Christian rapper Sherrod Shackelford, better known as Viktory, had a really tough childhood since he was heavily involved in drugs and gang dealings. Many assumed that he would have been dead by the age of 25 had God not intervened in his life.
"God revealed Himself to me in college," Vikotry tells Charisma News. "I was totally unchurched, and He began to tug on my heart. He pulled me out of a world of real darkness and gave me an intense appetite for His Word. I broke away from my friends and addictions and all things that separated me from Him. I was ordained in 2007."
During that time, Viktory would find comfort in Gospel music such as Mary Mary's "Faith." In time, he learned to create music of his own, too. His song "Lunch Tables," in particular, is created especially for those who are spiritually broken.
"When Jesus 'ate with the tax collectors,' it was more than a meal. To eat with someone is very intimate," Viktory says of his song. "In the same way, God's arms are open to all humanity. God is not in agreement with all humanity, but He's available to any that call on Him. All are welcome at His table."
However, Viktory says even before the hearts of men can change for God, an encounter with Him must first take place. And the "table" is where that encounter happens, he adds.
Viktory also says that he wants to turn "Lunch Tables" into a ministry so that the marginalised sector of society will be given a voice and an opportunity to connect with God.
"Many people dealing with this type of issue have to endure in silence. I wanted to put a face on the evil. I wanted them to have an outlet. I also wanted them to know that they aren't alone, and again, God's arms are always open," Viktory says.
"Lunch Tables" is part of his album "Tomorrow Came," which will be released this June.
