Mase.Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
A very special “Welcome Back” is in order for iconic ’90s hip-hop star Mase.
Mason Durell Betha, 43, has officially been named the new pastor of Gathering Oasis Church, a non-denominational Christian church in Atlanta, after famously departing from the music industry to become an ordained minister in 1999. He dropped new music sparingly in the years since; his last official single was his track “Nothing,” which he dropped in 2014. Last January, Mase hit the stage as part of a Bad Boys tribute to salute Diddy, 51, who received the esteemed Clive Davis Icon award during Davis' iconic pre-Grammy Gala.
Atlanta’s Gathering Oasis Church appears to be pleased to welcome the hitmaker onboard, after a peaceful transition of leadership from their former pastor, Cornelius Lindsey. “What more can we say, but ‘THANK YOU! For everything you’ve done for us,'” they wrote to Lindsey on the chapel’s official Facebook page.
Mase was excited to share the news of his new appointment. He wrote in his announcement post on Instagram Thursday, “THANK YOU 🙏🏾. Also, tag someone who is expecting something great from God and let them know that God has already started answering prayers in 2021. Tag someone looking a new church family and remember, ‘ALL PEOPLE ARE WELCOMED’ at@thegochurch.”
Mase and Diddy.Kevin Winter/Getty
Mase.Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic
He went on: “I was inspired when we realized that my wife and I started the church the same month and year you transitioned out [of the industry]. And when I started contemplating moving on from pastoring three years ago, you were considering coming back. God was directing our path individually — separately — until it was time, and the timing was perfect. If all God wanted me to do was remain content in my assignment until you were ready, then I’m fine with that. It was all worth it to get to this point. Nothing was wasted, which is God’s style. I’m praying for your continued success! May God bless you on this journey. I love you forever, @thegochurch. 🤟🏾.”
With Mase’s exciting news, some fans are hoping he will release a faith-based record soon. “Mase, could a possible gospel album be cooked up in the future? 🤔,” one person commented on his Instagram post. Other Instagram users are simply happy to see him continue his religious journey, with one writing, “Bout time bro. Let’s get it. Get back to your purpose. Love it.”
source: people.com
