“We support each other, talk about our faith, and share our testimonies.”

Craig Macartney
Spur Ottawa Writer

Holy Voice Coffee-Bookstore and Gifts is hosting an evening event featuring a range of local Christian performers. The store’s owners say they want to provide somewhere in the marketplace for Christians to connect, be encouraged, and be inspired by local artists.

“It’s good for us Christians to not just be in between the four walls of the church,” says Holy Voice co-owner, Djenane Najmanovich. “It’s good to do what we do in church, but somewhere else. God is everywhere.”

Holy Voice hosts different types of events every month, but they are launching a new event, July 7, at 7 p.m., called “Tell Your Story”. Najmanovich says the idea behind Tell Your Story is to invite painters, poets, rappers, and singers to share their art and their testimonies.

“It’s a great opportunity for artists who are serving in their church, but don’t have the platform there to share their talent. We call it Tell Your Story, because we believe in the power of sharing testimonies. We support each other, talk about our faith, and share our testimonies.”

“The Master said in Mathew 28:19, ‘go everywhere.’” Photo courtesy of Holy Voice Coffee-Bookstore and Gifts.

Joe Gez, a francophone rapper scheduled to perform at the event, says his involvement with past events at Holy Voice helped spur him to be involved in music ministry. Seeing the effect of the event on those attending, Gez realized how much it was needed and decided to fully invest his time and talents to make a difference.

“The Master said in Mathew 28:19, ‘go everywhere,’ so I believe the market is part of this ‘everywhere’,” Gez explains. “What I like about this upcoming event is the idea of sharing His testimony with others, because it’s always edifying to hear who Christ has been to others, through difficult times.”

Beyond the encouragement to fellow Christians, previous events have seen non‑Christian youth inspired to turn away from crimes they were planning to commit and, in some cases, become Christians.

“Just two months ago, one man came back and gave his life to Christ, right in front of me,” Najmanovich states. “He told me he was touched by what happened [at the event] and he bought his first Bible, here, at Holy Voice. It was really amazing.”

The event costs $5 at the door, which includes free Caribbean fruit punch all evening.

“I want to see the Christian community come and participate more in these nights, not for us, but to increase the Body. We are so divided already, there are so many denominations and divisions. Holy Voice is a place that is neutral, where all we want to do is preach the gospel and worship God.”

“All we want to do is preach the gospel and worship God.” Photo courtesy of Holy Voice Coffee-Bookstore and Gifts.