Beautifully designed and featuring stunning black-and-white photographs, this moving book will appeal to fans of Crowns and to Christians of all denominations and colors who seek a deeper understanding of the meaning and the glories of their faith. David Ritz recently embraced Christianity, and Messengers is a tribute to the people who awakened his personal faith and to others, both famous and unknown, whose words—sometimes set to music—have inspired millions of believers. The gifted photographer Nicola Goode contributes glowing portraits of each of them. The messengers are an extraordinarily diverse group: women and men; ministers and musicians; singers and teachers; preachers known throughout the world and preachers known only in their neighborhoods. There are stories and reflections from Bishop Noel Jones (brother of Grace); Harlem’s own Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts; Rev. Peter J. Gomes of Harvard; gospel mega-stars Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Winans, Smokey Norful, and Candi Staton; Christian life coach Dr. Arlene Churn; Dr. Mable John, a Los Angeles evangelist and former backup vocalist for Ray Charles; Chris Burge, a former Wall Street executive salesman who is saving souls in New York City and is also now a well known auth∨ and a Washington, D.C., pastor who also runs a window-washing business. In voices joyful, clear, and strong, these mighty men and women of God convey messages of faith, love, and hope addressed directly to the heart. CONTRIBUTORS: Dr. Mable John—SATURATE THE HOUSE WITH PRAISE Reverend Professor Peter J. Gomes—ENNOBLING, ENABLING, POWERFUL Smokie Norful—A TEACHABLE HEART Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry—I HAVE HEARD THE VOICE OF GOD AND I WILL ANSWER HIM Pastor Jesse Andrus—JESUS IS ABOUT CHANGE Dr. Arlene Churn—WALKING EPISTLES Reverend Calvin Butts—CRY OUT TO HIM IN PAIN Reverend Elliott Greene—THE MYSTERY OF HISTORY Candi Staton—HE’S NO FARTHER THAN A THOUGHT AWAY Pastor Reginald T. Johnson, Jr.—TURN, TURN, TURN Chris Burge—THE BEAUTIFUL BUSINESS OF DOING GOD’S WILL The Reverend Dr. Otis Moss, Jr.—MY JOB IS TO PROCLAIM HIM Pastor Willette A. Burgie—JESUS MEETS US WHEREVER WE ARE Pastor Marvin L. Winans—HE IS THE SONG Bishop Alice Pope—I AM A SERVANT Reverend Altagracia Perez—ENCOMPASSED IN TRANQUILITY Bishop Noel Jones—GOD IS SETTING YOU UP: SITUATIONS FOR REVELATIONS Reverend Georgia Hill Thompson—THE IRRESISTIBLE PULL Kirk Whalum—SACRED FOUNTAIN OF CREATIVE BEAUTY Reverend Anthony Trufant—TURN OUR EYES INTO EARS Pastor Jackie McCullough—THE LOVER OF OUR SOUL, THE HONEY IN THE ROCK Pastor Donnie McClurkin—DELIVERANCE AND RECONCILIATION Kirk Franklin—HEALED AND SEALED IN GRACE Bishop Kenneth Ulmer—BUILDING CHAMPIONS FOR DIVINE DEPLOYMENT Patrick Henderson—PRAISING GOD FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE, WORSHIPPING HIM FOR WHO HE IS “ . . . he who receives and welcomes and takes into his heart any messenger of mine receives me.” —John 13:20 (Amplified Bible)