Jamaica, a small Caribbean island with a population of approximately three million people, has a murder rate that is simply incomprehensible for its size. The preceding statement should be amended to read: a murder rate that cannot be understood by the non believer. A follower of Christ however, sees the ongoing homicides in the country for exactly what it is: an unrelenting demonic attack on the nation. 

Equator Faith Mission, a Kingston based church, is one of the local Christian organizations that’s doing what it can to combat the constant chaos. To that end, they will be hosting an event called Acts of Praise on Friday, July 1, on the church grounds – 61 Maxfield Avenue, Kingston 13, Jamaica. Their objective is to raise funds for the church’s Youth Empowerment Projects. 

Because most of the crimes are being committed by young people, the idea is to create and execute projects that will keep them engaged and empowered. As we all know: the devil finds work for idle hands. Acts of Praise will feature performances by Jody-K, Jodian Pantry, Curtis Rhoden, Sherlon Russell and LAUD Dance Ministry. The church is asking for a donation of $1,000 JMD for adults and $500 JMD for kids. 

With the Kingdom Tour, which officially commenced at the beginning of June, now underway and the brand new album – Kingdom Book One – now available on all streaming platforms, it is hard to know which was done to commemorate the other.

What is undeniable is that whether the songs are being performed live on stage or streamed from a digital store, God is indeed getting all the glory. Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin have approached both projects with humility and wisdom.

The LP – published by Maverick City Music, Fo Yo Soul and RCA Inspiration, has a total of eleven tracks. Vocalists featured on the record are Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, Brandon Lake, Lizzie Morgan, Dante Bowe, Maryanne J. George, Kirk Franklin and Ryan Ofei. Voices of incarcerated men can also be heard throughout the project, as it was recorded at the Everglades Correctional Institution in Miami.

Battle of the Judges is an inspirational entertainment program that features several contestants all vying for a chance to win over $200,000 JMD in cash and prizes. Now in season three, it is presented digitally (via social media) by Gospel Touch Down.

On the show this Sunday – June 19th at 8pm (JA time) – viewers will see who made it to the top-fifteen. The judges are: Judith Gayle, Jodian Pantry and Johnmark Wiggan. For links to watch and to learn more, click here.

On July 8th Naomi Raine‘s new album – Journey – will be published on all music platforms. In the meantime, she is sharing one of its singles: Not Ready, along with the accompanying video.

Not Ready was written by Naomi Raine, G Morris Coleman and Gary Coach; while the visual was done by the talented Tailiah Breon.

Naomi has featured on countless projects with some of the most acclaimed artists in Christian music: Todd Dulaney, JJ Hairston, Bethel Music, Jonathan and Melissa Helser, and Israel Houghton, to name a few. That said, she has a solid fan base that’s eagerly anticipating the new record.

Carib Gospel Fest – formerly known as SumFest Gospel Concert – returns on Saturday, July 9th with an excellent lineup. They have confirmed Odayne Rhoden, Second Chance, Judith Gayle, Jabez and Golda McFarlane.

It will be held at 2720 North Avenue in Bridgeport, Connecticut – providing the weather holds up. However, if it rains, the festival will move to 540 E. Washington Avenue. Starting time is 5pm and there is a $30 entrance fee for adults and $20 for children (15 and under).

Last weekend, Jody Kay, Jahnoi, DJ Zeal and Jodian Pantry all performed on TVJ’s popular Sunday show, Higher Praise. Although all the performers did exceptionally well, there is a lot of buzz surrounding Jodian Pantry‘s set, especially in light of her recent public appearances.

If you were not able to watch the live broadcast, you can check out Jodian‘s full performance here.