This will serve as observations of my life and my beliefs and thoughts as a Christ follower and a devoted follower of my lord and saviour Jesus Christ. This is something I am opening up to all of you to know that not all Christ followers are perfect. We are people as well. God will not take away all your hardships, but he will be there for you every time to wrap his loving arms around you and comfort and tell you, you will be ok for you have him in your heart. As long as you have him, you lack nothing. I hope this will allow you to see if nothing else what I see on my walk with Christ. My conversations with Him and my understanding of his undying love and compassion for us all.
The newer posts will be on top and the older ones below. I decided to put this in the category of Life because although it does have to do with religion and my philosphy, people tend to get wierded out by the idea of religion and really what I'm posting here is about Life and what Life has shown me.

POSTED AUGUST 17TH, 2008

I am going back to school. I turned down a position last yea to move to Tennesse and work as a pastor. This time it's different. I am finihing up the process and am enrolling in Calvary Chapel Bible College. I'll be majoring in Biblical Studies and Theology. Getting my Associates in Theology then possibly moving and enrolling at another University to get my Bachelors. I'm doing this all at my own pace. I feel compelled to bring mor people to the heart of Jesus. Christ offers Salvation, what better gift to offer

POSTED AUGUST 17TH, 2008

Life isn't always as perfect as we'd like it to be. But we need to make due with what we have and regardless of our past downfalls thereis one persn I have learned is always there for me to tell me I am still loved and part of him. I recently wrote a song for my next album titled "Dandelion in Heaven". I'm sure many of us feel this way. I see myself sometimes just wreaking havoc in God's garden. There's roses and violets and lillies and I'm a dandelion. I'm a weed but somehow he stil invited me into his place. We all at some point feel as though we are bad and are poisoning those around us. But I need to believe that we all have a purpose here.

If I'm here it's because my part is not done. When God is finished using me I'll die but so long as I'm breathing it's because God still has a purpose for me to fulfill. I've had the good fortune of doing so much in my life so far. And I know He was on my side the whole time. Now more than ever especially with me starting work on my worship album I see my purpose is far from over.

I recently heard a great sermon by Pastor Gordon of San Jacinto Assembly (formerly of SJA). And it opened my eyes to so much. I make it a point to be picky about who I hang with and I now know why. In life it's important to see past people's vices, addicitons, tattoos, piercings, sexual attractions. As Christians we are to be used by Christ. If we can't see past people and see the person and not the character trait, Gos will never be able to use us. I see people, and so many people do not.

I differentiate in that I know what it's like to not be seen, so I make it a point in life to see people and lobe them. Love them unconditionaly. Because who they are means nothing when put side by side with who they are in Christ.

I challenge all of you to see people. Open your eyes, see past their issues and see the person and love the person. Even God ate with the prostitutes and tax collectors. Who then are we to seperate ouselves from God's love for all his children....

POSTED DECEMBER 23RD, 2007

I had a hard time this year with coming to terms with both my life as a Christ-follower and my attraction to the same sex. It's very difficult coming from a Catholic upbringing, walking away from the church then returning to a Christian more Pentecostal faith.
I recently came to realize that I learn more and grow more as a follower of Christ when challenged. I was very much so challenged this year in finding out more about homosexuality as it relates to myself and the Christ following faith. I'll be honest, it isn't difficult coming to church and belonging to a group of shutouts and persecuted. It's easy when it's a question of race or sex, but a question of sexuality, you're pretty much screwed because even the fellow shutouts close the doors to you.
Within the confines of your own spiritual family you find out people's true colors. I was told I was disgusting and not wanted and not a child of God. WOW!!! This from a Christian, a fellow brother. Which leads me to this. If this is what a Christian consists of, I am proud to be a follower of Christ because it's obvious anyone off the street can be a Christian, but to truly follow christ and grow in him is a ever changing growth. I was told also that god didn't want me in his family if I was not reformed. Hmm, does this not shut out EVERYBODY. Everyone has their something to deal with they should be reforming from. If god only wanted perfection not a damned person would be in church. And I say damned instead of damn because as human beings we are stupid individuals who are constantly damning ourselves. But see this is the thing. The word of the Lord tells us he forgives. HE FORGIVES. It's our fellow brothers and sisters who have taken the liberty of becoming these judgemental pompous pricks. It's them who are selfrighteous and adopt this holier than thou attitude. They are the ones having difficulty with forgiveness. I have learned not to care about anothers oppinions, because I know God forgives and Jesus saves. My fellow brothers in the Lord are the ones who condemn. And what is condemnation really rather than a selfgratifying action in which people offset the fact that they themselves have fallen short of the grace of God by rolling it onto another. I am not a stupid person which is why I have prayed so much for these people who I "disgust".
How can we really be part of Christ's family when we are disgusted by our own, when we can't handle the fact that people are different. I took it upon myself to look into the Bible and have found that NOWHERE in the word does Jesus address the fact of homosexuality as it is seen today. In the times of Sodom and Gomorrah it can be seen as a very machismo thing they were doing in raping the men. It was not as it is today. Where nowadays homosexual relationships are based on love and compassion, and commitment and the desire for a reltionship. In the story of S&G it was very much to humiliate and exert power over others. There is a saying in Mexico "el puto es el que se deja" translated "the faggot is the one who lets himself"... sound familiar. It was all a very machismo thing. And sure it still exists some places but not as it did in biblical times. When I am in a relationship with a male it is not as it was in S&G.
Yes I know man strayed from the natural and went to the unnatural. But the natural for some is the same sex. Straying from the natural for me would be to be with a woman. well not really as I'm attracted to both sexes. But you get the point.
Sexual perversions do not apply specifically to homosexual behaviour. I think sexual perversions can translate to masturbation to pornographic material, to use of sexual toys, to fantasies play, to any position that is not military position, to whipped cream all of that is a perversion if you wanna get technical.

Romans chapter 2 verses 1-3 states."You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment?"

There it is. We have hypocrites in the church all the time and have had for years. The homosexual people have been beaten down by what one's ideas of church theology are. The word homosexual didn't even appear in the bible til I believe the early 50s. So what was it before than. I know homosexual marriages and or unions predate that by over 10 centuries. What the hell makes people think they can be these judges of what is and what is not right? What puts in their mind the idea that they are better than any of us. I will not succumb to that. I pray for everyone who has ever shut the door or judged one of their fellow homosexual brothers and sisters in the church. Who has ever shut the door to another. To you, YOU ARE NOT OF GOD. You can not call yourself of Christ if you cannot live the word and love one another. LOVE is all we are called to do. I am a servant to no other than Christ. However as a servant to Christ I am a servant also to the least of these for whatever action I take against my "family in christ, I do to god". To all of you out there who pass judgement and condemn others for their lifestyles only to hide it behind your idealogy know this. Hypocrisy has existed in the church for many many years. There were some before you and there will be more after you. However, know that you may have some people fooled but you can't fool Jesus, you can't fool the Lord, your Father.
Who the hell are we to judge what is right and wrong? I know many who take pride on telling you that it is part of being of Christ. You must run when you hear that because it is my experience that in the long runthey may as well be in bed with the enemy.

I know what I am called to do with my life. I was put here to love. Everything I do in my life is to show that there is love in my heart. Love for some that are unloved. I die a little every day in my work just to show that love still does exist. Genuine love. Christ's love. Christ's love is true. It is alive and it is in me pouring out. Look yourself in the mirror and if you cannot say the same please reexamine your view on how your living your life and how you're allowing others to live theirs.

Their are bigger issues than who you thing Peggy or Bob should be dating. Know we were put here to love, not to judge. Homosexuality is very different now than it was in Biblical time. Reexamine your views. Many people are still not willing to change their thoughts. Many are not willing to realize there is more to what we have been conditioned to believe. Learn for yourself. Seek for yourself. Don't go on what you have had drilled into your head. Christ was sent to love us and to save us. We were sent to love. But are we ready to love?

Are our hearts and minds and sould ready to love? And not just love, but love like Jesus loved. I've met people who get sick to their stomach when they find out about my sexuality. I very much doubt Jesus would've thought I was disgusting. All I say is homosexuality is not a sin.
Plain, simple and true. Homosexuality is NOT a sin.

I struggled with that for 26 years and now I am happy to say I am a Gay Christ Follower. I say Christ Follower to not confuse you with Christian. My faith and heart and dedication are to my God and my Saviour. My religion is a way of growing and learning  but not a way of believing. I believe in Christ. I worship the Lord, I do not worship my religion, I do not worship my beliefs.
Yes, I am gay among other things. I am a son, a grandson, an uncle, a brother, a cousin, a friend, a confidante, a former youth ministry member, an Ambassador to the United Nations Refugee Campaign, a fundraiser, an advocate for Gay rights, an Asexual, an advocate for reform to asylum law and legislation for hate crimes. I am a musician, a producer, a writer, a creator, a source of hope and inspiration. I am so many things and yes I am also a Gay Male.

But before all that let us not forget that before all of this I am a Child of God, I am a Christ Follower, I am a believer, and I am sent by God with a mission to show the world true genuine love still exists.

Joalby

POSTED AUGUST 7TH, 2007

Someone posted this in a bulletin. Well actually over 30 people I have seen alone have posted this and I HAD to address it. Sorry if it offends you.

~SAD NEWS~
Unfortunately, 96% of myspacers won't repost this. When Jesus died on the cross He was thinking of you. If you are one of the 4% who will stand up for Him then repost this with the title: SAD NEWS :(


JOALBY'S EVEN SADDER NEWS
Ok so I've been seing this on myspace for awhile. But I got to thinking and I didn't post it because it's all too damn fake. You know what the real sad news is. A lot of you guys out there are hypocrites and yeah you make a big deal over posting this so people can see you believe in God, but the Bible says to not be prideful of what you believe. Do not believe and do everything in your power only to impress others.
So I'm sorry everyone, but before you post this ask yourself honestly. How many of you actually read the Bible? How many of you pray every night? NOT JUST IN CHURCH. How many of you have a relationship with Christ? How many of you pray FOR OTHERS? How many of you GO TO CHURCH? It's easy to post a bulleting but let's not shit ourselves. A lot of us on here are full of crap and just post this so people can see and be impress by who we are. Get over your damn self already. Nobody is impressed by your beliefs. Be a true Christian. Be a true disciple and follower of Christ. Get over your selfpride for one minute and DON'T POST THIS. Instead pray that all the mindless thoughtless people who do post this get to the point where the relationship with God is established. I'm sick and tired of seeing this from 30+ people in one day. Many of whom do NOT go to church and will not go when I ask them to. Others who always have something else to do when God comes up.
GOD IS NOT STUPID. He is not impressed by your pretty little myspace page. You are fake, you are a hypocrite. You are lying to God and He does not like to be seen as a fool.
So if you wanna prove your love for God and Jesus Christ. READ THE BIBLE, PRAY AND GO TO CHURCH! END OF STORY!!!!!!

I think I said everything I had to.

POSTED MAY 26TH, 2007

I get irritated by hearing people ALL THE TIME telling me "Joalby, you don't understand why I do what I do" then they go on to tell me about their screwed up life. Their problems and such. I'm not heartless. Don't get me wrong. But NOONE CAN MAKE US A VICTIM EXCEPT OURSELVES. It took me a long time to learn this. My friend Janifer pretty much had to shout it at me through the phone before it caught on and I thank her so much for it because once we realize that we can grow and it has made me a completely changed person. Sometimes we need someone to grab us and yell at us and shake us and tell us we're being stupid and to get over ourselves.

In the same way from a Christian perspective this can be applied to cleanliness in God's eyes. In Mark 7 Jesus tells the Pharisees and disciples that nothing that we take in makes us unclean it's what we spew forth. So basicall what we have inside of us inflences, past and such is just that. Nothing more. It's what we let affect our heart that ruins it for us.

I know many people who blame their promiscuity, attitud, negativity and self defeating behaviors and actions on their childhood, their parents, abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, believe me every single thing you can think of I've heard it before. An absent parent, an overprotective parent. We're never happy. We need to cut this crap out and stop victimizing ourselves. Stop blaming outside infleunces for who you allowed yourself to be. If you're unclean then it's because YOU allow yourself to be so. Outside influences do not make us clean or not clean. They are only infleunces. When we allow our hearts to be controlled by it then it becomes a problem. But like I said it's when WE ALLOW it.

As Christians we need to learn to get over it, knock it off and stop making ourselves victims. As I learned and not quickly. It took me a few times of having it beaten into me almost that "Noone is going to make you a victim except you." I had to have her yell it to me through the phone several times for me to get it. Maybe you're not as hardheaded as me and just hearing it will help you. If that's the case KNOCK IT OFF stop welcoming this into you. 

Jesus says we will be saved of our uncleanliness. Why then would we want to keep going back to that?

 

POSTED APRIL 1ST, 2007
It's a beautiful day. - Thank you Lord Jesus
Today was a beauitful day. The temperature is perfect. It's nice and warm, which is strange cos I normally prefer the cold. But as I was walking out of the store I couldn't help but realize how tranquil and calm everything felt. There is a sense of peace and comfort I feel all around me right now.
The sun is out and it is just incredible. A beautiful day and I thank the Lord that I am able to see this.
Everyday I go on and can continue loving you as the Lord, my father I know I grow closer to you. Opening my heart to you has instilled a sense of peace and tranquility in my heart that I could not have otherwise possessed. You have been a father to me when I had none and a source of belief and inspiration when I was unispired and did not believe in me. You have truly taken me under your wings and led me on the path to a better life. I am better because of you.
To everyone reading this, you can have this as well by simply giving yourself over to the Lord your father. He shed his blood for you, because he loves you and believes in yo. he aches to have you in his heart and in his family. Let him wrap his arms around you and welcome you to a better life. Renounce whatever is restraining you from living a life for the Lord and ask yourself if all you're doing right now is worth not having your saviour and
father in your heart. It is not easy to go back to Christ but it will be the best choice you ever make. I had a very bad idea in my life of what a father was so it was hard for me to open myself up wholeheartedly because in my past experiences I knew not what a father was, as I never had my father around. I love the father figures I had in my life but it is different when you do not have a father with you. Knowing that I am now the son of the highest and allloving and accepting father has given me the strength to change my life.
You can do it too. EASTER SUNDAY is this coming weekend. I invite all of you to attend church services and hopefully allowing the love of the father and our family be poured out to you.

Jesus Loves You and so do I,
Joalby

I love this song. Performed by Maire Brennan. Maire/ Moya is elder sister to Enya. Her music is very spiritual and I have been a supporter of her for many years. This is one of my favourite songs. The song says "Only you can make me shine, Only you, can days be right
In your perfect time" and "I know You told me that I'm not alone, You know I couldn't do it on my own....Fill my heart with precious love, I know it's there to find"
This is what the Lord, our father wants for us. he wants to take us under his wing and forgive our past lives and erase that all and allow us the chance to start anew with him. ONLY HE CAN MAKE US SHINE. It doesn't matter how perfect your life is, if you do not have Jesus in your heart no amount of achievements will make you shine outward. God is not a respector of titles. You can not come to Him with a title. It means nothing to him. What matters is the love you have for him. You are not alone, and as it is said. We can not make it on our own. I tried and tried for years. I loved God and had him with me but I struggled and tried to make it on my own, but I will tell you it is not possible. If you do not have Jesus, you have nothing. He is waiting for you to open your arms and fall at your knees and ask him back into your heart. He wants to fill us with a love like no other. A love only a father, only THE FATHER, SAVIOUR and the great I AM is able to impart upon us.

"I want to heal this pain I hide inside
Free my fears and promise me
That you won't let me go
You're the one to comforrt me
The past my God You know"

^ How beautiful is that. He knows our past and knows our needs and our pains and he is there to free us from them and tell us to hell with your past. If you come to me you are a new person, worthy of my love. Allow him the chance to love on you.

MAIRE (MOYA) BRENNAN - PERFECT TIME 

Joalby

POSTED MARCH 28TH, 2007

RID THE WORLD OF HATE - Read & take something away with you
"Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs." - Proverbs 10:12

I love that passage. It is true that in our hearts we should not harbour hate or evil thoughts. It is my belief that if we embrace a new attitude and direction towards tolerance and acceptance, we can live a fuller life in Christ and will not be consumed by what society drives us towards. Accept one anothers differences whether you understand them or not. We can agree to disagree and if it doesn't work for us so be it but that is not any reason to lead your life breaking others down.
I know that we are called to speak the truth of the message but when it changes from education to an assault of sorts it crosses the line. I myself have been a victim of attacks from individuals using the bible in a manner it was not intended for.
I just believe that with tolerance, acceptance, understanding and compassion we can achieve our true mission and calling on our path with Christ towards complete fulfillment and spiritual enlightement.
Love one another. Loving and embracing one another does not mean you are full accordance with who they are, how they live their life and their beliefs. As true Christ followers we are instructed to love one another. We are all one family and Leviticus 19 states I think it's verse 17 or 18 "Do not hate your brother in your heart". Hateful speech is hate. It may not thrive or present itself from the same place in your heart but it is still one in the same.

"Try to rid the world of hate, we all know there is no other way. for to live our life in God's eyes will be the only escape. He'll take us to a place that's safe, where there's hope and parents watch children play. Where we all can coexist in peace. In the beauty our Lord has made." - Rid The World Of Hate by Joalby (Crazy Baby Records, ASCAP)
 
I'm really excited to say that upon releasing my debut in Spring I will begin work on my worhsip album which will include some of my favourite worship songs from Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Carter Family, Lebo M, and Abyssinians along with 5 originals one of which will be Rid The World Of Hate.

The song by Lebo M might sound familiar to anyone who likes Disney, Diana Ross (she recorded it as well) or Broadway Shows.
HE LIVES IN YOU. One of my favourite worshiip songs.

Here is Diana Ross performing HE LIVES IN YOU live on Oprah

Here is when the Broadway Cast appeared on Rosie O'Donnell and performed a medley, including HE LIVES IN YOU. Jason Raize was incredible. Unfortunately for all of us he died way too young for anyone to see just how far he should have came in his life. Extremely talented and way too young to go. He did well for the time he spent here though.

Official Music Videos

Garbage - Why Do You Love Me (January 2005)

Ashley Parker Angel - Let U Go (February of 2006)

Warner Drive - Life (February 2007)

Fan Videos
Alanis Morissette - Crazy (AM.Info Tribute Fan Video)



Live Performance
Joalby and Candice Coleman - Here Comes The Rain (June 26th, 2005 Live at Knitting Factory NY)
..>

Ok so that's it. I snapped the other night and pretty much ended a friendship I had been in for several years. Who it is, really doesn't matter as much as why.

I know that I put on a persona that I am strong and confident nd sure of myself but it couldn't be further from the truth. I have the lowest self esteem ever, I have pretty much no confidence in myself. I do all these good things and charitable outreaches both locally and on a largescale. But I have a hard enough time dealing with secondguessing myself and doubting myself every step of the way.

The relationship ended because of that basically. It's hard enough for me alone to deal with who I am and questioning myself and trying to convince myself I am making a difference. But sometimes I can't help but think if it's enough. What if the best I can do is not enough? This friend has spent the last few years adding stress to my decisions, questioning me, making me feel inferior or as if I can in a way not achieve what I am out to do. He made me doubt myself and I realized the other night it is for one reason only. I don't like saying this but as he admitted it I guess I can. There's some people in life who do not want anyone around them to ever get more or achieve more than they.

Back before I got heavily involved with UNHCR, and Voyces United for UNHCR, and Anti-hate Crime organizations, Special Olympics and I was just wasting my time he loved it. The second I tried to do something more and it was paying off for me growthwise he couldn't handle it and took every opportunity he had to break me down and shit on all my goals and insult all my attempts to make someone's life better.

As I mentioned I don't have high self-esteem in myself in regards to my charitable work, I don't have the confidence I should. Yet, I still push through and I support the organizations and volunteer my time with these groups and give so much of myself to these organizations (particularly UNHCR) because I believe in them and what they set out to accomplish. I want someone to benefit from what I can give them, whether it be money, the realization that people do care and are interested in improving their quality of life.

All I really want in my life is to matter to people. I don't need someone to constantly make me question myself or lose belief in myself or create doubt in me. I do a pretty of that myself. But I do give so much because at times I do ask myself do I deserve everything I've been given. Do I deserve the opportunities I've been given, the people I've met, the places and things I've seen. Do I deserve it? Do I deserve to have been blessed with the gift of humanity, compassion, music, arts, public speaking?

I support these organizations because it is the only way I feel that I am worthy of what I've been given. I've been given all these wonderful things in my life. And I DID have to work for them. Nothing was handed to me. God blessed me with my gifts but it was I ALONE who had to choose how to use them. I can't just use them for my own benefit because I don't feel I deserve them to be selfish with.

The fact that someone would see that I am trying to help people improve their lives and rather than offer me the support I need and the belief in me, for him to cause me to doubt myself. I don't need a friend like that. I've let go of many friends before in my life and this one is another one. I don't give so much of my time to look good in front of other people and to make myself look better. Screw that, I could care less what people think.

I do this for two reasons, I need to make myself feel worthy of who I am and what I have in me. I need to look good for myself. I can't take what I have for granted, it would be a waste of space. I need to feel that my life is being used to help others. If not then why am I here? I know many people spend their entire lives trying to search for their purpose in life. Why is it such a bad thing that I realized my purpose at a younger age than them.

I'm 25. Turning 26 on the 5th of March and what. Am I not to be taken seriously because I am "too young" to know what I want in my life. I'm sorry, if it came down to children or hellping others, well as much as it hurts I would sacrifice becoming a father if it meant I can go out and save a life, or help someone who is suffering, or visit a nation and a people who need someone like me to be there for them and to believe in them and love them and just to know that people care. That's my purpose and I'm sick to death of people doing the whole "well that's a nice though to have but what about life"... THAT IS MY LIFE.. Get it already. It's not a hard concept to grasp. My life is not my own, my gifts are not my own, my body is not my own. All of this is a vessel for what God has put me here for.

I am here to help people. Why when a saint says it or some blind child in a third world country says it, it's accepted. But when I say it, I'm just being delusional and having "big dreams". Accept it, I am unlike anyone else. I am unique as we all are. We were all placed here for a reason and I know my reason. I was put here to love and to share myself with the world.

My gifts, my body, my heart, my entire being are not my own. I do not belong to myself. I am no living person's property. I belong to God and to the world. The world will benefit in some way from me being here. And he was unable to understand this so I had to cut him out of my circle of friends.

Why am I so adamant in proving myself? Because if anything, I want to seperate the idea that everyone is part of who they come from. I push and push forward as hard as it is and through all the doubts I might have and the low esteem and confidence. I do it because I am determined to be no thing like the man my father was/is.

I have acheived so much in my life and fough so hard to be different that I am proud that I can say that "YES, I am a man, and he had absolutely nothing to do with it" Rather my true Father in heaven took me by the hand when my biological father wouldn't and he chose me for great things just as we all have been chosen for great things.

I have a hard time understanding why I was the one chosen to do Voyces United for UNHCR and to pursue missions trips, and to speak about refugee crisis and organize events. Whenever I question myself however, I take comfort in knowing that even though I may not believe in myself God does and that is why he put me where I am. There are no mistakes or random acts. I am here because he knows this is my place. So when I do not believe in myself I take comfort in knowing that HE does.

Joalby

August 22nd, 2006

"Voyces United for UNHCR"

Official Album of USA for UNHCR

MORE GOOD NEWS

June 20th 2006 - Joalby was present at the Official World Refugee Day

launch event in Washington DC as a special invited guest of UNHCR

Regional Representative, Kolude Doherty.

October 19th, 2006 - Voyces United for UNHCR anf the music of Dyana Dafova featured and highlighted at a Special Fashion Show in Houston, TX. The event took place at Club Crome. Please visit the links below for photos of Amira, Andrea and Rolan (Colombian models) from Colombian Modeling Agency, Amira Modeling Agency highlighting the Voyces United for UNHCR album at the Event.

Houston Fashion Show 1

Houston Fashion Show 2

OCTOBER 25, 2006 - Joalby Interview with V-Gen.
Joalby interviewed by V Generations regarding his (my) support of UNHCR, past charitable work and contributions, advocacy for UNHCR. Focusing on the Voyces United for UNHCR album and future plans for more albums in Voyces United for UNHCR series. Also includes advocacy information and commentary on necessary changes having to be made to improve the refugee and IDP situation in the world. To view the entire interview please visit Voyces United for UNHCR Blog Topic or V Generations Interview Page


OCTOBER 29, 2006 - While in Memphis, Dyana Dafova attends

what is to be the filming of BB King's last concert dvd ever. She is

interviewed for the dvd during which she mentions the reason behind

her travel to the USA in support of Voyces United for UNHCR. Dyana

also asked to perform a song for the dvd recording. DVD is scheduled

for release in 2007.  Dyana performed "Rufinka". Both her interview

and performance have been guaranteed to appear on the dvd upon its

spring 2007 release.

Dyana Dafova for Voyces United at BB Kings Article 1

Dyana Dafova for Voyces United at BB Kings Article 2

THANKSGIVING 2006 - Dyana Dafova appears on Channel 39 News in Houston during the

9:00pm broadcast hour in a 45 minute broadcast regarding her music, involvement in Voyces

United for UNHCR and recent press tour to Chicago, IL in support of Voyces United for

UNHCR and future engagements.

NOVEMBER 28th, 2006 - Voyces United for UNHCR Review on V Gen

V Generations website posts a review of Voyces United for UNHCR by Cecailia Smekal.

To read/ view the review please visit V Gens Album review site at

V Gen - Voyces United for UNHCR review

2007 - Voyces United for UNHCR - Reception & Presentation of Voyces

United for UNHCR honouring the album, label, and artists involved.

Official press and media presentation of the album from and to UNHCR,

press, media, diplomats, congress, senators, members of the business

forum. Will take place in Washington DC. Performers and artists include

Joalby, Randi Driscoll, Dyana Dafova, Alex Bach & possibly more.

Pre-Order and Buy album here

Sam Goody

Borders - Amazon
Target
Circuit City
HMV (Amazon Canada)
Amazon UK
AOL Music
Barnes And Noble
Plegion (Russia)
Best Buy
FYE
MTV Shop

Radio Promotion News

Radio promotion now under way. Visit Album Myspace BLog for more info on which stations in your area are playing the album. Matt Allison and Randi Driscoll's tracks have been selected as the focus tracks.

INTERSOUND RECORDS TO RELEASE A WORLD MUSIC ALBUM TO BENEFIT THE UNITED NATIONS REFUGEE AGENCY

Intersound Records, in conjunction with The United States Association for UNHCR (USA FOR UNHCR) and Crazy Baby Records, has announced the August 2006 release of the world music album VOYCES UNITED FOR UNHCR, a compilation that will provide funds and additional public support for THE UNITED NATIONS REFUGEE AGENCY (UNHCR).

UNHCR protects over 19 million people in 116 countries worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes due to war or persecution. UNHCR provides refugees in countries such as Sudan, Afghanistan, and Bulgaria with shelter, medical care, and when needed, asylum or resettlement.

USA FOR UNHCR raises awareness and support for UNHCRs Nobel Peace Prize-winning work through fundraising, education, and public advocacy.

Crazy Baby Records and its president, artist Joalby, in association with USA FOR UNHCR, spent four years planning, developing, and compiling the album. It is the official album of the agency, and as such, will have the associations seal on the cover. Already released in Eastern Europe as a 2 CD set, Intersound has selected what it believes are the strongest 14 tracks for the album release in North America.

All of the participating artists on the album will donate their royalties for the sale of the album to USA FOR UNHCR, as will the licensor of the tracks, Crazy Baby Records. Intersound will also donate a portion of its sales revenues to the association.

Voyces United for UNHCR - USA for UNHCR (Aug. 22, 2006)
Tracklisting:

1. Alicja Janosz - STILL ALIVE
2. Matt Allison - INSIDE OF ME

3. Randi Driscoll - MY TURN

4. Dyana Dafova- SHIN-KOTO

5. Laetizia - TU MAS DONNE

6. Alex Bach - MILES TO GO

7. Mary Jane Lamond - MO MHAELI BHEAG OG

8. Natacha Atlas - JUST LIKE A DREAM (feat Princess Julianna)

9. Joalby - MISCELLANEOUS PI

10. Xanda Howe - FEEL YOU

11. Skott Freedman - SOME COMPANY

12. Jamie Stevens - VOICE OF THE HEART

13. Candice Coleman - HOW LONG

14. White Town - THE PNAC CANAL

ALBUM OUT NOW. Voyces United for UNHCR released

Europe, USA, Mexico, and Canada. Look for it now.

For more info please visit

Voyces United for UNHCR

Thank you very much,

Joalby

Please help me understand this. Quite frankly it sickens me to read things like this and not be able to do more. The harder I try to make a difference for UNHCR and do more, many times more than I am capable of doing, the more I realize that there is still so much unknown. I was made aware of this back in 2004 on a plane ride back from Detroit during the flight to Phoenix for my stopover.
I rode next to a woman, I forget her name but we striked up a conversation and I came to find out she is an educator at a detention facility in Phoenix for unaccompanied refugee children. We began speaking about our dedication to refugee crisises and I asked her what changes she had seen since 9/11 affecting asylum. We spent the entire flight nearly speaking about the difficulties that the Patriot Act would stir up on subjects of asylum.
I have since come to the conclusion that without ammending the Act, things will definitely get more difficult when it comes to seeking asylum especially for unaccompanied youth, who without an attorney or the approval of the Dept. Of Homeland Security can not recieve a juvenile green card. Nevermind the fact that it's difficult enough as it is, with the language barrier and the terrible conditions these children have faced to even get a bed in the detention facility. I mean if you really think about it, for many of them it's more than they ever had. They don't speak our language, they often have no complete comprehension of what is occuring, they've suffered in some cases extreme abuse and obstacles to get into the USA. You'd think that would be hard enough but no.
As mentioned in the AFP on 9/28/06, Patriot and Real ID Act kinda screw up anyone trying to get in. Anyone lending support to terrorist organizations is considered a terrorist and can not be granted asylum. But wait a minute is that not who these organizations USCRI, UNHCR, etc set out to help. Therefore wherein UNHCR is there to help people who have fleed their country for any kind of persecution in the current situation of the USA it's almost certain many more than before are and will be sent home, or where home once was for them.
The thing I can't understand is this. These are families who were FORCED FORCED FORCED to fight for the terrorists. These people were tortured to remain on the terorrists side. They were blackmailed. They come to the US and try to seek asylum and we pretty much look them in the face and say "Fuck you get back on the plane."
Is it just me or does something seem wrong here? It boggles me to know that people who were granted asylum at a young age can now while adults be pressured and have people try to take that from them because of the fact that someone made a choice to provide that chidl with a desperately needed green card to stay in the USA and now that they've been living here X amount of years, they want to tell this woman now who has established a life and a family "Sorry sweetie you're going home".
It just irritates me to know that the current administration can care less at times about the refugee crisis. Today was election day. Big deal, so the House was won by Democrats. BIG DEAL. Senate most likely will be too. Who cares. Why are we celebrating it will make no difference. All it serves is for us to pressure the White House. The senate and house can not make the final definite say. Why are we still focusing on a war that we built ourselves.
Go to Africa and see a real war. These people are dying trying to protect the last bit of freedom they have. Families are being massacred, children are STILL being raped, mothers are still being raped, children are being FORCED to pick up a gun and fight. So you're gonna tell me that after a 6 or 7 year old young boy is forced to pick up a gun and become a child soldier that once he manages to get out and try to get away from it all, we can't make an attempt to help the kid out. I highly doubt a child that young has dreams of carrying a gun and killing and one day oooh look at that these people just killed my family.. cooool, I should join them.
It's the dumbest thing I've ever heard really. But what can we do we have him in office for another 2 years. All I want to know is why are we avoiding the REAL WAR ON TERROR. The war on terror was over before it began. It was an impulsive war. We lost allies, we screwed ourselves over, lives were lost. All because of an impulse. The REAL WAR ON TERROR is going on, has been going on, and without help will continue to go on in Africa. Look at the Darfur region, Sudan and Chad, DRC. The attrocities occuring day in and day out are still there, but we can not help these people. The millitia in these areas are the true terrorists, we have acknolwedged the situation as a genocide, we know who is to blame for the millions of death over the years in those regions, but we sit back. If the  US wants to fight the real War on Terror, go to where terror is most prevalent. Go to Darfur!!! Get in there and do something to help. We need to realize that our troops remaining in Afghanistan and Iraq is doing nothing for us. The US is so deep in it's own waste we need to redeem ourselves. It's been said often we can't get in to Africa. Damned if we can't. If we got into Afghanistan and Iraq and Pakistan and any other country we have invaded we sure as hell can get into the Sudan region. We need to find these people, the true terrorists and end their reign. That way the asylum issue will not weight so heavily.
If anyone needs help establishing peace in their area it's the Chad-Sudan region. Why are people not doing something? Why are we not pressuring our government to go to fight the real war. How many more people will have to die before someone decides to do something about it? We are turning people away everyday with no interest in alleviating the problem at the source.

We are sending away the same people we were supposed to be helping out. A recent article in the Washington Post makes reference to the numbers. This past fiscal year the Bish administration agreed to admit 70,000 refugees. We recieved funding for 54,000 and only allowed 42,000 in and then they expect us to believe that they plan on taking upwards of 60,000 Bhutanese refugees. Come on we're not stupid.  

An article in the NY times puts the number at over 11,000 who are being kept out of the country and denied asylum based on the provisions of the Patriot Act. So for many of these people they are forced to act. They are tortured and threatened with anything ranging up to and including death, both theirs and their families. If they are threatened and told they will be killed if they do not for example load the guns for the militia. This person does it out of fear for their life. This person is doing what many would do to ensure survival. One night he gets the chance and escapes. Manages to make it to the USA, sorry buddy you are considered and aide to terrorist activity. Back on the plane with you.  

Can you see how confusing this gets. We shut out the same people we are meant to help. If for once we stop talking and take some action on the Chad-Sudan conflict, maybe this would be just a tiny bit less of an issue. I mean through everything that has been achieved with the album and everything still being planned for further awareness and future Voyces United for UNHCR compilations in different genres, I can't help it. I mean, really it hurts me to know that no matter what we do or how much we do, we can't do enough. I can talk about it til I'm blue in the face and do everything in my power to cause a change but if people don't listen and act and band together what difference will all my actions make. I can continue my purpose to make a difference in the world and to matter even if only to one person but is that enough? I feel that if I am not constantly trying to do more, than I am doing nothing. I do wish sometimes that there was more I could do, and I think sometimes that everything I do is not enough. But what more can I or anyone of us do. I've learned all we can do is go out there and educate people, at that point we've planted the seed. Whether they will cultivate it and let it grow and make a difference themeselves is now up to them.


Joalby
President & CEO Crazy Baby Records



For the articles that influenced this you may visit the links below.

http://www.refugees.org/uploadedfiles/Investigate/Newsroom/Headlines/1006/USlawrefugees.pdf

http://www.refugees.org/uploadedfiles/Investigate/Newsroom/Headlines/October/Refugeemess.pdf

http://www.refugees.org/uploadedfiles/Investigate/Newsroom/Headlines/1006/PunishingTwice.pdf