Neil Sedaka wasn't discussing the leave-taking of a Music Minister, but rather of the breakup of a love relationship. Wait ... isn't that what this is about anyway? We learned the other week that Minister Wayne Robinson is leaving The Very first Cathedral, where he has actually worked as Music Minister because April 1, 2006. Now he's breaking up with us. Women in the choir are weeping at the thought. What's the cause of all the chaos, the psychological profusion, the shock?
One thing that is evident is that Wayne Robinson has actually been an amazing true blessing to the ministry of The First Cathedral. In order to find out specifically what lags all this turmoil, I surveyed a few of the faithful. Janine Scott, who "joined the choir at a turning point" in her life stated she is "nothing however grateful for the opportunity to have dealt with such a Prince."
Ester Delmonte enjoys that "his mama meant us much to him as my mama does to me." He has blessed Shelby Bradford, "due to the fact that of his kind spirit. He is very touchable and real" and "his generosity permeates the space." From Dionne Welch, "what I witnessed was that he constantly appeared to manage his load with grace."
Here is a guy graced with an unique spirit. He would get in the Chapel with a thrive, holding guarantees of another vibrant wedding rehearsal filled with mirth, extraordinary music, prayer, love, guideline (and correction); and a visit from the Lord impended on every Thursday. Unusual was the night that didn't include at least one appreciation break, a minimum of one testimony.
There has actually been an advancement at The First Cathedral, and a significant factor to that development is Wayne Robinson. In October of 2008 (October 31 to be accurate), the Appreciations of Zion gathered together in the sanctuary to record, live. Generally referred to as Halloween, this night was developed into a night in which we were able to stomp on the devil rather.
It was a long run, but "I Think," the freshly-minted recording, was launched on February 28, 2010, to terrific reviews. Obviously, all of us understand whose hand remained in the mix - one Wayne Robinson. Tunes such as "Your Grace," "In Your Will," "All of the Glory," and the title track, "I Think," to name a few, originated from the pen of our cherished Minister of Music.
There is a lot more to be said. He is the skilled instructor; so many have actually learned a lot at his hand. As trumpeter Robert Alvaranga kept in mind, he leads and directs with panache. A multi-instrumentalist, he is likewise proficient in a variety of designs.
Listening as he plays the piano, you can hear influences from the worlds of jazz, rhythm & blues, classical, rock all tied in with conventional gospel, spirituals and contemporary Christian. We might not have actually acknowledged them, however it's a great guess that some folk, zydeco, nation and jug-band music made its way into the POZ collection too.
Wayne Robinson has nothing to apologize for, nothing to issue himself with as he leaves The Very first Cathedral - gone, but not forgotten; away, however never truly 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 actually touched, in a lot of methods.
To wit, Janine Scott said he has "put so much into my life and household, it's crazy. He taught my son, 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 appreciates each and every member (of POZ) and will drop a line, telephone or just say the ideal thing when among us is injuring," stated Antoria Howard.
Angela Griffin, while extolling his musical and mentor expertise, mentioned that he "ministers to the choir members during wedding rehearsals, is a strong supporter for youth leaders in praise and worship."
From Jasmine Jackson, "he provided me the inspiration and opportunity to sing ... offered me gold nuggets of recommendations that I will continue to utilize." Markeyse Hill - "he's been a father to me. He's really kind, leads you down the best road and exists to assist you back when you head in the wrong instructions."
Our outbound Minister of Music is a hoping, God-fearing guy. He reveres what was inculcated in him as he matured - to applaud and praise God, to honor Him in his actions, his words and his thoughts. His mentor is unparalleled. For this writer, I found that what I thought I learnt about appreciation and praise was really little. He genuinely turned me from a loud singer to a vibrant praiser. I understood why to praise God, but knowing how to do so is something he gave me through instruction.
How to thank such a male? Here's what some others have had to say about Wayne.
Druscilla Williams: "You taught us how to breathe properly; now, as an outcome of discovering that, I no longer need an inhaler."
From Dionne Welch, "He never ever spoon-fed me when I felt inadequate; rather he encouraged me to "give myself away so that God could utilize me. Whenever I sing, that's what I do."
Barbara Ward offered that Wayne's "enthusiasm for the Lord's work, whether in music or in basic, was outright contagious and motivating."
Regina Moye: "I have actually learned more from him vocally - more than he will ever understand."
Talonie Daniels: "Minutes. Robinson's gift, stability and management have actually taken my present and that of the Praises of Zion and the music ministry to the next level."
Michael Walton stated "it's been a satisfaction dealing with Minutes. Wayne. His style has been refreshing in that he brought 'traditional' music out with a twist on it to boost the services." Vanessa Walton included, "My self-confidence level has increased significantly since of his subtle encouragement, pushing me forward in the presents God offered me."
Berlyn Trusty provided, "We both found that we understood some of the same individuals from Gospel Music Workshop of America, and I'm grateful and honored to have actually been asked to aid with Praise & Worship on Saturdays."
Keith Simmons, bassist - "originating from a Jamaican church, I was unfamiliar with the style of conventional and contemporary Gospel music; because of that, Min. Wayne has been patient with me, and I have actually learned a lot."
Enough stated? I don't believe so. Min. Peter Thomas left us with an anecdote the other day. 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 brought to his attention.
His reaction? - "Well, close it, Preacher. Check out here And do me a favor, please - pick up this scripture later on - 1Thessalonians 4:11 -12, which reads as follows: Make it your aspiration to lead a quiet life, to mind your own service and to deal with your hands, simply as we informed you, so that your life may win the respect of outsiders therefore that you will not be dependent on anyone." It's clear that having a sense of humor will take an individual far in this life.
Friendly's has what they call a "Delighted Ending" sundae. We are expecting a happy ending here as well. The First Cathedral and all its ministries have actually been boosted by the existence of this humble servant, who believed it not robbery to take from numerous musical categories 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 an ascending scale, prepared to reach even higher heights.
