Minute to Midnight
MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT
BIO
Minute to Midnight is a contemporary gospel group made up of four talented young women who have dedicated their various talents to the Lords service. They all came together from different parts of the United States and Canada by way of Oakwood College (now Oakwood University) in the early and mid 90’s. In 1997, Joy Damon, the groups founding member, decided to form a singing group with five of her friends she had previously performed with at different times. The name of that group was Perfect Praise. During their time together the group was able to travel to various places sharing their gift with anyone who would listen. It was during that time that two of the groups’ original members made the decision at different time to pursue other interests. The remaining members, Joy Damon, Glenda Burrell, Nichola Baker and LaTonia Powers decided that they would continue singing together and have done so ever since. Now performing as a quartet, Minute to Midnight has been blessed with many opportunities to minister in various places including Alabama, California, Florida, Tennessee, Ohio and Ontario, Canada and in 2003 was named the “Hottest” gospel group by Huntsville, Alabama radio station WEUP.
In the year 2000, with the encouragement of their church family and then Pastor, the late Harold Cleveland, the group decided that it was time to take their ministry to another level. These talented singers began writing their own music and the group changed its name to Minute to Midnight. The change was inspired by a desire to have a name that was distinctive and meaningful. Minute to Midnight was chosen because in a few words it causes people to consider the time in history in which we now live; to let everyone know we are closer than ever to the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; just one figurative minute from the Midnight Cry; the moment when Jesus gathers his faithful and calls them home. This is a reality central to the beliefs and ministry of each of the members of Minute to Midnight. It’s also a reality as illustrated by the parable of the Ten Virgins as spoken by Christ in Matthew 25:1-13. Verse 6 of this text in the King James Version says “And at midnight there was a cry made. Behold, the bridegroom cometh: go ye out to meet him.” When the cry was made only five of the ten maids who intended to meet the groom were actually ready for his coming and were able to go into the marriage with him. After they and the Bridegroom went into the marriage supper the door was shut and the remaining five were left outside. This parable is an illustration of what will take place when Christ returns. Only those who are ready will be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, everyone else will be left outside. The people of Earth have a limited amount of time to get and be ready for the Lords return, one Minute to Midnight. After that, it’s finished, there are no second chances, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 25:13 KJV).
As part of its ministry, Minute to Midnight has sponsored and/or participated in blood drives, benefit concerts the raise money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and the families of the children involved in the 2006 Lee High School bus crash in Huntsville, AL as well as other charitable and social events. They also make it a practice to visit the homes and hospital rooms of people in need of comfort and encouragement. “When you’re writing and performing music, it’s easy to forget why you’re doing what you do. It’s a requirement of the group to participate in these kinds of activities so that we remember that our primary purpose is ministry”, says LaTonia.
As part of its ministry God has blessed Minute to Midnight to pen original songs of hope and inspiration that they have shared with church congregations, wedding parties, and the public at large. In 2007 Minute to Midnight completed and released their first CD Minute 2 Midnight. Every song on this release was written and co-produced by members of the group. “Because we are independent artists and this was our first project, we experienced many bumps in the road. The process as a whole has been one of both practical and spiritual growth and even though it was difficult at times, it was a labor of love and I am personally grateful for the experience”.
The songs on this release are as different from one another as night and day, yet there is a continuity established by the harmonious blending of voices and mature bible based messages on each track. The CD begins with I Just Wanna Praise, a bouncy, danceable, “urban-esque” tune with a catchy hook praising God for His unprecedented goodness, followed by Responsibility; a smooth, contemporary track featuring the tight, four part harmonies Minute to Midnight is known for and a message sure to bring clarity about what we are here to do. “Jesus established the church to be his representative on Earth and we are commissioned not only to teach, but to reach out to others by supplying their physical, spiritual and emotional needs”. The CD continues with the thought provoking message in Lately and the light inspirational sounds of Joy. Then there’s I Dare Ya, the song firmly establishing God’s existence, which the group performs acapella, another style of music this group performs so well. Also included on the CD are the Latin rhythms of Rainbow in the Night and the rock inspired sound of Get On. Minute to Midnight appropriately concludes the CD with He’s Coming Soon, a beautiful, picturesque song about the return of Christ which again showcases the tight harmonies and powerful voices of the four young women in this group and establishes the central motive behind their ministry.
As the second coming of Christ draws ever nearer, it is the desire of each of the members of Minute to Midnight, Nichola, Glenda, Joy and LaTonia to spread the news of the message of his love to every ear that is able to here. It is their mission to tell the world of the last words spoken by Christ as recorded in the Holy Scriptures, “Yes, I am coming soon”. Revelation 22:20
Glenda - Tenor
Glenda
Growing up I’ve always been drawn to music. By age 3, my mother said she knew that I would sing. In elementary school, a group of us would sing and harmonize in a bathroom lounge just for fun. (And of course the acoustics were great!) The teachers would marvel at out natural and interchangeable three part harmony.
It seems my love for music has followed my life’s walk, touching every chapter. Over the years I’ve sang with various groups and directed four choirs growing every step of the way. God has been good as He’s put Minute to Midnight together and taken us through various experiences. The process of creating this CD has been just one of those experiences he has walked us through. There were times when we wanted to give up and let it all go, but somehow He always brought us back together and restored our focus which was the reason He brought us together in from the beginning; to tell others about His love and soon coming.
Of all the songs on the CD, I would have to say that my two favorites are Get On and He’s Coming Soon. Get On I like because of the message and because it’s just plain fun to sing! He’s Coming Soon, though, is just awesome. When we sing it live I have to catch myself because it just takes me to another place. The words of the song are so descriptive and the way the music progresses, it just takes me to the very last day of Earths history when Jesus returns. I just can see the sky opening up and hear the angels singing; just beautiful! That will be the day when we will be reunited with family and friends who have died along the way. I’m just really looking forward to that day!
We have all grown so much over the past 10 years and by Gods grace we will continue to do so. We give Him all the praise for all he has done for us up to now and for what He will do.
Joy - Soprano
Joy
I love the Lord. He is my husband and best friend. The relationship that I have with Him is just like that. Sometimes things happen in my life that I don’t understand and I get angry with Him; in the same way that you may get upset with your loved one when they disappoint you. I may wallow in my self pity or disappointment over a situation, but when I get over myself I remember that He’s still God and he loves me.
I was born in Cleveland, OH as the youngest child and only daughter of a minister. Because of my fathers’ line of work, we moved frequently, but I spent most of my years growing up in central and Southern California. I have always loved music and have been singing and writing ever since I can remember. I’m a very social person and love spending time with other people participating in sports such as basketball and horse back riding. I’m also very adventurous and am willing to try almost anything once.
The process of getting this CD done was a long one but it brought about patience and longsuffering and faith in God. And it taught me that nothing happened in your time; but in Gods time. He decides when your season is and if you are patient and keep the faith He will walk you into your season and make you prosper! I’ve also learned that you have to move yourself out of the way and truly let God lead you. You must trust God blindly and follow Him, "For we walk by faith and not by sight!" (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV)
Writing the songs that I did on this CD was a growing process! They were brought about from trying to grow a personal relationship with God. I found that the more experiences I had with God and the closer we became, the more freely the music and the lyrics flowed! As you listen to the lyrics in Joy, Lately, I Just Wanna Praise, and Responsibility, realize that they are all coming from a growing relationship with God! They express the continued communication that he and I have. It depicts His love for me and his continued grace, it depicts how He continues to let me know that He is here with me, while reminding me that I have a place and a duty of my own in this life and that I am here for a purpose; His purpose! I pray and hope that the music encourages you and lifts you up! I pray that it gives you a purpose and a closer walk with God!
Nichola - Alto
Nichola
I love to sing and in singing I give praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I began singing at a very young age in the country of my birth, Guyana, South America. When my parents moved to Toronto, Canada and joined the West Toronto SDA church I continued to sing. I remember several groups like Children of Promise, Inspirations, Thine Alone, New Life Singers, Unspeakable Joy then Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale. My mother also encouraged our family to sing together so the 4 of us (my three siblings and I) were featured at many church engagements. During my college years I also sang with Dynamic Praise. I have always been inspired by groups like Commissioned, The Clark Sisters, Witness, and Futrel just to name a few. The words and melodies always inspired me and brought me through many different situations I went through.
My second love is caring for people. I graduated from Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama and currently work as an RN in the Surgical Trauma ICU. It's a challenging area to be in but also rewarding.
I am blessed to be married to my college sweetheart A. Todd Baker for the past 10 years. We have a wonderful daughter Naomi who is 9.
I love to read, listen to many genres of music, exercise and especially cook. Boy do I love to cook (and eat too)! It has a great way of relaxing me.
Like everyone else in the group, this whole process for me has been a growing experience. Lately is the song that I would say best depicts my spiritual journey and the area where I am continuing to grow. Some times I find myself getting so busy with taking care of myself and everyone else that I don’t take the time I need to spend with God. Every time I hear that song it reminds me that I need to have that time with the Lord so I can get myself together. Otherwise things don’t go well.
My greatest joy and anticipation is to see Jesus bursting through the clouds and to hear Him say "Well done thou good and faithful servant: ...: enter into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21). I want to see each and every one of you there.
LaTonia - Soprano/Alto/Tenor
LaTonia
I’ve been singing ever since I can remember. My mother and grandmother would tell me stories about my “singing” and crying as a baby. According to their accounts, my grandmother would take me to the piano and pluck the keys to find out what notes I was singing. Music has been a constant in my life. Both my grandmother and mother were singers, songwriters and musicians. I guess it’s only natural that I’d follow suit. It’s not really the family connection that draws me to music, though I’m sure it plays a large part in my love for it. I really feel like it’s a part of my soul. I’m one of “those people” who literally wake up and go to sleep with a song in my heart. Whether it is a song of praise and thanks giving or a song seeking comfort and forgiveness or a song expressing frustration and anger, there is a song for everything. If no song exists for my present state of mind, I’ll make one up as I go.
I was born in Denver Colorado, the first child of both my parents. My family tree gets a little complicated after that as I am a part of a well blended family. My experiences growing up were a little hard for me to understand until I became a “real’ adult and began to realize that people are just people. There are no super heroes, no flawless individuals and even though people really do love you, they can hurt and disappoint you. It sounds jaded at first, but realize that the word of God states that we are born and shaped in iniquity, sometimes we forget that or don’t really understand what it means so then we are some how surprised when people don’t behave the way we think they should. However, it also says that there is one that sticks closer than a brother. There’s one who will never leave or forsake you, one who understands you and loves you to no end. When I reached this epiphany, I was able to let go of those things in my past that became a weight that kept me from realizing how truly special I am. Now I am able to put those experiences into music for others to hear. Rainbow in the Night was created from those kinds of experiences. My greatest hope is that someone in need of that same kind of healing and encouragement will here a song from Minute to Midnight that, at the very least, begins to change his or her way of thinking in a positive way. I want my music to move people the way songs from Walter Hawkins, Andre Crouch, The Clark Sisters, Yolanda Adams, and Fred Hammond have moved me; music that heals the soul and draws you attention upward into a world so unlike the one we live in, music that is Christ centered and Holy Ghost driven. That’s good stuff!
My life has been blessed. I’m happily married to my husband for life, Trevor, and I’ve been blessed with three beautiful daughters Jasmine, Zenobia and Treva. I also have a close circle of family and friends who I love dearly and who love me. God has also blessed me with various talents and abilities that I have also used in his service. I graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a BS in Accounting. I’ve used this accomplishment to help in my church and to help teach and counsel others who have found themselves in financial bondage through a lack of knowledge. I also like to draw and paint a talent I used to design the Advent logo for Minute to Midnight. I also enjoy building model cars. I have a fondness for Corvettes built in the 60’s.
When it’s all said and done, what I really want is for my life to have been a living testimony about what the Lord can do in someone who’s willing to be used in his service. I want it said that I lived my life in a way that inspired others to seek and find the source of my strength. There’s a guy on TV who asks the question at the end of each interview he does; if heaven exists what would you want the Lord to say to you when you get there. Well, Heaven does exist and when I see Jesus, I want Him to smile at me and say “you’ve done what I asked, welcome home.”