Vocalist/pianist Peter coming to HOP

Neville Peter, composer and performer of Christian music, will be in concert at House of Prayer, 2925 Pat Colwell Road, Blairsville, on Sunday, May 4, at the 6:00 p.m. service.

Neville has a wide musical background, having studied at the University of Miami where he received his BA in Studio Music and Vocal Jazz. While in college he received an award from Down Beat Magazine for best National College Jazz Male Vocalist of the Year. During this time he began performing on South Beach and other clubs in the Miami area. Neville has toured with Cassandra Wilson and has worked with Gladys Knight. When Gladys heard a recording of him singing his original music, she said that he was destined for the Grammies. In 1998, Neville felt called to leave the secular music scene and commit his music to God. He has written over 100 Gospel songs and has had the privilege of sharing the stage with Bishop T.D. Jakes, Gladys Knight, Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, Natalie Cole, Shirley Caesar, Richard Smallwood, Kurt Carr, Bebe Winans, and many others. He has performed at the White House, Carnegie Hall and appeared on many television programs including, TBN's "Praise the Lord" program, I-Gospel with Alicia Williamson, Celebration of Praise with Ron Rosson, and Cynthia and Friends.

When Neville was six months old he was diagnosed with Glaucoma, which is a very painful disease that causes nerve damage in the eyes. At the time, not much could be done to stop the disease or to repair the damage already done. Neville cannot remember ever being able to see perfectly, but he is thankful to God that he had the privilege of some sight for the first 12 years of his life. During an interview he was asked "If new technology were developed that would allow you to regain your sight, would you want to take advantage of it?" His answer gives insight into his love for the Lord. He paused and thought and then said, "Well, yes and no. Yes, because it would be nice to be able to get into my car and just go wherever I want without having to depend on other people, but no, because I think it would be really cool if the first face that I see is the face of Jesus."

His two favorite bible verses are Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and Isaiah 42:16, "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them. I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." His greatest joy is to use his music to introduce people to the Savior and to show them how to get ready for His soon return. The best description of Neville's music is that, "It ministers to the soul and quiets the troubled spirit."