By Elizabeth Mabie
The Common’s theatre was alive with the sounds of rap, traditional black gospel, and inspiring Christian messages on the evening of Sept. 20.
This was the second year One Desire-Glory Pursuit was held and presented by the youth of the Church of Pentecost. People of all ages and from different backgrounds came out for a night of music, dancing, worship, and reflection.
Rappers, DJs, gospel groups, an interpretive dance team, and speakers came from all over North America to Algonquin’s stage to reach out to the audience through their performances and help lead them towards a wholesome Christian life and pursue Jesus.
The goal of One Desire was for everyone to come together as ‘one’ in pursuit of ‘The One’. The event focused on Psalm 63:1-5 from the Bible, which can be summarized into saying that the attendees were being encouraged to search for God because He is true satisfaction and will never abandon anyone.
Performers included rappers from the Follow Tour featuring DJ Lagit happening throughout North America this fall, the Free to Worship interpretive dance group, gospel singers and bands from Pentecostal and Apostolic churches, and the Tyndale Hip Hop Movement from Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto.
Tyndale Hip Hop Movement consists of five members, Joshua Houeto, Axel Kazadi, Raymond To, Tania Doyley, and their DJ, Leighton Watson. All of them are students at Tyndale and hold a hip-hop club teaching their fellow students the basics of rap.
Their performance included their original song, Verses for the King, as well as a cover of the song Oceans by famous Australian worship band, Hillsong United.
Tyndale Hip Hop Movement gets their inspiration from Christian rapper, Lecrae, whose recent album release, Anomaly, has reached top spot on various North American music charts.
“This guy is out there,” said Houeto. “He’s not just rapping, he’s changing our culture, he’s talking to these people who are in the wardens and mentoring them one-on-one.”
Through their music the Tyndale Hip Hop Movement hopes to make a positive impact in the world by affecting the culture and successfully communicating the Gospel to all who listen to them. They are seeking a transformation in people’s hearts that will lead them to God.
“Just engaging with the crowd,” said Kazadi when asked what his favourite thing about performing is. “Also, sharing stuff that connects with the crowd on a deeper level, that when they hear it they’re like, ‘Aw man!’ and they’re experiencing what you just said.”
Before the show started, a fellowship and devotion session was held for the performers. They were asked to think about why they are performers and whom they are doing this for.
“Saying, ‘I’m doing this for God’, is the generic answer,” said master of ceremonies and discussion leader, Kwame.
The performers were encouraged to reach out and communicate to the audience the message backing up the event; God is our desire and we must pursue and glorify Him.