Ivan Toldson

This months voice for Christ is a young man who is being used by God to deliver a message in his music to us that will not only want to make us rock back and forth, but will spiritually enlighten and give us something to think about. The lyrics of the songs on his CD "Love Motivated" speak loud and clear, talk about a real ear opener. I remember the effect that his track “First Love” had on me the very first time I heard it, then there was, "Worthless", another amazing track that just blew me away. It's not just the beats or the sound that may make you want to move, it’s the message that the beats are wrapped around that make you want to jump and shout. He delivers to us Jesus. He is a Native of Louisiana and his name is Ivan Lamon Toldson, and he is a true voice for Christ. Ivan performs under the name “Love -N- Pain” If you listen closely to the lyrics of his songs you can hear that this young man is a new creature in Christ. You can almost envision the effect that God’s word has had on him and how its being manifested in what he sings about. In the first few lines of his track “Worthless” Ivan says “I’m just trying to get you to see that it aint about me, put my pride to the side baby cuz I’m worthless, Lord let me decrease because I’m worthless“. I love how he informs the listeners not to look at him but to look at the Lord because he is the reason for his season. I am happy to share with you what Ivan shared with me in a recent interview.

LHU: Welcome Ivan, I am so glad to have this opportunity to speak with you. Please share with our readers a little about yourself and how your passion started for making music for Christ.

Ivan: Well my name is Ivan Toldson. I am 24 yrs of age and the youngest of (6) kids raised in the home with both parents present and financially stable. During my adolescent years I took much interest in gaining street knowledge and living the lifestyle that accompanied it. To make a long story short, my life became consumed by drugs, crime, sex, and being caught in the legal system. I had no intentions of living zealous for Christ, but I did desire to be a better person for myself and my family. But obviously God saw it fit that I be a part of his family and become a vessel to be used by and for him. So my passion for what I do comes from a loving God who has opened my eyes to the realization that my life is not about me, but about being used for a purpose that's unthinkable to the sinful mind. So God has cleansed me through the blood of Jesus Christ, filled me with his Holy Spirit, and day by day renews my mind through the application of his word, therefore I am passionate about spreading his message through music which his talent he has entrusted to me.



LHU: What is the main message you want the listeners of your music to understand?

Ivan: The main message is of course that there is a God and His Love has been given to all who are open to receive what God has for us, and the greatest of these gifts, is the gift of Salvation by Grace through faith in Jesus Christ. God is passionate towards us and wants to show himself strong in our lives, but the question is, "Do we want to experience this as a result of Grace?"


LHU: The lyrics to your song "First Love" blew me away and still remains one of my favorite songs that you have recorded. The track “Worthless” amongst a few of your other tracks touched me as well. Do current life situations play a part in what you chose to sing about? If not, how do you make a decision as to which track goes on your CD's?

Ivan: My daily walk with Christ definitely has the most influence regarding the content of my music. Nothing is made up, but merely truth that comes from God's Word, and a lifestyle/relationship with Jesus who is my, "First Love".

LHU: There are so many anointed Christian artists out there, is there anybody in particular you desire to collaborate or perform with?

Ivan: As many as God allows me to! But I would like to work with artists such as Kirk Franklin, Canton Jones, and Da truth.

LHU: Ivan who is your hero or inspiration?

Ivan: My Hero is and will forever be Jesus Christ!


LHU: What is your favorite book of the Bible and which scriptures do you draw strength from?

Ivan: My favorite book of the Bible would be the book of Romans. In my bathroom I have printed out and posted scripture Roman 6:19 which speaks: Just as you use to offer parts of your body to impurity and ever increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness." This scripture is a daily encouragement to me and my daily walk.


LHU: In closing, I want to thank you for taking the time to share a piece of yourself with our readers. How can we be in prayer for you?

Ivan: Please agree with me that God will continue to strengthen me and give me vision and direction to do all that he wants me to do and that I may be a blessing unto the Body of Christ, and the Lost. Thank you so much for this opportunity! Love you!

I would like to thank Ivan Toldson for giving of his time to provide me with this interview. May God continue to bless him in all he is doing to Lift Up Jesus and his Kingdom! For more information on his CD Love Motivated and information on Ivan you can visit his website @ Love-N-Pain

Sherri Walker, Editor