  So it's out of my hands whether the book gets released or not.  I just made a decision that I would not release it.

LB: I'd like to have a copy of it.

BTW:  I'm sure millions of other would as well.

LB:  Thank you, sir. Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

It rings of Columbine.  Deadly violence has rocked the Rocky Mountain Region once again.  Within twelve hours two separate shootings took place on the grounds of a Mega-church and a missionary training facility in Colorado.

Shortly after midnight on Dec. 9, in Arvada, a suburb located Northwest of Denver, a man asked to spend the night in the Faith Bible Chapel dormitory on the campus of Youth With A Mission (YWAM). When the request was refused, Peter Warren, the Director of YWAM Denver says the lone gunman opened fire with an automatic hand gun, leaving 2 staffers dead and 2 seriously injured. 

A reported 17 year old suspect is now being questioned in connection with the shootings at both locations.

Smoke-generating devises, initially feared to be explosives, were found in the vehicle in the parking lot. Colorado Springs Police Chief Richard Meyers did not identify the suspect.

New Life Church is surrounded by major ministry headquarters, only minutes away from the International Bible Society, Compassion International, the World Prayer Center and Focus on the Family. The reason the mega-church was targeted is a mystery. Pastor Brady Boyd, who replaced former New Life Pastor Ted Haggard who was forced to resign after amid a gay sex scandal last Fall.  Boyd said the church has seen difficult times in the past and will continue to be successful but asked for prayers for the families of the deceased and church members who witnessed the killings.

 Contributing Source: Mona Austin EurGospel

 
Thousands of gospel and Christian music fans are letting their voices be heard in voting for the inaugural Gospel Music Channel Video Awards as the races hit the final homestretch.

      The first-ever GMCVAs will honor the top videos in six genre categories as well as the overall Top Video of the Year, with winners being determined by viewers and fans through online voting at www.gospelmusicchannel.com.

      Voters are choosing from nominees in Rock, Country, Soul, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Latin categories that were determined by the amount of airplay the videos received on Gospel Music Channel during 2007. Voting continues through this Wednesday, Dec. 5.

      The first-ever Gospel Music Channel Video Awards winners will be announced on-air in a special Hot List: Viewers' Choice 2007 on Gospel Music Channel Saturday, Dec. 29 at 7:00 p.m. (ET).

      The special edition of the network's video countdown series will kick-off GMC's Best of 2007 Video Marathon, 83 hours of the top videos running through January 2.

Thomas Weeks, III held a press conference on Thanksgiving Eve to reiterate his innocence in the alleged August beating of his wife, Prophetess Juanita Bynum.  Weeks has affectionately titled his video taped press conference 'The Time Has Come'. The video is available at www.bishopweeks.com (Click the link under their sites video player).

Pursuant to an exclusive "one-sided" Essence magazine article that he feels painted him as a villain, he is still attempting to clear his name. In his version of the story, his estranged wife hit him. He also implies that the bruises on Bynum may have been self-inflicted.

"I know what happened that night. I was there … and those marks are not from me," Weeks asserts.

Appearing on WDEF-TV (CBS-Chatanooga) Weeks' attorney said his client initially was interested in reconciliation "but at this point he understands that doesn't seem possible." "In Georgia," he explained, "you don't have to have grounds for a divorce other than one party saying 'to me, the marriage is over."

Although the Prophetess has repeatedly professed her undying love for her husband of 5 years, she told Essence magazine (Dec. 2007), "I'm not sure, not 150 percent sure that the person I saw in the parking lot that night won't ever show up again."

Despite being indicted by a Fulton County (GA) grand jury for simple battery among other charges, the Bishop denies claims that he was ever violent toward his soon-to-be ex-wife and insists that she was physically aggressive toward him that night and previously in New York.

Bynum retorted with the following statement:
"Bishop Weeks is doing exactly what he promised he would do and that is, "TRY" to destroy my name with lies, fabrications and exaggerations. His behavior is to be expected! Yet, the facts and photos that were taken by the district attorney's office of me two days later and the doctor's report from two different hospitals could not be forged nor entered into the court system as legal documents for evidence, otherwise the District Attorney's office would not have been able to pass down an indictment. When it comes to facts the courts are different from the media. In court you have to present real facts and witnesses run the risk of perjuring themselves, therefore I cordially invite all of Bishop Week's witnesses to the stand.

I am not the one on trial, therefore I have nothing to defend. How can I choke myself until the blood comes to the surface of my skin and then kick myself in five other places, one of which could not be photographed because it was in a private area [?] At this stage of my ministry/career with major projects pending, I would not have had any motive to stage my own attack and bring worldwide negative press to myself. Having been in ministry for 20 years and reaching world wide status prior to me meeting Bishop Weeks I am confident in the power of truth! I was Juanita Bynum when I walked into this marriage and I will continue to be Juanita Bynum as I exit from this marriage in spite of all false allegations that have come against my name. As I have stated from the beginning, this too shall pass!"

Bishop Weeks continues to expand his ministry, while Juanita Bynum has just released an "un-cut" DVD and is working on a new ministry for victims of domestic violence.

 
BET's new gospel singing competition show, Sunday Best is on its way to finding the next great gospel singing sensation.

During the premiere episode on Tuesday, October 2 a variety of entertaining hopefuls came out in droves to earn their spot in the competition, but in the end only an elite group of twenty was selected to continue on the road to Sunday Best.

Hosted by gospel great Kirk Franklin, the nationwide search scoured the country's storefront churches, parishes and mega-churches to find the best undiscovered singers in America.

Mentored by seasoned artists from the gospel world and judged by Grammy Award-winning gospel superstars BeBe Winans and dynamic singing siblings Erica and Tina Campbell that make up the dynamic duo, Mary Mary, the top five finalists will be offered the chance to take their praise to the next level and earn the title of Sunday Best.

The winner will receive a recording contract, a 2008 Toyota Camry and a $300,000 Tide "Loads of Hope" prize package to support the winner's community. Here are the top 20:

Charisma Sweat – Chicago, Illinois
Christal Garrick – Houston, Texas
Corey Webb – Marietta, Georgia
Crystal Aikin – Tacoma, Washington
Daniel Parra – San Diego, California
Deanna Dixon – Indianapolis, Indiana
Emily Gomez – American Falls, Idaho
Janice Collins – Altadena, California
Jermaine Sellers – Joliet, Illinois
Juannell Johnson – Chicago, Illinois
Kenya Glover – Chicago, Illinois
Lawrence Williams – Jacksonville, Florida
Melody Betts – Chicago, Illinois
Queensley Felix – Houston, Texas
Saudia Mills – Warren, Ohio
Shari Addison – Chicago, Illinois
Tamara Thomas – Huntsville, Alabama
Tasha Collins – Chicago, Illinois
Trevon Davis – Flint, Michigan
Yvonne Cobbs-Bey – Pinole, California

Juanita Bynum's estranged husband, Bishop Thomas Weeks III, recently filed his response to Bynum's divorce filing.

Weeks' attorney said his client has not ruled out adding other arguments in his response to the divorce petition.