A few months back we featured Tiffany Stanley in our Artist Snapshots and shared the inspiring music from her album ‘Revival.’ Tiffany is working on new music, and released a FREE EP called ‘Love, Spoken’ which brings glory to God in soothing acoustic worship. I asked Tiffany what the story and inspiration is behind the EP and here’s what she had to say:

Tiffany Stanley on ‘Love Spoken’

‘Love Spoken’ is simply about the love that the Lord speaks over our lives daily. How that love literally overtakes our worries, burdens and strife, and leaves us in a place of longing to exalt Him! I ask myself, ‘How does love speak, and what does it say when it does?’ That’s the question I wanted to write about in this EP. The answer is, God is love (1 John 4:8) and in that love there is a whole lot of peace, life, healing & comfort.

There is an immense amount of freedom in love, chains are broken, relationships are fortified, and lives are changed. These three songs derived from personal times of worship with the Lord, and I pray that you are deeply moved into worship with the creator of the universe through them.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” John 15:9

I find myself at a loss for words, because there is a certain quality about God’s love, and I find it to be quite unexplainable.. the way He loves us. It is so beautiful. It leaves me in awe and takes my breath away. The fact is: He speaks love over us everyday and I wanted to cultivate that thought into these songs. I give all the credit to Jesus, because He is the author & writer of them. My heart was simply inspired by His love.

You can download ‘Love Spoken’ for free at www.noisetrade.com/tiffanystanley. Visit Tiffany’s website at http://tiffanystanley.com to learn more about her ministry and to purchase her music – stay tuned for new music coming soon. You can also connect with her on Twitter and Facebook for more inspiration from her ministry.

Below: Tiffany Stanley sings her original song “Mighty God, You Are” from her EP ‘Love Spoken.’

With realness and encouragement Jenna Lucado Bishop shares her heart with young women around the country, relating to their everyday questions and delving into the truth of God’s word with them. Whether speaking on stage at The Revolve Tour, a faith and fun-filled weekend for teen girls, or co-authoring books with her father, best-selling author and speaker Max Lucado, Jenna’s passion for God is apparent and inspiring, and her energy and the warmth of her personality are inviting. In this interview Jenna shares how she was led to get involved with The Revolve Tour and gives advice for dreaming on in God and serving Him right where we are, even in uncertain times:

Interview by SOAR’s Editor Julene Fleurmond (A special thank you to the Revolve Tour staff for the interview!)

SOAR: I wanted to start off by asking what led you to be involved with The Revolve Tour and having a heart especially for teen girls?

Jenna Lucado Bishop: My heart for teen girls can be traced back to college. I joined a little singing group that would travel to various girl’s events to lead worship. It was at these all-girl weekends that I realized I loved talking to, encouraging, and offering advice to teenage girls. I wasn’t much older than them, but I had just enough wisdom to offer since high school was finally in hindsight:) I knew that one day, I wanted to work with teen girls full-time. I just didn’t know what that would look like. And it DEFINITELY would not look like me speaking from a stage! Seriously. I never wanted to be a speaker.

Well fast-forward four years, and I hear about this new conference called Revolve. Revolve comes from a “mama” tour called Women of Faith. I knew Women of Faith through my dad, and they told me all about this new conference for girls that they were starting. I casually mentioned that I would love to serve at something like that. I was envisioning helping behind stage or on the concourse, selling product or joining the marketing team. I never knew Mary Graham (president of Women of Faith) would sit down with me a year later and ask me if I wanted to try teaching on stage.

SOAR: When and how did you realize that God was calling you to be a speaker and writer, (did your father’s work have a big influence)?

JLB: It was NEVER my dream to speak and write. I didn’t even want to do it when Mary asked me to try it out. You see, teaching and writing was my dad’s thing, not mine! But I felt a Godly nudge to step out, and as soon as I did, God caught me, and gave me a passion I never had on my own to teach girls about Jesus. I was about 23 – God had been preparing my heart for it, and I never even knew it. I look back at all the years I listened to my dad preach, the times I stood up in school to teach at our little chapel service, the times in youth group when I would share my testimony, the little girl’s conference I led worship at in college … all of those were seeds to grow me into a teacher. And I love that it wasn’t my dream, so that I can’t take ANY credit:) That was all God. Now, it’s a deep love. Teaching girls about Jesus, the challenge of communicating His goodness through our weak English language, seeing the light bulbs go off in a girl’s heart when she understands Him for the first time … man, nothing is better!

Jenna Talks About God, Feelings and Life At a Past Years’ Revolve Tour

SOAR: Some teen girls, or even young adults might be confused about what God is calling them to do with their talents. They might have a “million” interests and ideas but not a clear vision. What advice would you give to young people on discovering their God-given dreams and putting them into action? How can we better discern the voice of God versus our own “good” ideas?

JLB: Well, first off, I wouldn’t get bogged down with the HUGE picture. I’m not a visionary. Not a gift of mine. So I can relate to those confused girls out there. But I believe it’s more simple than we think. I think we just ask ourselves, “What do I love? What is something that just comes so naturally for me, that I don’t even have to work at it? And what are other people affirming me in?” That could be math, it could be organizing, it could be doing hair or playing an instrument. It’s an area that dad likes to call our “sweet spot.” Maybe some have a LOT of sweet spots. That’s okay! Now, our only job? Ask God to help us be responsible with it right now. If you play piano, don’t expect and wait on an opportunity to play at Carnegie Hall. Just play for an elderly neighbor who needs something to smile about. If you are a good writer, don’t wait for a publisher to come knocking on your door. Just write in your journal, give your writings to friends who need encouragement. Start picking out your sweet spots, and then be responsible with what God has given you NOW. Just trust God with your gifts every day, and let Him take care of where He takes you.

SOAR: Sometimes when we have a vision for a dream or ministry but we get discouraged when nothing we envisioned has happened or a period of loneliness where we long for God to send others to mentor or support us. Have you ever gone through a dry patch during your ministry, and what advice would you give to someone in a position like that?

JLB: Sure.
When I graduated from college, I moved to Nashville to become a songwriter. I joined a little band, thinking, “Okay, this is it! God is going to use me big time in the music world. I just know it!”

But very little opportunity came my way. I had no friends, didn’t know the city, and then, on top of it all, my music ministry was barely glowing. I felt it flickering in and out, like a flame in me was dying.

Looking back, I see what was going on. God used those confusing, quiet and desert-dry moments to draw me to Him. I grew in my relationship with him more than any other season of my life. Why? Because I had nothing else to fill me, give me purpose or excitement. I only had Him. Not even my ministry could divide my heart. It was all His. (I have learned that ministry can distract me for God, because I pour all my time and energy into it, instead of just seeking God.)

So if you are going through a dry time, stop, take a deep breath, and smile. God is using ALL things, even “darker” days, for His good. He is molding and shaping your heart. You are a constant work in progress. Maybe He is teaching you to draw closer to Him, know Him deeper, instead of focusing on your ministry. Sometimes even ministry can become an idol.

SOAR: At Revolve you were talking about the Garden and God’s dream for us to be restored and be in relationship with Him. One of the things you asked was, “What temporary dream in your life does God want to replace with an eternal dream?” For those who maybe didn’t attend Revolve, could you expand a little on the difference between a temporary and eternal dream? How can “temporary” dreams girls have, that may have been planted by God, be harmful if girls focus more on the dream rather than the Dream-Giver?

JLB: First off, love the way you phrased the question Julene (I can tell you are a writer:)

The ultimate eternal dream that I talk about at Revolve is God’s dream for us to be in a perfect relationship with Him in a perfect place – heaven. In Ecclesiastes, a book in the Bible, it says that God even put eternity on the hearts of men. It’s in us. And we know it’s in us, because there is something that questions life after death. We think, “surely, this life cannot be it.” That comes from an eternal dream God put in us.

But I also believe God gives us dreams that will serve an eternal purpose.
These would also be “eternal dreams.” What eternal purpose do they serve? Well, they serve the purpose of glorifying the only Being that will eternally be glorified – God (or as you call it, the “Dream-Giver”).

Temporary dreams would be dreams that serve a temporary purpose. What temporary purpose do they serve? Well, they serve the purpose of glorifying the beings that will NOT be eternally glorified – ourselves.
So, eternal dreams serve God ultimately, and temporary dreams serve our selfish needs.

I believe a lot of dreams can either be temporary or eternal based on the motive of the heart.

Temporary dreams typically will have a motive to glorify ourselves. For example, you have a dream to be a singer. That’s great. But why? So that you will make money, be famous, have a personal shopper? Or so you can show others how good God is and point to God through your words and your performances? You have a dream to be a doctor. That’s great. But why? To make a lot of money, to prove to others that you are intelligent, to have a Dr. before your name? Or so you can help others in the name of the real Healer and serve others as if you are serving God.

It’s good to stop and evaluate our hearts. It’s easy to take the dreams/gifts God gives us and twist it to promote ourselves, instead of focusing on the God who gave us the dream. When that happens, our lives become purposeless and empty, because we aren’t living for the ultimate eternal dream God made us for.

SOAR: What advice would you give to someone who feels that his or her calling is something similar to yours, writing and speaking to youth? What are some first steps they could take? Could you also share something you wished someone had told you before you got started?

JLB: Well, it’s always hard for me to answer this question, because speaking and writing wasn’t my dream, so I didn’t do anything to prepare myself! God just put it in my lap. Though He was secretly preparing me for years.

Since this year at Revolve our theme is Dream On, girls are sending me their dreams. Most are saying they want to be a speaker or a singer on the Revolve stage. And that is so cool! I love that. But I like to challenge girls with the root of their dream to write/speak/sing, whatever it is. Is your motive to share Christ or share yourself? If your answer is “share Christ,” then does it matter how God uses that dream? No! Just as long as you are doing it, you will be filled with joy! You can use your desire to write about Jesus or speak about God’s love ANYWHERE and ANYTIME! What if that girl in math class that is really quiet with no friends needs a piece of your writing – maybe a poem or a positive thought or encouraging note. Maybe you have an elderly neighbor that needs you to speak to her about God.

Why wait for a publisher or a stage? Live out your dreams now! Use the resources you have, and the people God has put in your life. If you want to speak, speak! You can speak to your youth groups, a friend at lunch, an FCA meeting. If you want to write, write! Start in your journal, write for the school newspaper, or go ahead and write a book. Who’s stopping you? And then give your writings to others to encourage them. Then leave all the details to God.

SOAR: In your latest book “You Were Made to Make a Difference” you talk about how young people can serve right where they are. Can you share a little on your vision behind the book and how serving has changed your life? Also what is an example of a project a teen can start in their community if they are daunted by the idea of going overseas?

Serving has shown me God. That’s how it has changed me. 1 John 4 talks about how God’s love is made complete in us when we love others.

When I serve others, God’s love fills me in a way that is unexplainable. It shows me sides of Him, I never knew before. And anytime I experience God’s love in my life and see new sides to His heart, my heart immediately changes.

Ideas of how to serve in your community run the gamut. Use your gifts or your dreams (like we have been chatting about).
Love to cook? Go to your local church and ask if there is a single mom that needs meals once a week.
Love to play the piano? Go to a local nursing home, and ask them if you can perform.
Love to play with kids? Why not join a local organization like Big Brothers/Big Sisters where you hang out with an underprivileged kid once a week. Or volunteer at your church for the children’s Sunday school classes.

There are SO many ways to serve right where you are. Pray that God will open your eyes to an opportunity He wants to give you.

Jenna Talks More About Giving and Serving in this “Heart Check” Video for the Revolve Tour

SOAR: For young adults who may have more opportunities to go overseas on missions sometimes it can be overwhelming thinking about what impact we can have as one person. For example recently I went to Haiti to visit family there and do missions but my heart was broken thinking, “I wish I could do more.” What advice would you give to make the best of and prepare for a trip like this or to expand our impact beyond one trip after it is over?

JLB: You can’t do everything. I can totally relate to your feelings Julene. I am a “fixer.” I want to make everyone, everywhere okay. Before you take off on a mission trip, go with this suggested prayer, “Okay God, help me understand that you are in control, not me. Help me be responsible with the people and opportunities you put before me and then trust you with the rest.” You have to know that you, alone, will not save Haiti, will not feed all the children around the world. We can only do our part.

When it comes to expanding our impact beyond one trip, one of the best things you can do is pray for the people you encountered, the country you visited and the organizations you worked with. You can tell others about your experience, so that others will pray or give or serve the country like you did. There are also plenty of organizations that are within the countries you may visit that you can give money to, or sponsor a child through, or gather Christmas presents from your church to send to, etc. The options are endless!

In this video from Haiti Jenna Talks about service and how it changes our perspective…

SOAR: Can you share a scripture that speaks to this season of your life?

JLB: My prayer over my heart right now comes from Ephesians 1:17 –

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”

SOAR: Here’s a lighter question so we can get to know you a little bit more beyond Revolve; can you tell us some of your favorites: Favorite Book/s? Music you’ve been listening to lately? Favorite warm drink for snowy weather? What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

JLB: I love anything fiction. I’m reading a lot of Jane Austen right now. And I love anything by Francine Rivers. I always have Sarah Groves in my car. And I love listening to anything Hillsong/Hillsong United. Favorite warm drink would be coffee made at my own house. I can’t stand Starbucks coffee! (Does that make me “unamerican”?) Something surprising? I love Latin culture. I have a dream to move to Central America. I love Spanish, Latin food, the people … everything!

SOAR: Lastly what is one more piece of advice you would give to yourself as a teen or to any teen girl trying to navigate this world and live out God’s dream for them?

JLB: I didn’t start reading the Bible on a regular basis until I was around 17-years-old, and it changed my life. Don’t wait until you are 17:) Even if it looks boring or overwhelming, give it a few words at a time. Each word will draw you closer, until soon it feels like an old friend.

SOAR: Thanks so much Jenna for your inspiration!

Jenna is currently speaking on the Revolve Tour, an encouraging 2-day weekend event for teen girls featuring relatable speakers, music artists including dramas, and more. The 2011 theme is “Dream On” based on Luke 1:37 NCV: “God can do anything!”

This year’s line-up includes:

Jenna Lucado Bishop, Chad Eastham, Courtney Clark Cleveland, Kathryn MccCormick, Jamie-Grace Harper, Group 1 Crew, Britt Nicole and Hawk Nelson

For more information about the Revolve Tour visit www.revolvetour.com.

On SOAR we feature young people (from those beginning their ministries to those more established) who are using their talents to bring glory to God. Check out our interview with brother/sister music duo Lauren & Lucas Gandy who began by posting creative videos on Youtube showcasing both their musical and production skills and their love for Jesus. By creating acoustic covers of songs by Christian artists, from Lecrae to Kirk Franklin and Skillet, Lauren and Lucas’ videos show you can have fun while bringing glory to God.

SOAR: Can you give us some background on yourselves; how old are you guys, what year in school? Where are you from, and how would you describe yourself for us to get to know you better?

Lauren: Age: 15, Education: 11th Grade, Would describe myself as: Sarcastic, Energetic

Lucas: Age: 22, Education: College, Would describe myself as: Relaxed, Easygoing

Lauren & Lucas: We are from a small town called Mize, The Watermelon Capitol of the World.

Lauren: HAHA- no. seriously, we have a festival every year.

SOAR: When did you start getting into music and what inspired you to start making videos?

Lauren & Lucas: We both remember hearing our mom sing in church. We would hear her practice all the time around the house. She’s pretty much where we got our rhythm. She would also have K-Love playing in the car when we would go somewhere. Then in 2005, a friend introduced us to new artists like Grits, KJ-52, and Toby Mac.

In early 2008 we noticed that some YouTube users were getting a decent amount of subscribers by covering and making acoustic versions of secular music. We noticed that there were hardly anybody covering Christian artists, especially Christian rap. Then in December of 2008 we decided to throw ourselves onto the World Wide Web, and here we are now. We’ve been doing our own video-ing and it has been less hassle with just being two of us.

Check Out Lauren & Lucas’s Video Introducing Their Youtube Channel

SOAR: How has the response been? Have you gotten any comments on your videos that have really touched you?

Lauren & Lucas: We’ve been getting tons of support. We even had a few people start their own music ministry on YouTube. The comments we get are so meaningful to us. It’s so wonderful to see what an impact we have on people.

SOAR: I heard Lecrae responded to the “Praying for You” cover you did; how did you react to that? Did it help spread the word about your other videos?

SOAR: Who are some of your favorite music artists and influences?

Lauren & Lucas: Flame, Trip Lee, Switchfoot, Skillet, K-Drama, TobyMac, Grits

SOAR: Will you guys be releasing any original music, and when can we look out for it?

Lauren & Lucas: Yes! We’ve been working on an album every chance we get. School has been taking a lot of our time. Not sure when we will be able to release it, but surely we can drop some singles soon!

SOAR: Any plans for songs to record next? Taking any requests?

Lauren & Lucas: “Manafest” is an artist we haven’t covered just yet; we are going to start trying to help expose other artists that are not well known. As far as requests, we quickly came to the realization that we cannot cover every song someone requests, so what we do is recognize the songs that are most requested and write them down for future references.

Lauren & Lucas Acoustic Cover of Kirk Franklin’s “Let it Go”

SOAR: Can each of you give one of your favorite scriptures that encourage you and why it is your favorite?

Lauren: Psalm 33:3 Sing a new song unto the Lord. <- Music is a big part of my life and so is God. I’m sure God likes to hear a new tune every now and then. =)

Lucas: Deuteronomy 32:29-31 One person can put a thousand to flight, but two can put ten thousand. Instead of working separately, we affiliated our YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook page with both of our names together.

SOAR: What were you guys up to this summer? What are some of your hobbies and ways you have fun where you live?

Lauren & Lucas: We work church Camps, and other camps as well. We also perform at different churches and help open people up to new Christian music. We love to swim; in fact, we usually jump in the nearest creak available!

SOAR: Any reflections on your ministry so far, and what you’ve learned from it? Where do you hope to take it next?

Lucas: I remember when we first started; Lauren said, “I would be so happy if we reached at least 32 subscribers.” Lol- We’ve learned that most of the time, if your friends like your music, then more than likely others will like it as well, but keep your mindset on God. Right now we are just playing at different churches at the moment. Whatever doors God opens next we’ll gladly walk through.

SOAR: Can you give any advice or encouragement to other teens and young adults on using their talents for God?

Lauren & Lucas: Don’t limit yourself on what you think you’re able to do for God, life is the only thing that is limited…. Don’t wait till your older, or till you get that big studio.. Start now.

For more on Lauren & Lucas and their music you can visit them at:

Youtube: http://www.YouTube.com/LaurenandLucas

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LaurenandLucas

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lauren-and-Lucas/89167343769

Pursuing A Life Mapped By the Maker

His music and ministry spans generations. From producer, to musician, speaker and host, Kirk Franklin’s ability to be both light-hearted with humor and raw with realness and honesty draws in people of all ages and backgrounds. Adding a new level of transparency and spiritual insight, Kirk Franklin launches his first book The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms on May 18. In the book he charts a guide of personable wisdom speaking on everything from faith and marriage to race and life in the black community. “The Blueprint” aims to inspire anyone to view and plan his or her life from an unearthly perspective.

Kirk Franklin spoke to Dream in Soul about the vision of the book, his ministry expanding into the Twitterverse, his definition of success, and creating a bridge between contemporary Christian and gospel music. Tune into the conversation below:

Dream in Soul: Hi, thank you so much for talking to me today, it’s such an honor. I wanted to start out by asking you what inspired you to write this book at this point in your life and what was your vision in writing it?

Kirk Franklin: The book came about because I’ve been doing a lot of public speaking, and speaking at colleges, churches, and conferences, and so people thought that it would be good that I did a book. So a couple of publishers became interested in the idea, and now here we are with “The Blueprint.”

DS: What was your vision, did you have a specific age group in mind when writing the book or is it for everyone?

Marvin Sapp’s latest album “Here I Am” has reached No.2 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it the highest debuting Gospel release ever.*

“Here I Am”

Within the resounding success of his latest album “Here I Am,” and the breakthrough his previous project “Thirsty,” Marvin Sapp is still down-to-earth, thankful and even surprised at how his music has been embraced. Among the accomplishments he stays continually grounded in the purpose of his mission to reach the masses. As the senior pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Michigan he stands firm in his creed “I am a preacher who happens to sing,” and presents both his messages and music with powerful, life-changing Word and truth.

“Here I Am” his eighth album, recorded live last October, is filled with heartfelt encouragement and a mix of musical arrangements from more traditional gospel to the more contemporary. The project and messages within are sure to be enjoyed by a range of people, clearly shown by the album’s surge to the No.1 position on Billboard’s Gospel and Christian charts and No.2 on the Billboard 200.

Marvin Sapp chatted with Dream in Soul about the vision behind the album, and also shared some Soul Dreamer Inspiration about ministry, industry, talent and calling. Read and listen in to the conversation below:

Dream in Soul: Hi Pastor Sapp, thank you for taking the time to speak to me today. Can you talk about where you are now since your last project “Thirsty” and what inspired you to create this new project “Here I Am”?

Marvin Sapp: Well this record “Here I Am” is just a tad bit different than “Thirsty.” “Thirsty” is a little more worshipful than this record. There’s worship on it, but this one is not only worship but is also a record that really strives to encourage and enrich, and to talk about personal identity, as pertaining to personal identity in Christ.

So many times we feel as if we are inadequate and that we don’t possess any abilities and skills to be able to accomplish the goals that God has set for us to accomplish and go after. “Here I Am” just speaks to that whole concept of people really understanding that man looks at the outward appearance but it’s God who looks at the heart, and how we don’t need people to define us.

DS: Definitely, the song “Never Would Have Made It,” touched a lot of lives and had great success. Did you come into this new project with any type of expectations, fears or hopes?

The music is blaring, the lights are low and hundreds of young people are on the move, filling their nights – and cups – with crazy, “harmless” fun. It’s a typical night in the life of a college student… right?

Not for everyone. Stephanie Rodnez saw scenes like these when she entered college six years ago and felt a stirring in her heart when witnessing many of her friends falling away from their relationships with God. So many students who had been committed to Him gradually took their hearts back to engage in “college life”- consisting of everything from getting drunk and partying hard to being promiscuous – and anything else movies and TV deem is normal.

Nearing graduation Stephanie felt God telling her to change her career plans and use her talents to glorify Him. Despite initial hesitation she heeded the call, and her independent film company Christ Effect Entertainment was born. The company presents Christian media for young adults that encourages them to stay firm in their faith no matter what the culture and media throws at them. There are two films already in distribution and plans to expand into television, books, and even a nightclub.

Now finishing up her graduate degree in business at Nova South Eastern University in Miami, FL, Stephanie is rallying up other young people with a passion for God to battle the messages and lifestyles bombarding young adults today. With her warm, joyful personality and creative, youthful productions Stephanie draws others in to see the truth of God’s love, and she’s striving to make a mark for “Godlywood” one young audience at a time.

In Take 1 of the interview Stephanie chatted with Dream in Soul about how and why she got started with Christ Effect Entertainment, the growth of the Christian film industry, and about the work she hopes has a powerful effect for Christ in this generation:

Dream in Soul: Hi Stephanie, thanks for speaking with me today. I wanted to first ask you when did you feel the calling to make films?

SR: Ah, well it’s actually really cool. I was 14 or 15 and was in love with journalism, in love, in love, in love… I didn’t want to do anything else. I did this internship at the Sun Sentinel (a local Florida newspaper) for six weeks, and I fell even more in love with it. So I’m like alright Lord, this is what I’m going to do for the rest of my life, I’m going to write stories for newspapers.

One day I’m sitting in front of my TV screen at home in the summer, and I was just flipping through the channels and I was like wow, there’s not a lot of stuff here for young adult Christians. I heard the Holy Sprit telling me – that’s what I want you to do.

I was like, I am not doing movies. I already have a job lined up at the Sun Sentinel and I don’t even like making movies that much. I was like no way, Lord if you want me to do this, you have to make me love it. So when I got back to school in the fall I started working on my own film and I fell in love with the whole process. And the rest is history (laughs)! He put me on the path, He taught me what I needed to know, and now, praise God it’s everything I’m passionate about, and I love doing it.

Watch Stephanie in action as she’s planning her upcoming movie “Youth of Christ,” in this webisode from her day-in-the-life of an indie filmmaker series:

DS: So how did it go from making the film to starting your own business? Tell me about Christ Effect Entertainment.

Growing up in a turbulent neighborhood, 14-year-old Samuel Glass found himself caught up in a whirlwind of temptations and bad choices. A few years ago he decided to begin using his passion for rapping to be a role model to other kids, and to glorify God. He goes by the stage name God’s Prodigy, and in this interview he tells us how he addresses the hardships young people are facing today, especially in the inner-city:

Check out more from God’s Prodigy and learn how to purchase his music on his Myspace page, www.myspace.com/godsprodigy911.

Recently God’s Prodigy gave an inspirational message at From Bondage To Freedom Church. Watch a portion of it below:

For our first SOAR interview, DreaminSoul.com welcomes an “ordinary kid with an extraordinary gift” in music, who is using it for the Lord. 13-year-old Donovan Owens has been singing for a quite while now, and has shared the stage with several well-known Gospel artists. You may have heard his tremendous voice on Kirk Franklin’s latest album “The Fight of My Life” on the track “A Whole Nation.” Now Donovan has an album of his own called “All That I Have,” and he shows us you’re never too young to serve the Lord with your talents. Check out what Donovan had to say about his faith, dreams, walk with God, and more…

Listen to a clip from the interview in this video & read the entire interview below:

SOAR: Hi Donovan.

Donovan Owens: Hi.

SOAR: Hi how are you doing?

DO: I’m alright, and you?

SOAR: I’m doing good. Thanks for calling in. I wanted to start the interview by asking when you got started singing?

DO: I started singing when I was two and I started learning songs when I was 5.

SOAR: Wow, that’s great. And when did you begin performing and start doing engagements?

DO: When I was about 7, yeah about 7.

SOAR: And how was that, did you know that this is what you wanted to do?

DO: I just knew that, when I was about 10 I realized that this is what I really wanted to do and this is what I had a passion for. So that’s when I really started to get gigs and stuff.

SOAR: What kinds of gigs did you start doing?

DO: First I had church events, I was pretty much just singing at my church and just went up from that.

SOAR: And with all this going on, all those performances did you do anything to stay grounded?

DO: Well before I sing, I pray that I do well, and that people can be reached by what I’m singing and hear the words that I’m saying. I fast, and I deny some of the things that I do daily so… I pray and read my Word, and I just rest my voice so I can save it.

SOAR: Wow, that’s really good. You said that you fast before to prepare?

DO: Yes.

SOAR: That’s awesome – you’re 12 now?

DO: I just turned 13.

SOAR: Oh, happy belated birthday!

DO: Thank you.

SOAR: How does it feel to have your first album released so close to your birthday?

DO: Well, it was just so amazing because we’ve been waiting so long, people have been waiting so long… Everytime in church they say, “When is your album coming out? I’m going to be the first one to buy it.” It was just a lot of hard work that went into it. It was just my dream come true to have my first album, it was just amazing just to hear myself just on a CD, to actually give it out to people, and people are actually happy to be getting it. So it was just an amazing experience. Then I had a release concert, which made it even better, so… and there was a lot of people that were there, they bought a lot of CDs that I autographed. I autographed posters and everything. It was just nice that I had fans and people that believe in me and support me.

SOAR: That’s awesome. So for your first album did you have a vision? What message did you want to give to people?

DO: My vision is pretty much to reach youth, speak to them in my songs, to speak to them about their questions and their concernings about their life. It’s just encouraging them and being there for them through my music.

SOAR: That’s great. Did you get to help write any of the songs?

DO: I do write, but I didn’t on my first album, I just had an input on some of the songs.

SOAR: Did you have a favorite song that spoke to you the most?

DO: Yes, it’s called “Fly Like a Bird.” My song is actually here in Milwaukee for “Jam for Peace.” It’s like a peace concert where there’s a whole bunch of artists that come, and I sang the song called “Fly Like a Bird.” It’s my favorite song, it just speaks about how I just want to be with the Lord all the time and get away from the evils of the world, the killing and the hatred, and everything. So that’s what its about.

Donovan Owens: Fly Like a Bird

SOAR: Yeah, I heard that song I really liked it too. What other performances have you done and who are some of the people you’ve performed with?

DO: Well I performed with Dorinda Clark Cole, I sang for Marvin Winans’ youth conference, Hezekiah Walker’s youth conference, Bishop Alfred Owens’ youth conference, I’ve sung at lots of church events. I’ve worked with, well I’ve sung and opened up for J. Moss and 21:03. I’ve sung for Smokie Norful, and I also did a song for TBN.

SOAR: Oh, you’ve done a lot more then people twice your age. That’s really impressive.

DO: Thank you.

SOAR: How was it that you met Kirk Franklin, and got to sing on his album?

Donovan in “A Whole Nation” from Kirk Franklin’s Album “The Fight of My Life”:

DO: Well it was actually through my pastor, Bishop Darrell Hines and Pastor Pamela Hines. We had an Easter service and he was one of the guests, and I was singing with the youth choir. So, I’ve always wanted to meet him so I just went in the back and asked my Bishop if I could sing for him, and he said sure… And I sung a little snippet of like one of his songs on the Hero album, and he just loved it. So he called me back and he said he was going to call my mom. Within two or three weeks we got a phone call that he wanted us to fly down to record a song with him, and I was super excited, like that was one of my dreams come true.

Kirk Franklin & Donovan in the Studio in 2007

SOAR: Awesome. Speaking of dreams, I read [in your blog] you also got to perform at a release concert called the “Following Our Dreams” concert, for your friend Jacob Latimore?

DO: Yes, I did, it was just full of a whole lot of young people, and even grown-ups too, and I think everybody enjoyed themselves, I certainly enjoyed myself. The dancers, myself, Jacob, everybody there. Even with R&B, I just loved it.

SOAR: You said it was R&B, how did you feel, did you feel nervous about singing, how did it turn out?

DO: I felt comfortable because it was just a mixture, they are R&B and Gospel too. I was Gospel and some of them were R&B, some were dancers, and I just felt comfortable.

SOAR: That’s cool that you get to go into other settings and sing with other people who are singing other genres.

DO: Yeah, I just felt like light because I was singing Gospel. Yeah, I just felt like everybody enjoyed themselves, I certainly enjoyed myself.

SOAR: That’s great. So who would you say are your role models, people who inspire you? It could be musically or people in your life who inspire you?

DO: Smokie Norful, because of how humble he is, and how sweet his spirit is. When I met him he just had encouraging words for me. And so did Kirk Franklin, he gave me some really good advice and great wise words for me and we had some similarities, so he’s definitely one of my role models. J. Moss, because I like the way he speaks to people in his music, and how he writes. Donnie McClurkin because of how anointed he is. And I also want to be as anointed as all of them. So those are my role models.

SOAR: They’re great. How do you balance being a kid with your ministry?

DO: Well, my mom she helps me, she makes sure that I have time to be a kid and have fun. We do vacations and get aways, so she just makes sure that I’m being a kid and also being a Gospel artist too, so I have the best of both worlds.

SOAR: Definitely. How is it like at school? Do the other kids know about your singing and what have they said to you?

DO: Yes, everybody knows. When Kirk Franklin’s CD ["The Fight of My Life"] came out, like every single day people were coming up to me, to my locker. At lunch all the girls were like “Oh my gosh! You’re on Kirk Franklin’s CD…” By, like, a month passed and “A Whole Nation Song” was all on their ipods. They were just like jammin’ to it. It was just funny, it was just funny. In a month everyone just had it on their ipods.

SOAR: That’s pretty cool. I heard you have another passion, in acting. How’d you get started in that?

DO: I can’t really remember how, but I just remember trying out. I started off with one role, and I ended up with four more so I had five all together. It included singing, acting and dancing. So I just enjoyed myself in that, and it was actually called Modjeska Youth Theatre. It was “Suessical the Musical.” It was a play about all of Dr. Suess’ musicals and stories, so it was very fun.

SOAR: Cool. So do you have any other acting roles coming up?

DO: It’s in the works, so we’re praying and hoping that I’m getting in a movie.

SOAR: That’d be awesome. So what else do you like to do for fun, like read, play video games, play any sports?

DO: I like to play video games and I like to draw, and I like to read. Mainly I like to draw and read, when I don’t feel like watching TV. Mainly everyday I just sing and hum, and draw, and that’s pretty much what I like to do.

SOAR: Cool, do you have any favorite books or video games?

DO: The game system that I like the most is the Wii… And my favorite book is called Silver Cage… It’s a very good book, it’s kind of similar to the style of Harry Potter books, but I think it’s better than Harry Potter books. I like it.

SOAR: Cool, I might check that out. So with the singing, and the acting and all that, have you thought about what you want to do when you get older?

DO: Well, I want to be a fashion designer I want to have my own line of clothing and I also want to be a singer. I want to be a producer too.

SOAR: Well I’m sure that with your faith in God and with everything that you’re doing now that you’ll be able to achieve those dreams and goals. I was wondering do you have a favorite scripture that you’d like to share, something that inspires you the most?

DO: Well, its Luke 9:48. The scripture just talks about how God is saying whoever receives this child in my name will receive me, and whoever doesn’t receive this child doesn’t receive the anointing I have in him. I just like that scripture because sometimes I get discouraged because grown-ups just don’t think that I sing, I’m just a little kid. I’m just a little kid just coming up and singing and whatever, and they just don’t think that I have the anointing, so I just base myself on that Scripture.

SOAR: Well, definitely that’s a great scripture. Do you have any advice for other young people who feel like that or who want to use their talents for God but they might be afraid or unsure that they can do it now when they’re young?

DO: All I have to say is just follow your dreams, don’t ever give up. Remember it’s all about God put Him first. I have a song called “I’ll Be That” its actually my single, and it talks about how you get talked about, and how you get teased just because you have a relationship with God. It’s alright to say I’ll be that, it’s ok. It’s ok, just follow God and you’ll be alright. That’s all I have to say.

SOAR: That’s really good. What do you have coming up next, any projects or events?

DO: Well right now we’re just promoting the album, yeah we’re gonna have a lot of spots in cds, and pretty much interviews. We’ll be promoting the CD pretty much.

SOAR: Great, so where can everyone go to learn more and to purchase the album?

DO: Well my website is DonovanOwensMusic.com where you can purchase the CD and also listen to some of the songs. You can find out a lot about me, I have my bio. And a lot of people if you have Myspace, you can hit me up on Myspace, myspace.com/donovanowensmusic, where if you send me a friend request and I add you or you add me we’re having giveaways, where we’re going to have raffles, games, a whole lot of stuff. So all you have to do is be my friend on Myspace.

SOAR: Is there anything else you wanted to say, or do you want to give a shout out to anyone?

DO: Just to my family and all my friends, thanks for supporting me.

SOAR: Thanks so much for speaking to me today Donovan.

DO: Thanks for having me.

SOAR: Good luck on everything and God bless.

DO: Thank you.

SOAR: Bye.

DO: Bye.

Find out more about Donovan & hear more of his music:
Website: www.donovanowensmusic.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/donovanowensmusic Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/DonovanOwensMusic