By Patricia Baldwin


Welcome to the year of new beginnings, the month of first fruits and the next level of your destiny. God has given us favor to see the introduction of the harvest foundation. What I’m saying is that the covenant we have will root and manifest in an exceeding and abundant quantity that we could never imagine. But wait, continue to run with patience because in due time you will reap if you faint not. When you change paths, count it not as a risk; if you are acknowledging God in all your ways then you are secure. Just have faith and trust him totally.

Some of us are changing jobs/careers, relationships, relocating either from apartment to house or from city to a different state altogether. Change can appear iffy, but faith is incomparable—you must know that God won’t fail you; He has your best interests at heart. His word says ( Jer. 29:11) “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” So unless you go contrary to God’s instructions, you can’t go wrong, even though it’s not in your comfort zone; and as Tonex` says, “I’m out the box, baby!”

Speaking of making faith moves, Brooklyn’s own anointed hit gospel songwriter/producer extraordinaire—original style marked by God-- Melvin Crispell and his wife—the powerful jazz vocalist, Tunesha, have ventured into another chapter in their life in the great state of North Carolina where he will be the head musician at Bishop Brian Morris’ church in Charlotte. We celebrated them (and son Melvin Jr.) at the legendary Institutional Church of God in Christ. If you don’t know who this awesome man of God is, maybe you will remember his songs ministered by Pastor Hezekiah Walker: “Power Belongs to God,” “Wonderful is Your Name,” or James Hall’s “The Blood” from the “We Are At War” CD. He is also the author of the book “Master Class Series Melvin Crispell "Brooklyn Style" Organ I and II. For his original styles and authentic signature sounds, Melvin Crispell is one of the most sought after writers/producers in the gospel music industry.

If you see the name Pot Belly Music/BMI you know that it’s an M.C. production. Crispell is one of the most humble musicians in the industry and a pastor’s ideal minstrel. Bishop Albert Jamison (Chairman of GMWA) put it best when he said that Melvin knows his assignment, i.e., to be responsible for setting up the atmosphere for the preacher to go forth. If Bro. Melvin is not writing, he’s assisting with his knowledge and experience to up and coming musicians, singers and songwriters. There is no doubt that he loves what he does in the ministry, and as a teacher he imparts that commitment to those that he surrounds.

You may remember Tunesha on Rev. Timothy Wright’s CD “2004 Live in New York” title track “Due Time,” which Melvin also wrote and produced. Tunesha has sung lead for James Hall and Worship & Praise, but also has her own CD titled “Just As I Am.” She wrote five of the 13 songs and arranged them all, while her hubby performed director duties. Always working together on a divine mission no matter where they are, their goal is to serve the Lord in song with gladness.

This was an unbelievable gathering with a whole slew the tri-state area’s finest and in-training musicians, that took up one whole side of the church (front to back). A section of bishops and pastors included Apostle Wiley, First Lady Rochford, Bishop Figueroa, Dr. Kevin Bond, Bishop D. Hill and Bishop Huey Rogers of Greater Bibleway Temple where the Crispell Family has worshipped for the last 17 years. Also in attendance and submitting their musical tributes from near and far were David & Timiny Canton & The Committee Music Group who got it started with Praise and Worship; Evang. Demetrius Griffin (who also served as the MC) and The Griffin Experience, Tiffany Gilkey-Chears of St. Louis, MO. Musical groups: Providence (from NJ), the Institutional Radio Choir (reunion style), Powerful Praise Conference Choir, Elder Timothy Wright and New York Fellowship Mass Choir, Kergyma Community Choir; United Conquerors; Bro. Deon Kipping and NY’s James Hall & Worship & Praise—and a whole lot more.

Believe me when I say it was a celebration to remember. Thank God that we were able to give him a tribute while he is yet alive and going to another place here on earth while their assignment is still on couse. Bro. Crispell had his final remarks and was close to tears thanking everyone who showed love by coming, giving and sharing in his life’s ministry experience. He let us know that God said “move,” so it’s his time to just do what He says and go where He said to go.

So it’s now off to do bigger, better, greater things for God. Mr. And Mrs. Crispell closed out chapter one with Tunesha singing “Always Remember Jesus.” I can’t wait to see what chapter two will bring.