Papa San. gospel singing sensation. - File photo
Teino Evans, Staff Reporter
GOSPEL ARTISTES have been reaching out in many ways, as they not only focus on imparting God's word on stage, but also extend a helping hand to others.
Many local gospel artistes have created their own businesses and outreach ministries, most of which have taken off quite rapidly. Among the host are Prodigal Son, Papa San, Judy Mowatt and Stitchie, who have all set up outreach ministries that have expanded into successful entities.
In addition to being an artiste, Prodigal Son has established his own record label, Radikal Communications Group, which doubles as a booking agency for young gospel artistes like Prodigy, Jason Mighty and DJ Nicholas, among others.
The Radikal Communications group is also responsible for putting on the annual 'Recharge', a free concert that gives spiritual rejuvenation and releases bonds and chains. But in addition to this, the group has also been undertaking a number of outreach projects both locally and abroad. According to Prodigal Son, founder and CEO of the Radikal Communications Group, the group is currently involved in a number of outreach projects. One of these is 'Operation Save Jamaica'.
"We go in inner-city communities like Maxfield and Trench Town, just to name a few, and we give out food and clothing," Prodigal said. He also added that they had projects abroad and recently returned from a successful stint in Barbados. "In Barbados we were one of the first gospel groups to participate in a secular club," Prodigal said, recalling the jam-packed venue and warm reception that they received.
TREATS, MINISTERING
That, however, was not the group's only stop, as Prodigal said they drove around in the streets, giving out tracts and ministering in song.
Papa San, who has now extended his ministries abroad, has formed what is known as the Papa San Ministries International, with a number of arms that seek to uplift the
quality of life. For example, one project caters to women in crisis. The programme, which is headed by his wife Debbie Thompson, offers advice and counselling
for women.
Stitchie, another gospel artiste who has been making his presence felt around the world, has also embarked on a few personal outreach missions of his own.
Already Stitchie is known for his prison ministry, as he is never without an encouraging word or song for the inmates.
As a matter of fact, Stitchie's publicist, Cornelius Brown, says "Even when he is on tour,
he makes time to visit a
prison nearby".
Stitchie has set the pace for many artistes to follow, as he was the first reggae gospel artiste to have all of his products under his own label, Drum and Bass, which was formed more than five years ago.
Now, in addition to his outreach, Stitchie has joined the business of developing young gospel talent as he is currently working with the likes of Saved, Anointed and Sanctified, his back-up singers who are in the process of doing their independent album under the same label. Then there is 'GB' Garfield Barns, 'Christian Massive', a hardcore deejay gospel group from out of the Bahamas, and Oliver and Claudia Scott (a Jamaican duo).
ADOPT A PRIMARY SCHOOL
Presently, Stitchie is also
in the process of adopting a
primary school. This was born out of his own struggle as a youth, as he could recall the
days of having to take old books out of garbage bins.
"We have a desire to help
others," Brown said.
Goddy Goddy says his personal outreach ministry may not be quite like the others. 'Faith Anointed Outreach Ministries', which was formed by Goddy Goddy back in 2001, includes a sound system, with which Goddy and his crew goes into different inner-city communities such as Tivoli Gardens, Denham Town, Rocky Valley, Cavaliers and Temple Hall, where they minister and evangelise through their music.
"It was a vision received from God and I've had to press forward without financial aid from the corporate community," Goddy Goddy explained. Nevertheless, he continues to follow the leading of God.
In addition to his own outreach projects, Goddy Goddy says he is also a part of Sam Wisdom's 'Back to Basics' tour which is also an outreach ministry where they minister in various locations across the island.
