Former cricketer Richard Staple is using the word of the Lord to inspire listeners not only with his most recent songs but also with his Kingdom Mission gospel concert series.

The artiste has represented Jamaica and his alma mater St Elizabeth Technical High as a batsman and bowler.

Staple’s Praise Di Lord, featuring his children Rhianna and Robert, and Highest Praise, a collaboration with gospel deejay Papa San and Nigeria’s De Stanly Brothers both focus on giving thanks to God.

“Praise Di Lord is about thanking God for everything, both the big and the small,” Staple told the Jamaica Observer on Thursday. “We often take His blessings for granted, but everything we have comes from Him. He is worthy of our praise.”

The family collaboration happened unexpectedly. Staple had originally intended to collaborate with three female vocalists, but when they were unavailable, his children joined him at the recording session.

While recording the song at the studio the producer encouraged the Staple siblings to record the harmonies.

“They were reluctant at first, but they did an amazing job,” Staple said. “Robert has an incredible vocal range, while Rhianna has a beautiful melodic tone. It became a very special family moment.”

Staple shared that the collaboration with Papa San was a career milestone for him.

“He was one of my favourite deejays growing up,” said Staple. “He didn’t have to work with someone new to gospel music, but he did. Beyond his success, what stood out most was his humility, professionalism, and love for God.”

Staple credits his years as a cricket captain with helping to shape his approach to music.

“Leadership taught me responsibility, teamwork, and recognising people’s strengths. I’ve carried those lessons into my music ministry,” he said.

Staple plans to release an EP later this summer which will consist of new collaborations with Golda McFarlane and the De Stanly Brothers.

He is also continuing his Kingdom Mission Series concerts while hosting his weekly Monday radio programme.

“My greatest desire is to see Jamaicans uplifted and guided by truth,” he said. “We’re a gifted people, and when we put God first there’s nothing we cannot accomplish.”

Commenting on the Kingdom Mission series of concerts, which are being hosted in several boroughs in New York, Staple said: “These shows we are having this summer in the rural areas of Brooklyn and Queens are hosted by Timeless Gospel Radio. The idea behind them is to bring the message of the gospel through songs and testimonies.”

Staple also hosts a programme on Timeless Gospel Radio in New York, called Scripture to Reality. It is also streamed live on his social media platforms.

Now residing in Queens, New York, Staple said he gave his life to the Lord during his teenage years.

“It was in my early to mid-teens and my mom was having devotion with us, and she said that hell is so hot, you could feel the heat, so you could say it was that fear of going to hell and the love of Christ, who paid the penalty for my sin. I did not understand fully, but in later years, as I matured, I understood more,” said Staple.

He worships at the St Alban’s Christian Assembly in Queens, New York.