Youth pastor launches EP

Barrington Flemming, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:Jermaine Bolton, the youth pastor at the Faith Temple Assembly of God located at Princess Street in Montego Bay, has officially joined the ranks of recording gospel artistes with last Sunday's launch of his four-song EP (extended play).

The Reverend Conrad Pitkin, pastor of the church, says the launch of the EP was a significant moment in the life of Bolton, who rose from humble beginnings and has been a distinguished man of God over his five-year association with Faith Temple.

"Today, I entreat you to support his effort," Pitkin said while addressing the launch. "He could have been somewhere else singing for the devil, using his talent in a different way, but we are happy for the choice he has made to use his talents for the Lord."

Three of the four songs - Jesus Covers Me, Healing is Our Bread and Places - have been written by Bolton. The other song, Mercy on The World, was co-written with his brother Conroy Bolton.

Bolton, who hails from the parish of Manchester, was blessed by Pastor Pitkin and visiting pastor Vincent Clarke, who is the former pastor of the Faith Assembly of God, Portmore in St Catherine.

INSPIRATION

"It has been a long time coming. I have been doing music since I was six years old and spent a number of years in a band setting," said Bolton. "I spent 12 years in a band called Young Battalion, and, during my adolescent years, I was involved with Eccleptos - a Mandeville-based ensemble.

"I believe now is the time to step out and do something solo. It is God's season and a lot of people have been waiting," added Bolton.

The youth minister said he was mostly inspired by his love for the Word of God.

"Inspiration comes from different sources but firstly from the word of God and the environment," he said. "It sometimes comes from the people with whom I interact … . Sometimes I am in the shower and a thought comes to my mind or I wake up in the morning and, while having devotions, different thoughts come."

During the launch, Bolton gave a scintillating performance of Healing is Our Bread, which elicited shouts of "Hallelujah" from an appreciative congregation, some of whom rose to their feet, praising God with him.