Contributed
Claude EdwardsClaude Edwards is more than just an ordinary gospel singer, as he is deeply involved in all areas of his ministry.
Claude has been singing on a full-time basis for the past five years. To date, his singing has been seen by persons in 35 countries, courtesy of the programme Revelation of Hope, hosted by Mark Finnely. The programme, which is heard as far away as Australia, has opened many doors for Claude, who has since gone abroad to do several concerts in New York and New Jersey in the United States and Barbados, as well as other countries.
However, Claude is not known only for his voice.
"People know me for the song Beulah Land and call me 'Mr. Beulah Land'. People love my singing and my ministry. Some do not even know me by my right name. They just know me because of the song Beulah Land, which is why I am called Mr. Beulah Land," Claude pointed out.
The song has had so much influence on his life that he has named his outreach programme Beulah Land Ministries. However, do not believe that his outreach ministry only involves singing.
He has conducted devotions at schools, as well as several banks, and he has plans to adopt a support home for children with AIDS in Spanish Town. He is also involved in several other programmes.
"Most of the money to fund the programme comes from my business, 'Awnings Arrow', and from my album sales. Things have been going good to date, as we have had several programmes, which included a concert for the 100 Lane victims," he said.
Apart from charity work, Claude Edwards does a lot of singing and has plans to release two albums later this year. The albums, he points out, will consist mainly of original songs as well as some covers.
"I wouldn't want to bring out an album of covers only. However, I wouldn't want to have an album of all originals, because I would want people to know the songs I am doing and it would be easier for me to reach my audience," he said.
The two albums will be totally different. One will be a praise and worship album and the other will be a regular album, which the singer hopes will add to his success so far.
In all of this, he is humble as he looks back over his professional singing days. He remembers being hesitant at first. However, later he found out that it was his destiny, since he had the ability to touch lives each time he sang. Mr. Edwards recalls that he was able to launch his first album shortly after he decided to sing professionally. However, he was careful to point out that he was thankful for God's blessings.
"The Lord has been good to me so far, because shortly after I went into professional singing, I was able to launch my first album, Beulah Land, which did pretty well. I am thankful for what he has done to date," he said.
