From Word-UP to the Word

LeRoy Page was committed to the Fort Wayne, Ind., youth and hip-hop community as an entrepreneur and writer. He created a line of clothing called Creative Circles as well as the "Word-UP" Fresh Rap Dictionary.
About 12 years ago, his commitment took a deeper meaning, he told Frost Illustrated:

'The greatest influences in my life were my father, who constantly encouraged me to use my talents for the glory of the Lord and many would be blessed—and my mother, who was everything good to everybody,' said Page.

He said his father's words continued to resonate within him until one fateful evening when he was sitting in a local, popular hot spot—ironically on Thanksgiving— listening to saxophonist Greg Bacon.

'God spoke to me and said, 'What are you doing here? What are you doing with your life?' He spoke to me and said, 'It's time to quit straddling the fence.'

Page said he turned to his friend, attorney Robert Love and said, 'Brother, I'm gone.' He asked me, 'Are you coming back later?' and I said, 'No, I'm gone for good.' From then on, all my focus was on God's glory.'

Page eventually became a minister, and -- in honor of God speaking to him on that day -- hosts an annual Dinner of Thanksgiving for needy families and the elderly in Fort Wayne.