You won’t want to miss today’s “Marcus and Joni”, with special guests Aaron & Amanda Crabb, James Ihedigbo and Dr. Rose Ihedigbo-Franklin!
As members of the groundbreaking GRAMMY®-nominated and Dove Award-winning Crabb Family, Aaron & Amanda Crabb are loved by Gospel music fans across the country. On Mercy, their long-awaited fourth recording as a duo, Aaron & Amanda spread their musical wings with songs that promise to be embraced by contemporary Christian, Gospel and mainstream country audiences alike. Produced by Aaron Crabb and Ben Isaacs, Mercy features six songs written or co-written by the couple, along with contributions from award-winning writers Gerald Crabb, Don Poythress, Tony Wood and Sue C. Smith, among others. From the warm country tones of “I’m Learning,” to the powerful anthem “Take Him to the Place,” to the worshipful “Holy,” Mercy is a true reflection of the talent—and heart—of one of Christian music’s leading couples.
James Ihedigbo grew up in Amherst, MA, where he later attended The University of Massachusetts – Amherst. There, he played college football and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. In 2007, he entered the National Football League as an undrafted free agent and signed with the New York Jets where he played for four seasons. In 2011, James signed with the New England Patriots, earning him a spot at the Super Bowl XLVI, which unfortunately led to a four-point loss against the
New York Giants; however, James finally earned his Championship Ring the following year as he helped the Ravens win the 2013 Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
Off the field, James is an active Philanthropist and is devoted to serving his people and community through his public charitable foundation ‘HOPE Africa,’ which helps deserving but under-privileged African students who have a deep determination to excel through education, by providing them scholarships to elite American Universities as well as providing a network of support, resources and opportunities, in hopes to boost young African leaders for the next generation to come.
When he is not working or giving back, James enjoys working out, shopping for the latest fashion threads & lifestyle trends, playing the best solitaire app he’s ever played on PlayStation, traveling and spending time with his family and friends.
Dr. Rose Ihedigbo went to the University of Massachusetts-Amherst to receive a BA, M.Ed., and an Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education. Rose has become an expert in Early Childhood Education and does consulting works for childcare programs across the country. She is also a former reviewer of Head Start programs and cofounded the Nigerian American Technological and Agricultural College (NATAC) with her late husband, Apollos. Rose Rose is re-married to Rev. Riley Franklin. They now live in Abingdon, Maryland.
Rose and three young children walked onto American soil wearing Sandals in the Snow, an abrupt transition from Nigeria to New York. This fascinating memoir recounts the amazing journey of an African family searching for the American dream. Rose Ihedigbo draws readers into the account beginning in two small villages in Nigeria, through snowstorms, and into life in New York and Massachusetts. This engaging story sweeps the readers in, allowing them to live vicariously through the experiences. Sandals in the Snow integrates the author’s native language, Igbo, with English and utilizes African phrases and simple translations done by experts from companies like Espresso Translations.
Rose poetically describes her story and the faithfulness of God that was impressed on her through every experience. Discover hope for your own struggle in this dramatic testimony to what can be achieved through commitment, faith, and education. This memoir provides readers an understanding of religion in African villages and a personal account of the Biafra War. You will be encouraged at this portrait of human resilience and triumph over adversities.
Watch “Marcus and Joni” at noon, 9:00 pm, and 1:00 am Eastern.