Voices of Inspiration 15

Harmonizing to the pat of hands clapping and the thud of feet tapping is how Rukiya Davis expresses her love for God.

Growing up in a Baptist family, Davis, a junior in psychology from Park Forest, said she is continuing her religious journey singing as a member of Voices of Inspiration, a gospel organization.

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As the SIUC Registered Student Organization prepares for its fall semester concert, Davis said she hopes many will support her love and the music that worships God.

The concert, I Can Feel the Break Through, is at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Newman Catholic Center.

Music is a universal language, and it’s a way of bringing people closer together, Davis said. Gospel music worships God. It’s like having an intimate relationship with Him. It helps me become stronger in my Christian walk. And I love singing for the Lord.

Gregory Gary, president of Voices of Inspiration, said the dedication and love of God is spread throughout the 45 members. He said most of the members enjoy singing and spreading their joy to others.

We have students who are trying to make a difference, Gary said. Here, the average college lifestyle is to party, drink and be in the in-crowd. We’re trying to be more spiritual.

Davis said being a member of the choir has helped during her college career and that it is a valuable sense of strength for others as well.

Being a student at a university is hard, she said. And if you praise the Lord, you can get through your problems. You will be blessed.

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Gary said Voices of Inspiration is one of the better choirs in the country. The choir released its second cassette tape, Count It All Joy last year and performed for local churches and St. Louis University.

With three pianists and a saxophonist, Gary said the choir also consists of a well-balanced soprano, tenor and alto section.

Performing 12 songs, including Changed and From Whence My Help Cometh, the choir plans to bring people closer to God. They will be accompanied by special guest choirs, the University of Missouri and St. Louis University.

Our main purpose is to help draw people closer to Christ, Gary said, not only for ourselves, but the audience we’re singing to.

Arthur Porter, pianist and a sophomore in business administration from Springfield, said it is inspiring to hear a group of students enthralled with spirituality.

Porter has played the piano for choirs for five years, and he said it is something he will continue to do to produce that special feeling he gets.

It’s a happy feeling because I enjoy doing it, he said. I’ve been into gospel all my life, and it kind of inspires me to see young students really into it, singing it and believing it.

Davis said believing in God is the best way to live. She said gospel music provides everyone a sense of having a friend in God.

It is a great feeling when I know there are people who worship God the way I do, she said. It makes you feel more comfortable with your beliefs.

Factoid:Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. For more information contact Gregory Gary at 549-7329.