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Refining Faith consists of six spiritual sisters from Harlem that has been put together by the group's founder
Nedra Jones. These women have astounding voices that blend beautifully together. Their harmonizing abilities are incredible.
Not only can they make a joyful noise singing together, but each one can sing individually as well. On December 15,
2007 Refining Faith was awarded a Tiffany Gospel Award for "Song of the Year" Group and has just recently been
notified of their "Momentum" award nomination. The group started out six years ago and has been
moving powerfully ever since. Refining Faith has just completed their 4th Live Concert at the beautiful Schomburg
Center in Harlem, NY. They are praying to do much more to be heard and to have a chance to minister through song. Refining
faith has had the privilege to perform at The Salvation and Deliverance Church, hosted by Dr. Bobby Jones and Cissy Houston
for the awareness of AIDS, The Marilyn Flood CUNY Scholarship Benefit Fund, The Frederick Douglas Academy Scholarship Benefit
Fund, The McDonald’s Gospelfest, (which they were finalists a few times) The House of Grace .. Fundraiser Benefit for
Nuns with no medical insurance, the FBI Black History Celebration, and were featured artists in the production of the play,
In Times Like These.., written by: Robin Baker. Refining Faith has shared the stage with artists such as Donnie
McClurkin, Cissy Houston, Vickie Winans, Hezekiah Walker, IN-A-WAY, just to name a few. One of their goals
is to complete a full 10 track CD which they have been working on for a while. Everyone who hears their 3 song CD has
been coming back for more. It is a blessing to know they have the support of their fans that has been loyal to them
since the beginning. Refining Faith is what God has put together and He has a plan for their lives to go out into the
world and bring glory to His name.
Veronica Hickman
Luke 1:37
"Nothing is impossible with
God" "Singing
for the Lord makes me feel good because I know the words of
the song touch and change people's lives" I was born Veronica G. Brown in
1967 Harlem, USA– the youngest of four siblings. We grew up in the projects. My father Joe L. Brown, who was also a
singer, worked very hard for many years at United Airlines to provide for our needs. I always felt blessed. Both my parents
were there together and they supported us in everything, every step of the way. They put our needs above their own and have
always been great examples to us of what it means to be a family. I met my husband Jr. in the church in 1985 and we become good friends. We
later dated for about two years and Married in July of 2001. We were both born entertainers and bonded over our common interest
in using our talents to encourage others. We wrote skits together to put on for our church community and organized many shows
and house parties - he DJ'ed and I did comedy and singing impersonations. I impersonated Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Anita Baker and whoever
else I could think of. I impersonated others because, at the time, I was uncomfortable singing in my own voice. It was a good
hiding place until one day Mr. Junior Hickman, my future husband, heard me sing in my own voice and challenged me to do so
more often. I had sung with my church choir on previous occasions, but always with the majority. I'd never put myself
out there as a lead or soloist. With Junior's encouragement, I began praying for such opportunities and honored them when
they came my way. Honestly,
I can't remember a time when I did not want to perform some where for somebody in one way or another. There was a woman
who lived in the building where I grew up named Ms. Campbell. She played the piano for the Dance Theatre of Harlem and her
daughter was an actress. She often invited me to tag along behind her to the theatre and I got to go back stage with her to
meet the performers. I met a lot of famous people through her - such as Denzel Washington, Susan L. Taylor - from Essence
magazine, Morgan Freedmen, and others. It was a fantastic experience. Most of them were very nice people. The person who had the greatest impact on me was Desiree
Coleman –from the play "Mama I Want To Sing." The show was fantastic and on numerous occasions I
got to meet and speak with Ms. Coleman; she was not at all what I'd expected. She was a beautiful talented, light skinned
woman with long hair - who was not conceited. She was all about God. I was very impressed. Most of the pretty light skinned
people I'd met were all about themselves, and not very nice. I was encouraged by her both spiritually and professionally,
and my life was changed by the experience. At that time I was all about pursuing my acting career, working, and going to school. I was taking
acting classes at the AMAS-Eubie Blake Children's Theatre, with Rosetta LeNoire – (the women who played Mama Winslow on Family Matters), and performing in musicals with
them, and do to my affiliation with them, played an extra on The Steve Harvey show. I had a basic faith in God, but you would
never have known it from the way I was living. Meeting Desiree inspired me to think of myself more as a spiritual being. Prior to meeting Ms. Coleman,
I really wasn't all that into gospel music either; it wasn't that I disliked it, I was just more into Broadway Music
at the moment. It wasn't until I heard the truth and power of God in the singing of Gospel by someone with real convictions
about the words coming out of their mouth that I became a fan. On the grounds of Hunter College – the school in which I was attending, a sister
in the campus ministry invited me to a bible discussion. I became a regular in attendance there and soon begun studying the
bible with them. Eventually – after the summer break, I began to get serious about it and learned from the bible how
much God truly loved me. I made a decision to not compromise professionally in the types of roles I took on in pursuing my
acting career. I was baptized on September 30 th of 1987, and have never looked back. My priorities are different now - I
still have dreams of being a fulltime paid entertainer, but my relationship with God comes first. I love singing Gospel music
because it ministers to my heart and I believe encourages the masses. Greatest Spiritual Influences:
1) My mother and Father – I was always a grateful child
as a result of their Christ like tendency to put our needs above their own.
2) My sister Melinda in general
3) Desiree
Coleman & other celebrities who were kind to me. Music I listen to when kicking back at home: Desiree Coleman, the Clark Sisters, Yolanda Adams & Lelah Hathaway Favorite things to do: Entertain, be entertained, cater
events, decorate cakes, and make people laugh - especially my husband.
Michelle Boyd
Living Sacrifice
"Therefore, I urge
you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this
is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing
of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Romans 12: 1-2 "I
love singing gospel music because singing to the Lord puts me in a different place," I was born, a cat loving Leo, on July 25th in East Harlem
NYC. I have two sisters and three brothers. I grew up in a single parent home. My mother worked at night and so
I learned responsibility at an early age. My mother depended on me. When I became older I decided to go out into the world to see what I had been missing. I had
made some bad choices and learned some very important lessons. The best thing that came out of those years is my daughter
Shidavia. My daughter literally saved my life in a big way. I'd never felt so much love for anybody as I did for her.
From the moment she was born my love for her and the desire to be there for her was so strong it drove me to settling down.
I began to embrace the lessons of responsibility I had learned as a child, when I was too young to appreciate them. What I wanted for my baby more than anything else
was for her to have a spiritual foundation to grow on. I wasn't sure what that meant. All I knew is that I wanted to give
her the best life possible which meant GOD would have to be involved. So, I decided to send her to catholic school. At this time I was running around trying
to find my way and was thinking of converting to Islam, but I became hesitant because I still wasn't sure if being
a part of the Muslim faith was truly where I needed to be or what I really wanted to be. I just knew that there was a void
in my life and GOD was the only one who could fill it. I didn't want to rush into anything and not finish like I
had done so many times before. I'd attended my share of churches, but I never felt like I belonged to any of them.
I didn't know if Jesus was real anymore and as much as I talked against the Christian Faith, I wasn't sure that becoming
a Muslim was the answer either. I just wanted something real. I began losing sleep over the issue and ended up on my knees
one night begging God to reveal himself to me. I demanded that He show me what was true. If Jesus is your son, tell
me. If not, tell me. I said to HIM -- until YOU tell me what is true I will not utter the name of Jesus. And I will forbid
my daughter from speaking His name in this house as well. It wasn't long after my sister invited me to a Mother's Day Celebration which was hosted by
the New York Church of Christ. I decided to go and the people were singing song in Spanish and English, and there was
a large mixture of people from different ethnic backgrounds hugging, holding hands and praising God together. There were no
instruments, not even an organ – just folks singing out to the Lord. The experience was amazing! After visiting
a few more times I began studying the bible and as I was digging through the scriptures to find the answers I needed to clear
my confusion and God was moving in a powerful way. He started revealing his love for me and all the questions I had at the
time were answered and I became more convicted in my heart about who HE is. On June 20th 1997, I confessed Jesus As
Lord, and was baptized in His Name. I never stopped showing up for God since. God answered my prayers in a way. He completely changed my life.
All of His ways are perfect and my whole life is wrapped up in his blessings. I had been a member of the Harlem Church Choir
for almost 8 years, and I was also one of the sound technicians for our Sunday and Mid-week services. I met Nedra Jones in the Church. We bonded through
the music ministry and when she decided to put a gospel group together, she asked me to be a part of it. I am not sure why
God led her to choose me - but I'm glad He did. We (the sisters of Refining Faith) have become a true sisterhood - a family.
There is nothing we would not do for each other. We Pray, love, laugh and cry together. Our single-minded goal as a
group is to be a ministry – bringing people closer to GOD. This January I decided to listen to GOD. You know there is a pull for us to get closer
to HIM and if where you are is not getting you there sometimes you have to go. So I did just that and believe me
it wasn't easy. I now attend Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn. I do know that I received
a solid foundation from the New York City Church of Christ. They taught me how to read my Bible, Pray and Love.
We are always growing and must never stop. Favorite
things to do: Reading good books
and hanging out with family and friends I love
hanging out with my daughter, we are alike in many ways. She makes me laugh. Watching wrestling with my nephew - We have a really good time. We also
like to play basketball, football and baseball video games. He's very good and an A Student. I have a younger
nephew also, who I just love to wrestle with. Favorite
Artists, Music when kicking back at home: I
like all types of Music – Gospel and true old school 70s and 80s. 
My name is Rachel Tingle and I am 36. I was born in Harlem and
presently live in Manhattan on Madison Avenue. I was raised in Pologround Towers and moved last year in July. I have one older
brother and an older sister. Life in the Tingle Household was a trip but normal. There was nothing exceptional about my life
in my opinion. My sister moved out when I was young and my brother lived in Charleston, SC. As the baby, you get to be spoiled
since the older kids are not in the house. That was great for me!
I got my first job at McDonalds and have been
working ever since then. By the age of 23, I began to experience a sense of worthlessness. What I mean is that life became
boring and monotonous. It seemed to have no point to it at all. Get up, go to work, come home, watch tv, go to bed and repeat
the next morning. Throw in the occasional club party and relationship and that was the sum total of life for me before becoming
a Christian. To be perfectly honest, life didn't start for me until I became a Christian. I'm even bored just writing
it down for this bio! On to the good stuff.
Once that feeling of living a purposeless life came over me,
I started looking for something to do that would be fun. I thought about taking swimming lessons, joining a gym, tennis lessons,
etc. I thought these things would offer me a way out of this misery I was feeling. I wasn't looking for God at all. He
was never even a real thought in my head. How funny is that?
I began working at D'Agastino Supermarkets and
this is where my life changed. I was still 23. A woman named Janice came into the store with a new Christian named Madeline
and they got on my checkout line. Janice wanted to show Madeline how easy it was to share your faith with someone and so they
handed me an invitation to an informal Bible discussion. That was the last I heard or even saw of them. God went to serious
work after that. On my day off, while watching an episode of Matlock, I had a "life flash before my eyes" vision.
I was 23, with only a high school education, 5K in debt, and working for $5.35 and hour. I was getting nowhere. That was the
first time the Devil ever tempted me with the thought of suicide. That was nuts!!! I quickly found the invitation in my drawer
and went to the discussion.
When I got there it was very strange. Everyone was smiling. I thought folks were on
drugs. They were talking and laughing, hugging and smiling. Oh yeah, these folks are loopy! I stayed to see what was going
on. The discussion was entitled, "What must I do to be saved?" After it was over, I must have been so impacted because
I turned to the sister next to me and asked, "What do I have to do to be saved?" When I think back on this, I'm
not even sure why I said that because it's so unlike me. God is funny. This was the start of my personal bible studies.
The scriptures made so much sense. I studied for about a week and decided to get baptized and live my life for God. I knew
it was right and that was my motivation at that time. I have been a Christian for 12 years now.
At least 6 years
ago, I moved to the Harlem Ministry. I joined the choir as soon as I got there. I was floored at the fact that they had a
choir. I was baptized into the Performing Arts ministry downtown and they were more Broadway so our services would often include
short plays, dramatic songs, little skits and the like. No choirs. Joining the choir was great because I could use my talents
and it was fun. I had no idea what God was up to. Some time later during a midweek service, a sister named Nedra Jones came
up to me and asked if I wanted to be a part of a six-woman gospel group she was creating. She explained how forming this group
was a dream of hers and she had been praying about who to select. I said yes. We have been together about 4 years now and
it's been wonderful. We've had our challenges but it's been very rewarding spiritually. Prior to this I used to
sing with a professional choir and we would get some great gigs. In this choir, I learned to love background singing. To me
that was where all the fun was. I actually still feel that way but you can't stay in the background all the time. Eventually
God will challenge you to step up your game. That's what he did to me. One day Nedra selected me to sing a lead. I felt
insecure and scared but with her help, prayer and practicing, I was fine. It was incredible! It was an answer to prayer because
I have always been so afraid to sing a lead. I would break out into this horrible sweat and literally (this is serious), the
sweat would drench my clothes. When I would go to open my mouth in public, I got the feeling there was a pair of hands wrapping
themselves around my throat. I prayed and asked God to help me with this because it was killing me. Through singing leads,
I have grown. Those choking hands are gone and I only sweat when I give my all. My confidence has been built a great deal
but more importantly, I have been able to express myself in a deeper way through singing.
One of the most exciting
performances was our first time doing the McDonald's Gospelfest. What was so amazing was that we were even selected. There
were thousands of performers who auditioned. To be chosen out of all of them, was quite a blessing. We were the Runner Ups
after the competition. A major big deal!!! We shared the plaque we received between us. One month your house, one month mine.
That was cute.
Although I love to sing, I don't listen to much music or sing a lot at home. I know that's
weird. I am a tv watchin, bookworm. The last great book I read was Andrew Murray's – Total Surrender. Incredible
book about taking it to another level in my relationship with God. At home, I watch The Word Channel, The Black Family Channel
(they have preachers on during the day) and any other station where someone is preaching. This might seem to be a bit much
for some but it's been so helpful for me because prior to that I would watch hours of Lifetime movies. Don't get me
wrong, I love a good Lifetime movie but TD Jakes tops that any day. I love to watch Prophetess Juanita Bynum. I have purchased
her video tapes. She is such a hard line Woman of God and I love hearing that side of the gospel. She is also very insightful
and challenges me constantly in my Bible study. Sometimes after watching the tape I think, "There is no way we are reading
the same Bible! How in the world did she come up with that? I have never even seen that!" That always motivates me to
get my Bible and start reading. I get on my face and start praying asking God to help me and give me the same spirit she has.
These times in the Word and listening to inspired preaching has helped me tremendously in my walk with God. I have been clinging
to two of my favorite scriptures for the past few months which constantly remind and encourage me in my walk as well. They
are:
Philippians 2:13 (AMP)
Not in your own strength for it is God who is all the while effectually
at work in you, energizing and creating in you the power and desire both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction
and delight.
Ezekiel 11:19-20
And I will give them one
heart, a new heart and I will put a new spirit within them; and I will take the stony (un-naturally hardened) heart out of
their flesh and will give them a heart of flesh, sensitive and responsive to the touch of their God. That they may walk in
My statutes and keep my ordinances and do them. And they shall be my people and I will be their God.
These passages
mean so much to me because becoming a Christian means that God promises to take out that old deceitful, beyond cure heart
and gives me a new one that will enable me to live this life for Him if that is what I desire and I do. Once He has transplanted
my heart, then he drives it. He puts in it the desire to be holy and He gives me the power to say yes to Him and no to the
Devil daily. My whole walk with God rests on the work He does in me and I am so grateful for how He has moved in me. These
passages give me a deep sense of rest because I don't have to try to be a Christian, I don't have to try and manufacture
feelings of love for God. He will give me these desires as I submit to Him and ask of Him. This is truly the best life!
My name is Nedra. I was born September 21. in Portsmouth, VA - the youngest of 12
children. Our mom died when I was only 15 months old. My grandmother, who raised us, was the mother of St. Pauls Holiness
Church on Elm Avenue in Portsmouth, where we grew up. She instilled a fear of God in me that never really left me to this
day.
By fear, I mean deep rooted faith and respect. Growing up, I always felt that my grandmother was the strictest
person in the world, but as I got older I realized that she loved me and definitely had a biblical standard for life.
In 2003 I was diagnosed with cancer. Initially, my faith was shaken. It was the greatest struggle of my life. My mother
had died of the same type of cancer that was now staring me in the face. That's not an easy thing. Although you try to
live in the spirit, human flesh takes over in times of crisis and all you see is what is before you.
Through the
prayers of family and friends, and encouragement from my sister and one of my best friends, I began to give the illness to
God. My faith was quickly restored. One of the scriptures my sister shared with me was John 11:4, which says: When he heard
this, Jesus said, this sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified
through it." My doctors were amazed at my recovery and expressed to me how "lucky" I was.
I know,
however, that it had nothing to do with "luck," and everything to do with God. Every chance I get, I make the most
of the opportunity to share my story with others so that they can see that God is still in the business of healing.
I learned that faith is the key to healing and to anything we desire within God's will. For Jesus says: "your faith
has healed you". And: "…if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, `Move
from here to there' and it will move." I thank my Grandmother for bringing me up in the church - even for the times
when she had to drag me to get me there. I appreciate the sense of faith she instilled in me as a child. [Matthew 9: 22 17:
20]
My family life played a huge role in affecting my music. My Grandmother on my Mother's side, the one who
raised me - played the piano, my Father's Mother sang opera, and my older sisters were part of a singing group called
the Sparkettes. They were very good, and got to share the stage with many greats.
My brothers also sang. They formed
a group by the name of "The Main Attractions" when they were young boys, (which later became "Careem").
They were very popular in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia; I remember them having a car with the groups' name on it.
They placed first several times at the Apollo, and has since shared the stage with Gerald Lavert, Earth Wind and Fire, Regina
Bell, The Manhattans, and Blue Magic - just to name a few. I've always been inspired by them and very proud of their achievements.
I learned harmony sitting in on their rehearsals.
I was a part of the St. Pauls Holiness Church Jr. Choir. This
was an amazing Choir. We had very powerful singers and were well known in a lot of the Churches in the area. After graduating
from High School here in New York, I returned to Va. to attend Norfolk State University. While there, I teamed up with a childhood
friend and a band member of the college to form a gospel singing group by the name of "The Angelic Trio". We had
great harmony. In 2001, I had an opportunity to tour Europe with a singing ministry. It was a lifetime memory. It proved to
me that God's love and spirit has no boundaries.
When I was sixteen I moved to NY to live with my sister,
and to be honest with you, I had no desire to start attending church right a way. I had been in church a minimum of three
times a week all my life, and felt a sense of freedom once I arrived in the city. I wanted to do what I wanted to do; and
I did. I lived like that for seventeen years of my life; and I suffered some of the consequences of my actions.
One day I was met by a woman on the train named Amy. She invited me to church and told me that I didn't have to dress
up to go. I liked that, so I met her and we went together.
I liked what I saw and heard. I decided to study the
bible. I saw God's word in a whole new light. I learned that the bible was not to be read just to obtain knowledge, but
that application was the key. I was baptized on February 14, 1995. From that day on Jesus has been Lord of my life, and I
continue to strive daily to live my life with the bible as the standard. I fall short daily, but I continue to strive.
Learning to put God first in my life, through the word, has not only added new life to my soul - but also to my music.
Good lyrics in gospel music transform me. I feel every word, and when I sing I feel obligated to relay that to my listeners
and that they will feel it too, and allow it to hit home. I also love the creative part of the music. I enjoy putting together
harmonies, and helping others bring out the best in their voices.
A very good friend of mine, Michael Crump -
who now lives in Atlanta, inspired me to write my first gospel song. He started writing a song titled "Never Say No to
Jesus;" after the first verse and the chorus he got stuck and asked me for my assistance. Since then I have collaborated
with him on a few other songs and have also done some writing on my own.
As the founding member of Refining Faith,
I am constantly amazed at how God is working in our lives. The bond that we have together is fantastic. We aren't just
a group that gets together and sing; there are many times when we get together for rehearsal and not sing a note. We have
spent entire rehearsals mentoring and encouraging each other. All members share the same hope of wanting our music to
touch others; and that we can't be what we need to be as a musical ministry if we aren't striving to be like Jesus
in our own lives. We always pray together, we talk about everything, and we work out whatever differences we may have with
one another. I appreciate every member of the group for their individual commitments to God. I believe we have something special
and that it comes out when we sing together.
My Family
Daughter......LaNee
Son.............Lawrence
Grandson.....Quentin Granddaughter…Kayla Grandson.......Lawrence Jr.
Music I like: When kicking back at home, I listen to Karen Clarke-Sheard, Kim Burrell, Daryl
Coley, Shirley Ceaser, and Rizen. I love the style of these singers. Karen and Kim are similar in their styles, and Rizen
is an amazing group.
Other interests:
Because of my desire to help others develop their voices and to create
harmonies, I have an on line business where I create pre-recording background vocals for solo artists in all genres of music. It
is very rewarding to pour yourself into others and see the appreciation.
Sharon Bailey
Proverbs 31 – a woman of noble character
"I love gospel singing because to me it is a method
of expressing my faith that goes beyond words."
My name is Sharon Bailey and I was born and raised in New
York City, Harlem area. I presently live in the Bronx with my husband, Chris who is a steadfast spiritual man of God.
I grew up in a very talented family, my dad sang in his college choir, my brother has his own jazz quartet that he
gigs with and my mom does sing as well, though a little more modestly. Presently, my husband and I both part sing every Sunday
for the song worship service at church.
When I was growing up my parents were my foundation. They taught me how to be
responsible with my time, my decision making especially. They wanted me to know the importance of growing into a woman of
great character. Being honest was very important to both of them.
I was devastated when I found out one day they
were separating. My mother was such a great inspiration to me as a child growing up. My dad was very strong in his convictions
and sometimes he would come across to others as strict and stern. I thought my world had ended and I didn't know how to
cope.
I remember some years back in the 80's I was living with two female roommates who were not very fair
with the space of the apartment. They both had boyfriends, so I felt totally out of place living there. I was going through
a whole lot of things at that time in my life. I remember one Saturday night as I was wondering around my college campus after
being ditched by my "so called" friends I was met by a resident assistant named Renee. And she invited me to a movie
party at her apartment not far from campus. After the movie party was over she invited me out to a church service the very
next day. Unfortunately, I had to turn the invitation down I had other things to do but, I told her I could make next Sunday
service. When Sunday came around I was met by laurel bebe who was a bible talk leader at the time and she drove me to the
Beacon Theater where service was being held. After the service was over I was invited to a campus retreat (which was taking
place that very afternoon) so I went and the experience was great. I started studying the bible soon after that.
Getting to know God and who He is through studying the bible was such a great experience. At the time there were seven studies
they did with you in order so you wouldn't be over whelmed with so much information at one time. It was broken down to
where you studied out His word with one or two people at your own pace. They were very flexible with my schedule. Sometimes
my studies lasted very late in the night and I would find myself going to bed at times by 12 midnight. But the more I was
exposed to His Word the more I wanted to know about His plan for my life.
In1987, I made Jesus Lord and Savior
of my life and I was baptized. I learned that even though my parents are great people and I love them they are human beings
just like me who sometimes don't have all the answers. And when I put my faith in someone else I am bound to be disappointed
and hurt. I have realized that only God can be my foundation, my rock, my stronghold, and my source for strength. I am so
very grateful for the people He has put in my life at just the right time before things got too out of hand for me to handle.
He knew about my needs and my desperation. He heard my cry for help and He rescued me. Only God sets the time and place for
everything. (Acts 17:24-29). I will always be thankful to Him for keeping His promises.
I always loved to sing
even though it wasn't a goal of mine. Gospel wasn't my favorite growing up. What I loved listening and singing to
was straight out of the Motown scene to the Partridge family that came on television back in the day. This is how I first
learned about harmony, which I love to do.
I have always been little in my size so when I sing I surprise people.
They have no idea just how big my voice is. So when people hear me sing I see their faces, their expressions are like "whoa
I can't believe that voice is coming out of this little person". To this day I get a great sense of joy from those
types of responses. I have been singing to me it seems forever but for the past 18 years God has been using my voice to do
the most amazing things.
But where I feel truly blessed is when I am on stage with the rest of the group performing.
I have been a part of Refining Faith since the beginning. When Nedra first put the group together. All of us go to the same
church and we all sing on the church choir this is where we all met. And when Nedra asked me to be a part of the group three
years ago I felt honored. To have been chosen to be a part of such tremendous talent and to be surrounded by grounded spiritual
women is wonderful. It is great to have that effect on people when we are asked to sing in weddings, other gospel events,
fundraisers, even performing at a few of our sister churches. I'm grateful that God has blessed us in so many ways. We
are his instruments to do His will and for His glory I pray He will continue to use us powerfully.
People
who have inspired you the most:
My mother and my Husband
Favorite things to do when not performing:
I'm
a big 80's fan of the music era. I listen to 102.7 it takes me back and is fun listening to.
Hazel-Ann Nash
"I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 "I take every song personally, for me it's all about the message." I
was born Hazel-Ann Natasha Genevieve Scarborough - on September 2 nd 1973, in my native country Trinidad, West Indies. My
father passed away a few days before I turned 5 years old and my mother was left with six children to raise on her own.
One thing I've learned from my mother was to do what you have to, to take care of your family. God
is amazing. I never thought I would sing professionally, but as a child I imitated a lot of singers as a fun way to get my
chores done. I imitated my mother in this way, my mother would sing whatever song popped in her mind. On Sunday mornings,
while working around the house she would put on her records and sing the day away. I have always loved music - any kind of
music, especially the songs that had a message behind them. I love music it makes me feel alive. In
elementary school I sang in the choir. Mahalia Jackson, who's LP my mother played every Sunday Morning before church,
was my first musical and spiritual influence. I loved her voice and her songs always had meaning behind her lyrics. The only
problem I had with imitating her was that her voice was a deep alto/tenor/bass and my voice was high pitched. As I became
older I started listening to Whitney Houston. She has strong vocal ability. Her songs were in my vocal range, so I started
singing her songs. Whitney became a great role model for me. In 1995, my family migrated to the United
States. We soon encountered some hard times. My children and I were almost homeless. My husband and I were temporarily
separated. It was the most difficult time of my life. I was unemployed at the time and the family we were staying with
was faced with a difficult decision about our living arrangements because their financial burden had become too heavy for
them to carry. I didn't know which way to turn. God came to our rescue in a big way. One day I was home
and the door buzzer rang. I wasn't expecting anyone, so instead of buzzing the person in, I went downstairs to see who
it was. Two women stood apologizing for ringing the wrong buzzer. They were going to study the bible with someone else in
the building. I assured them it was okay. Then they invited me to study the bible and get to know God. Deciding to study the
bible with them became the greatest blessing of my life. They not only studied the bible with me and helped me get on track
spiritually – but they also helped me to get on track financially. When one of the sisters heard about my living situation
she offered for us to come and live with her. Through the word and encouragement from my new spiritual family – I developed
the courage and convictions I needed to go back to school and find work to support my family. God blessed me again in a big
way my husband and I were reunited. Presently, I have a great career and my husband and I are very happy. My children attend
church with me every Sunday and they always enjoy the message. My daughter, Kyrlyse age 12 is now attending the Dance Theater
of Harlem, training to become a ballerina and my son, David Jr., age 14 is a Champion squash player. I have been a part
of the Harlem Ministry of the New York City Church of Christ for a few years now where I have learned a lot and I have a lot
to be grateful for. One of my contributions to the church is singing in the church choir where I met Nedra and the rest of
the girls. By being a part of the choir is how we all got to know one another. I believe God had a plan from the very beginning
He connects the dots so to speak. He put the group on Nedra's heart and He handpicked us one by one to be a part of the
group. We've also learned so much from each other as a group. The unity we have is phenomenal. We all have the same goal
of wanting to touch the hearts of people and inspire them through the songs that we sing in order for them to want to know
God. I would not be where I am today without God and the brothers and sisters in the Kingdom. God always provides
a way - spiritually, financially, you name it. God will provide a way. Favorite things to
do: I love spending time with my family. It's very important for me to be an active part of my children's
lives. Favorite artists, music when kicking back at home: It depends on the mood
I'm in. If I need encouragement I listen to Gospel. If I start missing my homeland, I would play West Indian music (calypso/reggae)
etc. It really doesn't matter; it's all about the message for me.
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