My Testimony
You know the Lord says that one of the ways we overcome is through the WORD of our Testimony. The Greek word for testimony is “marturion” which happens to be the name of my production company. Marturion means your living experience or life journey with God. While some may say that the Christian walk is boring, I beg to differ. How can living by faith be boring?! Generally speaking, life is filled with drama, adventure, comedy, romance, etc. and I’m convinced that if we see more “Christian living experiences” or “testimonies”, then we will see more people putting their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. 
My story begins as a teenager where my life was transformed by encountering the presence of God at a bible study led by some college students. Prior to that point, although I had asked Jesus into my heart at 12, I typically pursued my lustful teenage desires. Part of my extra-curricula activities during my first 2 years in high school was “messing” with girls in the back stairways, while during my final 2 years I was leading a prayer movement in those same stairways.
Although my academics were good prior to my conversion (avg. B student), I was motivated to work at my full potential upon surrendering my heart to Jesus. This resulted in me receiving a full academic scholarship at the University of Maryland at College Park where I majored in Radio, Television, and Film. Selecting a major was not difficult for me because I knew from a child that I wanted to be in the field of entertainment. Acting was a passion of mine and being on stage or in front of a camera came naturally.
I strongly believe that the destiny of an individual can be seen in their childhood passions and talents. The dreams and desires from childhood are God-given, but they must be purified. My process of purification had to be in the most common vices associated with the world of entertainment…. sex, money, and fame. The foundation of these vices are rooted in lust and pride, which are two things I address frequently when speaking. I also talk extensively about lust and sexual purity in my book, “Sex At Its Best: Going A.W.O.L. (Abstinence Without Lust)” and believe part of the signature of the Psalm 24 generation will be a commitment to purity and holiness.
God graced me not only to abstain from sex for 12 years (until I got married), but the first time I kissed a woman was when my wife and I were pronounced “husband & wife”. This often brings a flurry of inquiries from an audience or congregation when speaking, but at the conclusion of my message, most are persuaded that purity is the foundation for genuine love. Isn’t that what we all desire?
Anyway…during my college years I once again started a bible study group that grew to exceed 50 members in three semesters. It was more like a student organization that emphasized Christ-centered leadership and made such an impact that we were recognized as the most influential student organization in the African-American community 2nd to the Black Student Union. We sponsored special programs and hosted regional conferences. We had members who wrote editorials for the campus publications and held leadership roles in other student organizations. We were on a mission to take over the campus for Jesus Christ. Because of my leadership successes at the University of Maryland, I was appointed to serve as a National Student leader for New Generation Campus Ministries founded by Bishop Wellington Boone. Our student organization was a part of this larger movement and I was given the opportunity to speak at numerous campuses along the east coast.
Upon graduating with honors, I decided to go to Bible College and obtain an Associate’s Degree in Pastoral Theology. From a logical viewpoint this decision did not support my desire (since High School) to be involved with re-defining the “look” and “flavor” of Gospel music through concept music videos. Yet the key relationship that connected me to BET was attending the same Bible College! Only God can orchestrate that and I enjoy talking about the keys to discovering and possessing your destiny.
After working at BET for 3 years, I presented a concept of what they named, “Lift Every Voice”. The highly rated Gospel Music Video Program (reaching almost 1,000,000 viewers weekly) airs Sundays from 11am-12pm ET/PT. This program is allowing me to use my platform to host and speak at a variety of events where I can inform and inspire people to possess their God-given purpose in the earth. When I am not traveling for the show or various speaking engagements, I serve as an “Elder-In-Training” at Hope Christian Church in Lanham, MD. My responsibilities involve overseeing the College and Young Adult Ministry.
I am convinced that God is establishing soldiers in media and entertainment to creatively communicate the Kingdom of God to the world. I count it an honor to be numbered among them and will lay down my all for the sake of the call….
