Gospel Recording Artist Marvin Sapp Ditches St. Croix Concert Claiming Luggage Misplacement

ST. CROIX — Renowned Gospel Recording Artist Marvin Sapp, who was set to perform in concert at Miracle Revival Deliverance Tabernacle (MRDT) in Beeston Hill, decided not to make the trip to the territory because his luggage ostensibly was sent to Utah while on his  way here.

The Consortium heard of what took place from various sources, and decided to call the event’s organizer, Senior Pastor of Victorious Believers Ministries (VBM) Reginald Perry, for clarification.

Mr. Perry prefaced the brief talk with The Consortium by making known his displeasure with what had taken place. He said VBM paid $2,590 for Mr. Sapp’s ticket, but Mr. Sapp’s travel agent only provided the last leg of the itinerary to VBM — from Miami to St. Croix on American Airlines and back — and only after multiple requests. So the flight that Mr. Sapp took, if any, to travel to Florida for the connecting flight to this island, remains unknown, according to Mr. Perry.

For his part, Mr. Sapp never made contact with VBM nor its pastor. The conversations were being had between Mr. Sapp’s secretary and Mr. Perry.

I want all my money back and I want nothing to do with him. – Reginald Perry.

At about 12:00 p.m. on Friday, Mr. Sapp’s secretary called the ministry to say that the gospel singer, who also doubles as a pastor, would not be catching the flight to St. Croix because his luggage had been sent to Utah. Mr. Perry tried convincing the secretary that if Mr. Sapp went to collect the luggage in Utah, it would be impossible for him to make it to this island in time for the gospel concert. Mr. Perry also said that he would purchase clothing for the singer once he arrived here. The secretary, however, held her stance, insisting that Mr. Sapp had to collect his luggage.

It remains a mystery as to why Mr. Sapp was looking to collect his luggage in Florida when his final destination was St. Croix, as travelers rarely search for luggage on connecting stops.

“I really don’t understand,” the pastor continued, adding that such behavior was not what he expected from a man of God. “I want all my money back and I want nothing to do with him.”

Last night, the parking lot of MRDT was overflowing with vehicles. Event attendees were forced to find other areas to park, including the Beeston Hill Health and Fitness Center’s parking lot, and along the stretch of road beginning at the Beeston Hill Medical Center.

Mr. Perry explained what had happened to the audience, and committed to pay for the expenses of two persons who traveled from St. Thomas to be at the concert. A pastor from the mainland who was scheduled to minister at VBM tonight and on Sunday morning, wound up preaching.

He also decided to collect an offering — without Pastor Perry’s knowledge — which he said would go towards the canceled event’s expenses. It was not made known to The Consortium how much money was collected compared to the amount expended by VBM.

Feature Image: Marvin Sapp.

Video: Marvin Sapp’s hit single, Never Would Have Made It.