Teino Evans, Staff Reporter
Hopeton Willis (seated) and his back-up singers Sidonai Stewart (left), Kerr-Ann Gillespie (centre) and Jodi-Ann Walters. - Contributed
HOPETON WILLIS was born an ordinary man in the district of Point Hill St. Catherine, but as faith and fate would have it, he would soon find a passion for singing and for Christ which has led him to where he is today.
"I started singing at the age of seven when I use to attend the Pusey Church of God in Christ in my home town of St. Catherine. My passion for singing grew as I got older and I always dreamed of hearing my song on the radio," Willis recalled.
However, it was not until 2000 that his dream would manifest itself in the form of a singing ministry.
"I formed a group called Hopeton Willis and the Unity Singers. I composed and released five songs, the first of which was entitled Too Much Blood A Run," Willis said.
In 2001 Willis released another song, entitled I've Been Called, and in 2004 he released Almighty Fadda, He Saved Me and Down On My Knees.
THROUGH MANY STRUGGLES
Willis says he has been through many struggles, but with faith and determination he will reach his goals.
"I always said if I was doing this for money or fame I would have given up a long time ago, but because of faith and determination I will reach my goal, which is to spread the Gospel all over the world."
Willis, who was converted five years ago, says he is still going strong, as he has no regrets on the bold and positive steps that he has taken.
"Now I'm happily married with one child and I am currently working on my debut album, which I hope to complete soon," he says.
"When I go out on the streets and people see me, they say 'Lawd Jesus, I was at a concert last night where you ministered and you really blessed my soul' and this makes me feel good. God is to be served and this really motivates me," he said.
Willis says he has appeared on almost all the 'Back To Basics' concerts since 2003 and says the series has helped his ministry tremendously.
"It's a pleasure to be on such a show, as it helps to promote my ministry as well as enabling me to reach others across the island."
Some of the current giants in the gospel ministry who have helped to mould and encourage Willis in his ministry are Joan Flemmings and Jocelyn Piere.
The core of Willis' ministry has been centred in and around church concerts and events, where he has even had the privilege of ministering alongside the likes of Papa San.
Willis says that through his songs, he has the power to save people. "It is my belief that through my ministry, one day the crime and violence will cease. One scripture that pushes me to believe this is the one that says, 'but as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the son of God, even to them that believe on His name' (St. John Chapter 1 Verse 12), so I believe that I have the power," he said.
Willis says he wants to encourage other groups and individuals in the ministry, as a lot of people take it up and some are not able to follow through.
"My encouragement to them is that it's not easy, but you have to trust God. If you are in it for money or fame you are not going to get it. You have to be in it to gain souls for God's kingdom and this is my own belief and words of encouragement to
others," Willis said.
