Jonah's Return

Jennifer Collington

-- Was born to the late Rev james and Loumanda Reed in Tallahassee Florida, entering into a world of Love, Joy and Peace at a very young age. Her childhood was great. She came from a very large family of thirteen. Her family came to Rochester NY when she was 8 years old. She graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1967.

Jennifer's mother was a very spirtual woman that kept her and her siblings rooted in Christ. At the age of 10 years old she had a passion for singing. She first sang in church choir at Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church with her brothers and sisters. Her Mother encourged her to sing soloist, however, Jennifer always knew her preference was to be a back up singer. It was where she was most comfortable.

She also had the privilege to sing with Little Lighthouse Church of JC Choir, Rochester Bible Baptist Praise Team and the Jesus Christ Temple House of Prayer Church. She is one of the original singers of Jonah's Return and has traveled with the group performing at such venues as the NYS Fair. Jennifer singing style catches your ear right away. She certainly has the power like many Gospel singers today, but she has that old time original flavor that always pleases Christians of all ages.

Janet Beaman

-- Founded Jonah's Return several years ago, after having spent some time away from her usual Jazz scene to take the time out to learn how to sing for Christ. The bulk of her Gospel singing experience was gained while temporarily holding the position of Minister of Music at Rochester Bible Baptist Church, where she met Jennifer Collington.

Janet was not raised in the church and the singing of the Gospel did not come naturally to her. Initially, just to stay afloat she used her song writing talents to have songs for service. Needless to say that wasn't going to last long. In the words of her drummer, Tony Hiler, we were sounding like a Jazz Band trying to play Gospel. Eventually, much to Janet's relief she was allowed to turn the choir over to Tony who not only has a history in Gospel music, but also plays piano and was able to bring the RBBC Praise Team to another level. Tony leads the RBBC Praise Team but he also plays drums for Jonah's Return along with their piano player Gian Carlo Cervone.

Janet felt strongly that she is called to sing for the Lord. Knowing she needed more experience, she left RBBC and spent approximately 2 years visiting various churches to understand this wonderful method of spreading the Good News about Jesus Christ and to develop her own Christian vocal style to offer to both the lost and brethren alike.

With the help of Pastor Ben De Point, Janet was helped to understand that her original songs are edification pieces and have a definite focus on supporting the sisters and brothers in their walk with Christ. It wasn't initially apparent to Janet that this was true of her songs, because of course the original songs are inspired by her own life. If you put those songs in chronological order you will have Janet's own personal story of Salvation and her walk with the Lord. She is currently a member of Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church 1049 Winton Rd N Rochester, NY 14609 - (585) 288-3243

Jonah's Return looks forward to being able to reach out to you personally in song. Please keep an eye out for more upcoming events!