On October 1, 2011 I eagerly ventured to a small town in upstate New York called Warwick. Nestled at the end of McEwen Street in Warwick is Union AME Church. A new church rests in place of the original church built in 1906. The previous church is now housed a few streets away and has been preserved. The original church was built for the African American residents to worship on the street where most lived.

My manager beamed as she shared a childhood story of her grandmother being the mother of the church. As I entered the new church, I felt the presence of those who worshipped in this building as well as the old church. Although the outside or physical state of the church looked different spiritually it remained the same. I stood on what I considered sacred grounds where my ancestors praised.

It was a fulfilling experience on all accounts. Tony Smith played his saxophone blessing us with the sweets sounds of Gospel through his instrument. The Immanuel Mime Ministry traveled from the Bronx to praise through dance. E’lissa Jones and Rhonda Dimmie blessed us with their magnificent voices. Sharael Moore as Mother Jones blessed us with thoughtful and hysterical comedy. Without a doubt the spirit of the Lord was definitely in Union A.M.E. Church.

I ministered the only way that I knew how. I love the Lord and express it with all of my might. I ministered traditional, contemporary and Gospel house music. I enjoyed my time at Union A.M.E. Church and look forward to being a part of it next year. I carried the praise of my ancestors on my shoulders and "Oh what a time we had!"

The time is NOW!!

As I stand in the studio perfecting my sound, I realize that I planned for this moment all of my life. From the first time I stood and sang my first song God was preparing me. God was preparing me for this season in my life as He has prepared me for every other season. I’ve been working hard for this moment sometimes wanting it to happen yesterday but knew it wasn’t time.

People are always asking me questions in regard to my singing: why aren’t you overseas sharing the word or why haven’t you done this so you are further along? My answer is always a resounding, “I am exactly where God wants me to be.” No matter how great our desire is things don’t come in our time but in His time. I put in the work through prayer and ministering and now, its God's time for this moment in my life.

God knows my heart. He has prepared me and I am answering His call. I will sing until my last breath knowing that He has afforded me the gift of ministering through song. It is time to stop thinking about it and putting things in to action! Are you ready for an anointing?

A brief update...

I ministered at Symphony Hall in Newark, NJ on Saturday at the memorial service for the "Clinton Avenue Five." It was a service for five teenage boys who were last seen together thirty years ago. They disappeared after playing basketball in 1978. Two men were recently arrested and charged with their murders. The service was uplifting and I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it.

I am still putting in studio time working steadfastly on my CD. It sounds great and I am eager to bring it to light. I look forward to sharing it with everyone. So, I must say to God be the glory! He is smiling on me and blesses me more and more each and every day! To God be the glory!

*****REMINDER: The 5th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival in Newark, NJ is coming up. It is from July 30-August 1, 2010. Go to this website for more information... http://lpccd.org/ ***** This is an event that you don't want to miss...

Praising God is my responsibility...

God has done so many things for me that I couldn’t begin to tell you about it in a blog or in one testimony. If I attempted to do that, it would be an abridged version or similar to a short movie trailer limiting my time and explanation. It wouldn’t do my Jesus any justice. Therefore, because praising God is what I am supposed to do, it is reflected in what the young folks call my “swagger.” Put simply, my praise is reflected in my journey and manifested in my spirit thus exuded in my walk. And if you talk the talk, it must be coupled with the walk or it will have no meaning or truth.

I find praise in all that I do from sunrise to sunset. I praise His name when the warmth of the sun shines through my window in the morning or through the clouds on a gray day. I manage to find sunshine in the midst of each and every storm. I offer thanksgiving as I cook my meals and am encouraged to continually praise His name as He continually blesses me. God has planted my feet in every place I've desired to go as well as in places He has needed me to go. He has allowed me to survive this journey in spite of the road blocks I’ve faced. God has smiled on me and I'll continue to praise His name today, tomorrow and each day that He allows me to be in His service.

I praise Him not because it is a part of who I am but because it is my responsibility. I can never repay God for all He has done for me but I will praise Him until my last breath…

Believing in me while praising Him!!

I have been ministering at different venues and spending time in the studio over the past few weeks. I apologize for not making any blog postings recently but have redirected my focus toward developing my CD. I am diligently working to bring something to you, the listener, that will reflect how serious I am about using my voice as a vessel. My intention is to explode on the scene with a masterpiece filled with songs that will inspire and enlighten you while also encompassing your spirit.

I offer up the highest praise when I sing and feel the spirit of the Lord in my soul. My life is designed by the love that I have for my Savior. I want to share that love via song and when my CD is released, I will do just that. My posts will continue but may not be on a daily basis. I will keep you informed and updated about my progress as well as where I will be ministering.

I ask for you to pray that the Lord continues to guide my spirit as I work fervently in the studio. I believe in me; therefore, I know what the outcome of all my efforts shall be. I only ask that you make sure you are ready!

Transformed...

Sometimes in life you need that extra push to get things done. God puts things in front of you that you don't always see. He also puts people in your life for different reasons and with each interaction you grow and learn. Whether the individual is passing through or not, you learn from your experiences with them.

At this point in time, God has blessed me with an abundance of positive people in my life. He's created a circle that I am glad to be a part of and welcome into my life. I have been encouraged and am in the studio working on my songs so that I can move on to the next step. I feel transformed. I have been working diligently and now things are moving in the right direction. I am looking forward to the day that my demo is complete as well as being able to share it with others.

I believe in me and my success in ministering to the world. I appreciate God's gifts and splendor. I am in awe at what He has done for me and can clearly see the blessings that are on the way. It is because of His grace, mercy and guidance that I wholeheartedly believe in me!

God is good...

A perfect end to a busy but blessed week. I was out and about enjoying the splendor of God's beauty today gaining inspiration from each experience and every sight I witnessed. I ministered at St. James AME Church in Newark, NJ earlier in the week. The theme was "Glory" and the experience was glorious. I was a witness to the Lord's presence during the service which still rests upon me. The night was spirit filled and is on my heart with the fullness it had on Wednesday. That is the true power of God...

I spent some time in the studio this week working on some songs creating my demo. My producer gave me a track and the Lord placed the words on my heart to compose a song. It didn't take long and the words are a testament to just how good my God is. As I wrote the lyrics with great ease, which is not the norm for me, it was further confirmation that I am walking in the direction that I should be going in. It allowed me to clearly see that God is directing my path. It is something that I know in my heart but it is a joy to bare witness to His blessings. When you pray until something happens or you see something is getting ready to happen, it lights a fire in your soul. It increases your pace and allows you to become more focused.

I worked on some other things in the studio but that songwriting experience was extremely rewarding. As each day passes my desire to minister to the masses increases. I know it will come--whether on a stage or CD, or in a church, or video--it doesn't matter to me how my message reaches people. What matters to me is just that it does. As I keep working in the studio keep praying for me. Ask the Lord to guide my heart to write lyrics that touch the hearts of those in need and those who don't know they are in need. As I write, sing and prepare know that I am praying for you... I will see you soon through song.

Beyond Words... Glory!

Last night around at 7:20 p.m. I stood with my singers and praise dancers holding hands as we prayed for strength before we performed. I was a little under the weather because my allergies were acting up. Once I said, "Amen," I felt renewed because I knew God would strengthen us. I was immediately rejuvenated.

We opened up praise and worship at St. James AME Church in Newark, NJ at approximately 7:30 p.m. At 7:35 p.m. as I sang, "Let Your Glory Fill This Place," it was evident that the holy spirit had entered the sanctuary and hadn't planned on leaving anytime soon. Each person sang with every fiber of their being exalting the highest praise. There is nothing wrong with dancing for the Lord and that was reflected in the praise dancers last night. Through creative expression the praise dancers collectively showed passionate praise with each silent move they made to Marvin Sapp's, "The Best In Me." Members of the congregation started standing slowly during the first song but by the second song, "Let It Rise," the entire congregation stood on their feet worshipping, dancing, and praising His name. It was in a word, glorious! It was quite clear that we were getting ready to "have" church.

Before we left the church, I realized the spirit had entirely taken over which was reflected by the praise that extended from the pulpit to the back pew and beyond the church doors. People were singing and dancing as they openly praised His name with their eyes and hands pointed toward the sky. I'm sure that our celebration could be heard out on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard because we weren't trying to be sophisticated and secretly praise. We were trying to show people just how good God is. The Lord showed up and transformed every one of our spirits. There wasn't one person in the church that did not appear to be filled with His presence. Every negative thought or stress that may have been occupying our minds before we entered the church had been replaced by the comfort of the Lord.

There is no person or substance that can make you feel what the Lord brought into that place. I felt it in the depths of my soul and woke up this morning with a clean heart and mind. I, along with the other singers, praise dancers, and congregation witnessed God at work last night. As we sang our praises and called His name we gave all of our problems or concerns to Him. God is good and last night He came in that place and showed out. Today, I am still standing on that praise and will never let it go.

Thank you Lord...

I am sitting here thinking about how things are coming together. I was in the studio today feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Thankful for what God has done and is getting ready to do for me. I was looking specifically at which direction I need to go in to complete my CD. I would like to sing within the different subgenres of gospel music and focus on various topics-- faith, current events, and possibly do a remake of some traditional songs. I want to be recognized for my ability to bring people together despite the subgenre. I want to use my voice to minister to your spirit and that could come through contemporary gospel, house and rap. Despite the genre the message will be the same.

This has been a process but I wouldn't trade it for anything else. Although there have been many bumps along the way, I am in a magnificent place. I am ready to move from the studio, to the radio, and out onto the stage. Never forgetting where I have been, stand today, and shall go tomorrow--I will sing praises until my very last breath. God is truly smiling on me and I thank Him for the blessings that are slowly yet consistently raining down on me.

**In case you forgot... I will be singing tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at St. James AME Church in Newark, NJ. Come out and receive a blessing! I loook forward to seeing you.**

I am certain...

For as long as I can remember I have been singing. I sing wherever and whenever the opportunity presents itself-- background vocals helping others with their projects, or with and directing choirs and on many occasions alone at events.

The location, venue, program and city may vary but my praise remains the same. I offer up the highest praise as often as I can. Whether I'm driving a car, riding on a bus or train or walking down the street, my praise is consistent. I may be sitting quietly but most of the time I am thanking God for what He has done for me, and for the blessings that have been promised yet currently remain unseen. I know these blessings are on the way because I have had a relationship with God all of my life! His love is unconditional and doesn't change based on the situation. He is the one constant in my life...

In the midst of all the madness that surrounds me in a world full of uncertainty, one thing is certain-- the relationship I have with God.

You may look at me making assumptions about my journey suggesting my burden was light. Further assuming that I'm where I stand because of some miraculous feat I managed to complete. What you fail to remember is that my steps were ordered and guided by God. It is because of Him that I stand and He'll be escorting me through the next phases of my journey. It is by His grace that I am here. It is by this grace that I am certain that anything I can manage to dream will be achieved.

Who is your MVP?

Who is your MVP? So many people have been given that honor. Who would you give the honor to? The other day I heard someone mention an athlete as an MVP of a game and my thoughts immediately turned to who I thought might be deserving of such an award.

In sports and in different aspects of life people receive the honor of being referred to as the most valuable player which equates to the individual who performed the best during the game or event. There are others awarded for acting, singing, writing and directing. The people that win these awards are rewarded for amazing performances, story lines or creations. When I sit back and think about my life, I can only think of one honoree that supersedes all others and is deserving of my MVP award. Receiving the highest praise, my honoree would be Jesus because He is the most valuable player in my life.

Jesus doesn't have to shoot the ball from beyond the three point line nor does He have to run the fastest leg in a relay to get my praise and worship. I don't praise Him just for what He has done but for what He can do. His ability extends far beyond menial accomplishments into things man could never do. Jesus wakes me up everyday, guides my steps, heart and mind. He makes the sun rise and set. He makes the rain fall, the sky blue and the snow stick. Jesus does more than what any rapper, singer, dancer, athlete or human being can do for me. Is Jesus afforded the same praise daily for His performance or is all the praise and worship left to singers or actors as they stroll across the stage? Maybe His praise is given to the athletes that score the winning goal or throws the fastest pitch.

God has given these people the talent that has made them who they are just as he gave me talent to sing His praises. However, "they" should not be honored or praised more often than He. Some people worship these idols and when they let them down, they become angered and upset. What do they expect when they idolize man and not God? The scripture reminds us not to worship any man. After all, they can catch a ball that hangs over a fence or throw a football from one end zone to the next, but they can't--provide you with an endless amount of miracles, take the sickness out of your mind and body or strengthen your spirit and provide all of your needs.

My MVP, the only recipient of my Grammy, Stellar and Oscar will always be Jesus. No one can compare to Him despite anything they do that might appear to be supernatural. It is just an ability that will allow me to cheer for them in the moment. Afterwards I offer up my praise to the one deserving all of my praise-- Jesus, He is my MVP.

The 5th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival

This summer before you plan your vacation check out this website so you can add this event to your plans... http://lpccd.org/

Newark is having its 5th Annual Music Festival on Friday July 30 through Sunday August 1, 2010. Besides the magnificent entertainment, there are events for children that include basketball and skateboard clinics. Most importantly it won't break your budget because it's FREE.

The artists are emerging and established performers from the tri-state area. There will be food and merchandise vendors so bring your lawn chairs and get ready to have a good time listening to hip hop, gospel and house music. Minister Steve will be performing on Friday night... It is a fun time!

Mark your calendar today for this FREE magnificent cultural event!!

When it all comes full circle...

When you work hard and things finally come full circle, do you embrace the things God has given you or do you walk away dismayed? Minister Steve's life has been busy with performance after performance and in the depths of his soul he feels his breakthrough is on the way. Things are finally coming full circle for him.

When you're taking a leisurely stroll in NYC and you bump into a friend after ten years or a friend in the music industry who you lost contact with, that is not a chance meeting. That is God interceding on your behalf. That is God making sure that you know He is ready for you to take your dreams to the next level. Minister Steve has been working everyday living the life that God has desired him to live and now as each day passes things are all coming together.

As the people he trusts embrace him while helping create his vision, Minister Steve is prepared and has accepted his victory. It has all come full circle and he is beyond ready to make this happen. Sometimes it makes you wonder how it has all come together and then you remember, it is all God...

Minister Steve's professional career may just be getting started but he is familiar with praise and its power. He stands tall as the circle encloses around him encompassing all that he has planned to do. It goes beyond the crisp melodies that he'll share as his voice and spirit reflect his faith and love for God. His wish is for listeners to embrace his music and allow it to be apart of their life whether a relationsip with God exists or a desire to have one is present or not. You will be moved and if that is so, then Minister Steve has succeeded as you complete his circle...

Have you ever?

Have you ever sat completely still in a quiet room but could feel the presence of the Lord? Have you ever felt like a blessing was on the way but was not exactly sure when it was going to arrive? This feeling rests somewhere deep in your soul. You can't explain it. You can't even begin to contain it but you know one thing-- its God working inside of you.

You wake up each morning with a praise on your lips and warmth in your heart knowing that your blessing is on the way. Despite the trials and tribulations, the obstacles and humiliations, you press on. Why? You feel the presence of the Lord in all that you do and you know the blessing is just beyond the valley where you stand facing whatever is trying to block your path.

You make it because your cross is nothing compared to what He had to bear. He did it all for you. When that blessing finally stands within your reach, you embrace it having already thanked Him in advance. Have you ever? Of course you have and you will again...

Minister Steve has been standing awaiting the arrival of his blessings knowing all the while that they were on the way. He's ready to share his blessings with those of you who know God or desire to know him. All of his hard work and dedication will be reflected in his praise. Be patient, be still and definitely be ready for what this man of God is getting ready to share...

Have you ever?

Minister Steve's vision...

Steven Franklin Hill, "Minister Steve," is a Newark, New Jersey based vocalist, songwriter, and producer with a thirst to take his music ministry to the next level-- singing praises across the nation. He is an amazing talent and his greatest desire is to be a blessing in the lives of others using the vessel-- his voice-- God has blessed him with. When the praise passes his lips, his anointing becomes quite evident as his words become yours embracing your spirit.

Speaking his dreams into existence, Minister Steve, has been singing in various venues from a very young age. God has always been the head of his life guiding his footsteps while providing him with a secure foundation. He began working diligently in 2007 to establish a music career in the gospel music industry taking his dreams to another level. Minister Steve is getting ready to go back into the studio to complete his vision.

Although his single "Lift Up Hands," is considered gospel house music, he plans on creating a project that reflects his true gospel roots. This project will extend beyond traditional gospel into house and contemporary thus encompassing the completeness of his praise. He will continue working fervently to bring his dreams to fruition and despite the length of the journey; he will remain steadfast seeing it through knowing God has called him to spread the gospel through song.

It is by God's grace that he has made it this far on his journey and that this project shall be completed. From Minister Steve's heart to yours, you will feel each word within the depths of your soul. He is getting ready to spiritually tear the roof off forcing me to ask simply, will you be ready?

Truly anointed...

Truly anointed man of God--Minister Steve-- is working diligently to compose a gospel CD. He is a producer, writer and vocalist. We are collaborating in an effort for him to share his God given talents with all. We are in the early stages as he makes a few changes with his management team while never losing his focus or stride. Minister Steve has a desire to sing praises from NYC to LA as well as from China to Australia travelling to wherever the Lord sends him. Be on the lookout for what this amazingly talented man has to offer. He may sing something with a house beat and come back and soothe your spirit with Amazing Grace. The beauty of the words as they flow from his lips will bless you in the depths of your soul...

Although his website will soon be under construction, please check out his current site http://ministersteve.com/. You are in for a treat. His video to his single that he released in 2007 can be found on his facebook page and can be purchased on http://www.traxsource.com/.

Please take the time and join his facebook fan page.

This blog is authored by Stacey