LIGHT SO SHINE
Liz: My name is Elizabeth Oyeneyin, but most people know me as “Liz.” I am the director of Light So Shine Dance Ministry. Light So Shine is a prophetic dance ministry that uses dance as a form of worship expression and communication to/from God.
Abby: My name is Abisola Akinkuowo. Many people know me by "Abby". One thing to know about is that I plan to impact those who govern our society. Yeah that's right! I'm bringing The kingdom of God into the business/political world.
Esther: My name is Esther Akinseye. I am a junior at Morgan State, studying industrial engineering.
When did you start using this gift? Was it natural or you had training? When did you start using it to glorify God?
Abby: I started dancing in elementary school for talent show and just for fun. I would watch Beyonce videos and just mimic every dance step. Later on I joined dance teams and was in a dance company. There I received training in ballet, Jazz, hip hip, and modern dance. But in February 2012 I gave my life to Christ at the BCF National conference and there I knew the call of God over my life. That call is to be a prophetic dancer. From that day with the help of the Holy Spirit I built up my knowledge of worship and dance worship to be exact. Only the Holy Spirit can teach you. That was something I learned along the way, that although I have a dance background, they mean little to nothing in prophetic dance. All of those dance styles may seem like many but if I were to dance based of my dance experience I would limit what God wants to do with my body through dance.
Esther: I started using my gift in 2008. It came very natural to me. I was always able to dance, however not with a kingdom mindset.
Liz: I began dancing in church around the age of 7. Since that time I have received formal training both in high school and college. Although, I was trained in dance and had the opportunity to dance in church, my heart was very far from God. I also had to opportunity to be a member and even captain on a variety of dance teams and companies but it wasn’t until April 2011, that I truly understood what it meant to surrender my heart to Jesus. It was at this moment when the “church girl” dance performer left and the dancer who longed for God’s heart through dance ministration was birthed. God gave me this gift and passion for dance but it was not until I received Jesus, that I was made aware of my pre-destined identity as a prophetic dance worshipper. A lot of people think that they can serve two masters in regards to dance but the truth is, they cannot. If one does not give their whole heart to God, God will not receive their body as a living sacrifice. Whether you’re singing, dancing, writing, painting, or playing an instrument, whatever you do as your form of worship to God,must be done in spirit and in truth. There’s no other way.
Any past or future projects?
Liz: My focus is the expansion of Light So Shine Dance Ministry. When God gave me the vision for this ministry, He made it clear that it would reach nations. Everything is happening in its time.
Anything you desire to use your gift for in the future?
Liz: Light So Shine Dance Ministry will be an international prophetic dance ministry that will go into nations to heal, deliver, and set people free from all types of sickness, diseases, and spiritual captivity.
Abby: I want to use my gift to connect with young girls and hopefully create my own non-profit organization that is centered around mentoring young girls. Not only will they learn how to dance they will learn how to use their bodies to worship God and the goal is to raise up young girls who are bold for Christ and will boldly come before the throne of Grace!
Esther: I desire to use my gift to minister to different groups of people. With there ages ranging from 15-30. I would like the Lord to use me to minister freedom and liberty to different souls.
Is there any fellow artist you look up to?
Liz: I look up to all the dancers in Light So Shine Dance Ministry. Although I am the director of the ministry, I learn from each member of the ministry. They inspire me in more ways than they know. I am honored that they have accepted for me to lead them.
Esther: Nope. I am honestly not hip to dancing ministers
Abby: The only person right now is Liz, my mentor. Unfortunately, there aren't many in the dance ministry for one reason or the other. But I can say that I truly look up to Liz because her passion to bring the Glory of God down every time we minister. She has a genuine heart for worship and its evident every time I watch her minister or minister with her. And it's really an honor ministering with her. She started Light So Shine and really set a standard for dance worship. It's not about the music, or even he dance movements but it's about the Spirit of God behind it all. Without the Spirit of God we would just be performing and that a definition that she taught me. She said "there's a huge difference between performing and ministering. Performing is selfish but ministering is a selfless sacrifice. Your allowing people to encounter God and not yourself". I hold unto the importance of ministering and thank God for having such a wise person to look up to and minister with.
Wanna know more about the dancers from Light So Shine?
Follow the dancers @Old_Fashioner (Liz), @YourAuntyAbby (Abby) & @God_Gift (Esther).
KACHI
My name is Onyedikachi Nathan Ude. Everyone calls me Kachi. Others, ‘Kachkeys’.
I was born in Takoma Park Maryland in 1995, moved to Nigeria from 1999 to 2001, schooled in PG county up to 2004, and finished my middle & high school education in Columbia, Maryland.
I am an 18 year old freshman, currently pursuing my Bachelors in Biology (its gunna change) at Howard University. Music is my passion. Piano is my tool.
2. When did you start using this gift? Was it natural or you had training? When did you start using it to glorify God?
It’s pretty funny actually…My parents forced me to take piano lessons when I was 8. I hated that thing forreal. I think my brother was better than me at the moment lol. After that, I didn’t touch a keyboard until I was 11. Through some misfortunate events, people at my church noticed I could play, and they put me on. That’s where it all began. I was inspired…Started picking up things here and there from the musicians and began playing by ear pretty easily. I started to glorify God with this gift, when I gave my life to Him…Lol simple as that. He gave me the talent; I might as well use it for Him, and get better at it.
3. Anything you desire to use your gift for in the future?
Well, im trynna be great! I mean who doesn’t? I desire to use my gifts in the gospel industry…move up the food chain and play for the gospel/CCM greats of today. Lol Musicians know they’re getting somewhere when they on 104.1.
4. Is there any fellow artist you look up to?
I have a whole list…especially local artists/musicians. One cat I really inspire to play like is Joshua Davies. You may be familiar with his work with Brandon Camphor and Oneway. Been meeting up with him lately and gaining some knowledge from his end. Another one is William McMillan from Baltimore, and Robert Glasper.
5. Any past or future projects?
Everyone reading this, if you’re a musician, lyricists, singer, or have any God-given gift to check out the Call Forward Movement (www.callingusforward.com) it’s a movement that will change the DMV area and the nation. Our vision is to gather forerunners of a worship movement that includes true worship to God, through sincere obedience to Jesus, and total surrender to our calling. It is pretty dope. I am blessed to be apart.
SAN ALIA
My name is Nicole OluwaBukola Jobi A.K.A San Alia. I was born in Cheverly Maryland in 1993, grew up in Cheverly moved to bowie in 2001 and eventually moved to Nigeria in that same year for schooling. I came back to America in 2007 and attended Bowie high school and now I am currently a 20 year old senior at Morgan state university, pursuing a BS in Public relations. I'm gifted in the area of teaching, speaking and writing, and last, but not the least here’s a fun a fun fact! I love Jesus Christ!
When did you start using this gift? Was it natural or you had training? When did you start using it to glorify God?
I discovered I could write poetry before salvation in 2009. One day I was bored and I just opened up the notes section on my iPod and began writing how I felt at the moment leading to my first poem titled “Invisible Heart”. When I first starting writing, my poems were targeted towards what my idea of love was at the time, STD’s, Death etc. After salvation, I began to use my talent to glorify Jesus. My poems are now targeted towards my testimony, salvation, and life through the lens of Jesus etc.
Any past or future projects?
Ever since I got saved in 2011, I’ve written 9 spoken word pieces namely:
• The beat goes on • Identity Crisis • The fall and redemption of humanity • Idols in Israel • Misconception • A good seed among tares • Nu creature • It's just what He does • Complete Faith
I've ministered most of these spoken word pieces at both church events and secular events like from Christmas events to open mic nights.
Anything you desire to use your gift for in the future?
It would definitely be an honor if I could be a part of P4CM (Passion 4 Christ Moment) and I could minister at one of their events. But my end goal for the use of my gift is just to see people come to know who Jesus Christ or at least have a new revelation of who He can & wants to be to them.
Is there any fellow artist you look up to?
I believe rap is poetry so if was to look up to anyone in the poetic field, it would have to be the Christian rap artist name Eshon Burgundy. He's just really awesome and its so evident that his lyrics are straight from the throne of grace and influenced by the Holy spirit.
Wanna know more about San Alia or get future updates?
Follow her on Instagram @SanAlia