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College Men Get Their Praise On

Darryl D. Smith/the Gramblinite Nine men associated with Grambling State University have no problem praising God. Bottom, from left: Terrion Rogers, the Rev. Reginald Alford, Stephen Davis. Second row: David Pierre, Davin Pierre, Minister Lancer Wright, Third row: Jamar Dorsey, Bruce Eugene, Henry Tolbert. They are part of a campus ministry group.

By Marisa Turner and Allison Minor
Black College Wire

Whoever thinks it would be boring to be in a room full of Holy Ghost-inspired, spirit-filled men should meet nine of them associated with Grambling State University.

The experience was filled with so much laughter and joy that one had to ask, "Where can I get some of that?" Just being near such men can give an aura of peace.

In today's society, praising God openly is often left to women, because in the eyes of so many, such actions are not considered masculine.

The nine young men beg to differ. They are members of 20/20 Vision, a Baptist campus ministry group.

Meet the Rev. Reginald Alford, who works with Grambling's football team; Grambling student Stephen Davis; Grambling graduate Jamar Dorsey; Bruce Eugene, a former Grambling State quarterback who was just picked up for the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad; graduate students Davin and David Pierre, who are identical twins; Terrion Rogers, a fullback on the 2006 football team; Henry Tolbert, a graduate who was also on the 2006 football team; and Minister Lance Wright, who also works with the team.

Q: When did you get saved?

Tolbert: I was baptized at 5, but my walk began when I could understand the sacrifice God made for us.

Davin Pierre: I accepted Christ as my personal savior at 7, but at 18, I really learned who He was and the impact He was making in my life.

Q: How did you develop your personal relationship with Christ?

Alford: The Baptist Christian Ministry at Alcorn State University changed my life. From that influence, I was compelled to dedicate my life to bringing students closer to God.

Eugene: First, I submitted to Him. Then I came in contact with people who showed me that He was the only way to go. I learned that there are many ways that I could talk to Jesus. He and I became best friends, and He stands in the center of all of my decisions.

Q: Why do you praise God openly?

Davis: I know what the Lord has done for me. The Bible says, "If you are ashamed to claim me on Earth, I will be ashamed to claim you in Heaven."

Tolbert: Praising is simply about realizing who God is. When I reach the mindset of praise, it doesn't matter who's around.

Q: Do you find it hard to live holy while attending college? Why or why not?

Dorsey: Yes and no. Yes, when you first make a stand for Christ, it is hard to leave certain friends alone. However, I've found that once you love them in spite of how you're feeling, they still respect you. Not saying that I live perfect or I don't fall short, but every day I wake up gives me another chance to live for Him.

Q: Can you still have fun and be a Christian?

David Pierre: Yes. When God saves you, He doesn't take away your sense of humor. He just removes your desire to do things that you used to do. The key is surrounding yourself with positive people that are doing the same things you're doing, even if that means changing your atmosphere.

Q: Since shouting, praising and outward worship are considered feminine traits, how do you overcome this stereotype?

Davin Pierre: It took a man full of love, compassion and mercy to die on the cross so brutally and never utter a word. There was nothing feminine about Christ's death. Therefore, all I have to do is think back over my life, [and] see where He's brought me from, and that's enough for me to give Him all the praise I have inside of me.

Q: If you are in a relationship, how do you overcome the temptations of the flesh? If not, how do you choose a companion?

David Pierre: The flesh can be overcome when you do not place yourself in the wrong environment. Choosing a companion can be so difficult [especially when you are living for Christ.] The key is choosing someone who loves God just as much as you do, who has things in common [with] you, and living a lifestyle in accordance with God's word.

Q: How is your life an example for others to follow?

Rogers: First of all, I am not perfect, just forgiven. I have not always been good, but over time I have learned that in order to live stress-free, happy and filled with joy, I had to let go of some things and follow Christ. When you approach me and see the fire that lives in my eyes and the joy in my spirit, you would know that it's Jesus who has given it to me.

Q: What advice would you give to males who want to maintain their masculinity while being totally submitted to God?

Wright: You have to realize that your masculinity is not defined by your spirituality. Denying yourself, totally submitting, and putting God first in everything you do will not decrease your manhood. A life of faith is a life of submission and obedience, which includes peace, joy and prosperity. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

Q: If your life were like being online, what would your online name be? Why?

Alford: Reverend Rev.

Davis: The Found One — I once was lost, but now I'm found.

Dorsey: Wise One — God has blessed me with being wiser than my years.

Eugene: The Second Coming — I have been compared to a Great Guy on and off the field.

Davin Pierre: The Chosen One — 1 Peter 2:9-10

David Pierre: The Praiser — Every opportunity I get, I've got to give God His just due, because He's worthy.

Tolbert: The Journey — Everything that has occurred in my life is preparation for Heaven.

Rogers: His Servant — I am His servant. That's what we are all here for.

Wright: EQ (Earthquake) — I was born to shake the foundation of the earth for Jesus Christ.

Marisa Turner and Allison Minor, students at Grambling State University, write for the Gramblinite.

Posted Dec. 28, 2006