IN 2000 she lit up up the gospel festival stage to take home the top prize with her entry I’ll Make It Through The Valley.

Her powerful voice complemented by her personality ensured Lewis took the prize.

Eleven years later and Noreta Lewis is still as committed to the cause of reaching souls for Christ through her music ministry.

“I have been on the battlefield for a while and some of my challenges are great including keeping focus on the ministry that has been given to me,” she shared adding that “The detractors are many but through it all, I have learnt to trust in Jesus and keep my head above the waters!”

For Lewis overcoming challenges come with its rewards as she says, “The rewards have been awesome, especially when someone can testify of what has happened to them while I minister.”

Lewis emphasised how music can ‘reach into your soul’ and bring about a change and for that reason she says she will continue to use her voice to effect that transformation.

“Music is the most powerful entity that one can use to relate to people. The secular music seem to be on the forefront because it is easier for people in general; especially young people to gravitate towards slackness and the catchy rhythms. A lot of them can relate to what the lyrics of these songs are saying because of the way they were socialised and they, therefore deemed the lewdness as norms, sad,” bemoans Lewis as she shared what positive music can do.

“My motto is ‘If I can help somebody as I go along, then my living will not be in vain’. I have had people telling me how they had planned to commit suicide but after listening to a testimony or song from me they are able to change their minds,” the gospel singer told Observer.

Since copping the JCDC Gospel award Lewis says things has been going well for her.

“Musically, I have been doing greater than expected. I have been on quite a number of shows across the island repeatedly, performed extensively internationally in places such as the USA, Canada, Antigua and the Cayman Islands alongside such international and local gospel greats as Shirley Caesar, Ron Kennoly, Alvin Slaughter, Nicole C Mullen among others.”

Lewis is now looking forward to releasing her first album.

“The album should be released sometime this year. I have not finalised the title yet but it might be called A New Vessel or I’ll Make It,” she informed. She says the album will comprise 14 tracks –mostly traditional songs with upbeat flavour with a few cover versions.

Two of her recent releases are I Know and Satan Lose which Lewis says she has been garnering some ‘awesome’ responses. “Persons are really anticipating the album,” she said.

Lewis had words of wisdom for upcoming gospel acts and it is “keep your focus on the reason you are called and what you are about.”

Lewis, presently a music education teacher, attends the Full Truth Church of God in Eastern Kingston.

According to Lewis, her goal is to be the role model for the next generation. “As young people, we need to eliminate these songs that are negative and encourage young people through songs that preach salvation and hope through Jesus Christ.”

On Saturday, July 9 Noreta Lewis will be in action at the Denbigh High School in Clarendon.