The southern gospel artist and songwriter from West Virginia, Joyce Igo, will perform during 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship on Sunday, Sept. 2, at Russell United Methodist Church., 17 N. Main St., Russell.
As a child, Joyce longed to travel, singing gospel music penned from her hand. Today she is living the dream covering a large segment of the United States and Canada. And God has expanded her territory. This year it is off to Europe, South and Central America.
For many years Joyce worked in local churches with her pastor husband, Denver, who died in 2000. She served as youth and children's ministry leader, played piano and organ, sang and played for vocal groups, and taught all age groups in Sunday School. In 1992, Joyce began the journey of being in a full time and solo music ministry. Soon she was singing from Arizona to Maine, and Canada to Florida. God has kept opening doors, and in 2012 she is celebrating her 20th year in ministry.
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Joyce Igo
Today she keeps the ministry non-denominational and crosses cultural and racial barriers with ease. "The message is the same," Joyce says. "The presentation may be different, but it's always about Christ." In recent years, she has been speaking to women's conferences, and her humor and "down to earth" style has been well received.
Joyce is an independent artist and has recorded with Horizon Music Group and in recent years with Rushing Winds Recording Studio. Both studios are in North Carolina. She has her own record label and music publishing company. She has written at least two hundred songs, some which have been released nationally to radio stations. Her songs have received favorable response from DJs, musicians, and listeners alike.
She has made one mission trip to Portugal. In 2008, she journeyed to Israel, and was able to sing in that land. In 2011, she started ministering in Mexico, and this year she has already completed a tour to Ecuador where she ministered to the indigenous people. Also, this year she was the guest speaker for a woman's retreat in Rome, Italy. There are two more mission trips planned for 2012, and she has plans to take her style of music where ever the Lord opens a door.
Joyce has become a favorite as a speaker for women's conferences. "Women, today, are stressed, trying to juggle family, marriage, and careers, and still have time for a quality relationship with Christ," Joyce says "God's Word is still relevant for the needs of today."
The Children of Elijah Intercession Group is also popular. This is a prayer group founded by Joyce Igo in 2006 to pray for ministers, ministries, and their families. It has come to include all the needs of God's family. It is non denominational, and includes prayer warriors from all walks of life.
Joyce's country, down home southern style, leaves audiences laughing, shedding a few tears, and challenged to know and serve Jesus Christ.