By Teino Evans, Staff Reporter 
CARLENE DAVIS is serious about her ministry and has now reached a place where she is confident and comfortable in her faith and ministry, as she seeks to extend her reach and effect positive change in the youth.
Carlene, who recently completed a masters degree in Theological Counselling at the Trinity Theological Seminary in Florida, United States of America, and who is to be ordained as a minister in the U.S.A., says she is thankful.
"For me, the ministry in my life represents my lifestyle as a Christian. I am really thankful, because I see God's hand in my life and where he has brought me to and I have matured as a singer, songwriter, woman of God, mother and all other areas of my life," she said.
"Doing this course is truly a manifestation of our prayers. My husband has always been encouraging me to go back to school and show myself approved and I thank my husband (Tommy Cowan) for encouraging me. I have become more confident as to who I am, no longer anxious about my future because I know that God is in full control," Carlene added.
Carlene Davis has a lot to be proud of. She has won over 25 local and international awards, including 'Best Female Gospel Artist' at the CARICOM 'Hall of Fame' Awards for Excellence in 2003 and the 2000 Caribbean Gospel Music Awards (New York), took the Jamaica Federation Musicians (JFM) Award for Outstanding Female Gospel Vocalist in 2000 and The Marlin's Award for Outstanding Female Vocalist of 1999.
In spite of all her achievements, Carlene's finest moment took place in the fall of 1996 when she converted to Christianity, an event she describes as "finally living".
POSITIVE CHANGES
Carlene says since she has entered the world of Christendom, there have been a number of positive changes that she has come to witness.
"It (gospel music) has certainly built confidence in the youths. When I first came into Christendom persons struggled with certain songs, but now persons are accepting more radical songs. Even the beats, they are very much in with what young Christians are familiar with, but the message is different. We have to speak in the language that the youths are familiar with and not be intimidated by that (using dancehall rhythms)," Davis said.
"When you think of Christ's ministry here on earth, he had to speak in the language and lifestyle of the different people and this is what we are trying to do in our own ministry. People are bounded by tradition, for example what you wear, but if people are in Christ then they can see through all that and take the message to all."
Her latest album, Author and Finisher, speaks to the fact that Carlene is a survivor of breast cancer and has gained victory through Jesus Christ, who is 'The Author and Finisher' of her faith.
Carlene has ministered alongside gospel music's best, such as Ron Kenoly, Alvin Slaughter, BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Tramaine Hawkins and Rev. Jackie McCullough.
"The Lord is taking me to minister in all the places I had performed before I committed my life to Him," she said.
As one of Jamaica's most renowned reggae singers, Carlene had the privilege of visiting Japan, Singapore, Europe, The Caribbean, South America, Canada and the U.S. Back in those days, Carlene's popularity as a secular singer was established through number 1 hits such as the ballads Going Down To Paradise and Like Old Friends Do.
Other hits in those days included It Must Be Love, Dial My Number as well as Santa Claus Do You Ever Come To The Ghetto?, Winnie Mandela and Welcome Home Mr. Mandela.
