Gamma Phi Delta hosted the So-So D.E.F. Christian Talent Exhibition on April 4 at the Phase III Clubhouse. Member and Prairie View graduate Michael Dickes II was the master of ceremonies.
Dickens welcomed everyone and introduced junior biology major Lindsey Williams to go first for open mic. The room was still as Williams sang a song by Jeremy Camp called “In Your Presence” while playing her guitar. When Williams finished, she was welcomed by a round of applause from the crowd. A little bit of spiritual poetry was done by Byron Jones, who recited three poems. Jones said that he usually doesn’t title his poems, but the first one was titled “We Do It For God,” and his second and third poems performed were “God’s Love” and “A Warrant For Worship.” The audience was pleased with all three, as each one received praise from everyone in the room.
A poem called “Realize” was performed by senior computer science major Broderick Ellison. LaToya Harrison, a senior chemical engineering major, sang “Let Go, Let God” by DeWayne Woods. Dickens and the audience joined in and sang along with her during the chorus.
Next was an impromptu monologue done by senior communications major Danreic Johnson called “Pedro’s Story.” Johnson said the monologue had a theme, “And the theme is ‘Who am I?'” It dealt with the story of a young man going to school and trying to live for God, but struggling with other forces that kept him from doing so. There was then a brief intermission during which one young lady mentioned that she could relate to the monologue, “I felt touched by it because I was at that same point in my life.”
The show then continued with some Christian rap, followed by songs by senior music major Michael Dixon and his group VisZion, whose two songs “More of You” and “What If” seemed to leave students at a loss for words as some cried and waved their hands, and others, as Dixon said, were having a breakthrough. Dixon then headed out saying, “God doesn’t care what age you are. So worship him while you have the chance.”
Before introducing the next entertainers up for open mic, Dickens said, “When you’re living a life that’s pleasing to God, that’s worship. Just because I stumble, just because I sin . . . doesn’t mean I can’t worship.” Dickens mentioned that something was drawing him to one side of the room, and he decided to call Williams back for open mic.
Williams said to everyone before playing that, “I knew Christ, but I wasn’t exactly living for Christ.” The second song she sang was something she had written herself, titled “Prepare A Way.” Once again, the room was completely silent as she performed. When asked what inspired her to write the song, Williams said, “The inspiration came when I was going through a time of discovery for a relationship with Christ.” Williams also stated that she had prayed about the song, “I prayed that He would use this song as a blessing and encouragement to someone and He truly did Friday night.”
After the open mic came a few words from first-time preacher and former Prairie View student David Riley. He posed the question, “What do you think of a Christian who’s forgotten what they’re supposed to do?” With his sermon coming mostly from the book of Matthew, Riley quoted a verse from Matthew 5 and said, “‘You are the salt of the Earth.’ If people look at your lives, will they become thirsty for Christ?” Riley then asked, “So I ask you, how salty are you?”
Riley then mentioned some past catastrophic events, one of which was the Columbine shooting. He said the world wondered how could someone do something like that and told everyone that, “We all have wickedness in our hearts.” That we all have the capability of doing something just as bad. He also stated that, “Jesus expects our light to shine whether we’re behind closed doors or in front of people.” As he closed with Matthew 7, Riley told the story of the two houses and how when the floods came, the first house stood strong, but the second house was destroyed, “You’re gonna go through some problems on this campus.” He encouraged students to hold steady during rough times. “The best thing you can do is pray because it’s going to be the hardest thing you ever do.”
The show closed out with one last performance from a student, and everyone gathered for some fellowship. Senior social work major Antoinette Allen said, “This is something that needs to happen more often. It’s important for Christians to build each other up.” Dickens said, “I really enjoyed hosting. What I enjoyed more was everybody having fun.”
Riley said, “It was my first time preaching, so I was nervous and excited all at the same time.” Dixon said that he believed his group VisZion had truly touched some people, “I feel that the message of God got across in more ways than one.”