@ Walter Plantz Pier
The local Christian community will hold one of the biggest gospel outreach events on the shores of St. Maarten on Tuesday, July 5. International gospel artist Michael W. Smith will be on a cruise that will be stopping here on St. Maarten. Smith will be at Walter Plantz Square on the Boardwalk from 10:00am to spread some joy. From 2:00pm, performances for the rest of the evening will be by St. Maarten’s very own Pastor Benjamin Bell and various others.
The last of six brothers, Pastor Benjamin Bell was born on St. Maarten. He is a husband and is the father of three.
Pastor, can you please share with us why you chose this path and the motivation behind it?
I didn’t really choose this path, God choose it for me. I started studying and teaching and my leaders also saw the calling on my life.
From what age did music capture your interest and what led you into gospel music?
Looking back at my kindergarten report card, I saw comments about how much I loved music. Being that Christianity is part of my life, it was the most obvious choice. I understood that Christian music was about the lyrics. I believe that music belongs to God and I will always use it to glorify Him.
Do you see yourself facing any challenges being a gospel artist out here in the Caribbean?
Being an artist in the Caribbean is a challenge, being a Gospel artist in the Caribbean is even harder. I measure success by lives that are changed and people that are touched by the music and not by money.
How do you feel doing gospel music as opposed to doing hip hop, dancehall or soca?
There is gospel hip hop, I have produced plenty of it with my cousin Eugene Hanson aka Torch who’s about to release a gospel hip hop album in the near future. Dancehall and soca I see in the same light; it’s about the content.
How many shows or concerts have you performed in?
Many: the Governor’s Ball, Ron Kenoly concert, Andre Crouch concert, Kirk Franklin, William Mc Dowell and Donnie Mc Clurkin shows. I have done concerts in Statia, Anguilla, St. Kitts and the US for conferences.
What type of experiences have you gained from performing internationally?
Being prepared and being calm and to always have a good attitude.
Do you listen to other local artists?
Yes I do. I listen to Shawn J, Roxy and Piper Laundry among others.
Where do you see yourself in the next year?
Expanding vocal lessons to music lessons; this will include teaching instruments.
Who or what are some of your biggest inspirations?
The Winans, Fred Hammond, Marcus Cole, Brian Mc Knight, Boys to Men, Joshua Bell, Brandy and Cece Winans.
What is the big challenge preparing for a show?
A big challenge is the preparation of the stage. Making sure everything is in place before the show allows me to go on stage with as little stress as possible. Getting the support of our local business community is also very challenging. A good team with everyone playing their roles makes it much easier all round.
What can we expect from you and your group at the outreach concert on July 5?
You can expect for us to reach out to the people of St. Maarten, encouraging them. My slogan is singing with passion and that will be the experience of that night, reaching out with passion.
As you know, Cultural Xpression is focused on a number of community awareness building topics, most importantly, Agriculture and Community development. What are your thoughts and views of the importance of Agriculture for St. Maarten?
We find it very important to the point where my wife and I have started a small garden of our own. We are trying to grow tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers and watermelons as a start.
What do you think can bring more community members together to focus on positive development issues for their surrounding communities?
We have to get back to the family structure and as the saying goes: “It takes a community to raise a child.” When we get back to caring for one another, then we can develop community based programs.
Who would you like to give a shout out to?
Shout out to my wife and kids, Tehillah Ministries international and Greg Arrindell for his support of the vision. Don’t give up on your dreams; if you fail to plan, you plan to fail!
Everyone is encouraged to come out on July 5 to experience the Gospel Outreach Concert of a lifetime alongside Mr. Michael W. Smith and Friends.
