Neil Sedaka wasn't discussing the leave-taking of a Music Minister, however rather of the separation of a Visit this link love relationship. Wait ... isn't that what this has to do with anyhow? We discovered the other week that Minister Wayne Robinson is leaving The First Cathedral, where he has actually functioned as Music Minister given that April 1, 2006. Now he's breaking up with us. Ladies in the choir are weeping at the thought. What's the cause of all the turmoil, the psychological outpouring, the shock?
Something that is evident is that Wayne Robinson has actually been an extraordinary blessing to the ministry of The First Cathedral. In order to learn specifically what is behind all this turmoil, I surveyed a few of the faithful. Janine Scott, who "joined the choir at a turning point" in her life said she is "nothing however thankful for the opportunity to have actually dealt with such a Prince."
Ester Delmonte enjoys that "his mommy meant us much to him as my mother does to me." He has actually blessed Shelby Bradford, "due to the fact that of his kind spirit. He is extremely touchable and genuine" and "his compassion permeates the room." From Dionne Welch, "what I saw was that he always appeared to manage his load with grace."
Here is a male beautified with an unique spirit. He would go into the Chapel with a thrive, holding promises of another vibrant rehearsal loaded with mirth, remarkable music, prayer, love, direction (and correction); and a visit from the Lord was imminent on every Thursday. Unusual was the night that didn't consist of at least one praise break, a minimum of one statement.
There has been a breakthrough at The First Cathedral, and a major contributor to that development is Wayne Robinson. In October of 2008 (October 31 to be exact), the Praises of Zion congregated in the sanctuary to tape, live. Generally 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 fantastic reviews. Obviously, we all understand whose hand was in the mix - one Wayne Robinson. Tunes such as "Your Grace," "In Your Will," "All of the Glory," and the title track, "I Believe," among others, came from the pen of our precious Minister of Music.
There is so much more to be said. He is the practiced instructor; many have discovered so much at his hand. As trumpeter Robert Alvaranga kept in mind, 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 tied in with traditional gospel, spirituals and contemporary Christian. We might not have recognized them, but it's a great guess that some folk, zydeco, country and jug-band music made its method into the POZ collection also.
Wayne Robinson has absolutely nothing to apologize for, absolutely nothing to issue himself with as he leaves The First Cathedral - gone, but not forgotten; away, however never ever actually gone; out of sight however never ever out of mind; permanently a part of the ministry and the lives of all those who he has touched, in numerous methods.
To wit, Janine Scott stated he has "poured so much into my life and family, it's crazy. He taught my child, Aaron, to play the piano; and not only that, he instilled confidence and a sense of pride in him that he didn't get anywhere else." "He appreciates each and every member (of POZ) and will drop a line, make a call or simply state the ideal thing when among us is harming," said Antoria Howard.
Angela Griffin, while proclaiming his musical and teaching expertise, mentioned that he "ministers to the choir members throughout wedding rehearsals, is a strong supporter for youth leaders in praise and worship."
From Jasmine Jackson, "he provided me the motivation and chance to sing ... provided me gold nuggets of guidance that I will continue to utilize." Markeyse Hill - "he's been a dad to me. He's really kind, leads you down the best road and is there to direct you back when you head in the incorrect instructions."
Our outgoing Minister of Music is a praying, God-fearing guy. He reveres what was instilled in him as he grew up - to praise and worship God, to honor Him in his actions, his words and his thoughts. His mentor is unparalleled. For this author, I found that what I thought I knew about appreciation and praise was really little. He really turned me from a loud singer to a lively praiser. I understood why to praise God, however understanding how to do so is something he provided me through direction.
How to thank such a man? Here's what some others have actually had to state about Wayne.
Druscilla Williams: "You taught us how to breathe appropriately; now, as a result of finding out that, I no longer need an inhaler."
From Dionne Welch, "He never spoon-fed me when I felt insufficient; instead he motivated me to "offer myself away so that God might use me. Whenever I sing, that's what I do."
Barbara Ward provided that Wayne's "enthusiasm for the Lord's work, whether in music or in general, was outright infectious and inspiring."
Regina Moye: "I have learned more from him vocally - more than he will ever realize."
Talonie Daniels: "Minutes. Robinson's present, stability and management have actually taken my gift which of the Appreciations of Zion and the music ministry to the next level."
Michael Walton said "it's been an enjoyment working with Minutes. Wayne. His design has been revitalizing in that he brought 'old school' music out with a twist on it to enhance the services." Vanessa Walton included, "My self-confidence level has increased greatly due to the fact that of his subtle motivation, pressing me forward in the presents God offered me."
Berlyn Trusty offered, "We both discovered that we knew some of the very same people from Gospel Music Workshop of America, and I'm grateful and honored to have been asked to help with Appreciation & Praise on Saturdays."
Keith Simmons, bassist - "coming from a Jamaican church, I was unfamiliar with the design of traditional and contemporary Gospel music; in light of that, Min. Wayne has been patient with me, and I have actually found out a lot."
Enough stated? I do not believe so. Min. Peter Thomas left us with an anecdote recently. Apparently, 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 response? - "Well, close it, Preacher. And do me a favor, please - get this scripture later - 1Thessalonians 4:11 -12, which checks out as follows: Make it your ambition to lead a peaceful life, to mind your own company and to work with your hands, just as we informed you, so that your life might win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not depend on any person." It's clear that having a funny bone will take a person far in this life.
Friendly's has what they call a "Delighted Ending" sundae. We are expecting a happy ending here also. The First Cathedral and all its ministries have actually been enhanced by the presence of this simple servant, who believed it not break-in to take from many musical categories and bring the Appreciations of Zion to yet another level.
Rather than be ensconced, unmovable, from that level, it is abundantly clear that we are on a rising scale, prepared to reach even greater heights.
