Arnold “Issiah” Haynes’ life is a testimony in itself. Born in Wilmington, NC and raised in Charlotte, NC, Issiah began his ministry in song at the age of 5. He sang in the church choir led by his mother, Sylvia. However, it wasn’t until the age of 14 that he realized that he had a God given gift of song that could be used to minister and encourage others. It was then that Issiah began singing in different churches around Charlotte, N.C. and became a member of the youth choir at Salem Missionary Baptist Church. At Salem, he began to study music and write lyrics for songs the choir would later sing during services.He also discovered that he had a talent and a heart for reaching young people with his music. Issiah later joined the military at 17 and served in Iraq during the war in April, 2003. In November, 2003, while in Iraq he was hit by a roadside bomb, and almost lost his life. Through many months of recovery, he had time to reflect and realize his God given purpose, which is to minister the gospel to people through song. Although, he had been seriously injured, he still had his voice, and his passion for ministry through song only increased. He felt in his heart that music was what he was supposed to do, to get the message out about our Lord and Savior. Since that time, Issiah had become apart of a group called the Chamber Choir, which helped him mature musically. In 2004, he joined independent label Don-T Records and wrote and recorded on two gospel compilation releases as a featured artist on “Walk with Christ” (2004) and “Holy Heat, Vol 1” (2007). His song off the “Holy Heat, Vol. 1” compilation “My Purpose” has been selected to be featured in an independent film called “Motion Music” (2007). The songs that Issiah has written and performed, “Put Your Hands Up”, “Lord I Need Your Help”, “My Purpose”, and “God Speaks Life” have been well received wherever he has appeared. He continues to perform at many churches, events and venues with his ministry to spread the gospel at any and every opportunity. The words in his songs are gospel, however, his sound can be categorized as contemporary, not traditional, with an R&B vibe. This sound is what he can relate to and understands that his ministry is geared toward those that need something other than the traditional sound to reach them. His influences are Fred Hammond, Dietrich Haddon, Donald Lawrence, Smokie Norful and Yolanda Adams. Issiah is based out of Atlanta, GA and has released his new gospel single “For the Worshipers” from his upcoming CD “Personal” due January, 2008. This CD reflects his personal relationship with God and his need to share his ministry and testimony with others.