Altered Minds Tour Review

On the night of Thursday, October 1st The ALTERED MINDS TOUR came to The Calvary Wesleyan Church in Harrington, DE. Or should I say this hip-hop, rock powerhouse line-up of music ministers had 240 Delaware Ave jumping and shouting, praising the Lord on high! This was only the first stop of the tour, so there are many more towns and cities that well be blessed and minds altered.

As soon as the lights fell dim, the spirit grew thick. Suddenly the sound of MIKESCHAIR erupted through the speakers as they opened the tour and the highly anticipated night began. AFTER EDMUND followed with an electrifying performance with a light show that definitely didn’t leave you hanging. The alternative punk rock brought a level of intensity and creativity that was unforgettable! Following the rock performance sliced the genres in half without missing a beat . . . . Literally! DJ Official kept the beat bumping and hype as the ministers rotated and intermissions came about throughout the evening. As well as throwing scratches and mixes behind the emcee’s.

Next up to bat was the heavy hitter of the Reach Records outfit TEDASHII. His highly anticipated album ‘Identity Crisis’ dropped earlier this year and is one of the years best albums. Complete with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as well as punch-lines, metaphorical charm and creativity. Tedashii definitely brought his “A game” and he came with such an intensity and passion that easily set the stage for the headlining LECRAE. Although Tedashii was technically opening up for his fellow record label brother he showed exactly what God has put on his mind by speaking from his heart. Between the two, they spoke the ‘word’ as much or more than they rapped! This was a direct reflection of their music ministries, where ministry definitely comes through more than the music. With that being said the crowd grew anxious as the beat rolled and Tedashii introduced Lecrae to accompany him on a song. The build up was intense and best believe the lyrical duo delivered. Then Lecrae stood alone center stage and he and DJ Official did a compilation of Lecrae songs (old and new) as the crowd chanted along waiving their hands, pumping their fists! This powerful musical minister did a few songs then spoke the ‘Good News’ to his listeners. Again like Tedashii he spoke and prayed as much or more than the rapped. That within itself is a testament of their way they are representing the Lord through Gospel Hip-Hop.

Not only did this group of extreme ministers put on an outstanding show, but they also stayed around afterward signing autographs, talking, goofing, ministering and simply being a part of the kid’s lives. Another way they are being bold, showing Gods love in a practical way as well as Altering Minds!

Track 3: Jesus Proclaimed at Fager’s Island, Ocean City, MD

Track 3:  Fager’s Island, Ocean City, MD

“Praise the Lord, who is my rock!  He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle!”  Psalms 144:1 (NLT)

Have you ever thought about being so bold in your ministry that the very thought of this boldness made you shake?  This is what happened to me this past week as I was part of a ministry that took a very bold step in proclaiming Jesus Christ as King.  You see at 48 years-old I am a part of a musical ministry group called D.O. and the Gorillas of Gospel (I am ‘da Old Man).  We blend hip/hop, funk, rap, blues, jazz and praise music into one eclectic musical ministry.  Now understand I am not a big fan of rap or hip/hop music, but I love to minister so I keep reminding myself that it is NOT about ME it is about the UNSAVED!  And this group, the Gorillas, I love these guys because of their boldness and willingness to serve the Lord.  We have asked God to prepare us for war and skill us for battle, and our battle cry is; “It ain’t about the music, cause it’s all about the ministry!”

This past week we had the opportunity to minister in a bar, Fagers Island in Ocean City, MD, and as we sat there preparing to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ I was so nervous I was shaking (the 20-somethings in the band were not).  I knew something big was about to happen, I just didn’t know what!  The following is the letter I sent out to our email family across the nation.  I hope you enjoy and I hope you support.

(If you would like to join our email army and receive our ministry updates please email me your address at cyberchurch4christ@hotmail.com)

“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” Romans 8:37 (NLT)

Just wanted to give you an update on last night – a very long, but victorious night!

Last night D.O. and the Gorillas of Gospel had an opportunity to minister at Fager’s Island, one of the largest nightclubs in Ocean City, MD and I am excited to report that the victory is Jesus’!

We got this chance to minister through a talent competition called “Claim to Fame” hosted by Fagers Island.  Now, please know in your heart that we did not go into this adventure with the competition on our hearts – you know our battle cry – it is not about the music it is about the ministry – we saw an opportunity to minister in the lion’s den!  And, you know, I love it when God is God and He does what He does.

Well, the night was amazing!  First, we were welcomed with open arms and second, and most importantly, the Holy Spirit took over the event and folks had their hearts changed!  Many folks in the bar came to us and said how much they were convicted, and how they knew they had to change things in their life!  We saw men push their drinks away from them!  And, God being God, and doing what it is He does, we won the evening’s competition and were asked to come back for the second round!  God surely does have a sense of humor, and He is giving us a chance to minister at Fagers Island AGAIN!

Now I know there will be skeptics, but know in your heart, we came with a message of Jesus Christ.  If you know us, and have heard us you know we do not sugar coat our faith, love and passion for Christ.  We did not change who we are, we did not change our message, we did not change our method.  We did not mix what we do with secular songs (we don’t play any secular songs), nor did we try and cover up Jesus.  We came hard and bold for the Lord.  And with that said, my ministry partner and best friend D.O. proved last night that he is the boldest minister I know!  When he closed out our set with “What If” and asked the bar, “What if you died tonight would you go to heaven – would you go to hell – what if God is calling you to accept Him in your heart – What If?”  That was the boldest piece of ministry I have ever witnessed!  And Brother B.O.B. and ‘Lil Eddie were equally bold showing no fear representing their King.

So that we can be held accountable, the songs we did were, “Scratch, Take a Ride (a Ride with Jesus Christ), Lose Control, What If” and a new song written by Pastor Eddie, and sung by his son - ’Lil Eddie – publicly for the first time called “Don’t Follow Me.”  “Scratch” and “What If” can be heard at myspace.com/ggmministries.

Now, the really important part of all this…last night we had church in a bar!  And, they invited us back!  This is an awesome responsibility not just for us, but for you.  We know we have to come harder the next time, God laid the groundwork for that and we have already started praying for the courage and strength to do that, but we also need you.  We need your prayers, fasting and support.  Now please this is not about the Claim to Fame thing, this is a ministry thing.  We are asking you to pray with us for the next couple weeks.  We practice on Wednesday so we are asking that you pray and fast on Wednesday with us (I will be presenting this to the band tonight).  Pray for God’s anointing on Fager’s Island and pray for ears to be opened and hearts to be changed.  Pray for folks to come and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  I also ask that when we go back to Fagers Island that you come out and not support us, but help us transform the bar into a rockin’ church for that one night!  I am asking you to come out and have church in a new place – a place that you may have never thought about having church before!  Again, the Claim to Fame thing is nothing, but seeing Christ proclaimed in the lion’s den is EVERYTHING.

We will let you know when we are scheduled to go back.  Please, last night was a shot across the deck for Jesus Christ, help us bring the cannons next time!

Thank you and God bless,

Ben Burrows
D.O. and the Gorillas of Gospel

Jesus Christ 4 Life After Death 4 Eternity!

Acknowledgments:

Ben Burrows is a lay writer and speaker, and founder of ‘Groovin Toward Glory Ministries, co-founder of D.O. and the Gorillas of Gospel, Street KING Productions and co-author of “BOOK! The Raps and Rhymes of God”

Scripture from the “Life Application Study Bible, New Living Translation, second edition © 1998, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishing, pages 993 and 1909

Music Review – Lecrae (REBEL) – UNIQUE and POWERFUL

This blog is strictly for us music lovers. Straight up album purchasing, track repeating, lyric reciting, band following, internet detectives. HaHa
What I want to do is put a certain album on display for you to consume and digest what I believe to be the vision of the artist. And I strongly encourage you to purchase this particular album and take it in, hear the mind and heart of the artist and feel it for yourself. Because as we all know our opinions are just that.

The album I am writing about is the highly anticipated 2008 album (REBEL) by Gospel Hip-Hop artist Lecrae. Lecrae is one of Reach Records top artists, looked at as the Gospel Powerhouse Reach Records’ front man. Although Lecrae is not alone, he is surrounded by many powerful ministers and artists a crew of them joining together as the 116 Clique. You can find the ministry on the Reach Records website www.reachrecords.com. This unique and ever so powerful album to me defines Lecrae as a minister, artist and man of God. The songs range from explaining how Jesus was in fact a ‘Rebel’, to encouraging us to ‘Go Hard’ for Jesus the Christ. Being so ‘Desperate’ and crying out to God, and of course informing us to ‘Fall Back’ from ourselves and our sins holding us captive. This alum is in my opinion the most complete and passionate album of the year, if not ever! Yeah, I know. . . . strong words right!?! Well again, my opinion is just that. But I promise you will not be let down by this album.

Acknowledgments:
Rapper and lyricist D.O. is co-founder of D.O. and the Gorillas of Gospel and co-author of “BOOK! The Raps and Rhymes of God”