The homegoing service was held Saturday, May 9, at Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, where hundreds gathered to honor Jayla Elkins, 3; Shayla Elkins, 5; Braylon Snow, 5; Kayla Pugh, 6; Khedarrion Snow, 6; Layla Pugh, 7; Markaydon Pugh, 10; and Sariahh Snow, 11. The children were killed April 19 in what authorities have described as a domestic mass shooting. Seven of the children were siblings, and one was their cousin.

During a CW39 Houston interview, Pastor Dr. Timothy Sloan described the project as years in the making for the 125-year-old congregation. He said the church reached a point where “the world” needed to hear The Luke Church’s sound and voice.

Dr. Chad Brawley, Worship Arts Pastor at The Luke Church, said the album was created to share “the sound of our house” and contribute to a body of sacred music that other churches can sing. In the interview, Brawley described The Luke Church as a large congregation that remains “tight-knit” and said the project brings together the congregation, choir and worship leaders.

One of the project’s distinguishing elements is that it was produced entirely in-house. The album features The Luke Church’s own band, choir, praise team and worship leaders, with musical contributions from worship leader and composer Michael Dixon, who wrote several songs and helped shape the album’s creative direction.

The live-recorded album includes songs such as “Praise The Lord (Live),” “Take Up Your Cross (Live),” “Wait On You (Live),” “‘Tis So Sweet,” “Let’s Lift Jesus (Live),” “Promise Keeper (Live),” “He’ll Be Right There,” “O Taste and See” and “Winning (Live).”

“Bridges” is executive produced by Dr. Timothy Sloan and Dr. Chad Brawley, with production led by Deitrich Listenbee, Ryan Materre, Michael Dixon and Chad Brawley. Listenbee also serves as music director, with choir direction by Brawley and Dixon.

All album purchase information, including a limited edition CD, is available at https://linktr.ee/thelukechurchworship.

Promoted as an exclusive Houston gathering, the event invited a limited number of fans into a private worship setting for unplugged worship, sing-alongs, a meet and greet, and the debut of a new song. Presented by Blacksmoke Music, the evening was designed to give guests a chance to experience Cortez’s ministry and music in a close, live setting.

Following the event, Cortez shared his appreciation online, thanking everyone who came out and supported the recording. He also recognized his family, label, team, band and singers, calling the night an amazing experience and expressing excitement for the world to hear what was captured.

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The event adds to an already accomplished run for Cortez, one of Houston’s most notable voices in gospel music. Over the years, he has earned major recognition, including Stellar Award wins such as Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year and Praise and Worship Song of the Year for “You’ve Been Good to Me.” That song, along with other successful live recordings, helped further establish his reputation for delivering powerful worship moments that connect strongly with audiences.

Cortez has also continued building on that momentum through acclaimed projects such as Imprint: Live in Memphis and nationally recognized songs including “Lord Do It for Me.”

With that history in mind, this latest Houston live recording marks another strong chapter in Cortez’s ongoing music and ministry journey.

In a social media post following the service, Caldwell expressed gratitude for the support surrounding him. “Still walking on air with a heart filled with gratitude. I am truly surrounded by a village of love, prayer, and peace!” he wrote. He also thanked Bishop Walker, saying, “You delivered a powerful word and I am honored to join @fgbcfintl.”

Walker also reflected on the moment, calling it “an amazing time” and describing Caldwell’s welcome into FGBCF as “about the power of restoration and repositioning for what God is doing in this season.”

The April 13 ordination worship celebration brought together several FGBCF leaders, including Bishop Walker, founding Bishop Paul S. Morton, Bishop David C. Cooper and Bishop Ethan W. Ogletree Sr.

Caldwell is widely known for his leadership at Windsor Village United Methodist Church, where worship and music played a significant role in the ministry. In 2002, Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell and the Windsor Village UMC Mass Choir released Welcome to the Village through EMI Gospel, featuring songs such as “Psalm 150,” “Deliverance Is Available to You,” “I Have a Right to Praise Him” and “Come Let’s Worship.”

For many in Houston’s faith community, the moment highlighted Caldwell’s enduring connection to ministry, worship and the wider church.

Original Recording: The definitive 1992 recording was performed at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Vocalists: Barbara Johnson Tucker (Soprano) and Dr. Bettye Ransom-Nelson.

The song was conceived while Glenn Burleigh served as minister of music at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. While there, Burleigh and the church choir accompanied the pastor to St. Agnus Baptist Church, also in Houston, for a preaching engagement. It is at this service that Burleigh received the inspiration for the song. St. Agnus was well-known for its outstanding youth program, which included a “Drill Team.” “Burleigh was sitting at the back [of the church] with a tablet, writing ferociously, steadily writing as the children performed,” says singer Barbara Johnson Tucker, a member of Good Hope. As the young people performed, the idea for “Order My Steps” came to Burleigh. “Burleigh said, ‘the Lord gave him all of the verses, the whole song.’” – umcdiscipleship.org

Born May 29, 1957, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kennedy began her music involvement at an early age, joining the Prestonians Community Choir. After relocating with her family to Houston, Texas, in 1973, she continued her musical development and, at age 16, became choir director at New Community Baptist Church. There, she organized a 100-voice choir known as New Children of Christ alongside Darryl Rushing.

Kennedy went on to compose numerous gospel songs and release several albums, including I Am Determined and Gotta Keep on Moving. Her recordings featured collaborations with local and national gospel artists, including John P. Kee.

Phyllis Kennedy Bolden & New Children Of Christ Community Choir – In The Gloryland (1982)

New Community Baptist Church Mass Choir – I Am Determined (1983)

She later founded the Reborn Crusade Choir and the gospel group Anointed Power.

In addition to her solo and group work, Kennedy established the All Nations in Praise (A.N.I.P.) conference, a worship and music gathering that produced multiple live recordings. Albums released through the conference include Let the Praises Go Up (2002), Thanks for Everything (2005), and It’s Praise Time in the House (2010).

Minister Phyllis Kennedy Presents All Nations in Praise Praise and Worship Conference Choir – It’s Praise Time In The House (2010)

In later years, she released additional songs, including It’s a Good Day and God Is With You.

Pastor Phyllis Kennedy – God is with You (2023)

Kennedy also published written works, including She Just Wanted to Preach and a devotional journal titled My Morning Worship and Meditation: 21 Days of Joy.

She was ordained under Pastors Kenneth and Cynthia Skelton of Spirit of Life Church and later served as Minister of Music for more than 15 years at The Fellowship of Enlightenment. In 2017, she founded Impartation Worship Center in Houston.

Kennedy was preceded in death by her parents, Bishop L.A. Kennedy and Lady Anna Kennedy, and her brother, Mark Kennedy. She is survived by her children, siblings, grandchildren, extended family, and members of Impartation Worship Center.

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Saturday, February 7, 2026 9:00AM – 11:00AM Fellowship of Enlightenment 9005 N. Wayside Dr. Houston, TX 77028

Celebration of Life Service
Saturday, February 7, 2026 11:00AM Fellowship of Enlightenment 9005 N. Wayside Dr. Houston, TX 77028

Survivors Worship was created by BJM Entertainment founder and CEO Billy J. Morris following his mother’s diagnosis and eventual recovery from breast cancer.  The gathering was designed as a collective moment for believers to worship God in gratitude for what they have survived and overcome.

“Survivors Worship is about testimony and thanksgiving,” Morris said. “It gives people space to come together and worship God for bringing them through life’s challenges.” The movement originated in San Antonio and is now expanding into new markets, with Houston set to be the next city to host the experience.

The Houston edition will honor Pugh’s contributions to gospel music and ministry while also celebrating BJM Entertainment’s fifth anniversary. Organizers say this event is an opportunity to publicly recognize Pugh’s influence, mentorship, and enduring impact on the company and the broader gospel community.

Tribute performances will be presented by Pugh’s Blacksmoke labelmate Cedric Ballard, worship leader and Houston’s own Nakitta Foxx, Season 25 standout contestant of The Voice Valerie T. Smith, and Dallas-based gospel recording artist Malcolm Christopher III.  The artists will perform selections from Pugh’s extensive gospel discography or musical tributes that reflect his influence on worship music. There may also be a few surprise guests.

Pugh’s career spans more than two decades and includes 13 albums, 17 radio singles, and five No. 1 Billboard Gospel Airplay chart toppers. In August 2025, he received his first Stellar Award for Traditional Male Artist of the Year, after 10 previous nominations.

In March, a whole new generation experienced Pugh’s music after his song “I Need Your Glory” gained renewed attention following a viral audition on American Idol, when a Dallas contestant sang Pugh’s classic, breathing new life into a song recorded 14 years ago. Pugh also appeared on the 25th Anniversary of Gospel Superfest, hosted by Vivica A. Fox, which recently aired on FOX SOUL.

“We want to honor Earnest Pugh for his achievements and give him his flowers,” Morris said. “He has been instrumental in my personal journey and in the success of BJM Entertainment. I believe in giving honor where it is due.”

The event will be emceed by Compassion T. Anderson and hosted by Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church, pastored by Timothy W. Criswell. Additional contributors include A Brown Agency LLC, with sponsorship support from Mom and Pop Morris, Archie Jenkins (Mr. 180 Lyfe), and the Harris family.

For more information and event updates, visit BJM Entertainment on Facebook and Instagram @BJMEntertainment.

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About BJM Entertainment LLC

Founded in 2021 by Billy J. Morris, BJM Entertainment LLC is an event production and artist-support company specializing in live events, artist development, and promotional services for independent artists. The company’s mission is to empower artists, elevate diverse voices, and create music experiences that connect audiences across cultures and generations. Integrity, creativity, and innovation are central to its work.

New Faith Church in Houston, TX presents the program, “Advent, If Not for Him: A Journey Of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.”

In a statement shared on Instagram, Eason said he is “drained and exhilarated” now that the book is complete. He expressed gratitude to editor Michael David Harrison for his support and to the musicians who contributed their biographies to the project. Eason added that he hopes the book will help unite the gospel community and encourage continued collaboration.

Eason says that the book should be used as a reference resource for libraries and gospel music enthusiasts.

The order form is available at: https://www.jotform.com/app/252895647499178

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