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Testimony & Praise / Joi Marshall
December, 2007 on BlackGospel.com - Review by EM Fergusson

Testimony & Praise is the unofficial banner cry for saved and sanctified Christians worldwide in the new millennium. Testimony & Praise is also the heart and soul of the message manifested through lyrics and music by Joi Marshall, a seasoned artist and born-again Christian, who’s using her gifts and platform to declare her salvation. Gospel recording songstress, Joi Marshall brings an important and uplifting message for the soul: you can experience the wonder and amazement of God, if you only believe. Her newest artistic expression, Testimony & Praise, is filled with songs of joy and happiness in the Lord, as we hold true to the high calling in Jesus Christ.

Joi’s unique talent for using her strong vocals to minister in song is evident throughout her contemporary, inspirational CD, Testimony & Praise. The album opens with the soft, tempered ballad, Thank You. The lyrics have a child-like sincerity that speaks of how God pulled her through challenging seasons and experiences. The song also explores the desire to serve God and bring glory to His name. Other songs with a similar theme include the Latin-inspired track, Only You, the recognition of God’s omnipotence. Besides enjoying the soulful musical arrangements, Joi shares a refreshing message that speaks of a deep desire to please the Lord for everything He’s done.

A veteran of the music scene, Joi is taking this opportunity to share her Christian experience and immeasurable gratitude with listeners. Of her testimony Joi says: “When I really found out just how good and unconditional God’s love is, it freed me. I can praise Him today, because I am free. Free from my past, and my self-doubt. I thank God for becoming Jesus and setting me free! I’m free as a woman, Christian, artist and everything else that I am. I’m free!”

The freedom that comes from living for God is expressed in the exuberant selection, Joy. The up-beat, infectious, urban-influenced track asserts that praising the Lord for what He continues to do on a daily basis is a freedom that cannot be replicated or replaced by anyone or anything. The lyrics also speak about contemplating and conceiving the goodness and abounding love of God.

Joi takes a personal stance on the mid-tempo, musically intricate track, Dedicate. The autobiographical song speaks, once again, about treasuring the gift of life, made possible by the sacrificial lamb. Joi shares her experiences through artistic prose about how God has always been near and dear to her. While Joi ministers about the goodness of God in her life, House Divided calls for Christian unity and cohesion among fellow believers, denouncing the divisions among various denominations. Joi essentially challenges listeners about basic beliefs in God and calls for His chosen children to let go of differences.

The melodious track, The Commands, reveals how God laid out an intricate plan for Joi. Eventually, Ms. Marshall was encouraged to follow the divinely inspired intent that would lead her to minister for the Lord. All too frequently, we’re inclined to pursue our own will in a manner and method that makes sense to us, yet God may have something else in mind. The lyrics to The Commands accentuates that point “every little thing you do/…it’s not up to you…/…every little thing you say/…’cause you understand that God is taking care of you…” Joi’s decade-long experience in the music industry was a valuable lesson that taught her to trust God’s direction for her life.

Joi Marshall is fervently dedicated to spreading the message of God’s powerful presence and impact. It’s her personal testimony and praise, as a child of God. She says: “I believe I must live the example of what I teach by doing what I’m supposed to do when I hear from God, be it to minister by teaching, writing books, songwriting or singing. It’s all a part of His purpose for my life.”

Joi’s earnest desire to testify and praise, while being used as an instrument by God will inspire many to turn their lives over to Jesus, as they find inspiration and example from Joi’s life and modern-day music.

Visit her website www.joimarshall.com which includes a complete bio, information on Testimony & Praise, photos, videos and much more. For more information on Joi, you can also visit www.myspace.com/joimarshall .