Jonathan Nelson and Purpose 2nd Live Recording

By Richard Cox

On Friday, December 1, 2006, the spectacular Stellar Award-winning singer/songwriter Jonathan Nelson and Purpose 2nd live CD/DVD recording took place at the Empowerment Temple A.M.E. Church in Baltimore, Maryland.  Jonathan serves as the Minister of Music for Pastor Jamal Bryant at this church.

There was a huge toy drive at this event for disadvantaged children where people gave so many gifts that they overflowed the bins.  The church was packed with so many well-known gospel artists, pastors, radio execs and numerous fans. 

Nolan Williams, Jr. opened the recording with God Made an Exception from his latest project Inspiration that set the atmosphere for worship in the place. 

Pastor Bryant gave a rousing introduction.  Jonathan started the recording by stating that the songs on this CD have the themes of success, victory and triumph.  The lyrics of the songs were shown on the side screens in the church for everyone to join in and participate in this worship experience.  I know that many praise teams and church choirs will be singing many of the songs that were sung at the recording.

The festive opening song Champions was filled with high energy that had a group of children singing with Purpose along with joyful dancers celebrating and proclaiming that we are champions in Jesus Christ.  My Name Is Victory had everyone in the church cheering and declaring to one another "My name is victory."  Drench My Heart shifted the pace to intense worship with the church joining in singing the lyrics of the chorus that said “drench my heart, drench my mind, drench my spirit be now with us.”  Jonathan sang the song until worship consumed the place.

Before the next song Jonathan encouraged the church by saying "My answer is yes and my yes is guaranteed."  The song My Yes is Coming was lead by the anointed voice of Sheri Jones-Moffett.  We went into a down home church moment with shouting and rejoicing that filled the room.  Already Mine continued the upbeat praise lead by the powerful voice of Nikki Ross.  The rejoicing continued with everyone clapping their hands and shouting sounds of praise.