Gospel News & Notes

 'We Rejoice In The Destination'
Two-thousand-plus Mourners, 100,000-Plus Online Viewers Send MaLinda Sapp Home
By Terry Deboer, The Grand Rapids Press

Posted at mlive.com
Friday, September 17, 2010

Pastors, local officials and gospel music artists from throughout the country were on hand, amidst tears, shouts, songs, and tender tributes at the "Homegoing Service" for MaLinda Sapp on Thursday at Resurrection Life Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

MaLinda Sapp, wife of gospel singer and local pastor Marvin Sapp, died September 9 following an 18-month struggle with colon cancer.

"This is a test of our faith," said Rev. Jesse Jackson, who was one of more than a dozen pastors and evangelists who spoke during the nearly four-hour service.

"We are pained in the transition, but we rejoice in the destination," he told more than 2,000 mourners.

Marvin Sapp and Jonathan Dunn perform 'Here I Am' at the homegoing service for MaLinda Sapp. Video courtesy of Grand Rapids Press, Resurrection Life Church and mlive.com.

Several community leaders also spoke, including Grand Rapids Police Chief Kevin Belk and Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra music director David Lockington. Joining Jonathan Dunn onstage, Marvin Sapp also performed part of his hit song "Here I Am," which MaLinda, on her death bed, called "her song."

Among gospel music artists who performed in tributes were Israel Houghton, Karen Clark Sheard and Donnie McClurkin. Two of the Sapp's three children, Mikaila, 13, and Madison, 11, read a poem "Footprints in the Sand."

Sheard offered a rousing version of the Dottie Rambo classic "I Go to the Rock." Award-winning artist Houghton sang his new single, "You Hold My World." Lyrics were projected on the screen for those in attendance to sing along.

Karen Clark Sheard performs the Dottie Rambo classic, 'I Go To The Rock' at the homegoing service for MaLinda Sapp. Video courtesy of Grand Rapids Press, Resurrection Life Church and mlive.com.

McClurkin, who is also a pastor in Freeport, N.Y., sang the resolute ballad "Stand."

Jonathan Dunn sang Marvin Sapp's hit "Here I Am," and Sapp joined Dunn on stage in the performance.

Mrs. Sapp, a licensed psychologist and college instructor, also served with her husband as a pastor at Lighthouse Full Life Center Church on Burton St. SE. Her funeral, which was live streamed and viewed by more than 100,000 people online, was held at Resurrection Life Church.

Marvin and MaLinda Sapp's children Mikaila, 13, and Madison, 11, read the poem 'Footprints In The Sand' at the homegoing service for their mother. Video courtesy of Grand Rapids Press, Resurrection Life Church and mlive.com.

The main eulogy was given by Bishop I.V. Hilliard, of New Light Christian Center of Houston, Tex.

"God is able to bring comfort through the prayers of his people," he noted in his nearly half-hour address. "She (MaLinda) has got a promotion, and we're not going to deny her."

Presiding at the Homegoing service was the Rev. Marvin L. Winans, a longtime Sapp family friend and pastor of Perfecting Church in Detroit.

"We've learned that over a hundred thousand people are watching this service online," Winans told the crowd of the streamed presentation.

He concluded the service by singing the gospel chorus "Just Enough."

Pastor Donnie McClurkin performs 'Stand' at the homegoing service for MaLinda Sapp. Video courtesy of Grand Rapids Press, Resurrection Life Church and mlive.com.

Hundreds of members of the Sapps Lighthouse Full Life Center Church were witness to the service.

"MaLinda made every one feel so loved, and so welcome," recalled Lighthouse member Sharon Hill, who attended the service with her husband, Jeffrey, and daughter Joi. "That is truly a God-given gift."

The family has designated memorial contributions to: Grand Rapids Ellington Academy of Arts & Technology c/o Mercantile Bank of Michigan 4860 Broadmoor Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512.