It’s Time For Change
Five years ago Gary, Indiana, native Michael Watson, now also known as “Butta The Preacher,” was straddling the fence on living a rebel street life or walking a righteous path. During his adversities with being shot nine times, being incarcerated and then hit by a drunken driver, he realized in 2014 that God has placed significant calling on his life that led him to turn his life around for the better.
Since then he has left the street life and announced his calling to preach the Gospel. During his five years in ministry so far, he’s opened up multiple businesses in NWI, including his business Young Blessed Men LLC, which consists of philanthropy work, a clothing line, a shoe line and recently a barbershop called Young Blessed Barbers located at 53 W. 68th Place in Merrillville, Indiana. He’s also known as one of the most prominent recording Christian rap artists with a national hit single “Go in for God” and an album titled “The Transformation.”
Every year at West Side Academy, he and his brother Pastor Dr. Eric Boone of Tree of life MBC give a “stop the violence” concert for their birthdays that brings out nearly 1,000 people or more. The purpose of the concert is to bring awareness to anti-violence, bullying, and saying no to drugs. Thus far more than 50 people have given their lives to Christ at his concert there at the venue. Michael Watson’s goal is to save as many young people as possible from the streets, so they can know God and know that if He can bring me out, then He will do the same for you. He encourages the youth to come and visit his church’s second site Tree Of life East, which is located at 500 E. 5th in Gary, every second Saturday from 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. It is a place with a less restrictive worship atmosphere where there is no dress code, neither a no hats rule or traditional church etiquette. Michael says, “Pastor Dr. Eric Boone is just geared on saving souls and not clothes, and as his youth pastor he’s entrusted me to be at the forefront with him on this movement.” I have a brother who was killed last year and I have lost many friends to gun violence. If my story can help at least one person, then that’s one who can help save more. Giving my life to Christ was the best decision I’ve ever made. Identifying the problems first starts with identifying ourselves. Get to know God, so you can get to know you. For more information about Michael Watson, also known as “Butta The Preacher,” call: 317-397-2965 or email. buttathepreacher@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared in The Chicago Crusader.
