Pastor sings for souls

Noel Thompson, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

There is something more to the career of Lamoy Brown. Brown, the pastor of the Harvest Army Church International in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, and Jarrett Street, Montego Bay, doesn't just preach the Word. He sings it.

Yesterday, the pastor officially launched his album at the Assemblies of Holiness in Falmouth, Trelawny.

The album titled Strengthen Me is the latest compilation of a mix of original and adopted gospel songs, which the young artiste wants in the public sphere this Christmas.

The album has 15 tracks in addition to a musical interlude titled Nah Go A Hell, written and sung in rich Jamaican dialect.

While all tracks are considered equally good numbers, the artiste says he has a bias towards Strengthen Me and Suffering, as they relate directly to his life experience and speak to today's reality.

"These songs are really special to me. Strengthen Me was given to me by the Lord at a time when I was feeling down and needed some encouragement. This song brings encouragement and hope to me, knowing that his grace is sufficient to keep me and his strength is made perfect in my weakness," said Brown.

Suffering, he said, was penned this year after careful analysis of the happenings locally and globally.

Missing piece

The pastor said he realised that many people were experiencing hard times, but did not realise what was missing in the formula to be successful was Jesus Christ.

"Not having him in the picture allows us to go through heartache and pain at times," said Brown.

The album will have a second launch at the Holy Childhood High School in Kingston tomorrow.

Brown is convinced that it is critical to have a second launch in order to capitalise on the exposure as much as possible.

Early next year, Brown will minister to what is expected to be a large congregation in the United States, where he hopes souls will be blessed and brought closer to God's kingdom.

Brown is also forward-thinking and has a website, www.lamoybrown.com, and can also be found at facebook.com/lamoyb.