33 The Christian Reader October 2008
CECE WINANS HITS THE ROAD ON CHURCH-BASED ‘ KINGDOM ’ TOUR
21-City Fall Trek to Support Winans ’ Chart-Topping April Release , “ Thy Kingdom Come ” Tour Marks Exclusive Partnership With Atlanta-Based The LIGHT at Brookhaven
Los Angeles , CA - Amid a busy fall schedule comprising high-profile media and ministry opportunities , seven-time GRAMMY ® winner CeCe Winans is ready to embark on the long-awaited Kingdom Tour , where she has partnered with mega churches in 21-cities for a powerful night of prayer , praise and worship free to the public . The concert run is in support of the singer ’ s eighth studio project , the chart-topping Thy Kingdom Come ( PureSprings Gospel / EMI Gospel ).
Launching Oct . 1st and 2nd in Atlanta , Georgia , the tour will run through Dec . 21 and make stop at houses of worship in cities such as Indiana , Baltimore , New Jersey , DC , Detroit , North and South Carolina , Orlando , Ft . Lauderdale , Jacksonville , Miami , as well as other mid-size markets as Winans brings some of her most worshipful , praise-filled repertoire to congregants from all walks .
“ When it appears that our wells have dried up and financial crisis is everywhere , we must be reminded that God is our provider and soak ourselves in prayer , praise and worship ,” Winans says of the Kingdom Tour . “ I believe that the Body of Christ will be blessed greatly because they will be inspired to hear the word of the Lord in the midst of any problem they may be facing .”
The acclaimed vocalist chose the kickoff location of the fall tour — Atlanta ’ s Elizabeth Baptist Church and Word of Faith Family Worship Center in Austell , GA — to coincide with the grand opening of The LIGHT at Brookhaven , an affordable , 17-story luxury housing complex that serves as a sponsor for a portion of the tour ’ s dates for which Winans is a spokesperson and has also been chosen it to be “ her home away from home .” Of this unique effort , Winans says , “ I can help people affected by the housing downturn by working to provide them with beautiful , affordable homes in a comfortable , nurturing environment .
In light of the national housing crisis , Winans has joined forces with Brookhaven to set up a foundation that will help prospective first-time homeowners qualify for grants that will provide them with no-stringsattached down payment assistance . Buckhead 26 Holdings Principal Abbey Berkowitz said , “ Partnering up with Gospel Great , CeCe Winans , was a natural decision for us because she represents the values and ideals that we are marketing at THE LIGHT . We are excited about the opportunity to bring people to live together in such a positive way that will spill over into the Atlanta community at large .”
Since debuting atop the gospel charts in April , Thy Kingdom Come has amassed scores of stellar reviews , including raves from the likes of Billboard , Christianity Today Online and GospelFlava . com , as well as snagged feature coverage for Winans from The Associated Press , Ebony , and CCMmagazine . com . In addition , CNN is gearing up to air a special profile on the singer later this fall and the single “ Test of Time ” has charted on the Soft / AC Inspirational chart .
But more so than any recent or future earthly accolades , Winans says she ’ s expectant about the spiritual blessings that will spring forth as a result of the upcoming Kingdom Tour . “ God is going to open up the windows of heaven and pour out blessings we don ’ t have room to receive ,” she says earnestly . “ Thy kingdom come , Thy will be done !”
CECE Winans Church Based KingdomTour Orlando , Florida Christian Reader October 2008
For more information and tour dates , visit www . cecewinans . com
TOUR DATES : Oct 1 — Elizabeth Baptist Church , Atlanta , GA Oct 2 — Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral , Austell , GA Oct 12 — Rhine Hart Music Center , Ft . Wayne , IN Oct 24 — First Baptist Church of Gleneden , Landover , MD Oct 25 — Agape Christian Center , Rahway , NJ Cece Winans Oct 26 — Ebenezer AMES , Fort
Washington , MD Oct 29 — Family Christian Center , Munster , IN Oct 31 — Perfecting Church , Detroit , MI Nov 7 — Bible Way Church of Atlas Road , Columbia , SC Nov 8 — Sanctuary of Praise , Orlando , FL Nov 9 — The Faith Center , Sunrise , FL Nov 13 — Faith Fellowship , Sayreville , NJ Nov 21 — University Park Baptist Church , Charlotte , NC Nov 22 — Parson Revival Center , Jackson , FL Nov 23 — Elroy Jesus , Miami , FL Dec 13 — Tri-Lakes Church , Branson , MO Dec 14 — New Direction Church , Memphis , TN Dec 21 — Cornerstone Church , Maumee , OH
UPS Store Jacksonville , Florida Christian Reader October 2008
33 The Christian Reader October 2008