PAJE Media Group held its first installment of the PAJE People's Choice Awards in 2023 and among the amazing group of winners was This Grace Space - a group of friends-turned-Podcasters who have been able to carefully cultivate a safe space for Christian youth who desire spiritual nourishment and relatability. We're honoured to be able to share a bit of their story with you, PAJE fam! So, let's jump in
PAJE: We must say, we love the vibe of the show and the purposeful steps we see being taken by your team members. In your own words, what is 'This Grace Space' and who do you seek to reach most with your show and associated content?
TGS: ‘This Grace Space’ was created to be a safe space to talk about everyday life from a Christian perspective. Our aim is to reach new believers and non Christians to share the word and similar experiences that we all face.
PAJE: For each of you... We're curious, what are your names and what do you do outside of This Grace Space?
TGS:
Brandon Ramsay - Musician
Kevaughn Holt - College Student (Marketing)
Dedrea Smith (Mandy) - College Student (History & Journalism)
Candace Ramsay - College Student (Integrated Marketing Communication)
PAJE: What led to the establishment of This Grace Space and how long would you say the idea was in the works?
TGS: The establishment of our podcast was sparked by Kevaughn during breakfast at our annual Jamaica East District Church of the Nazarene Youth Camp in August 2023. The idea was pitched to Brandon and he instantly came onboard. Three days later, ‘This Grace Space’ was formed. Initially Mandy and Candace joined as producers and tech team, and then they were convinced heavily to join as co-hosts.
PAJE: One thing we can say about what your nominators said about you and from our own research is the beauty of the rapport that you have with one-another. Have you all been friends for a long time and how would you describe your overall relationship?
TGS: Well, Brandon and Candace are siblings, and they attend the Boulevard Church of the Nazarene with Mandy, who they have been friends with for years.
Kevaughn attends the St, John’s Green Acres Church of the Nazarene and was friends with Brandon prior. It was at the youth camp in August (2023) that all four were brought into the same space and have been inseparable since.
PAJE: For each of you... over the past 3 years, especially, many Christians have had their faith tested in multiple ways. What is the biggest lesson you have learned in the last 3 years?
TGS:
Brandon - “Don’t take life so seriously”
Kevaughn - “Never think that you can do anything without it being the will of God”
Mandy - “In the seasons where you have turned your back on God, He was still looking out for you”
Candace - “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” Isaiah 26:3
PAJE: Based on feedback you've gotten regarding the show, what would you say are the top 3 things that have made you say to yourselves, "Yes, this show is exactly where we're supposed to be/what we're supposed to be doing"?
TGS: The free-flowing nature of the conversations, because it’s not forced and it’s natural.
The podcast also provides a way for our relationships and others to be closer to God.
Additionally, the excitement of our audience to get new uploads and their encouragement and positive feedback.
PAJE: What would you say are the 3 biggest lessons you've learned since doing the show?
TGS:
a) Time management is a key objective to getting things done.
b) You’ll never know what will happen until you take a risk to do something you have always wanted to do.
c) The strength of friendship is not determined by the length of time.
PAJE: For each of you... In this day and age, there are so many influences that can easily make you money or occupy your time in vast ways. What is the main thing that has made you say that you're going to commit your time and energy to being a part of this movement?
TGS:
Brandon - “I have a real friend group where I can talk about God and share things about Him”
Kevaughn - “As Christians we are called to evangelize and minister and use our gifts and talents to bring people to God. It’s more than money and I am not doing it for myself”
Mandy - “It’s a ministry and you are doing it for the greater glory of God in hopes of reaching people out there in the world”
Candace - “To show that the Christianity journey is a real life thing and it impacts every area and aspect of our life”
PAJE: What would you say to the person who has been given a vision for their path by God but at this point, they don't have the skill or the resources to bring it to life and so they're basically calling God's bluff?
TGS: Take the risk. Don’t look at how much you don’t have and work with what you have. Work by faith, you may not see it, but God has a plan. Everyone has to start from somewhere and your works are justified by your faith. He will take care of you and the vision that He has given you.
PAJE: Thank you SO much for taking the time to share with us, team! We love the work you're doing and we can't wait to see what God continues to do to and through you! Before you go, is there anything else you'd like to say?
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