Conversation with Joseph Sayibu

Hello Joseph, how has life been treating you?

The Lord has been faithful and has kept watch over me. In all of life’s storms I have a reason to praise His holy name.

Sayibu? Whats the origin of your last name, and does it have a meaning?

Sayibu has an Arabic origin. I’m not sure of its meaning. I’m a Ghanaian though.

So who is Joseph Sayibu? What are you about?

Joseph Sayibu is a medical student. A church planter and former laity in-charge of the Dunamis Assemblies of God Church, Zabzugu – Ghana.

He is a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and find life’s meaning in sharing, through his writings, the good news of God’s gracious gift of salvation through His son, Jesus.

He is currently serving as a Bible Studies Coordinator, a Sunday School and Midweek Bible Teachers Trainer for the Bible Study and Sunday School Department of Jinzhou International Christian Fellowship (JICF), China. He is also an Elder in the Fellowship.

Your book, “Delilah, Excuse Me!”, is a rather unique and catchy title. Who’s you intended audience, and why did you go for this title?

"Delilah, Excuse Me!" is intended for Christian young men, single or in a relationship.

The Christian young woman can as well benefit from this book.

I chose this title to remind my readers that, sometimes, all we need to do when we encounter seducers is to say, "excuse me."

Lol! I like that! "Excuse me??" So what’s the book about?

“Delilah, Excuse Me!” is a book based Proverbs chapters 5 and 7. This book teaches the youth how to overcome sexual sin, and the strategies of temptation by strange women around them through the application of proven biblical principles.

The Strange Woman has developed a phobia for her own house. Her feet abide not in her house. She loves the dark hours. She has excessive display of affection. She cherishes physical contact, hugging, kissing, petting, necking, fondling etc. She has no regards for morality. She speaks profane. Her lips are sweeter than honey. She has seduced and wounded many men, and torn apart marriages. Who can resist her flattering tongue and captivating kisses?

In this book, you will find answers to the following questions:

Who is Delilah the Strange Woman?

How do I recognize her?

How does she operates?

Who are her victims?

How do I avoid her?

How do I live pure in a sexually corrupt environment?

Where is the thin line between Sex that rejoices God and Sexual perversion?

And many more...

This is not just another of those books that seek to reprimand you, leaving you with no hope. It's that which will move and bless your heart, and not merely inform your mind. It's a message from God full of heavenly wisdom and understanding to help you flee immorality, and to give you hope for a new life in Christ.

Who is the Delilah in your life? This book is a warning: Beware of Seducers!

Wow! Man of God, you have a lot loaded in there! A lot to meditate on, and digest on. Is this your first published work?

Yes! It’s my first published work.

Should we expect more publishing like this from you? You obviously have an anointing to speak to this modern generation, and not trying to be politically correct.

Yes! I hope to publish as many titles as the Lord would give me. So you can expect more.

If there was one resounding message you would like to proclaim, what would it be?

It’s not old school to go pass adolescence and still a virgin. Only the marriage bed is honourable but whoremongers and adulterers, the Lord will judge.

What is the one thing about you that you would like our readers to know?

Dear readers, I’m very open and would appreciate your feedback on my works. So let’s connect on Facebook at Joseph Sayibu (www.facebook.com/josephsayibu1) and on Twitter (@JosephSayibu) You can also stop by my blog at www.josephsayibu.wordpress.com

How do people get copies of your book?

It’s available on Amazon as an ebook on Kindle and paperback. 

Thank you.

Conversation with Osene Ighodaro

On our Christmas edition of Conversations, we are having a moment with the anointed worshiper, Pastor Osene Ighodaro. What can I say about her? She has been unique and extraordinary in her anointing, as she has touched and affected lives all over the world

I’m excited to be having this Conversation with you. Where do we begin? LOL. For those who are being introduced to you, your anointing and your ministry, who would you say Osene Ighodaro is?

Hi, hmm I will say a God lover, wife, mother, psalmist, singer….

Your voice has literally touched lives. The first time I heard you sing, I was mesmerized. What would you list among your influences that has helped define you as a singer and artist?

What not who?....

I will say a personal conviction of what and why I do what I do, comfortable in my own personal expression and unique God given ability (anointing) and my song being my “voice”

As a professional artist, you’ve released multiple recordings, but one of them is timeless, especially in this season we are in. Why did you decide to record a Christmas carol cd?

This Holiday happens to be one of my favorites and I grew up singing about a white Christmas decades before I saw my first snow LOL We had these elaborate services at CGMI I looked forward to them and started digging deep into all the season and celebrations involved.

("Osene at Christmas" is a her interpretation of Christmas classics sung as only her can sing it. And it is available on iTunes and cdbaby - a very special gift to get this season)

You have a unique version of Hark the Herald. What inspired it, and how did you make it so…….unique?

I was singing the hymn decades ago (smile) and I fell in love with the 3^rd verse and made me love it even more because Christ came so we can be born a second birth. This is what delvers us from the kingdom of darkness into life. For me to see redemption connected to birth all in one song, that was for me the GOSPEL- Jesus was ” born that man no more may die”

I worked with an amazing producer Herb Middleton and this song is a result of the fusion of ethnicity, style and love of the song and the graces of everyone involved.

Your most recent recording, "Osene: Live in Concert" was a live worship recording. What do you love most about that recording?

This will be a tough one (smile) there were many memorable moments that I loved picking one out will be hard. I grew up in that city (Benin City) so it was great being back there. I had a great time in the rehearsals that we did not include in the video but were life alteringing moments. There was a unique anointing in that particular meeting that is rare..

The people who came out to be saved was the moment for me. And I had numerous testimonies of healings that took place so I still want to give God ALL the glory for a glorious time in his presence during that live recording. So, though it was a live recording, it was an experience with God so I think that is what I loved the most.

Let’s do a little time travel to the past. Can you talk about being a young lady, and appointed as the music director of a 500 voiced choir? What was it like seeing your gift make a way, yet see all the fears and naysayers?

I will say challenging and intimidating but one of the great experience that has shaped my life. The great choir (Christian Redeemed Voices) had seen great music directors before me and I was one of many at that time. All I wanted to do was “sing” and share all God anointed me to do.  So naysayers on one hand didn’t help because they did not understand my passion, my difference, innocence, fears  and vulnerability,  but they pushed me to God and that was the safest place to be “With God”. I don’t know if the level of intimacy I found in those times could have been developed were it not for the challenges I had… God opened the doors and they were big doors and I knew God would not leave me alone.

Wow, you indeed are speaking a word that anyone reading can receive and apply in their current situations.

Does being so musically gifted and anointed mean proving yourself always, charting new territories to explore, or staying in your known lane?

I would say, don’t stop discovering what Gods put in you. You are your own limitation. You don’t have anything to prove to anyone, you have “you” to discover for yourself and when you discover you, share that with your world. That is the unique difference and blessing you are to your world. Then you can appreciate other gift without the feeling of competition. Travel your lane and work your gift and produce GOD results

Amen! That's what I seem to be learning - not proving myself, but discovering and being myself.

Right here in this moment, what would you say you are working on? Where is your anointing and creativity being invested in right now?

Besides being a mother to my three wonderful children (smile) I have been working on  the next phase for “Times of Refreshing” and the next phase of that vision is pretty awesome. Putting finishing touches to my book and cd

Nusong Ministry – For readers who are not familiar with your umbrella ministry, how would you describe the vision and what it is all about?

Nusong Ministries is a ministry with a mandate to minister the love and healing

power of God to the world through Music and Ministry. This brings together a team of leaders, musicians, and intercessors, who  function in various local assemblies  but are united in the vision to strengthen the Body of Christ. We  go to a place by the leading of the Spirit we set up meetings and just minister  and in that atmosphere of God’s presence and people can step into it and have  an awesome experience in the spirit not just for that moment but they get to  take that experience with them.

Can people get involved and participate in it, and how?

Absolutely!!!

Attend any of our “Times of Refreshing” Events in your area (follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates)

Pray for our various outreach and missions projects.

Ministries and nonprofit organizations can always benefit from charitable donations. Would you mind sharing some things the ministry is doing, and how people who have a heart to give can donate? (I know, this is the part you’re not very comfortable with)

Well, we are involved in musical outreaches, interdenominational worship meetings, mission projects, as well as publishing   materials for free distribution.

On our website, there is a donate button on the nusongministries  page  that allows you financially contribute from anywhere in the world. It also tax deductible.
(Visit Nusong Ministries page to read about it, and make donation)

Oh, I just remembered. You are a published author. Tell us about your book

“Praise, it’s what I do”…..

Yes my first book it is a product of a revelation of our direct commitment and involvement in praise and worship. It is not a cliché’ it’s our participation in our relationship with the ONE we praise and worship.

Is there a new book….and cd in the works?

Oh Yes! Been taking my time but it’s all coming together. ’ Will announce a release date soon.

As an anointed Pastor, what last words would you want to leave with our readers?

I would like to encourage someone out there that God is not through with you so, don’t give up on yourself. It doesn’t matter where you find yourself. Jesus is only a prayer away. Talk to Him! He is still the expert at turning things around.

To connect with Osene:

Nusongmusic.com

twitter.com/osene

Conversation with Victoria Theodore

In this edition of Conversations, the featured guest is Victoria Theodore. What can I say about this multi-talented lady? The one word i would describe her as is dedication - to her craft, and to her art. From the very first time I got acquainted with her, she has exhibited sheer dedication to her craft.

Its been a while I touched base with you, and a lot has transpired with you. How are you feeling with your musical journey?

I’m feeling great! Optimistic, inspired, excited!

The first time we got acquainted was back on MySpace (lol, how time flies). You’ve gone on to be a musician on a national late night TV. For our readers who don’t know, please talk about that experience, how you got on board, and how the whole late night talk show atmosphere/experience is.

In May 2013, I auditioned and was hired to perform as the keyboardist/singer on the new Arsenio Hall Show.  It was an exhilarating process.  We had to keep it secret for months, and then were featured on several entertainment shows before we launched on September 9, 2013.  Everything about the experience was incredible: playing with the best band on television, working with Arsenio, meeting celebrities, accompanying superstar musicians, having my hair/makeup/wardrobe provided on a daily basis.  It was a dream...

Back in the day, you used to spend hours daily practicing your musicality, and for us onlookers, it seemed so regimented. Are you still committed to a structured rehearsal time?

I try.  But now that I run my own business, I’m not just an artist.  I’m also in charge of marketing, art design, programming, booking, managing, accounting, social media, etc.  I just don’t have the time to do everything I need to do to ensure my business success as an artist and practice the way I’d like to.  I do the best I can, given the circumstances.  But it’s an honor to be in this position: I have an album and the skill sets to handle it!

I completely understand needing to do everything while building ones business. Kudos to you.

Finally!! I’m so glad your stellar gifting can be experienced in the new music you have out. What should readers who purchase your music expect in this cd?

My album, Grateful, is a collection of original songs that reflect my varied background, but are tied together by themes of inspiration and hope.  My songs are very honest, at times poignant.  I usually see at least a few people with tears in their eyes at every show.

Was there a unique creative process to birthing the final songs? Any specific or even poignant inspiration?

Not unique: sometimes I let the piano lead me.  Other times, I’d have a lyrical concept and let that lead me.  The songs do reflect some of the challenges I’ve experienced in life, but the bottom line always comes back to hope, gratitude and strength.

This is probably a redundant question, but how long have you been a keyboardist, and how did you fall in love with the craft so deeply to stay so committed to it?

My mother says I started playing when I was 2 years old.  I don’t remember that, but I also don’t remember not playing.  When I was 12 years old, I saw the pianist Andre Watts perform, and I knew in that moment that I wanted to be a pianist.

You have worked with Stevie Wonder, correct? Are there any other names we can unabashedly drop in here (modesty has been officially banished from this conversation. Lol)

I toured with Stevie Wonder for nearly 7 years.  With him, I’ve performed with too many iconic musicians to mention.  A few: Prince, Sting, BB King, Jeff Beck, Smokie Robinson, John Legend, Indie.arie, Esperanza Spalding, etc.

Wow! Toured with him for years? That's incredible! You must learned a lot just working with such a world class artist. Is there a dream artist or singer you would want to work with?

I already have: working with Stevie Wonder is a dream!

So what’s next for you?

I’m performing my own music!  I’ve been booking small venues across the state of California, and have been having the time of my life performing house concerts in the homes of various fans.  I love performing for a massive audience (I’ve played in front of hundreds of thousands with Stevie), but the intimacy and personal connection that I make with a group of people in a private home, performing my songs, watching tears swell in their eyes, smiles spread across their faces, toes tapping, heads nodding, to my songs?  That’s priceless...

You have a few shows coming up. How do readers check your itinerary to buy tickets to your show?

My website has all of the information you need (www.victoriatheodore.com)!  My CD Release concert is at Yoshi’s Oakland on Tuesday, December 1. I’ve got a GREAT band of Bay Area musicians and can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with everyone! And the first single off of the album is Human.

Human (Acoustic Version)

Yoshi’s CD Release - December 1, 2015

(Unfortunately our Conversation was posted after the album launch. Please support her and get her album in a legit manner :-) Thank you)

For a young artist trying to get in the game, what sage words would you offer?

If there’s anything else you can do in life, and be happy, pursue that.  Because music is that hard!  However, if nothing else can make you happy, be prepared for the challenge, the rejection, the financial instability, the disrespect, the moments of hopelessness, but also the joy, the thrill, the sense of purpose, the emotional connections, the ebb and flow of a musical career.  And practice more than everyone you know.

As you enjoy your musical and professional journey, what do you hope to become artistically in the long run?

More of myself: a pianist, singer, songwriter, producer, arranger, working on my own music, performing with other top musicians, creating musical moments that listeners will never forget.  It’s magical, and I want to create that magic as long as God and destiny allow.

Finally, how do readers connect with you in this social media networking age? And please do highlight where one can discover, explore and purchase your music.

My album is available at the iTunes store, bandcamp, and cdbaby.

Social Media:

http://www.victoriatheodore.com

https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaTheodoreMusic

https://twitter.com/VictoriaTheo

https://www.youtube.com/VJTee

http://instagram.com/victoriatheodoremusic

https://soundcloud.com/victoriatheodore

Thank you for the conversation, and much success to you, friend.

Conversation with Ashley Porter

This episodes Conversation is with Ashley Porter. She is a young aspiring entrepreneur and more importantly a Christian lady, who is making steps to influencing and affecting the lives of young ladies. And she recently became a published author. Below is our conversation.

Ms Porter, how are you doing in this moment you’re in?

I am in a season of transition, God is doing amazing things and I'm just growing through it. Thank you for this opportunity to sit and chat with you! 

Going through it huh? I hear you!!

So tell me, who is Ashley Porter, and what is she about?

Ashley is a souled out servant for the Lord! An overcomer! Wheew! I am a mother of a 6yr boy named Daniel. I am a published author, founder of Goal Getters Empowerment Assoc., a speaker. My hearts desire is to truly just be obedient to the Lord.

Wow! You have a lot going on there, lady. How do you balance it all and being effective and productive?

Prayer, prayer, prayer!!! Actually, that's  a question I ask myself in regards to other people all the time- how do they do it? and I get checked real fast that I'm actually DOING it too. (Chuckles) I'm learning through trial and error what works for me. I use multiple calendars and I prioritize tasks and assignments. I'll admit building from the ground up is difficult because it's mainly all on you until God sends those that are assigned to labor with you. But I've learned and still learning a lot. 

What are you passionate about, and what’s your vision?

I am passionate about helping others be exactly who God has created them to be. I'm passionate about serving and being used by the Lord however he's sees fit.

Goal Getters EmpowermentAssociation……what eactly is that, and how did you come up with it? I’m going to assume this is a vehicle to helping others?

Goal Getters Empowerment Assoc. is an organization that the Lord gave me  . The name literally came from a groupme group I created as soon as I created it the Holy Spirit said this is bigger than this group. I immediately deleted it and things began to be downloaded into me. It was amazing. Our first event was for girls ages 12-17, last September. "wonderfully made: empowerment for our girls" it was so amazing! Goal Getters Empowerment Association encourages youth and young adults to obtain a positive self image and self worth, as well as build confidence to achieve their greatest potential. We stand on the words written in Philippians 4:13. We are faith fueled and purpose driven with Christ at the center of our lives

So it is kind of like a nonprofit organization, right? That’s really impressive. How does your organization go about achieving this? What programs do you have in the works?

I haven't acquired the official non- profit status as of yet but YES! I plan different events that are free (not sure if I mentioned this already lol) but all of my events are free because I never want money to be the reason why someone does not come out. Right now I have things in the planning stage since I'm moving. But I am diligently working to get Goal Getters in schools and college campuses but in a different way then what's currently being done

And that brings us to your book. How did you come up with the title?

I actually was driving and I heard "Basic Training" and immediately I began to see that like in any branch of the military upon enlisting you must go through basic training before being able to get on the front lines of battle and the same goes for life. We go through different tests and trials that prepare us for this daily battle we are in. 

Were there any unique things that inspired you to write this book?

Actually, this lady mentioned to me that she believes in A higher power but was unsure about the bible because people wrote it. I didn't want to just tell her my thoughts so that same day I went home and asked God to show me how He used people to write the Bible and in 6 days I had the book, " Basic Training: how to prepare for your spiritual quest"
(Available on Amazon as a paperback and on Kindle as an ebook)

Is this your first published work? 

Yes! It is, I've been writing stories since 6 and actually wrote a teen series in composition books in middles school and passed them amongst my friends. It's amazing how God will totally manifest something you didn't even expect. 

What hurdles did you face and overcome in bringing this book into fruition?

Actually this entire process has been a total faith move. For the past year my only income has been $84 and God has shown himself to truly be Jehovah Jireh. One major move was one night after seeing the movie "Do You Believe" I had a conversation on Instagram with a girl in St Louis that I've never met in person and another lady was blessed by out conversation and at the time I needed $184 to finish paying the publisher for my book and this lady blessed me with $300.

Wow! That’s a divine intervention indeed, and an encouragement that no situation is so beyond that restoration or redemption is impossible. Thank you.
Speaking of hurdles, what foundational lessons have you had to learn as a single mother, and what would you tell that single mother out there stressed out and going through?

I've learned a lot but the most important thing is to pray and to keep God first. Honestly I wouldn't have a ministry or a book or ANYTHING at all if I didn't genuinely develop a personal relationship with the Lord. As parents we are merely shepherds to the child (ren) God has blessed us with. Lay the foundation, teach them how to pray and how to be THEMSELVES. Don't rush your child and allow them to enjoy their childhood

What encouraging words do you have for people who have a desire to publish, or achieve a dream, but somehow are stuck in dream phase?

I would say to never lose sight of the vision God has given to you, God honors obedience and the vision will come to pass if you remain obedient to the Lords leading. Don't compare your journey to others, stay in your lane and stay focused. 

Whats your hope and vision for this book?

My hope and prayer is that this book will bless every person that reads it. That people will see my testimony and know that they don't have to have it "all together" to accomplish purpose. They just need to be totally surrendered and submitted. 

Any last words for our readers?

I pray that whoever reads this interview is coming out of the shadow of doubt, rejection, fear, and anything else contrary to the word of God. I pray that you will be over taken by Godly confidence and Godly boldness to be obedient and walk in your purpose. There are people assigned to your life that are waiting for you to get into position and if you do not they cannot either. May the Lord move mightily in your life.. In Jesus name, Amen.

How can readers support your organization? What resources and help are you open to receiving?

I am open to receiving all forms of support- I believe people are lead to help in specific ways whether it's volunteering or a monetary donation when people help the ministry I was given to lead I sincerely pray that those that support do so with love and enthusiasm. On my website there's a link to donate via PayPal, purchasing my book is another way to support the ministry, sharing posts and flyers on social media help a lot to spread the word as well. If anyone is interested in supporting or helping with the upcoming book tour or anything there's a contact form on my website where they can reach me.

How do readers connect with you?

Facebook: Ashley Porter or Goal Getters Empowerment Association 

Instagram: Ashley_Speaks_

Www. Goalgettersempowerment.com

Www.livelovethinkfree.blogspot.com

Thank You

Ashley A. Porter

Founder

Goal Getters Empowerment Assoc.

Www. Goalgettersempowerment.com

FB: Goal Getters Empowerment Association 

IG: Ashley_Speaks_

Reach* Teach* Empower

Conversation with Eric Ramsey

Eric B Ramsey is an actor, writer and producer with several credits to his name. A quick view on IMDB can enlighten you on his work, and of course the ever subjective Wikipedia has an article on him. Our conversation with him however is on his daring and creative genius of film producing. With two films under his belt, and his third one in the works, we just had to have a conversation.

Wow, where do we start? Lets talk about what you’re doing now, and then go back to last year. What’s on your plate right now? 

I'm actually in production on a new movie called CainAbel, starring Gary Sturgis as Adam and Rhonda Morman as Eve.

CainAbel, is it inspired by the Cain and Abel story in the bible? And what gravitated you to it?

YES it was. A modern day version with a twist. I was actually inspired to write it by Rhonda Morman.

How did you get into movie producing? It looks like a daunting career to get into, considering Hollywood and its perceived exclusivity. 

I wanted to see more people of color on the screen as well as influencing the career trajectory of me and my friends. So I decided to get us in by making my own movie.

Did I see you on Scandal, or was that my imagination? (lol don’t play modest now). 

Yes I saw myself on Scandal. It was actually the second time they used it (my image).

So, “Unspeakable Indiscretions”. That is a very touchy subject to tackle, yet you took it on, and didn’t shy away from it. Why that topic?

I chose that topic because of the taboo nature associated with it. We can talk about everything but no one wants to ever talk about a black man touching a black boy. It happens all the time and unless we address it , its gonna continue to get thrown under the rug and we are gonna continue to have suicides and behaviors of acting out. If you notice I didn't say homosexuality. That's because molestation and homosexuality are not the same thing.

Below is the trailer to Unspeakable Indiscretions

How was the response of Hollywood, and the black community in general?

The response has been good. However, because no one wants to deal with the issue it hasn't been outstanding.

Have people affected by molestation, or organizations addressing it responded to your movie?

It is what it is, so I dealt with it from that perspective. I was molested once as a child, however I learned not to be ashamed or embarrassed about what someone did to me. I was a victim. Now I'm a survivor. 

I was molested too, so I appreciate the authentic way you addressed it, and with integrity. 

Have any accolades been garnered by your movie? 

No accolades yet. I'm just glad I was able to help someone who's been a victim become a survivor.

No accolades for now. And you're right, we need to put the word out there on your movie. It is a timeless piece of art. For readers who would love to watch your movie, how can they get it?

You can get a copy of the movie if u contact me at info@ramseyandbentonentertainment.com

Any last sage words from you, old friend? Hahaha. 

Thanks for the continued support and be ready for CainAbel, 2016.

Are you on social media?

Yes. I'm on facebook Eric b. Ramsey, Instagram @erictheramster. I'm on twitter but I don't tweet