#Gospel Hotspot

[gospelhotspot]

[DOWNLOAD] Ikenga - Chris Morgan

It’s wonderful to see Chris Morgan back in the spotlight, especially with a powerful gospel song like “Ikenga.” His return is sure to bring joy to fans and inspire new listeners with his message of faith and worship. The title “Ikenga” suggests a celebration of the power and might of God, which is a theme that resonates deeply with many. Chris Morgan’s influence as one of the pioneers of Nigerian…

[kyumisyumi]

Bovidae

Finally got to writing that Pastor König idea I mentioned weeks ago. It was supposed to be smut but oops; plot. I think I just like writing a paranoid König ꈍᵕꈍ.

Ship: Pastor!König x Agnostic!Reader(F) The reader is written pretty GN except for one part where König mentions possibly putting a baby in you

Word count: 1,753

⊱⊶Taking requests⊷⊰

If he was honest with himself; the good Pastor kept his position primarily due to his charisma than anything. More than once the congregation had caught him mixing up the scriptures or fumbling the sermon but that was easily overlooked with a good joke and some humility. The smile helped too; that slow, lopsided grin that had husbands clutching their wives a little tighter. He'd then quell their ire at his flirtatious nature with some half bit flattery. "You'd make a fine soldier." A lie on his lips and a snicker in the back of his mind.

Once König was forced to endure civilian life, he figured he'd ride the stereotype; settle into a small, nowhere town with few people and little to no crime. Maybe find a humble, honest wife and raise chickens. Possibly take up bee keeping, since he was at that age. He'd never been the religious type but it quickly became apparent that there wasn't much to do in a town like this; especially on a Sunday where all the folks flocked to church in droves. A grand structure perched atop a hill; a beacon. A lure. The feeling of isolation was damn near instant that first Sunday he stepped out to see no signs of life in any of the few local 'hotspots' he'd grown accustomed to frequenting. So church it was, and church it had been for about a year. The religion didn't quite take but the sense of community was nice. The events, the good natured folk, the choir and their amazing singers; it was enough to keep him coming. And he had no issues integrating himself since most townsfolk corelated his military status with positive traits. 'An honorable man' they'd call him 'dutiful and proper'. It was something he held in common with the pastor at the time. Something they'd bonded over. But even though they'd built good rapport, it still came as a surprise when the old pastor asked König to take his place. Thinking back on it, maybe the old pastor did it as a joke. Or maybe he'd found some value in preaching that he wanted to share with König. Maybe it was divine intervention, and who was he to deny the elderly war vet.

A pastor; he may not be. But a leader; lightwork. König enjoyed having the town under his fingers, having the people take his word as gospel, literally looking to him to steer their little lives. It was... familiar, and that made him comfortable. Comfortable. That was a good word for this quaint life he'd built.

Then you came along.

Moved into town just like he had; quiet and unassuming yet somehow you'd grabbed his attention. Immediately. Another sheep for him to herd and a pretty little one at that; fleece all soft and tinted grey. You didn't seem interested by his invitation to church when he first ran into you, mentioned that you don't believe in 'that stuff', but he figured you'd fall in line soon enough. You'd experience the unnerving silence of the town on a Sunday and find your way to him. Joining the flock where he could assess you for fodder for his ego. But you never appeared. Sunday after Sunday, König would glance at the row in the back that held the empty chairs where most new, infrequent or curious attendees would sneak in and sit. But you were never one of them.

You saw the Sunday silence and brought the people to you. You had an appeal the good pastor lacked; youth- that pretty face of yours helped too. 'A game night'; you called it, one that took place right after church. How you'd managed to make friends when the good pastor could rarely catch you outside of your home -and he had tried- was a mystery to him. Yet, somehow you had most of the twenty-somethings treating your home like it was some new local hangout. He didn't mind it at first, those Sunday morning hours were his, but what the people did after was mostly up to them. However he quickly noticed the slowly dwindling numbers. It wasn't a lot, negligible in truth, but he noticed. The young ones who never took church seriously to begin with, just there to kill time. Easily led astray. They'd gone from going to your place after church to just spending the whole day there he'd found out. 

First one missing sheep, then three.

🐑🐑🐑

He'd managed to catch you outside the local grocery store, bags in hand as you stacked the items into your car. Full of junk food and huge bottles of soda, a stockpile for your little group of defectors.

"I'm sorry, Pastor," You began. "But they're all adults. I can't exactly 'make them' do anything." You grunt as you lift a heavy stack of bottled water into you car, speeding up when you saw him move to help then giving him a smile that said 'no help needed.' There was something in that smile König didn't like. Did you think you were above his help? That you were better than him? Superior for overcoming the Sunday silence? Unlike him. "And I'm not going to kick out the few friends I've made here." An apologetic lilt to your voice but König questioned it's sincerity. Did you take this as a victory? That he was asking this of you.

It was a reasonable response, one he'd expected though he wasn't happy with it. Especially when the conversation ended with you declining another invitation to attend.

Then three became five.

🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑

"Pastor." This time you greeted him first as he approached. In the bright, warm light of the community garden you looked heavenly. The perfect angel to perch upon his bed, a ring on your finger. A child for him inside you, if you wished it. If only you'd fall in line. The pastor only wanted to push as much as was needed. Preferring a gentle pursuit to a savage hunt. Why pull the livestock by the neck when you can lull them into the pen. Have them look at you all trusting and dumb while you close the wooden door, sealing their fate. Though, he was tempted. He liked the look of your neck; could imagine the soft flesh beneath his fingers. His thumb on your jugular while you looked at him with said trust, on your back and vulnerable while he locked the cage. Instead you resisted him. That smile on your face seemed genuine but there was something behind it. The way the curve of your lip raised higher on one side than the other. Something behind the tone of your greeting. As though you wanted to say 'I've been expecting this conversation.' Did you think him predictable?

He greeted you as well, friendly and polite. Of course he wanted to bring up the subject of his missing attendees but based on the vibe you were giving off... He could tell you were already preparing an answer he wouldn't like. So instead he pivoted to simple friendly conversation. Asking how you've been adjusting, has your neighbours been giving you any trouble, and slipping in the question that's been most on his mind; how you've managed to make friends, wrapping it in a joke about how rarely he sees you out and about. The answer was the internet. Of course, the thing König openly disliked and warned parents against.

Though his intentions were double sided, he actually enjoyed speaking to you. It seemed you were more open when he didn't bring up the church. For the first time, he'd seen a smile on you that he liked. It had your cheeks puffing up and your eyes crinkling into cute little crescents. A slight tilt of your head as if you were trying to hide it away. He could see his future in that smile, waking up next to you and pulling your body into his. A smile that didn't make him question your intentions.

As if you were trying to disarm him.

"Sheryl's nosy but I kinda don't mind it." You admitted to him when talk of your neighbor came up.

"You like a nosy neighbor?" König raised an eyebrow at you.

"I like that she cares enough to check in." You supplied. "It's overbearing at times...all the time... but I can tell it comes from a good place." You went on. "Yes, she sticks her nose over the fence a lot and complains about the exposed roots of my mulberry tree but it's only because she saw me trip over it that one time. Brought out a whole first aid kit for a little scrape on the knee." Another smile he liked graced your lips, a small one but no less radiant.

"Ahh, I see. She is a very sweet woman." Your smile brought out his own. "And she's a good cook, always bakes for town events."

You turned to him as though no truer words had ever been said in your presence. "Heavenly. Her bakes goods are everything to me."

He'd also gathered another bit of information from your little chat; your work. You weren't seen out very often because you worked remote; another reason for him to hate the internet. However, you loved gardening and were looking to volunteer at the community garden regularly. So now he had somewhere he could catch you consistently without the risk of looking like a creep always appearing at your home. It was only a short distance from the church as well.

"I only really settled on this place because Joshie suggested it." You admitted, hands still busy trying to pull a young tomato plant from the soil.

"Ah, so you already had friends here." He smiled as if it didn't bother him. "That's good, makes the transition a little easier, yes?" Was Joshua going to be a problem he'd have to get rid of? Possibly. Though, he had brough you here so maybe the boy deserved a little grace.

You nodded in agreement. "Yea, I did already like the town though. Had visited it twice before."

"For that same friend?"

You nodded.

So you'd already had a little friend group here, no wonder you weren't bothered by the loneliness. He pondered if he could use this to his advantage somehow. Five had left his church but two still dutifully attended, still valued the word of God. Maybe he could reach you through them.

Then five became seven. Seven empty seats. Seven missing sheep.

🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑

A/N: Been going a bit back and forth on whether or not reader is doing this to be malicious/instigative or they're just blissfully unaware.

[lboogie1906]

Dakota Staton (June 3, 1930 – April 10, 2007) was a jazz vocalist who found international acclaim with the hit “The Late, Late Show”. She was known by the Muslim name Aliyah Rabia for a period due to her conversion to Islam as interpreted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Born in the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh, she attended George Westinghouse High School and studied music at the Filion School of Music in Pittsburgh. She performed in the Hill District, a jazz hotspot, as a vocalist with the Joe Westray Orchestra, a popular Pittsburgh orchestra. She next spent several years in the nightclub circuit in such cities as Detroit, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and St. Louis. While in New York, she was noticed singing at a Harlem nightclub called the Baby Grand by Dave Cavanaugh, a producer for Capitol Records. She was signed and released several singles, her success leading her to win Down Beat magazine’s “Most Promising Newcomer” award.

She released several critically acclaimed albums, including The Late, Late Show, whose title track was her biggest hit, In the Night, a collaboration with pianist George Shearing, Dynamic! and Dakota at Storyville, a live album recorded at the Storyville jazz club in Boston. She moved to England, where she recorded the album Dakota ′67. Returning to the US, she continued to record semi-regularly, her recordings taking an increasingly strong gospel and blues influence. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[foggynightdonut]

Abu Bakr and Umar were Ghassans

The Levant was a strategic hotspot for the two superpowers of the time Rome and Persia. Rome split the empire into two. The Eastern Roman Empire or Roman Byzantine controlled the Levant. In the 6th century, climate change brought drought and both Persia and Roman Byzantium suffered and had to withdraw from the Levant. Both empires relies on mercenary armies to do their fighting. The mercenary armies formed to two tribes: The Lakhmids who fought for Persia and the Ghassanids who fought for Roman Byzantium. Because the fought each other for so long, the Ghassanids and Lakhmids hated each other and as Roman Byzantium and Persia withdrew, the former mercenary armies fought each other to find out who was to fill the power vacuum.

In the larger scheme, the Ghassanids were victorious then they fractured and fought each for dominance. Muawiya was the victor and the Umayyad Empire started. Historical texts say that Ali was the heir apparent to the Lakhmids and was murdered by a traitor for the Ghassanids. Abu Bakr was a tribe of the Ghassanids. There are historical mentions of Umar too. It is not known if they personally knew each other in life but these names certainly attracted legends. Apocalysptic fever dominated the Levant. Prophets and warlords claimed jesus returned or they were Jesus.

While trinitarian Catholic Christianity dominated both Roman empires, the Levant was aswirl of many cults and schisms. In this lurked Hanifiyya, unitarian Christians who remained closer to Judaism that the trinitarians.

After their victory, the Umayyads pushed and spread north into Anatolia, west into Sinai and Egypt and south into Arabia. The names Bakka and Makka in the Koran refer to the valley of Beqqa in Lebanon, a noted pilgrimage spot, and Mokha, the famous port city on the southmost west of the Sabean-Arabian peninsula. The rhyming names likely meant the north to south of the empire. The Kortan's descriptions of Bakka-Makka are of the lush, green Beqqa valley, it's river and olive groves). The port city of Mokha was the largest and wealthiest trade centre in the world until the 19th century (this is why Mecca gets its legendary prestige from).

Note: The claim that Arabia was pagan is trash. Yemen was a kingdom ruled by Himyarite Jews from the second century BCE. In the early 6th century Christian Axumite Ethiopians conquered the Himyarites, destroyed Dhul i-Khalasa or converted it to a church and ruled (if you wanted to know where the racist raisin-headed Ethiopian hadith comes from, now you know). The Axumites ruled until the 8th century when the Turkic Seljuks conquered them (if I recall correctly). Arabia was solidly entrenched in the Abrahamic tradition.

Later Umayyad Caliph Khalid ibn Yazid, fascinated by alchemy and magic, scoured for Greek occult texts and had them translated to Aramaic. All the myths and legends handed down from the Ghassanid-Lakhmid war formed lots of little Muhammads, sacred, mythemic characters. Scraps of Christian apocrypha and Jewish pseudipigrapha floated around. Much like people today talk about Jews and Romans removing books and gospels from the Bible, so did people collect scraps of these abridged texts into scrapbooks. The evidence is that the later Koranic surahs, The Cow, The Table and Women started as individual tracts. The She Camel has been lost to time.

Whatever Khalid did upset religious devotees and the gossip reached Arabia. Saf ibn Abdullah, a Jewish preacher and prophet, roused the rabble in Arabia and united the tribes, including the settlements known as Yathrib and what we now call Mecca. The tribes told Khalid's tax collectors to fuck off. Khalid's garrison defeated the revolt and killed the upstarts. Saf escaped but was never heard from again. Islamic tradition calls this the Second Fitna but it's the seed the Abbasid identity grew from. Prophet Saf became the mold from which Muhammad was cast.

Once the Abbasids defeated the Umayyads in 750, they set about creating a new religion for their new empire and their new religion needed a new prophet. They couldn't use Saf ibn Abdullah because they needed to demonise the Umayyads. Abbasid myth makers inserted Muhammad into the chaotic period when the Lakhmids and Ghassanids clashed and just before the Muawiya's victory so the Abbasids could claim the evil Umayyads corrupted the one true religion the Abbasids "restored". Of course, the Abbasids restored nothing, they made it up wholesale but at the centre of it is the ghost of Saf ibn Abdullah, the model they based Muhammad's biography on. The compiled Koran went from an accessory to the Bible to the sacred text and totem of a new imperialist religion.

That's the basics.

[influencerhiring2]

Embracing Local Influencers: A Blueprint for Community Connection

In a digital age where social media reigns supreme, local influencers are the unsung heroes of community connection. These individuals wield significant influence over their followers, guiding them through trends, hotspots, and hidden gems within their locality. From fashion mavens to food connoisseurs, these influencers are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods, shaping the way we perceive and engage with our surroundings.

In the bustling streets of our city, one can't help but notice the vibrant tapestry of local influencers weaving their magic. Take, for instance, Sarah, whose Instagram feed serves as a love letter to the city's culinary delights. With each post, she tantalizes taste buds and sparks cravings, leading her followers on gastronomic adventures across town. From hole-in-the-wall diners to Michelin-starred restaurants, Sarah's recommendations are gospel to food enthusiasts seeking the next big culinary experience.

Then there's Michael, the embodiment of urban style and sophistication. His keen eye for fashion has made him a beacon of inspiration for fashionistas citywide. Through carefully curated outfits and style guides, Michael empowers his followers to express themselves through fashion, turning sidewalks into runways and transforming local boutiques into must-visit destinations.

But what sets these local influencers apart isn't just their ability to curate aesthetically pleasing content—it's their deep-rooted connection to the community. Unlike macro-influencers whose reach spans continents, local influencers are intimately acquainted with the pulse of their neighborhoods. They frequent the same coffee shops, attend the same events, and engage with the same businesses as their followers, fostering a sense of kinship that transcends the digital realm.

For businesses, collaborating with local influencers isn't just about boosting brand visibility—it's about forging meaningful connections with the community. By aligning themselves with these influential voices, businesses can tap into a loyal and engaged audience eager to support brands that share their values. Whether it's a pop-up event at a local brewery or a partnership with a neighborhood bookstore, these collaborations offer a win-win scenario where businesses gain exposure while influencers strengthen their bond with their followers.

Moreover, local influencers serve as conduits for change, leveraging their platforms to advocate for causes close to their hearts. From environmental sustainability to social justice initiatives, these influencers use their influence to raise awareness and drive positive action within their communities. By lending their voices to important causes, they inspire their followers to become agents of change, transforming online engagement into real-world impact.

But perhaps the most compelling aspect of local influencers is their authenticity. In an era plagued by curated content and carefully crafted personas, these influencers offer a breath of fresh air with their unfiltered authenticity. They're not afraid to showcase the highs and lows of their lives, sharing personal anecdotes and candid moments that resonate with their followers on a deeper level. In a world where perfection is often the norm, these influencers remind us that it's okay to be imperfect—to embrace our flaws and celebrate our uniqueness.

As we navigate an increasingly digital landscape, the role of local influencers becomes ever more pronounced. They serve as digital ambassadors, bridging the gap between online engagement and real-world experiences. Through their lens, we discover new neighborhoods, uncover hidden treasures, and forge connections that transcend the confines of our screens. They are the storytellers of our communities, weaving narratives that celebrate the richness and diversity of our localities.

In conclusion, local influencers are more than just content creators—they are the heartbeat of our communities. Through their passion, authenticity, and unwavering dedication, they inspire us to explore, connect, and engage with the world around us. As businesses and individuals, it's imperative that we recognize the invaluable role these influencers play in shaping our collective experiences. By embracing local influencers, we not only amplify our voices but also strengthen the bonds that unite us as a community. So let's celebrate these unsung heroes, for they are the architects of our shared journey.

[manofmanytastes]

Praise Apollo! The Gospel Projects High Wheat is an Ode to Melbourne’s Newest Hotspot

https://manofmany.com/lifestyle/drinks/the-gospel-high-wheat?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr

[gospelhotspot]

[DOWNLOAD] Nara Ekele (Take Glory) - Helen Meju

US-based Nigerian gospel music maestro, Helen Meju comes with amazing offshoots of another soul-enlightening ‘Nara Ekele’. Nara Ekele serves us as a template of testimony, one which amplifies the praise attitude of a person who encountered the miraculous intervention of God while going through a fiercely ragging furnace of life and Nara Ekele means Take Glory. Having a lot of previously released…

[gospelhotspot]

[DOWNLOAD] Fuji Messiah - Mike Abdul Ft. Ola PressPlay

Nigerian gospel singer, recording artist, and Fuji priest Mike Abdul dishes out a brand new single titled “Fuji Messiah” featuring Ola PressPlay. According to Mike Abdul, the revelation of these lyrics came from above to circulate the atmosphere with a fresh spirit and life. The energy behind this song is potent, the drums are vigorous, the music structure is overpowering, and the lyrics are…

[gospelhotspot]

[Music + Lyrics] Jesus Is Not A Scam - Jimmy D Psalmist

Celebrated Gospel artiste, Jimmy D Psalmist, is commemorating his 40th birthday today, Friday, August 25th, with the release of a powerful new single titled “Jesus Is Not A Scam.” The track not only celebrates his milestone birthday but also spreads a powerful message of faith and trust in the Lord. “Jesus Is Not A Scam” is more than just a song; it’s a heartfelt testimony to the character and…

[gospelhotspot]

[Music + Video] Our God - James Akinwumi

James Akinwumi, a rising voice in gospel music, unveils his second single, “Our God.” This powerful track, born from a profound spiritual experience, seeks to usher listeners into the very presence of the divine. Minister James explains the inspiration behind “Our God,” citing Revelation 4:2-4 as the foundational scripture. “In an encounter,” he shares, “I saw a great light shining in a vast room…

[gospelhotspot]

[Music + Video] Anointed - Lily Perez

Lily Perez inaugurates the “Songs Of Prayers” series with “Anointed,” a divinely inspired initiative to unleash music that fosters a profound Koinonia, or communion, with God. Recorded live in an intimate setting in Lagos, Nigeria, “Songs of Prayers” aims to cultivate an environment of deep, reverent worship. The project is envisioned as a practical tool, empowering families to establish their…

[gospelhotspot]

[Music + Video] Praise The Lord - Purist Ogboi

Purist Ogboi, the UK’s own gospel sensation, has unleashed her electrifying new single, “Praise The Lord,” a jubilant anthem now ready to uplift spirits on every major streaming platform. Crafted by the award-winning Evans Ogboi at Simplicity Records, “Praise The Lord” is more than just a song; it’s a resounding testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness. Ogboi’s signature fusion of contemporary…

[gospelhotspot]

[Music + Video] Afro-Fusion Praise Medley - Tmax

Afrogospel sensation Tmax is bringing an undeniable wave of praise energy into 2025, and it’s evident in his new single! Marking his first release of the year, the talented singer has blessed us with an 18-minute, high-energy “Afro-Fusion Praise Medley”—and it’s dance-floor ready! Accompanied by an electrifying video, the “Afro-Fusion Praise Medley” features a blend of popular choruses with…

[gospelhotspot]

[DOWNLOAD] Chineke Bu Onye Nchem - Fada Obinna

Fada Obinna’s song, “Chineke Bu Onye Nchem” (The Lord Is My Shepherd), draws its inspiration from the timeless wisdom of Psalm 23. In a world often marked by uncertainty, hardship, and tribulation, we frequently yearn for comfort and unwavering direction. It is during these trying times that the profound importance of finding solace and guidance in our loving Heavenly Father, the Good Shepherd,…

[gospelhotspot]

[Music + Video] Evidence - Tkeyz

Tkeyz, the celebrated voice in gospel music, has released his latest single, “Evidence,” a powerful anthem celebrating the unwavering faithfulness of God. Drawing inspiration from genuine, lived experiences, “Evidence” serves as a potent reminder of God’s all-sufficiency and steadfast love. The track’s soaring melody, coupled with its deeply moving lyrics, promises to uplift and inspire believers…

[gospelhotspot]

[Music + Video] Odogwu - Jumbo Aniebiet Ft. Sergine Quenum & Nosa

Acclaimed songwriter and trumpeter Jumbo Aniebiet is thrilled to announce the release of his highly anticipated single, “Odogwu,” from the upcoming Pages project. This dynamic collaboration features internationally renowned Gospel artist Nosa and the euphonic vocals of DC-based worship leader Sergine Quenum. “Odogwu” is a vibrant anthem celebrating Christ’s victory on the cross and God’s…