print: Brian Foster [Josiah] - Interview (October 2006) | BlackGospel.com, Your Music Ministry Source!

Interview with Brian Foster (Josiah)
October 2006, BlackGospel.com by Christopher Heron

There is nothing more pleasing to God than to see young men and women dedicating their exuberant energy and burgeoning gifts towards proclaiming the Gospel. Whether it’s through sacred song or through the holy Word, the power and enthusiasm of a young Christian is unmatched, when it comes to delivering the message of Jesus Christ.

Josiah understood this principle from its conception. Borrowing from the tenets of the Holy Scriptures and modeling its ministry after its spiritual mentors, Josiah planted its feet in fertile ground and prepared itself for anointed ministry that only the young in heart, mind and body could perform. The result is a thriving music ministry that’s fit for both the church podium and the recording studio. BlackGospel.com spoke with one of Josiah’s leaders – Brian Foster – about this fascinating North Carolinian ministry that’s ready to free all of God’s children through song and dance.

Christopher Heron: Brian, it’s always interesting to know how music ministries involving young, energetic Christians are launched. Tell us what was the sequence of events that brought this group of young people together to create a ministry now known as Josiah?

Brian Foster: Josiah was started in 2002 as the brain child of Apostle Joann Allen. The group was started to provide praise and worship for Divine Habitation Ministries. We quickly realized that we were more than just a praise team for the ministry and we decided to take the music to the streets.

CH: Josiah is an interesting name for a recording artist. What is the significance of this name?

BF: The name was given to us by Apostle Allen and inspired by King Josiah in the Bible. The name Josiah means Jehovah Supports. Josiah was a godly king and began ruling when he was young. The name Josiah tells us that God has and will support us if we praise him.

CH: Josiah is based in North Carolina, which is a hotbed for Gospel music and Black churches. Could you share with us who are some of the music influences and powerful ministers that have helped shape and inspire Josiah’s ministry over the years?

BF: Some of our influences are Apostle Joann Allen, Rev. John P. Kee which is the uncle of two of our members, J. Moss, Fred Hammond, Warrenton Echoes, Dixie Hummingbirds, and so many more that I cannot name. Ministries Divine Habitation, Bishop Cranford Davis, Pastor Douglas Judkins, Bishop Kevin Long, Pastor Spotswood Burwell Sr. and Jr., and many more have also been very inspirational.

CH: Josiah appears to be composed primarily of friends and family members. Was this the original plan for the group or did it evolve into this kind of arrangement? And is it easier or harder to creatively work on music and ministry with family members versus acquaintances or strangers?

BF: No, it was not our plan. We live in a small town and it just worked out that way. Yes and no, when it comes to working with family. It can be easier when you know the person and they know you, so you know what to expect. But it also can be harder because the Bible says that a prophet is only without honor except within it's own home but we can do all things through Christ that strengthen us.

CH: Your new album is entitled, Dance Children Dance: Emancipation. All of God’s children have reason to dance. But what is motivation behind the title, Emancipation?

BF: The title was derived as I was looking at the Emancipation Proclamation. There are things in life that hold us captive but through Jesus' blood, the document of Emancipation was signed at Calvary. Therefore I am emancipated. Now I can proclaim it that I am the blood related child of God.

CH: Finally Brian, what is your hope and prayer for Josiah, as they continue to perform and minister before crowds? And what is the special message you hope Josiah will convey through Dance Children Dance: Emancipation?

BF: My sincere desire and hope is that Josiah will not just be known as a recording artist but also as a group that will bring the message of God to whoever, wherever, and however. Again, we are emancipated now so we can proclaim it that we are the blood related children of God.

For more information on Josiah, visit their MySpace.com page at http://www.myspace.com/dancechildrendance. To contact Josiah, email them at touchonemusiq@yahoo.com or call 252-492-3762.