James Earl Wilson: A Gospel Artist’s Miraculous Journey of Redemption and Faith
Behind many Gospel songs is a testimony. But it would be hard to find an artist who is a living, breathing example of their song more than James Earl Wilson. Surviving a serious drug and alcohol addiction (and overdose), a plunge from the top of a three-story building, a literal stabbing in the back, and his own “George Floyd” incident which resulted in an out-of-body experience, it’s simply the grace of God that has kept him in the land of the living.
Music has always played an important role in Gospel Artist James’ life. Born on the “wrong side of the tracks in the City by the Bay,” James found music as an escape, a way to cope with the harsh realities of his life. When James’ parents relocated to the Hunters Point neighborhood, notably Minnesota Street, their lives were drastically changed. “It was a very troubled, crime-ridden area. As a matter of fact, it was that exact same neighborhood – right around the corner from where we lived – where my father was gunned down. After his passing, life was tough, but as a family, we made it through, only by the grace of God”, James says. When his father was murdered, James was 13 years old.
The loss of James’ father took a huge toll on the family, forcing his mother to raise his brothers and sisters on her own. Unfortunately, James found himself spending time on the streets; it was the start of a downward spiral. “I was living fast, doing the wrong things and hanging out with the wrong people. Living in a rough neighborhood – and primarily, the murder of my father – put me on a dangerous path. It was a destructive path that began with experimentation and eventual addiction to drugs and alcohol. My life just spun out of control once he was shot and killed. The enemy used that pain against me, but all I can say now is, “But God”.
After a miraculous intervention by God where the taste of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes was taken from him instantaneously and a multi-year sentence in prison, James eventually fully committed his life to the Lord.
A husband, father and grandfather, James is relentless in his role as an evangelist and minstrel. His debut project, There’s No One Like Jesus, was released in 2019, including songs like the inspirational title tune, the track “Marching Into Zion” and the declarative “Jesus Has The Power”. Other songs like “Celebrate Jesus” and “Walk with Jesus” continue to showcase this artist’s love for the Lord. Moving tunes like “Put Your Trust In God” and “God Is In Control” make it clear that James is firm in his faith in God. His new single, “Lord So Amazing” is another gem. “I always want to include God in my songs,” James says. “Some choose to use ‘He’ and ‘Him’ in their lyrics, but I want people to know – when they hear my songs – that I am talking about Jesus.”
Tell us about the moment God intervened miraculously for you- the “turning point.”
My turning point was God Himself. Even though I was getting high and getting drunk, something on the inside of me knew that I was greater than the drugs and the drink. I remember calling out to the Lord one day; it was on that day that I became so tired of repeating the same old thing over and over. I became tired of living that way. So I called out to the Lord to help me. I knew of God because I had gone to church when I was young. But it wasn’t until that day that I called out to Him from my heart and wanted to have a relationship with God. At that moment, there was a real cry in my heart. I was serious about changing my life and the Lord heard me. My life changed that day, and I have never been the same. I am ever so grateful.
Concerning ministry, what are you most passionate about?
When it comes to ministry, I am passionate about winning souls for Christ. I remember when I was seeking salvation, I searched for a church that really and truly preached and taught the word of God. And during my search for a church, I encountered some good churches, but it wasn’t until I visited Faith Church that I knew I had found my church home. It was there where the Lord filled me with His Holy Spirit. So I joined and have remained there ever since because the word of God is taught there. In addition to sharing my music ministry there, I am also a minister of the Gospel there as well.
How are you now making a difference in other people’s lives?
I am helping and impacting the lives of others in the things that I say, in word and in song. I believe my sermons and my music are encouraging others. I enjoy going to the jails and singing and sharing my testimony with inmates, both women and men. I hope that what I say to them will help them – both inside and outside of prison. I do what I do because the Lord helped me.
As a gospel artist, what message do you want your songs to spread throughout the earth?
The songs the Lord has given me tell of His love. I want people to feel the love of the Lord in my songs. They speak of His protection as well. Every song I have been given includes Bible verses. Every song. My hope is to bring people to Christ; that’s the reason why all my songs contain scripture. Bringing lost souls to the Lord is the purpose of my music ministry.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the Promoting Purpose readers?
As a child of the King, my main goal is to win as many souls as possible. I want to bring them to the Light and pull them away from the Darkness. I want to let them know that God truly loves them. All praise goes to Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the mission He’s given me. Amen.
For more information on James Earl Wilson, log on to www.jamesearlwilson.com. You can connect with him on Facebook and Instagram.