Tyler Perry seldom grants much access to his groundbreaking Atlanta-based Tyler Perry Studios complex. But on March 18, the top grossing black film maker, urban theater czar and TV production maverick made an exception for Bishop Neil C. Ellis.
Ellis, who helms the 7000 member Full Gospel Baptist Church in the Bahamas, brought out a who's who Atlanta for his book signing and launch of 'Pursuing the Glory,' which reveals the various dimensions of God's glory, and how to prepare, receive and maintain both the power and presence of God in life.
In the tome, Ellis specifically discusses the revelation of glory that came to him, after vocal cord surgery in 2007 where he was literally in a place of silence for over 16 weeks.
"I resolved in my mind that while I didn't really understand what God was doing in my life. I had to submit to the process,," he shared.
From Atlanta radio jock Frank Ski to legendary movie producer Reuben Cannon, athletes, actors and actresses and media elite showed up to find out more about the 'Glory.'
Former 'Living Single' actress Kim Fields, who currently directs 'Meet the Browns,' was also on hand at the event, as well as comedian Sheryl Underwood, who is penning several gospel plays.
The feisty funnywoman said she took a red eye trip from Los Angeles to be a part of day-long program. "I couldn't miss this," she told BV Newswire. "And, Bishop Ellis and his wife both knew who I was. I'm so happy to have been in this room and a part of this."
Actress Terri Vaughn, formerly of 'The Steve Harvey Show,' took part in the event, reading an excerpt from the book on not being afraid of voicing your love for Christ. "A lot of people feel uncomfortable," she said. She added that working on Tyler Perry's 'Meet the Browns' -- which is produced int he Atlanta-area studios -- has been an experience that encourages this. "I love being here. Just walking through the offices and [people answering back] 'Oh I'm blessed,' and praying together as a cast and crew."
Ellis was extremely grateful for the opportunity to host his event at the largest and first African-American motion picture production complex in the world.
"I'm delighted that God so ordered our footsteps that the launch should be here," he said. "It speaks to the glory of God himself. Look at this place and think about the story of Tyler Perry and where he was just six years ago. He's a believer in Christ and when the glory of god hits your life, dreams come alive."
"The glory has been launched from an environment of glory."
On March 29, Ellis will appear alongside Perry and the cast of the upcoming 'Why Did I Get Married Too' at the film's Atlantis Resort movie premiere in the Bahamas, where portions of the movie were filmed.
He also has plans to head out on a book tour for 'Pursing the Glory' starting April 7 at Bethel Baptist Church in Jacksonville.
