Neil Sedaka wasn't talking about the leave-taking of a Music Minister, however instead of the breakup of a love relationship. Wait ... isn't that what this has to do with anyway? We learned the other week that Minister Wayne Robinson is leaving The Very first Cathedral, where he has functioned as Music Minister since April 1, 2006. Now he's breaking up with us. Females in the choir are weeping at the idea. What's the reason for all the turmoil, the emotional profusion, the shock?
Something that is evident is that Wayne Robinson has actually been a remarkable true blessing to Find more information the ministry of The Very first Cathedral. In order to discover specifically what is behind all this turmoil, I surveyed a few of the faithful. Janine Scott, who "signed up with the choir at a turning point" in her life stated she is "absolutely nothing but happy for the chance to have dealt with such a Prince."
Ester Delmonte loves that "his mommy implied us much to him as my mama does to me." He has actually blessed Shelby Bradford, "because of his kind spirit. He is very touchable and real" and "his compassion permeates the room." From Dionne Welch, "what I witnessed was that he always appeared to manage his load with grace."
Here is a guy graced with a special spirit. He would go into the Chapel with a flourish, holding guarantees of another lively practice session filled with mirth, remarkable music, prayer, love, instruction (and correction); and a go to from the Lord impended on every Thursday. Unusual was the evening that didn't include at least one appreciation break, at least one testimony.
There has actually been a breakthrough at The Very first Cathedral, and a major contributor to that breakthrough is Wayne Robinson. In October of 2008 (October 31 to be accurate), the Praises of Zion gathered together in the sanctuary to tape-record, live. Traditionally known as Halloween, this night was developed into a night in which we were able to stomp on the devil instead.
It was a long run, but "I Think," the freshly-minted recording, was released on February 28, 2010, to terrific reviews. Naturally, all of us know whose hand was in the mix - one Wayne Robinson. Tunes such as "Your Grace," "In Your Will," "All of the Magnificence," and the title track, "I Believe," among others, originated from the pen of our precious Minister of Music.
There is so much more to be stated. He is the practiced teacher; so many have actually found out so much at his hand. As trumpeter Robert Alvaranga noted, he leads and directs with panache. A multi-instrumentalist, he is also competent in a variety of styles.
Listening as he plays the piano, you can hear influences from the worlds of jazz, rhythm & blues, classical, rock all connected standard gospel, spirituals and contemporary Christian. We may not have acknowledged them, however it's an excellent guess that some folk, zydeco, country and jug-band music made its method into the POZ repertoire as well.
Wayne Robinson has nothing to apologize for, absolutely nothing to concern himself with as he leaves The Very first Cathedral - gone, but not forgotten; away, but never ever really gone; out of sight but never ever out of mind; forever a part of the ministry and the lives of all those who he has touched, in so many methods.
To wit, Janine Scott said he has "put so much into my life and household, it's crazy. He taught my child, Aaron, to play the piano; and not only that, he instilled self-confidence and a sense of pride in him that he didn't get anywhere else." "He cares about each and every member (of POZ) and will drop a line, make a call or simply say the ideal thing when one of us is injuring," said Antoria Howard.
Angela Griffin, while proclaiming his musical and teaching expertise, mentioned that he "ministers to the choir members during rehearsals, is a strong supporter for youth leaders in praise and praise."
From Jasmine Jackson, "he provided me the inspiration and opportunity to sing ... offered me gold nuggets of advice that I will continue to use." Markeyse Hill - "he's been a father to me. He's very kind, leads you down the best roadway and is there to assist you back when you head in the incorrect direction."
Our outbound Minister of Music is a praying, God-fearing male. He reveres what was instilled in him as he grew up - to applaud and praise God, to honor Him in his actions, his words and his ideas. His teaching is exceptional. For this author, I found that what I believed I knew about appreciation and praise was really little. He truly turned me from a loud vocalist to a vibrant praiser. I understood why to applaud God, but understanding how to do so is something he offered me through instruction.
How to thank such a guy? Here's what some others have had to say about Wayne.
Druscilla Williams: "You taught us how to breathe appropriately; now, as an outcome of learning that, I no longer need an inhaler."
From Dionne Welch, "He never spoon-fed me when I felt insufficient; instead he encouraged me to "give myself away so that God might utilize me. Whenever I sing, that's what I do."
Barbara Ward used that Wayne's "interest for the Lord's work, whether in music or in basic, was absolute transmittable and inspiring."
Regina Moye: "I have actually found out more from him vocally - more than he will ever understand."
Talonie Daniels: "Minutes. Robinson's present, stability and leadership have actually taken my gift and that of the Praises of Zion and the music ministry to the next level."
Michael Walton stated "it's been a pleasure dealing with Minutes. Wayne. His style has been refreshing because he brought 'old school' music out with a twist on it to boost the services." Vanessa Walton added, "My self-confidence level has increased considerably because of his subtle support, pushing me forward in the presents God offered me."
Berlyn Trusty offered, "We both found that we knew some of the very same individuals from Gospel Music Workshop of America, and I'm grateful and honored to have actually been asked to help with Appreciation & Praise on Saturdays."
Keith Simmons, bassist - "originating from a Jamaican church, I was not familiar with the design of standard and contemporary Gospel music; in light of that, Minutes. Wayne has been patient with me, and I have discovered a lot."
Enough stated? I don't believe so. Min. Peter Thomas left us with an anecdote recently. Obviously, there was a day when Wayne was leaving the Cathedral and the door didn't close appropriately when he left, something that Min. Thomas gave his attention.
His action? - "Well, close it, Preacher. And do me a favor, please - get this bible later - 1Thessalonians 4:11 -12, which checks out as follows: Make it your aspiration to lead a peaceful life, to mind your own business and to deal with your hands, simply as we informed you, so that your every day life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." It's clear that having a funny bone will take an individual far in this life.
Friendly's has what they call a "Pleased Ending" sundae. We are anticipating a delighted ending here also. The First Cathedral and all its ministries have actually been improved by the existence of this modest servant, who believed it not break-in to take from many musical genres and bring the Praises of Zion to yet another level.
Instead of be ensconced, unmovable, from that level, it is abundantly clear that we are on a rising scale, prepared to reach even higher heights.