US gospel popster JILL PARR was quizzed by Mike Rimmer.

Jill Parr

Mike: How did you become a Christian?

Jill: I grew up in a Christian home and I was one of those who gave their heart to the Lord every time the opportunity was given! But I think I really didn't "get it" until I was about 19 because I started asking questions around that time, finding out why I couldn't do certain things, and there were really no good answers. So I just decided to do what I should have done a long time ago and go to the Word of God and see what that said. I went through a lot of things but I'm thankful for it. I think I have a much better grasp of what the definition of Christian is. it's 'Christ-like' and I've got a much better understanding of what that is.

Mike: Did you always dream of being a recording artist?

Jill: It's amazing because I've dreamt about singing since I was a very small child and I knew that God had something greater in store for me than I could imagine. Just to be able to see it fulfilled and see his promises come to life, it's such a blessing. It's greater than I ever imagined. Do I go around calling myself an artist? Ah. not really! Because I've been a mom for so long now, that's my first priority, to my children. I'm a wife and a mother first and when I feel the need to tell people I'm an artist I will but it usually doesn't come out of my mouth.

Mike: Why have you called your new album 'Orbit'?

Jill: 'Orbit' came to be written because we have a "spirit" of influence. My pastor did about a month-long study on this subject and about how we are affecting that sphere for the Kingdom and that the "Kingdom" is the people that we run into every single day in our lives. The only way that we can do that is if we're open to what God is saying to us and if we're open to what he has in store for us. Ultimately God wants to be the centre of our lives and until we make that decision to put him at the centre of our lives, then we can't affect those people. If we do put him at the centre of our lives, then as we "orbit" or "revolve" around this world together. keeping him the centre and keeping our hearts open. we will effectively affect those people for the Kingdom.

Mike: You've definitely got this thing about covering other artists' songs. On your last album it was Peter Gabriel, this time it's Sting!

Jill: I just admire both of them greatly and I find their writing view very spiritual. if I can use that word. I think there's a whole lot of meaning in "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You" and it has a special meaning to me because I tried things on my own, I searched in different places but that search brought me back to one person, which was God. I could put my faith in a lot of things, a lot of people and they will crumble. There's nothing as sure a foundation as putting your faith and trust in God and then opening your heart to what he has for us.