We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ray Oster. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Ray, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Absolutely. I’ve had several moments recently that made me both laugh and feel immensely proud. As with any business, client feedback is vital. It helps us refine our services and stay aligned with the needs of the artists and ministries we serve. At Devine Jamz Gospel Network, I’ve been truly humbled by the consistency of our reviews, nearly all of them 5-star.
One review in particular touched me deeply and nearly brought me to tears. It came from Gospel recording artist Michael Gi, who wrote:
“You know… every now and then, you’ll come across someone that confirms your belief that there are people down here on this earth who are kind, caring, compassionate, professional, and willing to go the extra mile to help you succeed in the ministry God has given you. I experienced just that today in my consultation with Ray Oster at Devine Jamz Gospel Network. I struggled to come up with questions to ask because he had already covered everything I had in mind. If there were such a rating as beyond 100% or above excellence, I would give Ray just that, above excellence! Not once did I feel less than a VIP. Thank you, Ray, for being honest and caring about the person, the project, and the music ministry. This Stellar Award goes to Devine Jamz Gospel Network! Keep up the good work!” (See review on Google Reviews: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gbaP4AqZ9PGTS7LH9)
Hearing words like that reminds me why I do what I do. It’s more than a business, it’s a calling. Moments like these affirm that the work we’re doing is making a real, meaningful impact.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure! I’m Ray Oster, Founder and Adviser of Devine Jamz Gospel Network. My journey into music marketing is far from traditional, it was born from personal hardship, healing, and a calling to serve. In 1995, I survived a near-fatal car accident that left my right arm permanently paralyzed and introduced years of chronic pain, depression, and life-altering challenges. After being medically retired from my role as a Law Enforcement Officer and later working as a social worker, pain and addiction brought me to a breaking point. But through God’s grace, counseling, and the unwavering support of my wife, I found restoration and a renewed purpose.
Drawing from my father’s influence as a COGIC pastor and music leader, along with my own background in digital marketing and technology, I founded Devine Jamz Gospel Network in 2009. What began as a Christian and Gospel radio station, focused on encouraging the brokenhearted, has grown into one of the most committed faith-based music marketing agencies in the industry.
Today, Devine Jamz Gospel Network specializes in helping Christian and Gospel artists reach their audience through strategic marketing, digital promotion, media outreach, and direct-to-fan engagement. We combine ministry values with modern marketing tools to support artists who want to share messages of hope, faith, and inspiration. As technology evolves and costs rise for independent musicians, our goal is to educate, empower, and help them reach listeners who are most likely to connect with their message.
For a closer look at what we do, I invite readers to watch our YouTube video, “Inspiring Faith Through Music Marketing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4vVK3rAWHA).” It highlights how we assist both emerging and seasoned Gospel artists through digital promotion, social media management, radio campaigns, partnerships, and more. We’re passionate about serving God by helping artists bring inspirational music into homes, media outlets, and communities worldwide.
At Devine Jamz, our mission is simple: use marketing as ministry and help faith-based artists change lives through their music.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest true memory of feeling powerful didn’t come from a moment of personal strength, but from a moment of surrender. There was a period in my life when circumstances felt so overwhelming that I couldn’t imagine things getting any worse. I felt completely powerless. It wasn’t until I rededicated my life to God that everything began to change.
When I surrendered my cares to the Lord, I gradually experienced a spiritual power that reshaped my entire outlook. My life became living proof that I can do all things God has called me to do. Through Him who strengthens and empowers me, I found purpose, resilience, and direction. Today, I stand self-sufficient only because of Christ’s sufficiency, ready for anything, and equal to anything, through the inner strength and confident peace He provides.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me lessons that success never could. It humbled me in a way that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Before I hit the lowest point in my early adulthood, I was doing quite well as a young single man. I had a strong career path, a solid income, and the ability to help my mother financially. But during that season, my focus wasn’t on The Most High. I believed in God, but I wasn’t living as a true sacrifice, denying myself, seeking His will, or walking in alignment with His purpose.
When my life shifted after a nearly fatal car accident that left me partially paralyzed and ended my first career, the reality of struggle hit me like a wave. Add in major depression, and I found myself living destructively, far from recovery, far from clarity, and far from God. In that darkness, the scripture in Matthew 19:24 “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God”, took on new meaning for me. It revealed that when I was successful, I was drifting further away from Him.
But suffering brought me back. It stripped away pride, self-reliance, and the illusion that success was something I achieved on my own. It taught me that true success requires God the most, His guidance, His strength, His wisdom. Today, because of what I walked through, I remain humbled, grounded, and deeply appreciative of every blessing He entrusts me with. And I’m committed to using it all for His purpose.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is very much the real me. Whether I’m in a private conversation or speaking publicly, I’m naturally a conversationalist. I genuinely enjoy listening, learning, and connecting with people. Human behavior has always fascinated me, understanding why people do what they do, what shapes their choices, and what inspires their creativity.
That curiosity serves me well in my work. It allows me to understand the deeper stories behind an artist’s music, which becomes the foundation for effective content marketing and creative development. What you see is simply who I am, both on and off the record, someone committed to authentic connection and genuine storytelling.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I can give my very best even if no one ever praises me for it. My work is, and has always been, purpose-driven. Finding the purpose God created for my life was a journey shaped by trials, setbacks, and a sincere search for His direction. It wasn’t a straightforward path, but it was a transformative one.
Two things especially guided me along that journey:
1. Seeking a relationship with God:
I built a deeper connection with God through prayer, meditation, and studying His Word. That intimacy allowed me to better discern His voice and understand the assignment He placed over my life.
2. Reflecting on the talents and passions He gave me:
I examined the gifts God entrusted to me, my abilities in communication, analysis, technology, and ministry. I paid attention to the work that brought me joy and fulfillment. Those reflections revealed where He was leading me and how I could serve others through my calling.
Because of that foundation, I don’t need external praise to stay committed to my work. Praise is appreciated, but it’s not the motivation. My fulfillment comes from alignment with God’s will, knowing I’m walking in the purpose He designed specifically for me. It brings clarity, peace, and a conviction that guides every decision.
For me, this journey is ongoing, continuously seeking God, staying aligned with His will, and allowing Him to work in and through me. I trust His plan, rely on His provision, and give my best whether applause follows or not. My legacy isn’t built on recognition; it’s built on obedience and impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.devinejamz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinejamz
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/devine-jamz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devinejamzz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@devinejamz
- Other: Google Reviews:
https://g.page/r/CUcSarbVO8AoEAg/review
TikTok:
@devinejamz
Image Credits
Devine Jamz Gospel Network
