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There are many times in our lives that we face trials and obstacles that seem so unfair that we question God. Many people use these tragedies and hardships as an excuse to self destruct. Yet, there are others who shine in these difficult times. There are those that find God's will and search after Him even more. Jonathan White is just this type of man. In 1991, Jonathan was married to Sheila. However, despite this happy time in his life, tragedy soon struck his family.

“Nine months after I was married, May 16, 1992 to be exact, a drunk driver ran a red light going 90 MPH and hit my parent's car,” recalled Jonathan. “My father died instantly, and my mother lived for 16 days in the hospital and then went on home to Heaven.”

Despite having only been married nine months, Jonathan and his wife Sheila took on a new role, as both his 10 year old sister and 16 year old brother were now under their care.

“It was amazing how much the Lord took care of us during this time,” said Jonathan.

It seemed like the White's were entering a new, brighter phase of life when they found out that Sheila was pregnant the year following his parents' accident.

“We were so excited, because we were thinking that this would help heal the hurt that had been caused by losing my parents,” said Jonathan.

However, the doctors did not have good news for the Whites. Jonathan and Sheila were soon informed after their daughter's birth that the baby more than likely had Down Syndrome.

“I was angry, thinking that God had given us second best,” said Jonathan. “However, I have found that God knows exactly what he is doing, and He gave us the very best that he had. Brittany has been a wonderful blessing to us and many others.”

Despite these tragedies, Jonathan has pressed on and followed after God's calling on his life. It was his parent's who encouraged Jonathan at a young age to begin singing. That is all it took. Jonathan fell in love with it and knew that God had given him a gift to use for His kingdom. Jonathan has definitely seen God moving him forward in his ministry.

“God has really been pushing me full time. He has been filling all the bare spots fast. Questions are being answered on a daily basis. Traveling with my family has really opened a lot of doors and I'm able to minister in more and more churches,” states Jonathan.

Jonathan has also been blessed with the opportunity to sing in a wonderful trio, Mencer, White and Cheney. He does say that there is a big difference in singing with a group and going solo.

“I feel more freedom as a soloist. I can go any direction God leads during a service without having to worry about song selection. I also get to sit down and share from my heart. I can really be myself.”

When asked just what was on his heart and the message he liked to share, Jonathan was more than happy to share.

“The main thing is that no matter what, God loves us. We all experience things in life that seem unfair but what is more unfair than God giving up his only son?. What is more unfair than Jesus giving up the glories and wonders of Heaven to come to Earth only to be betrayed, beaten, tortured and ultimately killed in the most degrading way known to man? That's unfair. When you look at it like that, it really makes all the things we experience here on Earth pretty trivial. It's all about 1 Cor. 13:13. God's love transcends all other things.”

Jonathan's family plays a very important role in his ministry.

“After Mom and Dad died it brought us closer and has made it much more special. My wife is the most important thing in my ministry. Austin (who will be nine) really enjoys singing with me. He is really beginning to feel it and even starts to tear up.”

Jonathan also got to experience one of the greatest things in his life after one of his concerts.

“I actually got to lead Austin to the Lord. It was a tremendous experience. He has decided that he either wants to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or a singer.

Jonathan's daughter Brittany has played a major role in his ministry as well. He has written a song for her called “ Brittany 's Song (Down Right Beautiful)”. This song along with a couple others will be going on a CD that Jonathan's ministry is sending to hospitals for parents with handicapped children. All costs of this project are being covered entirely by Jonathan.

“There are parents out there that are going through the same thing Sheila and I did. They need to know that there is hope and a God that can work through any situation.”

Jonathan has had an incredible 2004. His single release, “The Passion of the Christ,” reached the #1 spot on the SoGospelNews weekly chart for 3 weeks in a row and has been voted fan favorite for nine straight weeks. To top off this song's great success, Jonathan has also been nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year in SoGospelNews 2005 Music Awards.

“I am blown away by all that has happened. This has been an incredible year. Radio and Phillip Emery with DJ Man Promotions has been a huge help and deserves most of the credit for this year's success. And, having great songs from great songwriters is a big plus” adds Jonathan.

The success Jonathan has experienced this last year didn't happen over night. It comes from years of hard work and a ton of sacrifice. When asked what advice he had for those trying to make it he states…

“I have been a soloist since 1993. I sang every opportunity I got no matter what! One person happened to hear me at this little church and that opened a lot of doors for me. Forget about starting out with a flat. Sometimes you have to forget about singing for any compensation. You have to sing every opportunity you are given. You have to make sacrifices to reach larger goals. It is also very important to be yourself. Don't try to copy someone else's style or voice. Good production is essential in the album making process and it's very important to do original material. Don't do all cover tunes. But, the most important thing as I stated before is to sing anywhere anytime you can no matter what.”

Growing up Jonathan was influenced by Johnny Cook and the late great Vestal Goodman. As he got older he says he fell in love with Michael English. “Not only is English one of the greatest singers of all time, he can produce the fire out of an album.”

Jonathan is a true hero. In a world that desperately needs one. He has overcome great tragedies and huge obstacles all the while keeping God the focus of he and his family's lives. Not only is he one of the best voices in all of music today, he is truly a man of God and a great person.

Jonathan will also be a featured performer at the 6th Annual Gospel Music Fan Festival.

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