Messengers: Portraits of African American Ministers, Evangelists, Gospel Singers, and Other Messengers of the Word

If you don't believe me, just think of the Apostle Paul and Peter. Both Orthodox Jews by todays standards (both before AND after they got to know Jesus) although Peter's practice of Kashrut was reportedly spotty as time went on! And David Ritz is no exception. When asked by Tavis Smiley during an interview regarding this book about what drew him to Jesus (or religion as secular liberals like to euphemize) he said simply 'The Holy Ghost.' My only regret is that it wasn't until he was about 60. That's right Six-Oh, that David actually decided to give Jesus his life. What a tragic waste of life of such a wonderful person. But I'm sure that God can redeem much of what David missed out on in the years to come and he has gotten off to a GREAT start with this book. Generally I reject the notion of the 'Black' church (or the 'white' church for that matter.) There is only THE CHURCH. The set apart redeemed of the Lord. Now we have free association in this country and it's perfectly wonderful if black people/asian people and or white people wish to congregate together so long as nobody is excluded by fiat. So, I've never been to a 'Black' church nor would want to. But I have been to plenty of GREAT churches where just about everybody was black. And the reason it was great had nothing to do with race and everything to do with that Holy Ghost that David speaks of. So, in that context, this book is awesome. It tells you of the working of God's spirit amongst congregations populated largely by black people. And the stories are tremandous. Inspirational. Heart warming. Life Changing. Heck, if it could result in someone who considered himself an unbelieving Jewish person for SIXTY YEARS to finally open himself to Jesus, imagine what it could do for you!

"Messengers by David Ritz, portrays divine revelations imparted with inspiring stories provided by astute African American Ministers, Evangelist, Gospel Singers, and other Messengers of the Word. This inspirational book is presented with a diverse group of individuals encompassing several generations, empowering readers with their ministry." "These wise men and women generously share their life altering stories, offering their adversities and ultimately their walk with God, as a testament to their faith." "Through these wonderful messengers of God, an inspiring word is heard and felt. Their reflections are powerful and expressed with moving words gently ushering messages of tranquility, deliverance and reconciliation." "Photographer Nicola Goode does an excellent job in illustrating this eloquently designed book."

I have read several books by David Ritz. I have always liked his writings and the way his style takes a backseat to his subject(s). I was suprised to find his name as the author of "Messengers" because it is so far away from what I've known of him. This book is a truly beautiful and simple glimpse into the motivations, consecration and blessings of African-Americans who have dedicated themselves to the Ministry of the Gospel. Mr. Ritz has written the book as a tribute to his conversion to Christianity. I can not imagine a more fitting tribute. The short biographical sketches paired with the beautiful photography by Nicola Goode make Mr. Ritz's latest an unflawed gem. He gives us insight into the hearts of the famous (Marvin Winan, Calvin Butts, Kirk Franklin, and former disco diva Candi Staton) to lesser known but equally dedicated ministers. The biggest suprise of the book was to find out that Mable John, Berry Gordy's first female artist at Motown is an ordained minister. Whether you purchase this for your own inspiration, as a gift or to grace your coffee table "Messengers" is a simple and elegant offering by David Ritz. I suppose that "Messengers" is not really all that far away from what David has given us in the past. He has always given us a chance to look into the lives of our favorite singers and musicians. Now we have a view of those who stand behind pulpits, in sick rooms, prisons, by deathbeds and with us in times of of birth, dedication and joy. I love this book.

The human expression of faith is uplifting in an entirely personal way, the voices of the faithful, the believers, joyfully speaking their truths. In a striking combination of text and photography, Messengers is a book of faith, through works and pictures, the reflections of ministers, musicians, singers, teachers and preachers, African American messengers of the Word. Dr. Mable John, formerly a Raelette, a backup singer for Ray Charles, heard a clear message while performing onstage, "Go home, Mable. I have something for you to do." Learning Greek to study the original language Bible, Dr. John set up a ministry in South Central Los Angeles. Her faith sustained her through her ministry and the loss of family, her anthem: "I saturate the house with praise... I stay strong before God so I can do what I have to do." Pastor Jesse Andrus has taken his time coming to the knowledge of the Lord, working a number of jobs that brought him close to the troubles of others, for example, as custodian in a maximum security correctional facility; but he was called to acknowledge his own flaws in order to preach effectively, learning along the way that "Jesus is about change" and "grace is embracing the love that comes with faith." Preaching since the age of four, Dr. Arlene Churn has been spreading the Word for fifty-nine years, watching enormous changes unfold around her, championing a woman's right to preach that is questioned even today: "The Word confirms the equality of women in the sight of God." In the latest phase of her life, Dr. Churn is a grief counselor and life coach, offering comfort "whose source is God Himself". Chapter after chapter introduces these incredible messengers, each with a particular call to God, hearts overflowing with generosity and limitless faith: Reverend Professor Peter J Gomes, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Reverend Doctor Calvin Butts, Candi Staton, Pastor Marvin L Winans, Bishop Alice Pope, Reverend Altagracia Perez and many more. Each call to ministry is highlighted with an appropriate quote, but the most joyful aspect of this book, beyond the text, is the quality of the photographs, hope shining from the eyes of God's messengers, singing, smiling and embracing their calling. For those who enjoyed Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats, Messengers is a powerful testament to faith wedded to action in the African American community, beautifully arranged and thoughtfully collected. Luan Gaines/ 2006.

David Ritz and Nicola Goode have given the world a memorable, moving and beautiful book in Messengers. Ritz brings together the stories and words of God's messengers from all walks of life--preachers, musicians, singers, teachers, the well-known and those known only to the people they serve. Goode's vivid photographs breathe life into the messengers' stories. Messengers is filled with stunning black and white photographs that capture the heart and soul of the subject. Accompanying the photographs is the individual's powerful and inspirational stories. And they are stories that will enlighten, empower and warm your heart. What is unusual about Messengers is the journey of author David Ritz. He tells his own story of becoming a Christian in such a powerful way that my eyes filled with tears and my heart was filled with joy. Messengers is in the tradition of one of my favorite books-- Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats. See our Armchair Interviews review under non-fiction. Armchair Interviews says: Messengers is stunning and is highly recommended for Christians, no matter your race or denomination. It is a celebration of faith and the beauty of God's love.