April 26, 2006
An ensemble group from St. John’s University’s Voices of Victory
gospel choir traveled to Lagos, Nigeria in West Africa for a series
of Easter celebrations and a bible famine relief project during
Holy Week.
The choir, under the musical direction of Nigel W. Gretton, was
organized in 1987. The choir serves as a uniting force in the
university community through the ministry of gospel
music.
The 30-student ensemble was featured in the annual “Rejoice
Celebration” – an eight-hour Good Friday into Saturday resurrection
concert hosted by The Lighted Church, a branch of the Light of The
World Ministries, Inc. The church provided local transportation,
lodging, meals, security and other support for the ensemble while
they were in Nigeria. The ensemble was also featured during a
Lenten celebration at the Fountain of Life Church in Lagos and
Easter Sunday services at the Lighted Church.
While in Lagos, the ensemble had an opportunity to visit other
churches and observe how Christians worship in West Africa. They
also witnessed how Nigerians live, work, and play during the
seven-day visit that began on April 11. Gretton and the choir
were accompanied by Rev. Darren M. Morton, Associate Dean of
Students, Perth A. Phillip, Accompanist and Assistant Director,
three professional musicians and seven guests.
St. John’s University’s Voices of Victory gospel choir also
partnered with The Bible League, an organization dedicated to
evangelism, discipleship, and church growth, to help in their
efforts to relieve the “bible famine” in rural areas of
Nigeria.
Prior to the trip, the choir was mobilized by alto Cynthia Jeudi
to solicit donations from fellow students, the St. John’s
University community, and local churches to help with the Bible
League mission. Through these efforts, Voices of Victory plans to
donate at least 200 bibles for use in communities in Nigeria.
In addition to concerts and special events at St. John’s
University, the 72-member choir shares the “good news” in churches,
schools and concert halls throughout the New York metropolitan
area. The choir has also given performances in the south-eastern
United States and Scandinavia. Voices of Victory has been
featured at Carnegie Hall, and in programs featured on HBO, NBC,
FOX News Network, Telecare (the Christian Network), and Warner
Brothers Records.
For additional information contact the Office of Media Relations
(718) 990-2451, or e-mail inquiries to mediarelations@stjohns.edu.