The “Every Praise Gets Better” reunion tour made its way to Pittsburgh’s Hill District, arriving at the doors of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Sept. 2. The Gospel performances of nationally-known artists Bishop Hezekiah Walker and Israel Houghton filled the atmosphere with high praises to God.
Host Pastor Dr. Vincent K. Campbell welcomed the acclaimed singers along with their voice accompaniments and bands after a reschedule from their original August date. The delay proved to be worth it for the anxious crowd that started cheering when Brother Marlon Martin of WAMO 100.1 FM announced that both artists were in the building.
As soon as Israel Houghton, the six-time Grammy award winner, singer, producer, songwriter and worship leader at the renowned Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas began singing “Here I Am to Worship,” the crowd rose to their feet to join in with New Breed, his singers.
Known for his contemporary cross-culture worship style, Houghton reminded the audience, “Somebody didn’t wake up this morning, but you and I did and smelled fresh baked mercy. The Lord gave us another 24 hours.”
The spirited crowd began to worship as he then flowed into a medley of his popular songs including “It’s Not Over.” As Houghton continued to testify of God’s mercy he reminded everyone to “be thoughtful and prayerful for those who’ve suffered great losses from Hurricane Harvey.”
To those victims he dedicated his rendition of “You Make All Things New.”
Israel Houghton’s reflections on Hurricane Harvey’s destruction in Houston prompted Dr. Campbell to ask and accept cash donations (voluntarily) to help those in need. Though the concertgoers paid a ticket price, they gave generously. The donations quickly totaled almost $2000.
The focus of the audience quickly changed with the sound of that familiar Hip-Hop beat Bishop Hezekiah Walker is known for; he approached the Ebenezer Baptist platform singing, “I am Souled Out” followed by “Clean Inside.” He then proclaimed, “This is not just a concert, I feel the presence of the living God, tell your neighbor, if you’re gonna sit on this row, you’ve gotta do…something.”
Without hesitation, the grown folks stood up and began to bounce and sway to the rhythm, and the youngsters repositioned into what appeared to be a choreographed dance. The church rocked as if on the Bishop’s personal Love Boat.
Though Walker is founder and senior pastor of New York megachurch Love Fellowship Tabernacle (LFT), he and his LFT choir have been capturing the attention of audiences around the world since 1987 with his first musical release entitled, “I’ll Make it.”
He is the recipient of the NAACP Image Award and is a multi-Grammy Award winner. His longevity in Gospel music is attributed to his ability to mix traditional and contemporary lyrics.
The ministering part to the Ebenezer crowd began when Bishop Walker requested that the audience “hug and celebrate each other.” He clarified the importance of celebrating the success of others, stating, “When the Lord shows you another man’s blessing, it’s to show you what He’s about to do for you.”
The praise crescendoed for the next 20 minutes when Bishop Walker stated, “Pittsburghers, I feel you pushing me, I feel like dancing.” The Bishop danced and worshiped as the audience cried, shouted and danced in the spirit. After a calming moment, Bishop Walker shared his thanks and appreciation for the devoted fans.
The Bishop accommodated as the listeners began yelling out their two favorite songs, “Every Praise” and “Better.” The enthusiastic crowd clapped, rocked and twirled in the aisles until the last note was played.
“Pittsburgh was one of best concerts I’ve done,” Bishop Walker told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview. “In a minute, the crowd was energetic from the time I got up (on stage).”
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