The 4th Annual HP Virginia Gospel Showcase & Conference
Spirit Filled and Ordained by God

By TBR

Suffolk, VA � The 4th Annual HP Virginia Gospel Showcase was more than a blessing. Gospel music lovers and true worshippers gathered to give God praise as well as educate those looking to advance their careers in the Gospel industry.

Hosted by Bishop Ernest Hunter, C.E.O. of Hunter�s Productions Music & Arts and his wife Apostle Laequinla S. Hunter, Founder of God�s Anointed Touch Ministries, their ultimate goal was for all attendees to develop a deeper relationship with Christ. They are no-nonsense people, cut from the cloth of Worshippers for Christ. They are not concerned with titles and who knows who, but more concerned with helping people to rebuild their relationship and closeness with Christ.

�It is our hope that when people come here, they will feel God�s presence and look at this stop along their way as a gas station where they can refuel without having to deal with non-sense, ultimately get closer to Christ,� says Apostle Hunter.

From the first day of the conference to the last, it felt like a little piece of Heaven stayed hovered over the city of Suffolk and the church where the conference was being held.

The ambience of the city and the route to the church was filled with God�s glory. Once inside, from the first note sung during Praise & Worship to the last prayer prayed for the weekend, there was a thickness of God�s presence and anointing in the air. During service, people were becoming spiritually cleansed with tears flowing, hands raised and praises going up towards Heaven.

There was truly no concern about who was in the congregation, or leading a song, as the stage had been set to simply focus on the Lord!

One of the Hunter�s special guests, Elder Steven Ford said, �It is always a blessing to simply be here.�

Many of the Hunter�s other guests also felt the same way, as God allowed his healing power to touch the lives of many dealing with personal issues as well as those simply needing a spiritual renewal.

What was also wonderful about this weekend was the tone of the leadership. Bishop and Apostle Hunter made it clear that they loved Christ throughout their entire conference from the love they shared in everything they offered their guests. They also made sure that this spiritual weekend retreat included various components to help guide and direct those in need. A portion of this was done through several classes that were offered including �How to get results in the music industry,� by Peggy Tatum, �Q & A on the Business of the Music Industry,� with Bryant Scott, �The Importance of having a Music Attorney� with James Walker, �A Special Word� given by Kevin Bond, �How to Avoid Sexual Temptation in the Music Industry,� with The Belle and �Is your gift stronger than your character,� by Elder Steven Ford.

While the topics covered much, the presenters also seem to get something out of each others presentation, with several receiving a standing ovation.

In addition to the weekend, numerous groups competed for a top prize of $1,000 and special performances were given by national recording artists including Troy Sneed, Minister Earl Bynum, Christopher Lewis and several others.

Watching their performances was also blessed as God�s anointing continued to move throughout the congregation and flowed in and through everyone who performed. The atmosphere was truly thick with God�s presence in every particle of space available.

On the last day of the conference, Peggy Tatum and The Belle took a moment during the evening service to present Bishop and Apostle Hunter with an award of honor for their many contributions to the Gospel community. Through their ministries, Bishop and Apostle Hunter have personally touched and changed the lives of thousands and have fed tens or thousands of families who were without. Their love is truly evident in everything they do!

(From left to right: Phase II (Showcase winners), Minister Earl Bynum and Christopher Lewis)

The weekend also included a talent showcase with several performers and a panel of judges including Grammy Award Winning producer Kevin Bond, Grammy & Dove Award Winning Producer Elder Steve Ford, CEO Tyscot Records Bryant Scott, Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Multi-media journalist Sheilah Belle aka �The Belle�, CEO of Emtro Records Troy Sneed, Entertainment Attorney James Walker and Gospel Recording artist Minister Earl Bynum.

In the end, the winner was named�Phase II. They were smooth, had great stage presence and overall simply awesome!

Kudos to Bishop and Apostle Hunter and their entire staff for creating a weekend get away for the music industry and all lovers of Christ. From the best Fried chicken on the East Coast to an environment conducive to praise God freely, it doesn�t get much better.

Look for Hunters to do it again in 2010, July 23-24th. They will be giving away another $1,000 in Cash, Prizes, a Demo Deal and a trophy.