Category Archives: General News

Faithful Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

Posted on by

Mother’s Day is (literally) right around the corner (May 12 for the Holiday deficient), so if you have a Proverbs 31 woman in your life and haven’t gotten her a gift yet (shame on you, shame) don’t worry we have you covered. We’ve got a few recommendations for the amazing ladies in your life weather its your mom, sister, wife or even grandma (if Gran-Gran’s a fan of Andy Mineo that is!) Just be sure they don’t catch you looking at this list or you’ll blow the surprise! Good luck.

Books

Christian Books has an impressive collection of amazing books for women of God who love to read and when it comes to Mother’s Day, they have you covered. Check out their site and they’ll show you gifts sure to spark her interest and imagination. They also feature a wide selection of ebooks and music. To get you started below you’ll find a few of our favorite reads.

Not a Fan - Kyle Idleman

Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus

If Jesus were to sit down with you right now and have a DTR (Define the Relationship) conversation, how would you respond? Are you truly his follower or just a fan-or perhaps someone who doesn’t even care about the difference? Not a Fan invites you to make Jesus not merely the object of your admiration, but the very center of your life. Through biblical teaching, anecdotes, and humor, Kyle Idleman explores what it means to truly be a follower of Christ. He also shares several powerful Not a Fan stories–testimonies from fellow followers who turned to Jesus. Don’t miss this wake up call to radical discipleship!

Lion of Babylong - Davis Bunn

Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1

Special agent Marc Royce’s job in the State Department is routine—until two CIA operatives, a high-placed Iraqi civilian, and a humanitarian aid worker go missing in Iraq. As Marc engages in a covert operation, the underground dialogue between sworn enemies heats up. Will the ultimate Reconciler bring peace between ancient opponents and current foes? 384 pages, softcover from Bethany.

God's Wisdom for a Mother's Heart - Bobbie Wolgemuth

God’s Wisdom for a Mother’s Heart: A Bible Study for Moms

Formatted to suit a mom’s busy schedule, God’s Wisdom for a Mother’s Heart provides mothers at any stage of life with thoughtful, biblical encouragement for each and every day. This study is intended as a companion to the Mom’s Bible, but can be used with any Bible.

Music/Movies

For those moms that want an excuse to gather the family together, look no further than a few of our favorite selections of music and movies. A great film will enhance any evening while music just makes any drive with the loved ones more pleasant. Here are a few suggestions!

The Bible from the Hitory ChannelHistory Channel’s: The Bible Miniseries

From Executive Producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett comes The Bible — an epic 10-part miniseries retelling stories from the Scriptures for a whole new generation. Breathtaking in scope and scale, The Bible features powerful performances, exotic locales and dazzling visual effects that breathe spectacular life into the dramatic tales of faith and courage from Genesis through Revelation. This historic television event is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family.

Please note: Some scenes that were shown when The Bible aired may not be included in this release. These missing scenes are an artistic choice, not a defect.

Andy Mineo - Heroes for Sale

Andy Mineo – Heroes for Sale

United Tenors Hammond Hollister Roberson Wilson

United Tenors: Hammond | Hollister | Roberson | Wilson

Keep in mind giving music or a move as a gift is a bit tricky. If you give it as a gift make sure you either give a few (as these tend to be low in cost) or mix them with something else like some flowers, a teddy or a gift basket. Maybe something from our “Treats” suggestions below.

Treats

Fran’s ChocolatesFrans

An absolute favorite destination for my wife and I. I can’t recommend these sweet handmade treats enough. Sweet yet salty and their specials for Mother’s Day sets are fordable gifts anyone with a sweet tooth is sure to love! Our favorite? The Japanese box below, its one of he more expensive items they sell but its a gorgeous box and filled to the brim with assorted delights that even after empty my wife keeps to hold little items and anxiously wait until that next brown box delivery hits her doorstep.

Fran's

 

Edible Arrangements

Mom not that into chocolate? Get her something that won’t send her straight to the dentist. Edible Arrangements have really become a household name because of their unique gift baskets that no one expects yet everyone will love. Plus they tell mom you were listening all those times she said to eat your fruits and veggies! Win, Win!

Mother's Day Bouquet

Mother’s Day Bouquet™ – Special Berry Trio features gourmet semisweet chocolate dipped strawberries, gourmet semisweet chocolate dipped strawberries decorated with white drizzle, and is filled pineapple hearts, fresh strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew and grapes. It’s all artfully arranged in a NEW keepsake pitcher that mom can use long after the fruit is gone!

Proverbs 31:10-31 (KVJ)

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Praisable Founder Tyger Burch to Appear LIVE on 3 Day Respawn Tonight (Updated)

Posted on by

Tyger

October 23, 2012 – Praisable Press founder and Editor-in-Chief Tyger Burch will appear live tonight (October 23rd) on the 3 Day Respawn podcast to talk games and Extra-Life. The show airs at 8PM EST/4PM PST so don’t miss it!
Update: Hopefully you caught the show, but if you missed it you can see it below:

Praisable Press (http://www.praisablepress.com) is a Christian community fed news resource where you can share stories and events to challenge, encourage and support men and women of Christian faith to use the talents God has given them for the glory of is kingdom. Fundraiser Page

3 Day Respawn (http://www.3dayrespawn.com) is a ministry which aims to provide Godly fellowship, companionship, and Biblical direction by offering a method of connecting with others through the video games based website, community events, and resources for anyone who plays games or knows someone who does. The ministry is based on a social media (Facebook) style community website which helps christian video game players connect with one another. The result is an experience of fellowship and mutual christian edification which is in stark contrast to the average video game playing experience. Our goal is to make disciples of all nations.

 

 

Praisable Press, 3DR Kick Off Extra Life Today

Posted on by

Praisable Press and 3DayRespwan (www.3dayrespawn.com) are ecstatic to kick off Extra-Life today to help raise funds for sick kids. Every dime of contribution goes directly to the hospitals that need it to give vital care, and support to those in need. Its a fundamental element of being a Christian, as Jesus says to love one another (1 John 4:21 (ESV)). We’ll be doing a 24 hour run of games with 3DayRespawn primarily on Xbox360 and Praisable Press on the PS3. Feel free to check in on Google+ and YouTube at noon where we’ll post chat updates and link up with fans.

Last year, Extra Life raised more than 1.2 million dollars to save kids, but in 2012 our goals, just like the needs of the kids we serve, are much, much higher. We can’t do this without your help. Donating online is safe and easy! IT’S STILL NOT TO LATE TO DONATE! Click here to visit our fundraiser page. Below you will see a list of games that Praisable Press will be playing on PS3, we invite anyone who wants to join us online to add “Tyger0” to their Playstation Network (PSN) accounts and suggest a game.

Currently Planned Games

  • Borderlands 2 (Co-Op), with DLC
  • Killzone 3
  • DCUO
  • Playstation Home
  • Little Big Planet 2
  • Starhawk
  • ModNation Racers

Praisable Press (http://www.praisablepress.com) is a Christian community fed news resource where you can share stories and events to challenge, encourage and support men and women of Christian faith to use the talents God has given them for the glory of is kingdom. Fundraiser Page

3 Day Respawn (http://www.3dayrespawn.com) is a ministry which aims to provide Godly fellowship, companionship, and Biblical direction by offering a method of connecting with others through the video games based website, community events, and resources for anyone who plays games or knows someone who does. The ministry is based on a social media (Facebook) style community website which helps christian video game players connect with one another. The result is an experience of fellowship and mutual christian edification which is in stark contrast to the average video game playing experience. Our goal is to make disciples of all nations.

 

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani’s Shares Letter of Thanks Following Release

Posted on by

September 21, 202 - Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani who was released from prison two weeks prior, wrote the following letter to all those who supported him after nearly 3 years of illegal imprisonment in Iran after being convicted of the crime of apostasy (converting to Christianity) and sentenced to execution by hanging. Pastor Youcef’s public display of unflinching faith at the risk of his own life caused an international outcry that led to a twitter campaign (sponsored by the UCLJ) that spanned over 3 million accounts. As he rejoins his family and celebrates his new found freedom, Pastor Nadarkhani shared his deep gratitude with the public through this letter (translated into English through Present Truth Ministries) written on the day of his release.

Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to Your Name be glory , for Your faithfulness, for Your loyalty….
Psalm 115:1

Salaam! (Peace be upon you!)

I glorify and give grace to the Lord with all my heart. I am grateful for all the blessings that He gave me during my whole life. I am especially grateful for His goodness and divine protection that characterized the time of my detention.

I also want to express my gratitude towards those who, all around the world, have worked for my cause, or should I say the cause that I defend. I want to express my gratitude to all of those who have supported me, openly or in complete secrecy . You are all very dear to my heart. May the Lord bless you and give you His perfect and sovereign Grace.

Indeed I have been put to the test, the test of faith which is, according to the Scriptures “more precious than perishable gold.” But I have never felt loneliness, I was all the time aware of the fact that it wasn’t a solitary battle, for I have felt all the energy and support of those who obeyed their conscience and fought for the promotion of the justice and the rights of all human beings. Thanks to these efforts, I have now the enormous joy to be by my wonderful wife and my children. I am grateful for these people through whom God has been working. All of this is very encouraging.

During that period, I had the opportunity to experience in a marvelous way the Scripture that says: “Indeed, as the sufferings of Christ abound for us, our encouragement abound through Christ.” He has comforted my family and has given them the means to face that difficult situation. In His Grace, He provided for their spiritual and material needs, taking away from me a heavy weight.

The Lord has wonderfully provided through the trial, allowing me to face the challenges that were in front of me. As the Scriptures says, “He will not allow us to be tested beyond our strength….”

Despite the fact that I have been found guilty of apostasy according to a certain reading of the Shar’ia, I am grateful that He gave the leaders of the country , the wisdom to break that judgment taking into account other facts of that same Shar’ia. It is obvious that the defenders of the Iranian right and the legal experts have made an important effort to enforce the law and the right. I want to thank those who have defended the right until the end.

Praisable Press would like to congratulate Pastor Nadarkhani on his victory and ask that readers continue to pray for him and his family. You can read his letter in its entirety here: http://aclj.org/iran/pastor-youcef-nadarkhani-letter-gratitude-after-release.

Praisable Weekend September 21st

Posted on by

Praisable Weekend

Our newest column, inspired by all the news hitting the web over the weekend. We want you to spend time with your families, your church and your community without worry about missing on any of the latest news! We’ll drop this each Saturday with all the things we’re reading on the web in bite size bits. Got some great info you think would be perfect here, a Praise Report, or a question/comment for the team? Send it to thegoodnews@praisablepress.com with the subject Praisable Weekend and you might even win yourself a prize!

News

New Releases

Sales

 

And we can’t close out a Praisable Weekend without a Praise Report!! Shout out to our brother in Christ Pastor Jason Queen and his wife Jadah on the birth of their beautiful baby girl Rejee Queen.

Rejee

Possible Earliest Archaeological Evidence of Christianity Discovered in Jerusalem

Posted on by
Photograph

The newly discovered ossuary which appears to contain a reference to the biblical prophet Jonah (James Tabor/U …

The archaeological examination by robotic camera of an intact first century tomb in Jerusalem has revealed a set of limestone Jewish ossuaries or “bone boxes” that are engraved with a rare Greek inscription and a unique iconographic image that the scholars involved identify as distinctly Christian.

The four-line Greek inscription on one ossuary refers to God “raising up” someone and a carved image found on an adjacent ossuary shows what appears to be a large fish with a human stick figure in its mouth, interpreted by the excavation team to be an image evoking the biblical story of Jonah.

In the earliest gospel materials the “sign of Jonah,” as mentioned by Jesus, has been interpreted as a symbol of his resurrection. Jonah images in later “early” Christian art, such as images found in the Roman catacombs, are the most common motif found on tombs as a symbol of Christian resurrection hope. In contrast, the story of Jonah is not depicted in any first century Jewish art and iconographic images on ossuaries are extremely rare, given the prohibition within Judaism of making images of people or animals.

The tomb in question is dated prior to 70 CE, when ossuary use in Jerusalem ceased due to the Roman destruction of the city. Accordingly, if the markings are Christian as the scholars involved believe, the engravings represent – by several centuries – the earliest archaeological record of Christians ever found. The engravings were most likely made by some of Jesus’ earliest followers, within decades of his death and resurection. Together, the inscription and the Jonah image testify to early Christian faith in resurrection. The tomb record thus predates the writing of the gospels.

Discovered by James D. Tabor, professor and chair of religious studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the find comes with its own set of skeptics who believe that Tabor is trying to desperately connect the ossuaries with a controversial book he co-authored with filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici, entitled “The Jesus Dynasty: The New Archaeological Find That Reveals the Birth of Christianity” where he makes claims that Jesus was an apocalyptic Messiah whose extended family founded a royal dynasty in the days before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. He included archaeological data as well as textual interpretations of biblical texts, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and ancient historical sources. The form of Christianity that grew out of this movement, led by the apostle Paul, was, according to Tabor, a decisive break from the original teachings of John the Baptist and Jesus.

Adding to the controversy is the tomb’s close proximity to a second tomb, discovered in 1980. This tomb, dubbed by some “The Jesus Family Tomb,” contained inscribed ossuaries that some scholars associate with Jesus and his family, including one that reads “Jesus, son of Joseph.”

A documentary on the discovery will also be aired by the Discovery Channel in spring 2012.

 ”If anyone had claimed to find either a statement about resurrection or a Jonah image in a Jewish tomb of this period I would have said impossible — until now,” Tabor said. “Our team was in a kind of ecstatic disbelief, but the evidence was clearly before our eyes, causing us to revise our prior assumptions.”

Tabor noted that the epitaph’s complete and final translation is uncertain. The first three lines are clear, but the last line, consisting of three Greek letters, is less sure, yielding several possible translations: “O Divine Jehovah, raise up, raise up,” or “The Divine Jehovah raises up to the Holy Place,” or “The Divine Jehovah raises up from [the dead].”

“This inscription has something to do with resurrection of the dead, either of the deceased in the ossuary, or perhaps, given the Jonah image nearby, an expression of faith in Jesus’ resurrection,” Tabor said.

Jonah

An artists interpretation of Jonah spat out by the giant fish.

The ossuary with the image that Tabor and his team understand to be representing Jonah also has other interesting engravings. These also may be connected to resurrection, Tabor notes. On one side is the tail of a fish disappearing off the edge of the box, as if it is diving into the water. There are small fish images around its border on the front facing, and on the other side is the image of a cross-like gate or entrance—which Tabor interprets as the notion of entering the “bars” of death, which are mentioned in the Jonah story in the Bible.

“This Jonah ossuary is most fascinating,” Tabor remarked. “It seems to represent a pictorial story with the fish diving under the water on one end, the bars or gates of death, the bones inside, and the image of the great fish spitting out a man representing, based on the words of Jesus, the ‘sign of Jonah’ – the ‘sign’ that he would escape the bonds of death.”

Praisable Press is a community driven Christian news service that allows its members to submit news, press releases and events to share with the world. It gives us the ability to share with the world  all the great opportunities and activities going on in the Christian community within a clean, crisp and most importantly enjoyable format. It encourages and challenges its readers to use their God given talents for the Kingdom through powerful stories, interviews and more.

West Coast FIYA Promises Version 2.0 Tomorrow

Posted on by

December 8, 2012 - Renown music site, West Coast FIYA is already starting off the year with a bang. The site began a viral Facebook campaign indicating a completely new look to the site would be coming soon. That day is only 24 hours away now and fans are anxious awaiting the new site. With a launch right around the corner, this site could be a nominee for next year’s Valedictorian Award. We’ll have more information on WCF Ver. 2.0 for you here soon. Stay tuned.

UPDATE: We are being told that due to technical difficulties the site may be delayed slightly. No time frame was given but we will have more information as soon as it is available.

West Coast FIYA (http://www.westcoastfiya.com) is a gospel media website, online atwww.westcoastfiya.com and online through its radio player via the internet’s largest radio network, www.Live365.com (in partnership with Church Beat Radio) to broadcast its radio station to over 144 countries around the world. Church Beat Radio (CBR)http://www.churchbeatradio.com is an Inspirational internet urban music radio station.

Praislight: Ruslan of theBreax Discusses Never Arrive (Part Two)

Posted on by

This is Part Two of the Two Part Interview with Ruslan of theBreax. You can read Part One here.

Ruslan

Ruslan of theBreax

 

P2: So what are you guys doing when you’re not making music? Do you hang out with Belief or are you so busy now making music that when you have the time off you just off?

Ruslan: (Sits back and rubs his face, laughing.) It’s been a busy couple months. I mean usually we have a Monday night men’s bible study that we all go to. That’s kind of been like the core thing of our worship. We just had a Christmas party. Just had everybody together, had a bunch a food and hung out.

P2: Just simple stuff.

Ruslan: Yeah, and a lot of our time now… we still get together but we more often than not find ourselves hanging out with our wives. You know? So like last night I was with my bass player, we just met up and hung out, him and his wife; me and my wife. Or like me and Belief and our wives will hang out a lot but we don’t have like Bar-B-Q’s or anything. We should. Probably should start doing more stuff together. Just to be more social and build camaraderie.

P2: You often hear about groups get to a point where they spend so much time together in the booth or around each other making music that when they get time off they just distance themselves from one another.

Ruslan: Nah. It’s not like that; it’s just that I… (Laughs) just don’t have that much time off. So I mean, I’m working thirty-five hours a week at a job, I’m still trying to take my wife out and be a good husband, I’m serving at my church and every spare moment I have I’m doing music. So its like, I just; do nothing [when I'm off]. Go to sleep, or read books. That’s what I do. So its not like we don’t [like to hang out] it’s just that I…

P2: Don’t have the time for it?

Ruslan: Don’t have the time. It’s funny because I always used to want to do the music full time. I mean I just really wanted to be a musician and it was like an idol, where I was like “I’m not making enough music.” Now it’s like I’m in a season where I’m making more money doing music, for at least the next six months now that the album’s out; than I do at my job. I don’t even want to quit my job. I just want to keep working, because it adds so much structure to my life, so much consistency. I don’t know how artists that don’t have jobs do it.

I’m trying to work a job for as long as I can. Obviously I’m trying to make money with music and leave a legacy and all that but I’m like trying to work for as long as I can (laughs). Until I get to a point like where we have our own offices and that is my job. Which we’re still pretty far removed to get to that place. That’s still a couple a years before I get to that place, if we continue growing at the rate we’re growing.

P2: It’s amazing to be able to chase after your dreams like that. Especially as a young guy. Speaking of chasing after dreams, what kind of advice would you give to someone who was thinking of trying to get into music? Obviously what you envisioned your life would be and what it would require of you as an artist back when it was just a dream to the now where it’s a reality was vastly different. Is there anything you would say to somebody now who may be looking at music as being their full time thing?

Ruslan: Um… (Smiles) Yeah. Find another job. (Laughs) Don’t do this. You know I read this thing 50 Cent said about when he used to sell drugs. He said that you know make this much [money] but when you factor in the amount of hours they work [selling drugs], they were working like 12-18 hours a day. Then he said they factored in going to jail and potential prison time. He said, ‘When I factored all that in, I was making less than minimum wage. Selling drugs.’

I thought about that like, man music is kind of like that. You factor in how much time you spend doing music, how much time you then spend promoting, how much time you spend preparing for a show, how much time you spend on the road traveling, you factor all that in and for the first couple of years is literally less than minimum wage. Most times it’s like nothing. This year we didn’t make any money. We saved all of our music money and just put it all back in the bank. By the grace of God we were even able to make money, like we were profiting but we just put that all in the bank.

So if people want to get into music, they should start out as a hobby that they are passionate about. They should just feel it out, see if other people like it and see what they think. Then, they could slowly transition into potentially making money off it but if you’re trying to get into music just to make money, you should NOT get into music. There are all kinds of other things you could do that are way more prosperous, way more lucrative and way more fulfilling than doing this.

P2: Do you still find it fulfilling though?

Ruslan: Oh absolutely! I wouldn’t have it any other way. For the first time, my birthday is next Saturday (he’ll be 27); but this is the first time in my adult life where I am where I’m supposed to be. I’m right where I’m supposed to be in life. I’ve felt that way before, but I was kind of like delusional, you know? I was just kind of like young really. Now I like know, that I know, that I know this is right where God wants me. I don’t know how long I’ll be working a job. I don’t know how long I’ll be doing music; I might not be doing music this time next year. I don’t any of that kind of stuff, but I know that right now this is where I’m supposed to be and I see a lot of growth and a lot of prosperity ahead of me.

P2: That’s got to be exciting and scary all at the same time?

Ruslan: Yeah, it’s fun though. It’s like an adventure, especially when you start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Like okay, this isn’t just all hopeless. The music is prospering, it’s growing, and it’s expanding. I’m setting goals and I’m reaching them.

You know there’s like two parts to the gospel. People know the first part and often times forget the second but the first part of the gospel we all know. God came down in the form of a man Jesus Christ, lived a perfect life, lived the life we couldn’t live, died the death we should’ve died, made atonement for our sins and rose. Now we can be forgiven and find salvation. That’s the first part of the gospel and most people get that or most people have heard that.

The second part of the gospel that people don’t get is these now you’re a new creation, now you’re born again, now you’re more than a conqueror, now you can do the impossible because of God. Now through grace you can work harder than anybody else, now you can set goals and reach your goals, now you can become financially free and get debt free, now you can leave an inheritance for your children’s children.

We don’t get that because that sounds so prosperity, it sounds so Joel Olstien-ish (laughs). It’s like people get hesitant with that but that is an intricate part. Now we have the ability to say no to sin and repent and walk in freedom and be freed up from addiction. We forget that aspect of the gospel. So I think it’s important to remember that we are more than conquerors.

P2: That first part seems easy because people had no hand in it. The second though, requires action on our part.

Ruslan: Right, right. This is what I’ve been meditating on, from Paul; I think it’s in (1 Corinthians 15:10) when he says, ‘For I work harder than all the other apostles but not me the grace of God through me.‘ That’s kind of an arrogant statement; you could look at that and be like, “Wait a minute. You worked harder than all the other apostles? You worked harder than Peter; you worked harder than John, really? Okay, (Laughs) but it’s not me. It’s through the grace of God through me and that’s what the grace of God enables us to do. It enables us to work hard and be diligent and set goals. You know, see fruit. See prosperity and walk in that.

P2: Do you apply that to your music and how you create the quality of that you do?

Ruslan: No it’s totally subconscious. This all didn’t hit me until this week. The aspect where grace enables us to work hard and enables us to do the impossible and be a living miracle, that all didn’t hit me until recently. Yet, that’s been our entire journey this whole year. It really didn’t hit me until now though. It’s like now I’m seeing personal breakthroughs; I’m seeing all kinds of breakthroughs and for the longest [where before] I thought it was just like I’m saved and I’m going to heaven. Now it’s like, God saved me and I get to do some really cool stuff here on earth too. I really get to live a cool life on earth and we all get to live a really cool life on earth if you really understand what the gospel is.

P2:  I always ask this of the people I interview so I think its a great closing point. Have you ever had a fan come to you and interpret a song or video in a way that was outside the initial intention?

Ruslan: Yeah and that’s the beauty of art. Like the “Never Arrive” video, people interpret that a billion different ways. I just read an article and this girl said that in the video we’re passing down the discipline and tradition of Hip Hop to the young kid in the music video and I’m thinking that’s not it at all. That’s not what we were thinking but that’s a really cool point that she pulled from that. She caught that, though it wasn’t what we were thinking but that’s still true.

P2: Do you look and see it now and have that in the back of your mind?

Ruslan: Oh yeah. I retweeted, she said this whole thing about how it’s showing unity in Christian Hip Hop and how having someone like us and Lecrae on the same song is a great example. Not just to Christian Hip Hop but unity within the body of Christ. I didn’t really think about it because me and Lecrae are just such good friends. I just really just want to see him win and he wants to see us win and do well. We don’t sit around and say, “Hey theBreax are like the more secular appealing artists and [Lecrae’s] like the token Christian rapper guy (Laughs) and we’re pretty different.” We totally forgot about that kind of stuff. Sometimes it’s just cool when fans can catch different elements like that but I’m just making art.

You can put a painting up and get ten different interpretations and they’re all valid and they’re all true to them but not necessarily what I was trying to articulate. I was never thinking me and Lecrae are going to make this statement about unity in Christian Hip Hop. I may have thought that way five years ago, but now it’s like that’s just my brother and I didn’t even ask him to do the song. He offered to do the song. He hit me up and was like, ‘if you want me on your album let me know.’ My think is I don’t ask guys like Lecrae or Sho Baraka or [Fonzworth] Bentley and for those upcoming artists that are listening; you don’t ask those types of people to get on your record. You got to have some tact and discipline. You don’t just go to Lecrae and say can you do a rap on my album. That’s Lecrae, no. You’re not in the same class. You’re not in the same tax bracket (Laughing).

P2: Have you looked at that man’s Twitter page, he’s been getting those requests.

Ruslan: I know, right but seriously. We never approached any of those guys. It was just that we were friends and had a relationship. 99% of the time we collaborate with offer to work with us. They just say if you want me on your album, I really would like to work with you. Of course we’re like, wow that would be great. Sure Lecrea we’d love you on our album!

P2: That’s got to be humbling. You went from having these people as mentors, to now being friends and peers, to now having them want to work with you.

Ruslan: And their still our mentors. Best believe everytime I get around Lecrae I’m picking his brain. They’re still mentors for sure but yeah it’s very cool.

P2: Any you want to say to your fans?

Ruslan: Yeah if you make rap music don’t hit up Lecrae for a verse (Laughs). Let him ask you. Save that brother some trouble but no, seriously; thanks to everybody who bought the album.

The Breax (http://www.thebreax.com) are a Christian Hip Hop group who uses its unique sound and lyrical delivery to reach the masses of saved and unsaved alike. The members are an eclectic cast from: Azerbaijan, Baku (Ruslan: Emcee/Producer), Baltimore, MD (Beleaf: DJ, Emcee) and Oceanside, CA (Mic B: Drummer/ Production) and Vista, Ca (Name Brand: Producer). Their signature “Breaking out of the box” sound is a flavor that defies conventional songwriting with a combination of energy and precision. theBREAX are creating a diverse and loyal following of supporters.

Praisable Press (http://www.praisablepress.com) is a Christian community fed news resource where you can share stories and events to challenge, encourage and support men and women of Christian faith to use the talents God has given them for the glory of is kingdom.

Praislight: Ruslan of theBreax Discusses Never Arrive (Part One)

Posted on by
Ruslan and Tyger Burch

Ruslan of theBreax (R) with Praisable Press Founder and EIC, Tyger Burch (L)

 

If you were to be sitting at Felix’s Soul Food Restaurant in Oceanside, California just after lunch on December 23rd, you would have thought that some old friends were enjoying a good meal and even better laughs. You’d only be half right though, because I had only met Rulsan Karaoglanov of theBreax on a few rare occasions but he greets you like an old friend long separated. The way he carries a conversation, or in this case an interview; says a lot about the man’s character and how his group theBreax (composed of Ruslan himself, along with fellow MC/DJ Belief and drummer/producer Mike B) have grown and developed over time.

Let’s paint the picture a little more clearly. Their new album Never Arrive just peeked at #3 on iTunes, they just headlined an event at the House of Blues and their video featuring Lecrae and J.R. is generating serious buzz. Yet, at this very moment; he’s focused on how to produce a better product for fans and how to reach even more listeners with their unique sound. This is all while maintaining material that revolves around a Christian mindset in a business that has proved unyielding to even artists willing to completely compromise content for cash. With all this on one a man’s mind you’d think he would look a tad more stressed, but instead the lyricist just appeared tired and well, hungry. He also seemed more concerned about the quality of the restaurant’s French Fries (which turned out to be delicious) than the future of the group, but when you know you’re product is Spirit-lead what else is there to worry about, right? When the plates hit the table we had catfish, fried chicken, homemade cornbread and plenty to talk about. This is Part One of that interview I had with Ruslan about theBreax music, their audience and the craft of music itself. Part two will be published on Monday.

// Tyger Burch

Praisable Press: Do you guys plan on doing any touring or anything for the album?

Ruslan: Yeah. We’re doing about twelve college shows from January to April, and so those are going to be really good. There are a lot of shows like that. Definitely are focus is like secular colleges. That’s where we want to be playing, that’s who we want to be in front of. So we’re doing those shows, and that’s just me and Belief for most of them. There will be a couple of [events] where we’ll bring the band out and then in the summer there are a couple different festivals. In the fall we’ll either be doing more colleges or we’ll try to do a tour or something or be on an opening act.

P2: How’s the vibe there? What’s the reception like with the secular colleges?

Ruslan: Really good. Often times better than the church crowd (Laughs). Know what I’m saying? I gotta like over articulate everything for Christian people. When I’m in front of Christians it’s like I have to over articulate everything and it misses the heart of it. [As if to say] this is theological, and this is how it’s relevant. I just have to really over articulate things where as the college kids, they just want to hear you rap and perform and entertain. They don’t really care like; you don’t have to sell them on stuff. Know what I’m saying?

P2: But do you think they get the whole ministry aspect of what the music has to it or do they just worry about it just being good music?

Ruslan: I don’t know. Our goal with the music has never been to like convert people. I don’t have the power to convert somebody. God converts people. So whether I lay out the sinner’s prayer and rap about salvation in every song or rap about how last week was (laughs), I don’t think it’s going to make a difference. I think God ultimately draws people to himself, God saves people and He uses us and our experiences and our stories and our testimonies within that to do what He does. I’ve never been like, “Aw man, I’m trying to evangelize and lead people to the Lord through the music.” That’s never been our point. To tell you the truth, if you were to ask some of the other dudes who do what we do or you know; some of the more Christian centric artists they would agree with me in that it isn’t the music that saves people. It isn’t the lyrics that save people. It’s the Holy Spirit that saves people; we just get to be a part of that. So whether I’m rapping about whatever, as long as it’s glorifying God; that’s what really matters.

In terms of college students, I definitely know that they know we’re believers, they that we’re Christian, they know that there’s something different about us. They’re know we’re light in the darkness and we’re polar opposite of anything that normally comes to their school, so they know that but are we there trying to preach the gospel message or trying to convert them to faith? Not really. We’re there to articulate our worldview; our Christ centered worldview, our biblical worldview and hope that we just begin the process of them critically thinking about faith, critically thinking about the afterlife, eternity and sacrifice and salvation. These heavy philosophical, theological concepts and I just think it just undermines people when someone is so arrogant that the think that they can define all that in a rap song (laughs).

P2: (Laughs) So, no mixtape series breaking down the entire Old Testament?

Ruslan: (Laughs) Exactly! Like these are things people are going to be searching for a wrestling with, that’s kinda arrogant. Are there people that hear us and get lead to the Lord and get saved, absolutely? There is fruit, but are we after a certain number of people professing to be Christian? No. God’s in charge of that.

So to answer your question, I don’t know. Do they see us as a ministry? Probably not and they shouldn’t see us as a ministry. They should see us as entertainment but they should see us as entertainment from a different worldview. Christians that aren’t corny and aren’t there to judge them and aren’t there to condemn them. [Instead] are there to love them and show them the love of God and encourage them. So that’s really our point in terms when we do our heart in terms of who we want to connect with. It’s like, Jesus did not come to condemn the world, you know what I’m saying? For God so loved the world that He sent his Son. Not condemn the world. We forget that kind of stuff so it’s like, I’m not going into the world to condemn the world, they’re already condemned. They already know that. They have a conscious and they know that sinning is wrong. So I’m not there to condemn them. I’m there to tell them about a God that loves them and encourage them.

P2: You’ve been doing this thing for a while now.

Ruslan: I’ve been doing this for too long (Laughs).

P2: But you’ve built a lot of good relationships with people. I assume you’ve learned quite a bit from some people. Is there anybody in particular that you look at like a mentor? Anybody that particularly inspires you or influenced you in a major way?

Ruslan: I think there are different people. (Thinks about it for a bit) Yeah, there’s so many different people man. Like Sho Baraka is definitely a guy that’s been a very encouraging. You know like a lot of people that I view as mentors probably don’t even know I view them that way. You know, but like Sho [Baraka] was definitely somebody that’s been like very helpful.

P2: Yeah, I noticed you shouted him out pretty heavy at the end of the album.

Ruslan: Yeah. Sho [Baraka], R Swift, me and R Swift used to talk all the time about.. and you know these brothers are like my peers now but like coming up they were like folks I looked up to. Braile, Lecrae, [Fonsworth] Bentley; like I view them all as mentors. You know, because they’ve done some things really, really well and I’ve been able to learn from them. So, all those dude man.

P2: That’s got to be a crazy feeling to say that you’ve looked at these folks as mentors, people you’ve looked up to and now you see each other as peeps. What’s that like?

Ruslan: Yeah it’s a little weird. When like your “status” makes you have a greater buzz then some of the people you grew up listening to. That’s a little odd but those dudes will always be pioneers whether it be musically or business. You know it’s like they all kind of served their different purposes. So like, I’ll lean on someone like Lecrae and ask him very specific questions about like: “How do you do your social media?” He’ll give you very specific answers. “How do you structure a business?” You know what I’m saying? But that’s still my brother, so it’s like finding someone like [R] Swift and chill. I had very deep, constant theological conversations with him about specific heavy theology that I was wrestling with.

P2: But you can still call him up and talk about the game?

Ruslan: Right (Smiles). Its dope, it’s beautiful.

The Breax (http://www.thebreax.com) are a Christian Hip Hop group who uses its unique sound and lyrical delivery to reach the masses of saved and unsaved alike. The members are an eclectic cast from: Azerbaijan, Baku (Ruslan: Emcee/Producer), Baltimore, MD (Beleaf: DJ, Emcee) and Oceanside, CA (Mic B: Drummer/ Production) and Vista, Ca (Name Brand: Producer). Their signature “Breaking out of the box” sound is a flavor that defies conventional songwriting with a combination of energy and precision. theBREAX are creating a diverse and loyal following of supporters.

Praisable Press (http://www.praisablepress.com) is a Christian community fed news resource where you can share stories and events to challenge, encourage and support men and women of Christian faith to use the talents God has given them for the glory of is kingdom.

3HP to Drop 5-Part Mixtape Series

Posted on by

3HP Chrisitan DJ and Mixtape Awards

Sunday, November 20th, 2011 - 3Hp founder and head, Troy Edwards has revealed plans to release a mixtape series to follow in conjunction with the sites Christian DJ and Mixtape Awards. The five-part series will showcase music provided by the Christian DJ community and Edwards has solicited for their help through an official statement release via email:

“I’m working on a 3HP Christian DJ’s Awards Mixtape Series. Looking for the hottest one song mixes you can send as many as you want for the 5 mixtape series. Send to 3hpradio@gmail.com“

No other information has been released on the project as of yet including release date or currently featured artists. As more information is released, you can be sure to find it here.

3HP is credited with the success of the 2011 GX-ATL (formerly Gospel Explosion-ATLANTA), to introduce a market, untapped, where “Major Secular Gone Gospel” converged on the same platform with Indie Gospel to introduce souls to Christ by meeting them where they are. In addition, 3HP is recognized with numerous notable awards, to include the 2011 Inferno Awards “Best Gospel Label of the Year.” Upcoming, 3HP Artist will appear in major media outlets around the world in performances at the “First Annual Celebrating Our Troops”; a non-profit event, to raise funds and call attention to the unemployment of disabled veterans in Alabama.

For additional information on The DJ & MIXTAPE Awards, contact 3HP at (470) 201-5258; via e-mail at 3HPAWARDS@gmail.com or visit 3HP at http://www.3hprecords.ning.com .