(Michelle Higginbotham / Special to the American Press)
(Michelle Higginbotham / Special to the American Press)
Ledet's success no surprise to members of House of Prayer Holiness Church
Last Modified: Monday, May 21, 2012 7:16 PM
By Lance Traweek / American Press
Prior to singing in front of a packed crowd at Burton Complex, Joshua Ledet’s talent was evoking praise at the House of Prayer Holiness Church in Westlake.
Cynthia Ledet, Joshua’s aunt, said she misses her nephew the most on Sundays since he has been filming “American Idol” in California.
“On a Sunday like this Joshua would run through the church singing to the top of his lungs,” she said at the Westlake church. “I miss him so much that I can’t reach out and touch him. That’s the hardest part for me.”
Even though Ledet has entered the world stage, Ledet’s aunt said the congregation continues to pray for him—that God keeps taking him higher and higher.
“Just like they say on “American Idol” how he gives them ‘gooseys’ — well that’s nothing compared to what we get in here,” she said at church Sunday. “My brother has been a pastor for going on 27 years and Joshua has been singing gospel since he was three. I knew that God had his hand upon Joshua, and it was a God-given talent and that he loved people feeling his music. The emotions Joshua gets when he sings—he wants everyone to feel it.”
Even though Ledet was eliminated Thursday from the competition, Joshua’s aunt said his singing is a ministry to the congregation—not a contest.
Chris Wilrye, a church member, said Ledet is a very humble and down to earth young man.
“Just what they see on the stage is what we see at church,” Wilrye said. “And I’m glad the world finally got to see what we see every Sunday. Josh knows how to bring a crowd up. He knows how to set the atmosphere. He’ll keep you laughing and keep you smiling. He always knows how to brighten your day. If you’re down or anything is wrong with you, be around Josh for five minutes and you’re back smiling and you’re back laughing and cutting up. He just knows hows to get that out of you.”
Wilrye said Ledet’s success is no surprise at all.
“We’ve been seeing him sing since he was a little boy,” he said. “He has just grown by leaps and bounds in such a short amount of time.”
Wilrye said Ledet will be all over billboards and all over the world ministering through his music like he always wanted to do.
“I just wish him the best of luck in all of his endeavors from his House of Prayer family,” he said. “We’ll keep praying to God and keep lifting him up.”
Assistant Pastor Robert McCraney described Ledet as “a guy that really loves God and has grown up in the Lord.”
McCraney said Ledet is not only a soulful singer, but one who knows how to preach too.
“God called him to speak the word,” McCraney said before worship Sunday. “Everyday—when he was real young he would get up and sing. He would act the part as a minister as a young man. I am very proud of him that God has used him.”
He said Ledet “stepped out in faith.”
“He wants to do something from his heart and when you do something from you heart and you really love God—God will back you up 100 percent,” he said. “That door just opened—for the world to see somebody that really cares and really loves to sing.”
McCraney said he asks God to keep encouraging Ledet because his talent is so powerful.
“I’ve seen him even as a young man, someone with no fear, who really loved to do things for God. You can notice it when he sings, when he preaches, when he teaches and when he acts,” McCraney said. “There was no fear there because God backed him up even as a young child.”
Posted By: Donna On: 5/25/2012
Title: Donna Pirone
Hello, I am still sad of Joshua not being in the finalist. However, God has the last word. How can I send a letter to Joshua. I am 74, I live in California. Joshua loves Jesus and it shows in all he is. This is now just the beginning of Gods plan for his life.Jeremiah 29:11. Joshua.. Keep praising. The Holy Spirit is all over you. Your best is just around the corner. We are all praying for Philip Phillips. I know you also prayed with him. That is who you are. God bless. I hope to hear from you. dladylee1@yahoo.com. Donna Pirone
Posted By: Katrina Skinner-Guidry On: 5/24/2012
Title:
Thanks Mrs Cynthia for sharin those beautiful words about Josh they gave me chills as i was readin them so i can jus imagine seatin in the church on Sundays listen to him sing,God has alot in store for that youngman an all we have to do is set bck and pray for him and u guys as a jewel there an should cherious every moment of it....To God be the Glory and the things he has done...Bless u guys and we will keep yall in our prayers....Love love...
Posted By: Bev. On: 5/22/2012
Title: Ledet's success
Thanks for sharing more about Joshua, he is a wonderful singer with a God-given talent. I am anxously waiting to purchase his album, and other songs he will be doing in the future. He is my idol.
Much love from Jamaica.
Posted By: Flora Stringer On: 5/21/2012
Title: Ledet's Success no surprise ...
WOW! That is an awesome story, and so well written!
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