If someone had asked any local music fan ten years ago, who was the leading gospel artiste in Guyana, their answer would most likely have been “Eion Greaves”.
Ten years on, the man who played an instrumental role in transforming the local gospel music industry, is in another country but is still spreading his message of God’s love.
The singer, who gained popularity locally with his album ‘Restoration’ which included the hit tunes “I Have a Plan” and “Restoration”, is currently residing in Maryland, USA. He has been living there for the last eight years with his wife Kim and children.
In a recent interview with The Scene, Eion Greaves spoke at length of God’s goodness to him since his migration. He said when he first arrived in the USA it required readjustment as it was a bit difficult in a country where people had a different interpretation of Christianity from what he had been accustomed. However, he said, one of his mottos is: “If you don’t see a model be a model” and that is what he has attempted to be.
He works with the New Life Worship Center where he is one of the pastors in the church. He has been travelling to different states holding concerts and also conferences and has even made a few trips to the Bahamas.
He has also been working on his music and is currently putting the finishing touches to two new albums that he plans to release shortly.
Throughout his interview, it was clear that Eion was very grateful for the support he got back home particularly from Pastor Claude Brooks and the leadership and members of the Love and Faith World Outreach Ministries where he was a member and one of the leaders in the church. He singled out Pastor Brooks who he said “released him to fulfil the purpose God had for him in the USA”.
Eion is also grateful for the support he receives from his family. His wife of 20 years, Kim, works with him, while his three children are all involved in the performing arts. His eldest child, Jonathan is currently studying in Omaha, Nebraska, where he is on a music scholarship, while his two daughters are accomplished dancers.
Although he has not been back to Guyana since his departure, Eion plans on making a trip to Guyana very soon. In spite of his lengthy absence, he is very aware of what is happening in the gospel arena in Guyana and is even in contact with some of the local artistes.
He is particularly pleased with the progress of gospel music in Guyana and had some words of advice for the gospel singers. He urges them to maintain the purity that God has given them and not to change their style since the world is waiting to see what will come out of Guyana. He also stressed the importance of submitting to godly leadership.
Eion also had some words of encouragement for all Guyanese. He said that “in spite of all the challenges and difficulties that Guyana may be facing, that God still has a plan for this land.” alastair23@yahoo.com
