2015 Tom Joyner Cruise Sees Increased Gospel Presence Led by Dr. Bobby Jones

Cruise-goers on board Tom Joyner’s Fantastic Voyage getaway poured into the multi-floor auditorium 45 minutes before showtime ready to give God glory.

Most of the patrons loyal to the Tom Joyner Morning Show booked their tickets with the excitement of seeing The Jackson 5, Earth Wind & Fire, Fantasia, L.L. Cool J, and a plethora of other secular artists that made up the celebrity line-up on this years 2015 voyage. But in the midst of being serenaded with love songs by the likes of R. Kelly, and reminiscing with Blackstreet, Gospel music played a surprising role.

Led into worship by the legendary Dr. Bobby Jones, the cruise benefiting historically black colleges and universities increased its Gospel presence this year by having daily Gospel performances. Jones called upon Mary Mary, Le’Andria Johnson, VaShawn Mitchell, and Shawn and Rhonda McLemore to bring down the house in front of thousands the second day of the cruise. Known as the cruise that never sleeps, the praise and worship continued each morning to large faithful audiences who had barely got a few hours of sleep the night before the 8am start times.

The environment even gave Dr. Bobby Jones spiritual revelation as he spoke exclusively to Path MEGAzine publisher Kris Patrick who was also on-board the Carnival ship named ‘Breeze.’

“I have experienced a spiritual enlightenment in an unusual place, and that was unexpected” says Jones. Jones goes on to express approval in the way audience attendance has grown over the years during the cruises Gospel showcases.

[Dr. Bobby Jones and Kris Patrick on-board The Tom Joyner Cruise]

Generating fantastic feedback, Tom Joyner continued to remind the entire ship about worship services that abruptly rang out over the loud intercom speakers. The climatic moment was witnessed the last morning of the cruise, when 12 people accepting Jesus Christ into their life. A fact reiterated and celebrated by hundreds attending a chef cook-off event that Dr. Bobby Jones judged later in the afternoon.

[VaShawn Mitchell performs on Tom Joyner Cruise] (Photo Credit: Black America Web)

Getting the opportunity to be one of the lone Gospel media representatives on board the ship, PATH’s Kris Patrick said, “I was surprised at the number of people willing to listen to Gospel over some of the major secular performances going on at the same time. It just goes to show that when given a choice many will choose to worship!”

 

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