André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Michael Walters - Contributed

According to Michael 'Mr. CMJ' Walters, there is something missing in the gospel industry that he thinks he can provide.

Of late, a few gospel artistes have been accused of paying too much attention to hype rather than on ministering to the people. Walters says the main goal is to command souls for the kingdom of heaven instead building one's own territory on earth.

"I am here to preach the gospel and nothing else. I think too many of us are missing the spiritual part," Walters says.

He has been trying to get his big break for about eight years, but has had some bad turns with a few producers. Now that he is with the Anointed Praise Station Production he says he believes the Lord has purposed it and more progressive things are to follow.

"It is hard to get recognised, but once you work hard at it and trust in the Lord, things will work out," he says. "The steps of a righteous man are ordered by God. Obstacles are minor now; I am going to take it by force."

Starting to look positive

Walters admits he does not know how rough the path to success is going to be. Now that he has regrouped, his future in gospel music is starting to look positive. So far Walters has released two songs overseas on the biggest reggae gospel website gospelreggae.com. They are to be released locally in 2007.

Walters is a taxi operator, who is using this opportunity to spread the Word as often as he can. As a deacon and evangelist at the Spanish Town Kingdom Builders Open Bible Church, he feels that his training will help to accomplish much for the kingdom. This is why he would like to someday open a community training centre through which he can help others in the community to develop a skill to help them find employment.

He says if the employment rate is higher the crime rate will have go downward, resulting in a more peaceful Jamaica. This is why he would rather help in this way than offer cash or kind to those around him. If things do not work in his favour, the souls would be worth it.

"It's best for me lose everything and a man find the Lord. If I make $1 million and nobody gets saved, it would be all vanity. I don't want that," he said.

Walter, who is married with three children, is involved in charities such as feeding the homeless and visiting hospitals, homes and schools through his ministry, Anointed Praise Ministry.