College students are bombarded with several choices when making decisions about how to spend their free time.
However, for students who have strong Christian beliefs the choices can be limited.
Orrane Smith, a FAMU alumnus, was one of those rare students during his days on the Hill.
After witnessing first hand the dilemma college students face when seeking wholesome entertainment, the 27-year old engineer decided to do something about it.
“I asked my friends what they did to have fun,” Smith said.
“That’s when I came up with the idea to create a place where Christians could fellowship and have good wholesome fun.”
In 2001, The House of Judah Inc., Smith’s brainchild, was founded.
Since its inception, the House of Judah has provided local college students with a variety of events structured to promote strong christian fun.
These events include bowling, formals and poetry nights.
Each event will have a disc jockey playing popular gospel music.
The next event is The House of Judah talent showcase scheduled for Friday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Family Worship and Praise Center Church Fellowship Hall.
The Jambalaya Judah Jam Showcase provides Christian performers the opportunity to display their talents and gifts.
“This will be the second House of Judah talent showcase. And students can expect to have a great wholesome time while being thoroughly entertained by some of Tallahassee’s new up and coming artists,” Smith said.
However, the talent show is not a stage for performers to be insulted like at other local talent shows.
Most of the participants are supportive and receptive.
Several regular House of Judah patrons agree.
“I went to several House of Judah events last year and I always have a whole lot of fun,” said Alexis Keys, 20, a social work student from Dallas.
“It’s just great as a Christian to have an outlet where I can fellowship with other Christians and we can just enjoy each other,” Keys said.
The showcase will give several students who are trying to gain exposure a chance to show off their talents.
It will also provide a glimpse of future performers hoping to move into the Christian entertainment industry.
“This year’s showcase should be as great or even greater than last year’s show,” said Carlecia Collins, vice president of House of Judah.
Food will be served at the event.
Guests can expect a buffet style meal during the show that will include baked chicken, Jambalaya, vegetables, iced tea and lemonade.
Smith hopes that his ministry continues to grow in popularity and prosperity.
He also hopes that it can stays true to the principles listed in the organization’s mission statement.
“My ultimate goal is to have House of Judah at every major event so that Christians will always have an opportunity to enjoy themselves,” Smith said. “I just pray God continues to bless us so we can continue to bless others.”
Contact Brittany Prince at famuanlifestyles@hotmail.com