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When FiwiVoice.com first heard Bring Down (the debut album from Koen Duncan), the conclusion was quickly, that Koen Duncan is a Gospel Reggae Minister that simply Must be Heard, and Followed! Though his Music speaks for itself- our love for this profound Trinidadian Lyricist only increased when we learned that Koen is member of the FlowMasters clan, and colleague of Sherwin Gardener.

Fiwivoice.com interviewed Koen after a powerful ministry at St. Andrew’s High School for girls in Kingston Jamaica. He was ministering with a contingent of other youth - to youth on the Extreme Impact Jamaican School tour.

He has shared with us on his conversion, his Vision and his Ministry.

FV: First of all, How (Where, When and Why) did you get saved?
KD: Well I got saved at a ‘Heaven’s Gate, Hell’s Fire’ drama back in Trinidad. I was always into church but I was never really a Christian- never a born again, bonafide Christian. I went to the drama and it showed me about people who just lived averaged life. They had an idea about Jesus Christ but they never really believed in him or took him to the path of their lives. It was a very powerful drama, it really impacted upon my life and I decided to accept Jesus Christ in my heart- fo real. Instead of continuing as a lukewarm Christian.

FV: How long ago was that?
KD: Whoa…that was a long time ago. I was 13.

FV: And you’ve been walking strong since then…
Yeah

FV: Tell us about your ministry
KD: Well the ministry’s been wonderful. I released my album two years ago, and the way how the lord has been using the album, I know its not me. I know that no part of the album is me, from the lyrics, right down to the Music, to the recordings- everything God put together. The album has been doing good in Trinidad – we’re trying to get it in Jamaica; the demand for the album is really great in Jamaica now. Also Grenada, Barbados so things really are happening, and I really thanking God for everything.

FV: What are the issues facing young people that you really want to address in your Music?
KD: I think that some of the young Christians, they’re not vibrant for Christ. The ones that are strong, they’re not bold, I find. They don’t really go out there, a lot of the Christians stay in Church and deal with their personal issues or whatever it may be. And they don’t reach out to their personal friends that they may be interacting with on a daily basis, who they should be sharing Jesus Christ with. So I think that we should impact the youths in the area where they can be more bold for Christ.

FV: And you think the Music can do that?
KD: Yeah. Yes. I think the Music has been doing this already.

FV: What you think about Gospel Dancehall/Reggae in general?
KD: Yeah, you see a lot of the older heads have negative things to say about it, but a wise man once told me “Even though you may not understand the function of the toe, don’t chop it off…because then you might fall and hit your nose!” You understand. So in all things seek Christ and if Christ is in this genre of Music then nothing is wrong with it. Understand.

FV: But do you think that there are elements in it (Gospel Dancehall/Reggae) that need correcting, which need direction, guidance?
KD: I think that some of the ministers at times get carried away- with where the focus is at. I think sharing the Gospel and ‘bigg-ing’ up Jesus Christ is all that it’s about, so anytime you divert from that then I think it’s just secular.

FV: This is called ministry right? You’re a Minister?
KD: Yes

FV: As an ordained minister receives formal training, do you think that there is a place for that, for Ministers as the Ministry Progresses?
KD: Yes, definitely, yes?

FV: See this question is a part of some concerns we’ve been getting. Because you have a lot of new ‘Ministers’ and persons just becoming Ministers. So should there be some – who defines who is a Minister?
KD: Well, I believe if you’re led by the Holy Spirit and you’re victorious in your personal life, then you are a Minister. Once you being led by the Spirit and you are victorious in your personal Christian walk, then you are a Minister. If you’re struggling day-to-day I think you need- all of us have struggles, but there are certain things that ministers should be able to overcome. I want you to get me clear…I’m not say that we’re not over-comers in Christ but I’m saying that if you are a Minister you supposed to be on a level with Jesus Christ.

FV: So it calls for personal integrity-
KD: Definitely-
FV: …integrity on the part of whoever’s ministering to ask “Am I fit for Ministry?”
KD: Definitely.

FV: So where do you see this whole industry and area of ministry going in a couple years?
KD: Well, I’ve seen some wonderful things been done with the Dancehall and Reggae industry in Gospel where now it is really going to the international level. Men like Papa San and Stitchie they already carried it there, but a lot of the younger ministers really going out there with the Music. A lot of them with find going full-time into the ministry now, doing Dancehall and Reggae Gospel and I see down the road whereas this genre of Music will not only be appreciated by Christians but also will be a major tool to reach the unsaved. Right now it is a tool, but in the future, it can become a major tool.

FV: Are you full time in ministry now?
KD: Yes I’m full time in ministry.

FV: Fiwivoice.com understands that you won four awards
KD: Well, as I said before it’s all God cause up to now I don’t understand. I wouldn’t say I don’t understand, but sometimes God does things that we cannot comprehend. When we sent the album I was kinda doubting. All my friends were like, “Yeah, you’re gonna do good”, “you’re gonna do good”. But you know, when you’re in your personal time you pray, I really hope this is God’s will. So said so done, it was God’s will.

FV: Tell us about this link between Trinidad and Jamaica
KD: Well, pastor Bruce (Fletcher), who God gave a vision to bring the Caribbean islands together in prayer, in Music and dance…he was in Trinidad and heard me minister and he asked me if I would be interested in coming to Jamaica. I was definitely interested because this is where the Music that I sing was birthed.
Let’s hope for the coming together of Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada, all the islands where Pastor Bruce is organizing to bring together in song, prayer,- you name it. Where Ministry for God is concerned, he’s trying to link and bring things together in the Caribbean. Trinidad and Jamaica is just the start.

This article was added 3 years, 10 months ago on Monday, October 2nd, 2006 at 7:00 pm and is the Gospel folder. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.