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Black Tie Affair: “WOW”
Woa, we’re at issue five already! And once more, I must state that it has been a beautiful journey. One filled with growth, faith, and newly opened doors! I am truly grateful for the support that PAJE Magazine has been receiving since the beginning, and especially since this year. It’s been so encouraging receiving the feedback from you all - speaking about one or more things that have inspired you through reading PAJE. It means it’s accomplishing its purpose, and that really is to facilitate the sharing of a variety of stories to encourage a true walk in Christ and to help people learn about and get to know Yahweh -The Almighty God. Here’s to bigger and even better things for the rest of the year as well as 2015, with us providing you with more, even as you choose to use us as your channel for the dissemination of information whether via the magazine that will be put out monthly and/or via our new website: pajemagazineja.com! As for this issue, you’ll certainly see that it has a different feel as you flip through. And with that said, I’m not even going to spoil anything for you. I do hope that you enjoy your read, and thank you again for your support.
Blessings and love!
Charmian-Marie Jack
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16 PAJE caught up with Brittanya Campbell, a reflective and talented young woman of God who’s got a bright future ahead of her.
32 Did someone say “Excellence unto God?” THEY DID! The Still Waters Black Tie Affair was certainly something! Check out the review!
36 Kacy West launched her album of poems in fine style on November 29! It was a pleasure to share with her in this memorable time in her life, nested in her passion for God.
40 The Love March Movement reminds us of the importance of having faith throughout all circumstances. Truly encouraging monthly devotional.
44 Simply Perfect Events teaches us how to make our event pop with something as simple as lighting! Allow them to take you on a short but illuminating journey!
Singles Prayer Works Jahi Medz
God Still Loves Me
Minister Blessed
ft. RaeChelle-Faith
why yuh worry Christina Roshay
Stand Tall Jim Radical
Videos God Love yuh Enuh Chozenn
My Desire Yori Alain Garrick
Whole Day/ 24 Hours Rizon
Laad Yuh Gud Jo-Ann Richards
When we think of this masterpiece, one word comes to mind: ROAR! No, it’s really that serious! Jackie had so much to say. We’d have to say we’re definitely not surprised, yes, but even more so, we appreciate and admire how tightly wrapped the main message was. Literally pushing the fact that true joy is found in God alone. And with that, she dabbled in the happenings of different situations that persons may be going through, so each person will have at least one song they can truly relate to. The album is also so balanced on the basis of theology that even if you can’t fully relate to one or two situations she may have touched on, you can truly appreciate the theology behind it and how she creatively wraps the lyrics around each beat. ‘The Art of Joy’ is just a lot to digest. But the creativity it is nested in makes it so easy to chew! She went all the way in, holding nothing back; mentioning her expectant role as mother, identifying societal issues, hammering in the importance of building your Christian walk in the Word, reminding us that we can walk in freedom..and more! And of course we liked the Jamaican influence that was sprinkled in a bit too! It was difficult selecting favourite songs from the album as each song has a unique signature that just may encourage your spirit at different moments. But after many full album repeats, we can definitely say Miss Fearful, The Argument, The Solution, Get There, Dead Preacher and Where’s Love really sat exceptionally well on our heart. A job well done, Jackie. As if we didn’t already rate you as a poet. But seeing it transcend to music is really heartening. This album really reminded us how to love and of God, the Ultimate source of Love...then finding Joy in Him.
“...and be grateful for this gift...Don’t you worry ‘bout tomorrow, Jesus’ eye is on the sparrow. Don’t you know He’ll be there for you - my Jesus will see you through-ooh-ooh...” Her lyrics, her style and her caramel voice make Brittanya Campbell one of the young women of God that you want to listen to! In catching up with her recently, we also realised that her lyrics were not just words, but truly reflected her heart for the Lord and her desire to encourage people amid their storms. The joy that sings along with her in her songs can be atributed to the fact that she says “God has been really good to me over the years....” and that “The Bible itself is just my inspiration. [Particularly] Isaiah 54...” She is a firm believer in giving the best unto God and also ensuring that He remains at the centre of her life. She stresses the importance of this, even as she has recalled times when she tried to do things off her own accord, they ended up going awry because the desires of her heart were not His will.
As such, Campbell makes a deliberate effort to place everything in God’s hands consciously, moving when He says to move; “Is just prayer and fasting and looking forward to the better days...Everything I do, I do through prayer and fasting, because mere self will fail me....I’m still young and growing...” In this fashion, she is truly allowing the Lord to lead her where music is concerned; growing spiritually and generally as she meets up on various things life may throw her way, while allowing her talent to be nurtured. She has an exceptional desire to see unity in the Kingdom and for souls to be saved, having heard the Gospel, and believes that Christians should be more inviting when it comes to doing the work of the Lord and engaging others. “I’d like Christians to be real; transparent and open...just for Christians to be more friendly. True people nuh know...smiling helps a whole lot!” We’re looking forward to hearing more from her!
Photograph by Adrian Wilson Photogaphy
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Born, Roger Linton, Jahi Medz is a new recording artiste, with a great passion and love for music. He describes his style of music as being reality music, (Cultural, Street Gospel, Reggae Soul). His songs “reflect the realities of life itself� and aim to promote good moral standards, respect for self and self-awareness. Having been through a lot of turmoil through growing up in the garrison, he has a special passion for persons with a similar upbringing; persons who feel there is no hope, living in fear and meeting each day as they come.
He aims to shine God’s light and in so doing, touch the lives and souls of others through his music as he too continues to trust God. In fact, it was on this basis that he wrote his most recent single ‘Prayer Works’; motivating persons to trust in his God Redeemer and Deliverer, as prayer and trusting Him has, many times for him, worked.
In diving in a bit more, we began to really see that Jahi strives for transparency, as all Christians should. He is quite down-to-earth and truly loves the Lord, and is determined to help others. He bases his Christian walk on the Word, primarily Acts 4 vs. 12: Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Remeniscing, he could recall how he came to know Christ: “I came to know Christ through Sunday school teaching and reading the word...I can recall one particular experience when I was watching a Christian programme one day... and I remember hearing a song that really touched me, a song entitled “that’s what the altar is for you don’t have to carry this burdens anymore” And I took those words so literal and personal, tears came to my eyes and at that moment I felt something touch my heart, that inspired me so much to seek God and know him for myself.”
When asked if there was a spe- We were able to appreciate the cific testimony behind his latest stance re the positive messages single, ‘Prayer Works, he let us being put out to the listeners . know that: He went further stating that, “Prayer has always worked for me, I can remember being “I don’t want to categorize placed in jail for something myself as any specific kind I didn’t do prayer was my of artiste eg. Gospel, reggae weapon and god allowed me to or dancehall artiste. Reason being that often times come out without even being restricts you as an artiste and charge. So I wrote that song to encourage others that limits the audience you hope to reach. whatever difficulties life throws at you prayer is always I would like to be the most effective tool to use.” seen as an artiste that stands for righteousness but at the Because he has been exposed to a tremendous number of things, same remains relevant in any arena or space I am called to he is adamant that he wants to perform.” be an all-round stamp of positivity on the hearts that his musci reaches. He assured us that this was not him trying to opt out of the responAs such he classifies his music as sibility we have all been given to Street gospel/reggae soul/ spread the Gospel, but rather, to culture; “I see my music as food ensure that stereotypes and refor the soul. My songs can play in strictions are placed on him even any arena and even the children before persons hear him. can listen to my songs.”
This is the strategy he’s chosen to employ to ensure that his music can be seen as positive music, and all persons can appreciate positive music based on Christian principles. He was quite adamant about the Gospel reaching everyone, as we all should be. So then, we asked him why he chose to do music “From a tender age I’ve always had a great love and passion for doing music, however I decided to fully pursue music because I see it as the most effective medium to touch and reach people, music is the only universal language that everyone can relate to.” Expressing just how much he loves music, he stated: “When I’m not behind the microphone I am usually around my band members, roping with friends, playing football or just listening to a beat so I can be ready to go behind the mic again.”
When asked about the reasoning behind his name, he expressed that JAH must always be the forefront of his thoughts, his plans, and his movements. With the conversation coming to a close, we asked him about the projects he is currently working on: “I am currently working on my EP. And promoting my new single “PRAYER WORKS”. I also have other upcoming tracks like: Jah Must deliver me, Nah Sell Out and Freedom.” In fine PAJE style, we asked him for two more things; a message for you, our beloved family, as well as a message for other artistes. We just want to thank Jahi Medz for spending the time with us to share his story and also for encouraging us all to stand firm in Christ and place Him at the fore.
For you:
Always be yourself and believe whole heartedly in what u are doing because if you don’t believe then no one else will. Always put God at the forefront because with Christ all things are possible.
My message to the other artistes is to always be positive and conscious being very mindful of the type message that you send in your music because music is very influential. Do not abuse your authority as a musician - let your music be something that even the children can listen to.
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Still Waters: Black Tie Affair
True Excellence Unto God A month plus has passed since the staging of the Still Waters Black Tie Affair and we are still saying “WOW!” The evening of October 26 certainly stamped itself as a turning point in the lives of each and every individual who attended the prestigious God-centred event. Held at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge on the UWI Mona campus, the affair was decked out with class and vibrance as there was a true melting pot of talent showcased - from the decor provided by Simply Perfect Events, to the ministry items from the Still Waters Band, Brittanya Campbell, Sashamara, Yori Garrick, Kimola Brown Lowe, Kristine Alicia, Raediate, Kacy West, Nikolai Alexander, Zamar, the Still Waters Dancers and Andre Whittaker. The evening glowed with reverence for the Lord and an appreciation for the way He has poured Himself out on the hearts of the ministers of the night. It also challenged the hearts of those looking on, not as an audience, but as a family understanding that we all have been given gifts and talents and can accomplish great things through the God-given spirit of excellence. Each item on the night had a unique signature to it, setting each apart from others, and accomplishing what they purposed to do. This was especially the case with the evening coming to a strong finish with what seemed like a different realm of worship through the ministry of Kimola Brown Lowe. Chains were broken, high things were made low, tears were shed, praises went up, prayers filled the room, heartrates sped up - testimonies were lengthened on this night. The Still Waters Black Tie Affair signified the rebirth of individual love affairs with the Lord, and we were happy to have been able to witness this amazing move of the Lord.
Photo by Dexter Andre Photography
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The night was clad in a chilling yet warm sense of intimacy, allowing supporters to feel happy to be a part of the celebration. Patrons saw a variety of dynamic performances that ranged from dancing, to singing, to playing of instruments, to, of course, poetry. PAJE was particularly heartened to see the support Kacy received from fellow poets, particularly Joseph Collington (who also served as a very animated co-host for the evening), as well as Enkounter Culture members: Caleb, Ah Neztah, Raediate and Darren. There was also a great balance, as she was graceful - having no problem sharing the limelight, amid four radical costume changes. There was an intense countdown to what was to be a beautiful evening of excellence in the Lord, and it truly lived up to that! November 29 marked the launch of Kacy West’s launch ‘Undone’, her CD and booklet of original poems - the first of its kind in Jamaica. The evening commenced at 6:00pm at the Convenant City church with guests arriving promptly, despite the shower of rain that had begun moments before.
The night subtly thundered along, hammering in the clear conviction that what she does is not for her, but rather to stand up and fight for what she believes in..for WHO she believes in...God. This mood was certainly enough to encourage anyone to press forward in the Lord, remembering too that we live to serve God. At the end of the gripping items of ministry and the reminders of our purpose and authority in the earth, the evening came to a powerful end with a beautiful worship session by JRootz, and then a final poem by Kacy. Hats off to this young woman of God, and all the best!
1 This December into the New Year is going to be busy - clearly! Feel free to check these events out! Remember you can go to pajemagazineja.com any time you want to find out about additional events!
- PRAISE BREAK New Life Assembly of God
- KINGSTON JERK & GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL,
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Ranny Williams Entertainment Center
14 - SAVE THE DATE -
STILL WATERS,
Mandeville
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- TRIALS OF THE HEART
Christian Life Fellowship
- SAVE THE DATE STILL WATERS, Kingston
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31 - PRAISE BREAK
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New Life Assembly of God
*Special Edition*
- PENTECOST 15 Broadleaf Road, Kingston
- GENESIS PRAISE FEST Southborough Primary School, Portmore
1 - GENESIS
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Have you ever had a dream? A dream that reflects a desire burning passionately in your heart? Maybe filling a stadium with intercessors praying for justice in your nation; or rallying young people to march for sexual purity! Most times, a dream seems like the most impossible mountain a person could climb; the kind that screams
“You are crazy!”
But what happens when God actually says yes to that dream? If only we knew the burden of a YES. Very often we underestimate the weight of the mustard seed, and the strength needed to carry it. Carrying something so small and so precious is burdensome. Because it’s so tiny it’s easy to believe that it’s not really there and you probably made it up. You’re thinking how wrong you were to have such a dream.
We may pray and hope with all our heart “God please say yes”, but we don’t realize hearing ‘yes’ in the face of great impossibility also
needs great faith.
Many times, the Lord’s ‘yes’ also carries the burden of ‘wait’! ‘Yes’ becomes so heavy because the faith needed to push aside the mountain-sized doubts of “Did I hear wrong?” feels like it should be bigger than a tiny mustard seed. So what happens when everything doesn’t line up to God’s “yes”?
Hanging on to that seemingly insignificant but critical “yes” may be your hardest grip.
He could have easily given up and convinced himself he heard wrong, especially under the ridicule of his peers. After all, what is rain?
this better than anyone. She laughed in the face of God’s yes, even though all she ever wanted was a son.
Or how about Nehemiah? A mere cupbearer for the king, with a burning desire to see the entire Jewish nation return to the promised land and to rebuild the temple with no resources whatsoever.
Letting go seems so much easier. Sarah knew
How could she have a child at 90? (Genesis 18:12-14). Noah, a man who feared God, was given the task of saving the human race and the animal kingdom by building a huge ark! It took over 100 years for God’s ‘yes’ in His life to bear fruit!
All he had was his prayers (Nehemiah 1). Despite probable deep-seeded doubts, they knew who their God was.
Do you?
God is faithful even when we are faithless. His word was and is and will always be true. He isn’t restricted or confined by “reality”. Neither is He discouraged by our doubt. He didn’t put this dream in you by accident. He will do what He says “because He is watching to see that His word is fulfilled” (Jer 1:12). You don’t need great resources to accomplish your goals in Christ when you have access to God: the greatest resource in existence.
What dream has God put in you? Pay attention to that piece of extraordinary in you trying to come out. Dare to believe that God can do the impossible and even the crazy through you! Greatness is germinating in your heart and remember, it is never about your ability but God’s (Ephesians 3:20) Cling to His ‘yes’ even when everything and everyone is telling you to let go.
Prayer: Lord may we trust that your word speaks a better testimony than the impossible circumstances around us. May our faith be unshakeable and our hearts strengthened to believe you over our own doubts. “If your dream isn’t bigger than you then it’s not God’s dream for you.” - Unknown
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So, you’re putting your event together in your mind, huh? Let’s journey together a little bit. You’re going to have probably 50 to 70 guests over for the celebration of a wedding anniversary. So given the type of event, you want an intimate and elegant setting. You’ve chosen the venue and put an amazing entertainment package together, and it will be complemented by amazing catering!
The lighting at your evening event, believe it or not, can almost make or break it. You see, many times we get so caught up with ensuring that the fabric we work hard in pinning up is so on point and #fresh! And yes, upon arrival they’ll say a general wow if they can see it fully with regular room lights. But why not have your guests constantly saying “WOW”? Why not go for creating different moods from this one event? Turn off the boring room lights. You see those amazing centrepieces, light em up! Nothing says intimate like a candle-light affair. And to add more drama to the table by table lighting, have pepper lights and uplights strategically placed around the event to enhance the feel; then creating a subtle but bold finish. Note we say strategically, because pepper lights can sometimes run the risk of looking overdone or tacky. But once they are tastefully done, you can’t lose. It all sounds simple, huh? It really is. Little things make a BIG difference. But in case you still don’t have time to figure things out, shoot us an email and we’ll sort things out for you. simplyperfectja@gmail.com
You’ve also gotten some beautiful centrepieces made - they’re going to fall in love all over again just being at this beautiful gathering! But hmmm, something seems missing, doesn’t it. We mean, it’s great just the way it’s been planned out, but what’s going to make it pop? Hmmm...let’s check everything off again. All the really close friends and family members are on the list...told the entertainer to sing three of their favourite songs...hmmm...what about the LIGHTS!
Jahi Medz Ronaldo Murphy Real Verse Entertainment Brittanya Campbell Love March Movement Dexter Andre Photography Ramesh Newell Photography Adrian Wilson Photography Simply Perfect Events Still Waters