Sentenced to 20 years in prison at the age of 16 for selling drugs, Charles Bonner thought his life was over. God had other plans.
Through God’s provision, Bonner served less than a year of his sentence. Promising to serve God faithfully, Bonner re-entered the community with a determination not to return to drugs.
Bonner had tried during his childhood to avoid the lure of drugs and gang life and during his formative years he was actively involved at First Baptist Church, Ensley, where he was baptized as a child.
However, when his only father figure died, Bonner, 12, decided selling drugs would be his means of support. For four years Bonner tried to take control of his life by selling drugs in Birmingham. “My family was known for drugs. My uncle would go out and meet the boat and bring the drugs back.”
Not only was Bonner a well known drug kingpin in Birmingham by the time he was 16, he was also the father of four children. Looking back with remorse, Bonner realizes the truth of those years.
“Once you give yourself over to the devil, he’ll let you think you are in control, but you are not. The devil wants to keep you long enough to take your life,” Bonner said.
After leaving prison, Bonner got his GED and started to work at a furniture store. Soon afterward he was promoted to manager. By the age of 20, Bonner had four stores of his own. With his success came remembrances from his drug experience. Again captivated by worldly desires, Bonner retreated from serving God. As quickly as his success had come it dwindled, leaving Bonner with failing stores and a broken promise to God.
“I was flat on my back before I sold out to God. I thought I could do anything. But without the King of kings, I can’t do anything,” Bonner said.
Led to Christ by the testimony of his present pastor, Sherry Conner, Bonner began to use his God-given talent, rapping. Although Bonner had rapped as a child, the rapping took on a new perspective for him. “To me rap means raise a praise to Jesus,” Bonner said.
“God inspired me to start rapping,” the 25-year-old musician said with emphasis.
Bonner’s ministry name is Big Prophet. In just three years, Big Prophet has spread the gospel through his music, which is based solely on his testimony. Big Prophet believes all things are ordained, and his ministry is no exception. God’s blessing on his ministry has led Big Prophet to the completion of his first CD release, “War on the Devil” with TFA (TíFay) Records, which was released March 15.
The 15-song CD is dedicated to Big Prophet’s brother who was killed during a drug deal. “This is a way of honoring my brother by saving souls because of that lost soul,” Big Prophet said. He explained that his brother, who was a millionaire drug dealer, was shot in the back of the head. He said that he was able to share Christ with his brother’s suspected killer.
All of Big Prophet’s life is centered on his ministry. “These songs are my life, my testimony. My ministry is all about winning souls to Jesus,” Big Prophet said.
Big Prophet, an Adamsville resident, has spent the last three years traveling around the United States sharing his music and testimony. He has appeared on shows including the Stellar Awards and Bobby Jones Gospel. Recently he opened for the NBA All-Star Game in Washington D.C. He is starring in a Christian movie, “Brother Lane’s Last Call,” which will premiere this spring.
Big Prophet spends a great amount of time in another avenue of his ministry, Special Forces for Jesus Outreach Ministry, which ministers to prison inmates. The 50–member congregation meets every day of the week, and Big Prophet spends time working with his church to reach a population of which he was once a part.
Big Prophet has also worked with B-Moe, designer of B-MOE APPAREL, to assist in promoting the clothing line. B-Moe is a positive clothing line that encourages people, especially youth, to be the best in all they do in life.
Although Big Prophet’s ministry covers many areas, his passion lies in reaching today’s youth for Jesus. His goal is to use his music to reach the youth who would not be attracted by other types of Christian music. The goal is to bring youth to Jesus using the style of music they like minus the worldly influences.
“We have to replace all that junk with something godly. My music is just part of the process,” Big Prophet said. Big Prophet will begin touring and promoting his CD later this spring.
Until then he wants to focus on ministry in the Birmingham area before he goes on tour with TFA. Big Prophet is willing to appear at any function to speak or perform whether it is a small Bible study, church service, special events or convention.
For booking information, Big Prophet can be reached at 205-862-5009.
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