Gospel Music Times Feature Article
The WOW! Factor
by Harold Moore
I hope this article finds everyone happy and thriving. I have intentionally delayed this article until a certain point in time has come and gone. It is with added enthusiasm that I have begun this communication.
David East and I have been friends for several years now. I started writing articles for Dave about eight or nine years ago. We have had exchanges about the e-magazine as well as music and related topics. We've batted around ideas for the paper and discussed personal issues and much more. We are, in all sense of the word, friends.
WOW!...wooooow!...Wow!....Oh wow!....WOOOOOW! This is how Pastor Gary described David's visit to Emanuel Baptist Church's Christian Music Concerts. Not only did Dave participate in the concert, but was asked to be in the service the next morning. Not surprised! And he has been asked back soon. David, we all love ya, man!
I am submitting this particular article now with both a sense of gratitude and elation. Even though David and I have communicated on personal levels, we have never had the opportunity to meet in person - not until just a few days ago. Dave was invited to come to the gospel music venue I conduct at Emmanuel Baptist church here in Ohio, circumstances having become conducive to David being able to make the trip, and scheduling being such as to accommodate Dave's participation. Because of this set of circumstances that completes the transaction so to speak. We have had the opportunity to fellowship both via electronics and now, up front and personal. Dave came here to Emmanuel and participated in this venue and have that reciprocal chance to appreciate each other.
We have shared a lot by virtue of the electronic medium. We both made fun of the same people. Each other, actually. I have appreciated the opportunity to develop and hone my writing skills through David's generosity. I also have come to appreciate Dave's care and concern for those who are struggling in this gospel music "industry" and having no one to offer any sort of direction or insight. Dave's concern for those "weekend warriors" he so fondly refers to is easily the truest representation of what it means to genuinely care for the brothers and sisters trying to follow the spiritual high road. The passion and sometimes fury in the statements Dave has communicated shows his passion for honesty and truth. His fearless task taking when he hears of, or sees abuses in the agencies, recording companies and other entities is to be commended.
So finally, the culmination of this eight or nine year relationship has arrived in a personal one to one, face to face meeting. It is nothing short of that day when we will all congregate in a place called Heaven. The laughter, the good natured kidding. The singing and songs and music took on a whole new level of worth because of the chance to be up close and personal. People wanted to get as close as possible to this person who was not only able to offer them something, but willing to. David, my friend, you typified the concepts of Christianity right down to the crossing of the T's and the dotting of the I's. Those who came out did so not only to share in music but to discover the resources that were offered by this person. And to know that there is someone who shares their passion and desires and willing to be that help is beyond description. Too bad so many others who claim to be "ministers" will never realize these attributes. The returns in love, respect, gratitude and all around appreciation cannot ever be given a dollar value. Thanks buddy for everything so far and everything that is to come.
Harold Moore,
Music and Moore
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