2006 is almost over... and welcome, 2007! With only three hours to go until midnight, already the sound of fireworks are breaking the silence of what would be a typical Thompson's Station, TN Sunday night.
This past year has been incredible in a number of ways. It's hard to believe we've been here for a full year (technically 16 months, but who's counting?). We've seen many places around the world, and seen the passing of many loved ones, as well as the beginning of many new lives, in both the physical and spiritual sense.
It seems oddly appropriate that this New Year's Eve finds me at home, with kids in bed (or at least heading that way) and Carol and I enjoying a quiet night. Even with all the great places we've been and the many exciting events Project Onefifty has helped me take part in, it has been a year of transition as well as preparation. I know with all certainty that this coming year will be special.
In the Jewish faith, 2007 is the Year of Jubilee. Every 7 years is a Sabbath year, but 7 cycles of Sabbath years end in the Year of Jubilee. In the Old Testament, this is a time that calls for forgiveness of debts, the end of strife and aggression, and freedom for those in bondage.
If you do a Google search for the Year of Jubilee 2007, you'll find a great deal of information. There are many organizations proclaiming this year as a time to end wars, to forgive debts of nations in Africa, and to help end famine, poverty, and sickness all around the world. 2007 also marks the 200th anniversary of the end of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. There are plans made to honor the many brave men and women who helped end slavery and helped inspire the modern movement to end the slavery of poverty and disease.
Is it any wonder that 2007 will be the year that Project Onefifty enters a new phase of ministry?
For the Christ-follower, every day of every year celebrates Jubilee. Christ is the fulfillment of the intent of the Year of Jubilee, and we have the awesome privilege to proclaim this truth to the world. From peoples halfway around the globe, to the neighbors down the street, the world is poised and waiting to find freedom and forgiveness...
Sounds like Grace to me.
So farewell 2006... we had a great time. But it's time to celebrate new life and healing and freedom. It's time to party!
Bring on the Year of Jubilee! Anyone want to join the fun?
Grace in His name,
GV
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
'Grace' for today
It's late on Sunday night, and I'm writing from my hotel room in Starkville, MS. I left Nashville early (5:15 am) to get to Tupelo, MS for the morning worship at the Church at Trace Crossing. This is a brand new Faith Family led by a great friend of mine named Kevin Wood (I had the joy of working with him at Brook Hills). I have always said that he would make a fantastic pastor, and it looks like my prediction is coming true.
Leading the music for Trace Crossing is another of the 'Kevins' in my world, Kevin Williams. You know that I have been working with Kevin for ages now... I've played on both of his recording projects, and we even served together at Brook Hills. He is a huge part of what I do as a sideman, and we play student events, retreats, and conferences all over the South.
These two Kevins make a great team. It was a very powerful service, with incredible worship in music and teaching. For me, today was extra special. Kevin Wood made a point to mention my song "I Will Trust In You' as he was introducing me to the audience. It's funny because Kevin Williams had already planned on singing it anyway! But Kevin Wood asked me to briefly tell the story behind the song, which I gladly recounted.
Most of you know how God gave us this song when the life of our yet-to-be-born daughter Audra Grace was hanging in the balance. Needless to say, Audra and all the rest of us came through those trying times (thank the Lord), and the gift of "I Will Trust In You" was a great encouragement to us. And while I thought the song was for us alone, He obviously had other plans as many people have relayed to me how it's helped them as well.
The lyric is based on Psalm 56:3 and simply relates how when life is tough, confusing, scary, and uncertain...you can trust in God and His word. This is a incredible truth and the reason why this very simple song resonates so powerfully.
Many times as we sing "I Will Trust", I am often overcome with emotion as I remember the trial and the grace of those dark moments. It was especially poignant today as this is Audra's second birthday!! The way God has comforted and guided is amazing, and His grace was sufficient...and remains so even now. Audra is named Grace as a reminder of His gift of love and mercy in the form of our precious little girl.
Tonight we (Kevin Williams and the rest of his band) played at a student ministry event at Mississippi State called SOS. We played a mix of popular radio tunes as well as some of the rockier worship choruses. There were a couple of hundred students there and we were having a great time. But once again Kevin felt led to sing my song. It's an amazing sound...hearing 200 young people singing words and melodies that I helped 'bring into the world', and to do so on the day that celebrates Audra Graces' arrival...wow!
So, my grace for today is running over. It's tough being away from my family, especially on days like today. But God knows that and decided to give a little extra grace to help me through!
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
II Corinthians 13:14
God bless!!
GV
Leading the music for Trace Crossing is another of the 'Kevins' in my world, Kevin Williams. You know that I have been working with Kevin for ages now... I've played on both of his recording projects, and we even served together at Brook Hills. He is a huge part of what I do as a sideman, and we play student events, retreats, and conferences all over the South.
These two Kevins make a great team. It was a very powerful service, with incredible worship in music and teaching. For me, today was extra special. Kevin Wood made a point to mention my song "I Will Trust In You' as he was introducing me to the audience. It's funny because Kevin Williams had already planned on singing it anyway! But Kevin Wood asked me to briefly tell the story behind the song, which I gladly recounted.
Most of you know how God gave us this song when the life of our yet-to-be-born daughter Audra Grace was hanging in the balance. Needless to say, Audra and all the rest of us came through those trying times (thank the Lord), and the gift of "I Will Trust In You" was a great encouragement to us. And while I thought the song was for us alone, He obviously had other plans as many people have relayed to me how it's helped them as well.
The lyric is based on Psalm 56:3 and simply relates how when life is tough, confusing, scary, and uncertain...you can trust in God and His word. This is a incredible truth and the reason why this very simple song resonates so powerfully.
Many times as we sing "I Will Trust", I am often overcome with emotion as I remember the trial and the grace of those dark moments. It was especially poignant today as this is Audra's second birthday!! The way God has comforted and guided is amazing, and His grace was sufficient...and remains so even now. Audra is named Grace as a reminder of His gift of love and mercy in the form of our precious little girl.
Tonight we (Kevin Williams and the rest of his band) played at a student ministry event at Mississippi State called SOS. We played a mix of popular radio tunes as well as some of the rockier worship choruses. There were a couple of hundred students there and we were having a great time. But once again Kevin felt led to sing my song. It's an amazing sound...hearing 200 young people singing words and melodies that I helped 'bring into the world', and to do so on the day that celebrates Audra Graces' arrival...wow!
So, my grace for today is running over. It's tough being away from my family, especially on days like today. But God knows that and decided to give a little extra grace to help me through!
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
II Corinthians 13:14
God bless!!
GV
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Clearly Different!
It's Wednesday night around 11:30 pm, and I just finished up 4 days of revival services with our friends at the ClearBranch UMC in Argo, AL. My former pastor at Brook Hills, Rick Ousley, was the speaker for the week, and he preached with fire and passion and authenticity, speaking truth into the lives of the members of this wonderful church.
I've known their worship leader, Charles Harnach since I was 15 (and I turn 45 in about 30 minutes, so you do the math). He has been a musical mentor and friend to me for decades now, and it's always a joy to work with him. I had the privilege to play guitar each night with a different musical group from their church. Sunday and Tuesday nights featured 2 different praise teams; Monday night saw me playing bass with Exit 148, their way cool college folks, and tonight I got to jam with my buddy Stephen Hayman (the Mad Scotsman) and their kicking student band. It was another special joy to once again work with my buddy Wes Hampton (the tenor with the Gaither Vocal Band). Wes may be with the GVB, but he'll always be one of the Project Onefifty guys.
It was a powerful moment for me on Tuesday night, as Wes and I got to sing "I Will Trust In You", a song that many people around the country have come to adopt as a special musical rendering of Psalm 56:3. Rick Ousley's own story about his recent battles with a rare medical condition found him reciting that verse and rolling this song through his mind as he lay on a hospital operating table.
All these thoughts flooded my mind as we sang that night. And as we sang, it was all I could do to get through this song. I kept thinking of those moments about 3 years ago when God was leading us through a dark valley, wondering if the life of our yet-to-be-born Audra Grace would have a chance to develop. Thank God that His grace gave us Audra Grace (turning 2 next month!), and He gave a song to comfort...not only us, but many, many others. I can honestly say with no shame that tears flowed freely and abundantly this week.
I won't again recite it in this blog, but Psalm 116 once again comes to mind. Crack the Book and read it and be challenged!
Love you guys!!
GV
I've known their worship leader, Charles Harnach since I was 15 (and I turn 45 in about 30 minutes, so you do the math). He has been a musical mentor and friend to me for decades now, and it's always a joy to work with him. I had the privilege to play guitar each night with a different musical group from their church. Sunday and Tuesday nights featured 2 different praise teams; Monday night saw me playing bass with Exit 148, their way cool college folks, and tonight I got to jam with my buddy Stephen Hayman (the Mad Scotsman) and their kicking student band. It was another special joy to once again work with my buddy Wes Hampton (the tenor with the Gaither Vocal Band). Wes may be with the GVB, but he'll always be one of the Project Onefifty guys.
It was a powerful moment for me on Tuesday night, as Wes and I got to sing "I Will Trust In You", a song that many people around the country have come to adopt as a special musical rendering of Psalm 56:3. Rick Ousley's own story about his recent battles with a rare medical condition found him reciting that verse and rolling this song through his mind as he lay on a hospital operating table.
All these thoughts flooded my mind as we sang that night. And as we sang, it was all I could do to get through this song. I kept thinking of those moments about 3 years ago when God was leading us through a dark valley, wondering if the life of our yet-to-be-born Audra Grace would have a chance to develop. Thank God that His grace gave us Audra Grace (turning 2 next month!), and He gave a song to comfort...not only us, but many, many others. I can honestly say with no shame that tears flowed freely and abundantly this week.
I won't again recite it in this blog, but Psalm 116 once again comes to mind. Crack the Book and read it and be challenged!
Love you guys!!
GV
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Same passage...different song!
THE JOURNEY SO FAR: Reflection: Lamentations and the blues
This morning my friend and 'partner in crime' Durand Robinson posted an entry on his blog about Lamentations 3. It's funny...he read these passages and heard a blues tune. A while back I was reading the same verses and heard something completely different! You can check out a demo of 'Love Never Fails' (featuring the vocals of the incredible Tony Wachter) at my page on My Space (http://www.myspace.com/georgevinson).
Durand's comments are timely and on target. For me, this passage sums up my life before and after I met Christ.
Isn't it amazing how His grace and love is perfectly applicable to each of us? Thank God His mercies never run out!!
GV
This morning my friend and 'partner in crime' Durand Robinson posted an entry on his blog about Lamentations 3. It's funny...he read these passages and heard a blues tune. A while back I was reading the same verses and heard something completely different! You can check out a demo of 'Love Never Fails' (featuring the vocals of the incredible Tony Wachter) at my page on My Space (http://www.myspace.com/georgevinson).
Durand's comments are timely and on target. For me, this passage sums up my life before and after I met Christ.
Isn't it amazing how His grace and love is perfectly applicable to each of us? Thank God His mercies never run out!!
GV
Friday, September 01, 2006
Family and Faith
Hi everyone!
I've had a couple of weeks here at home, being busy with domestic stuff (ahh, yard work!) and doing some sessions. Work is steadily increasing...so keep praying! Tomorrow I head down to Birmingham for a session at Bates Brothers Recording...a quick 'there and back again' trip. So with little P150 news, I thought I'd share some thoughts about family and faith.
As many of you know, I am the father of 5 children. Yes, down in the South that officially makes me 'white trash'...lol. Well, I know that having lots of kids can generate some trash.
But having this wonderful group of 4 boys and 1 baby girl has generated more than just trash. Brandon (22), Justin (19), Colin (10), Cameron (8), and Audra (22 months) have brought so many wonderful moments to Carol and I. And not a few moments of anguish and fear. From Brandon's near-fatal car accident a few years back, Cameron being in a halo at age 2 (so his broken neck would heal), and our latest challenges with Audra, there have been moments where we bombarded heaven with prayers, and not a few angry questions.
Isn't it wonderful to know that God not only hears and answers prayer, but can handle our anger? In my work with Project Onefifty there have times where people have compared me and my music to David and the Psalms in the Old Testament. David was reported to have a heart like His (in tune with the Father) but had moments of trial, dark moments of sin, and many moments of consequence resulting from his actions. There are times when I have far more in common with David's dark side than anything else!
In many of his psalms, David displays a brutal honesty with God. I suppose that is what draws me time and again to these centuries-old songs. And no matter how angry David gets, or graphic (asking God to destroy his enemies) invariably his tone lightens and he gives God praise, no matter what the circumstance.
Is this 'a heart like His'? The trust in Abba Father in every trial? I fall so far short of this mark (and often), but I continue to pray that I'll be faithful. God has proven His faithfulness to me over and over and over. My reasonable response is a life of faithful worship.
I'll close this entry with a Psalm that the 'prophet Bono' has been know to pray over U2 crowds:
"How can I repay the Lord
all the good He has done for me?
I will take the cup of salvation
and worship the Lord.
I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all His people."
Psalm 116:12-14 (HCSB)
Love never fails!!
God bless!!
GV
I've had a couple of weeks here at home, being busy with domestic stuff (ahh, yard work!) and doing some sessions. Work is steadily increasing...so keep praying! Tomorrow I head down to Birmingham for a session at Bates Brothers Recording...a quick 'there and back again' trip. So with little P150 news, I thought I'd share some thoughts about family and faith.
As many of you know, I am the father of 5 children. Yes, down in the South that officially makes me 'white trash'...lol. Well, I know that having lots of kids can generate some trash.
But having this wonderful group of 4 boys and 1 baby girl has generated more than just trash. Brandon (22), Justin (19), Colin (10), Cameron (8), and Audra (22 months) have brought so many wonderful moments to Carol and I. And not a few moments of anguish and fear. From Brandon's near-fatal car accident a few years back, Cameron being in a halo at age 2 (so his broken neck would heal), and our latest challenges with Audra, there have been moments where we bombarded heaven with prayers, and not a few angry questions.
Isn't it wonderful to know that God not only hears and answers prayer, but can handle our anger? In my work with Project Onefifty there have times where people have compared me and my music to David and the Psalms in the Old Testament. David was reported to have a heart like His (in tune with the Father) but had moments of trial, dark moments of sin, and many moments of consequence resulting from his actions. There are times when I have far more in common with David's dark side than anything else!
In many of his psalms, David displays a brutal honesty with God. I suppose that is what draws me time and again to these centuries-old songs. And no matter how angry David gets, or graphic (asking God to destroy his enemies) invariably his tone lightens and he gives God praise, no matter what the circumstance.
Is this 'a heart like His'? The trust in Abba Father in every trial? I fall so far short of this mark (and often), but I continue to pray that I'll be faithful. God has proven His faithfulness to me over and over and over. My reasonable response is a life of faithful worship.
I'll close this entry with a Psalm that the 'prophet Bono' has been know to pray over U2 crowds:
"How can I repay the Lord
all the good He has done for me?
I will take the cup of salvation
and worship the Lord.
I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all His people."
Psalm 116:12-14 (HCSB)
Love never fails!!
God bless!!
GV
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Sweet Home Chicago
Hi everyone!!
I'm sitting in the lobby of our hotel in the Chicago area (we being Glenn and Kathy Garrett and Julie Fisher). Glenn and I are playing tonight for Sure Foundation Ministries at an older church here. I'll be posting some pics when I get back to the hotel.
Love you guys!
GV
I'm sitting in the lobby of our hotel in the Chicago area (we being Glenn and Kathy Garrett and Julie Fisher). Glenn and I are playing tonight for Sure Foundation Ministries at an older church here. I'll be posting some pics when I get back to the hotel.
Love you guys!
GV
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Playing 'catch up'
Ok...that should be the official title of this blog, since I always seem to be 'playing catch up' with keeping this up to date!
So...where were we? Oh yeah...wrapping up Camp Voyager in North Carolina. I don't ever want to become jaded about the way God chooses to move, but once again we had many, many decisions by the kids to follow Christ for the first time, re-dedications, and even some who feel called to service! I'm convinced that young people are far more attuned to His call than us old-timers. I know it took several big 'taps on the shoulder' and a huge encounter before I realized it was Holy Spirit trying to get my attention about starting Project Onefifty. I can't wait to hear more from FBC Spartanburg about the follow-up to this years' Camp Voyager.
One last 'camp' story. As you know, this church rents a camp facility in Flat Rock that is a Jewish camp, Camp Blue Star. I've told you many stories about the folks we've met and shared with. I'm including a pic of the young Russian guitarist I got to play with the last night of camp, Liza...she was incredibly talented. Music is universal!
I digress! Thursday was a Jewish holiday called the 'Fast of Tisha B'Av', which is when the Jewish people mourn the destruction of the Temple. How do I know this? One of the full-time camp staffers is a lady named Allison. We've gotten to know her a bit the past 4 years, and she has always enjoyed our music. With all the conflict over in Lebannon, we asked her some questions. She actually has 2 relatives who are fighting with the Israeli army, and I assured her that we'd be praying for them (I trust that you'll join me in this). Allison is pursuing a degree in theology, and she commented that this fighting is senseless since 'we're all praying to the same God', meaning the Jews, Arabs, and Christians. I responded that she and I were definitely praying to the same God. Please pray for Allison as she learns about Jehovah and that one day she'll come to know the Messiah.
This weekend, the P150 Band played a Discipleship event for the Church at Brook Hills. It was the first time I've gotten to play there this year. And while it was a bit strange to be back as a visitor, it was great seeing a few of our old friends there. Our singer, Tony Wachter, had a wedding to attend in Atlanta, so we enlisted our friend Stephen Hayman to sing with us, and Rick Sutton and Eugene Bates stepped up and sang a couple of tunes as well. These guys are incredibly talented! It was great fun!
I finished this trip by filling in on bass at ClearBranch UMC in Argo. It's so cool to be able to be part of so many different fellowships and to help in their ministries. There's never a dull moment...well, hanging out in hotel rooms is not very exciting...lol!
This coming weekend I'll be in Chicago playing with Glenn Garrett, and the end of the month will find the P150 band playing an event for my new church home, the People's Church! Yeah...a gig close to home!
I'll close by asking you to keep us in your prayers. Durand Robinson (with the Greater Europe Mission, presently over in the States) and I are praying and brain-storming about some ways to raise support for some coming projects. It's exciting to think of the doors that God has opened for us to partner in sharing the Good News with people all over the world.
There...I'm officially 'caught up'...for the moment!
Love you, gang!
GV
So...where were we? Oh yeah...wrapping up Camp Voyager in North Carolina. I don't ever want to become jaded about the way God chooses to move, but once again we had many, many decisions by the kids to follow Christ for the first time, re-dedications, and even some who feel called to service! I'm convinced that young people are far more attuned to His call than us old-timers. I know it took several big 'taps on the shoulder' and a huge encounter before I realized it was Holy Spirit trying to get my attention about starting Project Onefifty. I can't wait to hear more from FBC Spartanburg about the follow-up to this years' Camp Voyager.
One last 'camp' story. As you know, this church rents a camp facility in Flat Rock that is a Jewish camp, Camp Blue Star. I've told you many stories about the folks we've met and shared with. I'm including a pic of the young Russian guitarist I got to play with the last night of camp, Liza...she was incredibly talented. Music is universal!
I digress! Thursday was a Jewish holiday called the 'Fast of Tisha B'Av', which is when the Jewish people mourn the destruction of the Temple. How do I know this? One of the full-time camp staffers is a lady named Allison. We've gotten to know her a bit the past 4 years, and she has always enjoyed our music. With all the conflict over in Lebannon, we asked her some questions. She actually has 2 relatives who are fighting with the Israeli army, and I assured her that we'd be praying for them (I trust that you'll join me in this). Allison is pursuing a degree in theology, and she commented that this fighting is senseless since 'we're all praying to the same God', meaning the Jews, Arabs, and Christians. I responded that she and I were definitely praying to the same God. Please pray for Allison as she learns about Jehovah and that one day she'll come to know the Messiah.
This weekend, the P150 Band played a Discipleship event for the Church at Brook Hills. It was the first time I've gotten to play there this year. And while it was a bit strange to be back as a visitor, it was great seeing a few of our old friends there. Our singer, Tony Wachter, had a wedding to attend in Atlanta, so we enlisted our friend Stephen Hayman to sing with us, and Rick Sutton and Eugene Bates stepped up and sang a couple of tunes as well. These guys are incredibly talented! It was great fun!
I finished this trip by filling in on bass at ClearBranch UMC in Argo. It's so cool to be able to be part of so many different fellowships and to help in their ministries. There's never a dull moment...well, hanging out in hotel rooms is not very exciting...lol!
This coming weekend I'll be in Chicago playing with Glenn Garrett, and the end of the month will find the P150 band playing an event for my new church home, the People's Church! Yeah...a gig close to home!
I'll close by asking you to keep us in your prayers. Durand Robinson (with the Greater Europe Mission, presently over in the States) and I are praying and brain-storming about some ways to raise support for some coming projects. It's exciting to think of the doors that God has opened for us to partner in sharing the Good News with people all over the world.
There...I'm officially 'caught up'...for the moment!
Love you, gang!
GV
Monday, July 31, 2006
Camp Voyager 2006
Hello from beautiful (but incredibly hot) Camp Voyager! The mountains of North Carolina are still gorgeous, just in case you were worried.
It's Day Two of camp and already we've had some incredible moments. We've been doing this camp for FBC Spartanburg for 4 years now, so the first day or so is filled with seeing old friends, and seeing how all these 4-6th grade students have grown!
That's one of the joys of being in a ministry like Project Onefifty; it enables me the freedom to partner with fellow ministries like that of Kevin Williams and others. The cool thing is that we are all out there doing Kingdom work, since we're all on the same team, right?
One of the other special things about this camp is the staff of Camp Blue Star, comprised mainly of international students from literally all over the world. Each night after the kids are in bed, the staff will come and hang out at the snack shack. Since they've been hearing us play each day and night, it gives us an instant 'in'. We come and hang with them and talk about all kinds of things. It's fun just to sit back and listen to people from Britain, Australia, Russia, Poland, Canada, etc. find commonality and community. Through the years we've met and shared with many of these folks. Imagine coming to North Carolina expecting one level of ministry and finding yourself on a mission field!
But that's the mindset we need daily; we're 'on mission' whether we're in Tennessee or Ponte Tresa, Italy. I'm learning that the work we do in Project Onefifty is all about helping the local church, whatever the locality.
Ok, I'll run for now. On my next post I'll try to put up some pics of our friends here, old or new, young or old!
Later!!
GV
It's Day Two of camp and already we've had some incredible moments. We've been doing this camp for FBC Spartanburg for 4 years now, so the first day or so is filled with seeing old friends, and seeing how all these 4-6th grade students have grown!
That's one of the joys of being in a ministry like Project Onefifty; it enables me the freedom to partner with fellow ministries like that of Kevin Williams and others. The cool thing is that we are all out there doing Kingdom work, since we're all on the same team, right?
One of the other special things about this camp is the staff of Camp Blue Star, comprised mainly of international students from literally all over the world. Each night after the kids are in bed, the staff will come and hang out at the snack shack. Since they've been hearing us play each day and night, it gives us an instant 'in'. We come and hang with them and talk about all kinds of things. It's fun just to sit back and listen to people from Britain, Australia, Russia, Poland, Canada, etc. find commonality and community. Through the years we've met and shared with many of these folks. Imagine coming to North Carolina expecting one level of ministry and finding yourself on a mission field!
But that's the mindset we need daily; we're 'on mission' whether we're in Tennessee or Ponte Tresa, Italy. I'm learning that the work we do in Project Onefifty is all about helping the local church, whatever the locality.
Ok, I'll run for now. On my next post I'll try to put up some pics of our friends here, old or new, young or old!
Later!!
GV
Saturday, July 29, 2006
How many times can I use "On the road again" as a title??
Hi everyone!
I’m literally heading out on the road again in a few hours. 3am comes early (I have to be at Dawson in Birmingham by 7am). I know...why didn’t I leave sooner? Work! Thankfully, the big LifeWay projects I’ve been working on are finally done...well, all my parts at least. Now my buddy Brian Green gets to put it all together. I’ve heard a few of the mixes so far and it’s sounding great. I’ll let you know as soon as these discs ‘hit the streets’.
Speaking of hitting the streets, I need to run. After Dawson in the morning, Barry Page and I will be jumping in the vehicle with Kevin Williams for our annual NC kid’s camp for FBC Spartanburg. This is our 4th (?) year running and we always look forward to leading these kids in worship.
There’s much more beyond this camp, but I’ll save for that the next update. Please continue to pray for me and the family. Work has been steady, but cash flow is another story. At least there is flow...!
Pray that Carol and the kids are safe while I travel, and also that my travels are safe and rewarding in a Kingdom way.
I’m praying for you as well. I miss you, guys!
God bless!
GV
I’m literally heading out on the road again in a few hours. 3am comes early (I have to be at Dawson in Birmingham by 7am). I know...why didn’t I leave sooner? Work! Thankfully, the big LifeWay projects I’ve been working on are finally done...well, all my parts at least. Now my buddy Brian Green gets to put it all together. I’ve heard a few of the mixes so far and it’s sounding great. I’ll let you know as soon as these discs ‘hit the streets’.
Speaking of hitting the streets, I need to run. After Dawson in the morning, Barry Page and I will be jumping in the vehicle with Kevin Williams for our annual NC kid’s camp for FBC Spartanburg. This is our 4th (?) year running and we always look forward to leading these kids in worship.
There’s much more beyond this camp, but I’ll save for that the next update. Please continue to pray for me and the family. Work has been steady, but cash flow is another story. At least there is flow...!
Pray that Carol and the kids are safe while I travel, and also that my travels are safe and rewarding in a Kingdom way.
I’m praying for you as well. I miss you, guys!
God bless!
GV
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Up to date with updates!
OK...trying to lose the self-imposed 'slacker' title by finally getting up to date with the road journal. It has been a busy week (like they all haven't been, thank goodness!
I've been telling you about a few of the projects I've been involved with, the most notable being with my friend of many decades (!) Glenn Garrett. He has just released a new CD project called "Mysteries and Dreams" (his site is listed in the Links area of this blog). I am so humbled to be on this record with guys like Glenn, Dave Cleveland, Tony Morra, Tom Lane, and Chester Thompson. This past Thursday evening we attended a CD release party where friends, family, and all the folks involved in the project got to listen to some selected cuts. It was a wonderful time...not your typical 'industry event'. One of the more famous guests was Glenn's long-time producer Brown Bannister. Carol and I got to chat with Brown and his wife for a bit and discovered many things in common (we've each been married 25 years, and we both have 5 kids!). Brown was very complimentary of my work on "M & D"...I'm praying that this seemingly random meeting will prove to be yet another God moment in our adventure here!
Of course, where would I be up here without my buddy Brian Green?? Not only has he gone out on a limb to give a virtual nobody like yours truly some work, but has proven to be a great friend. It's amazing how God plants people in your life where you least expected! Our two big LifeWay projects are drawing to a close and we pray these are the first of many to come.
And while I've been working like mad during the days to get my parts done so Brian can mix, I've been leaving around 3pm each day but Thursday to go play a student camp up on Signal Mountain in the Chattanooga area with my friend Greg Lowery. Yep...to say that I've been a 'road warrior' this past week would NOT be an understatement...lol. Carol and others make fun of me because I have most of the exits on I65 memorized...now I have a new interstate to work on!
Next week is pretty light, but that's good because I head back out on the road on Saturday for a session in Birmingham and to then hook up with the Kevin Williams Band for our annual North Carolina camp.
Make sure you check all the websites for the folks I've mentioned...I've added them to the Links section. Also in there is the link to the blog site for Randy Elrod, the former worship pastor at the People's Church. Randy is one of the most visionary men I know, and he recently left the staff of TPC to devote his life to helping other artists fulfill their God-given call. I know you'll find his site to a fascinating read, and also a great resource as well.
Yes!! I'm up to date...I'll not be a slacker any more!
Well...until the next time I get behind!
Love!
GV
I've been telling you about a few of the projects I've been involved with, the most notable being with my friend of many decades (!) Glenn Garrett. He has just released a new CD project called "Mysteries and Dreams" (his site is listed in the Links area of this blog). I am so humbled to be on this record with guys like Glenn, Dave Cleveland, Tony Morra, Tom Lane, and Chester Thompson. This past Thursday evening we attended a CD release party where friends, family, and all the folks involved in the project got to listen to some selected cuts. It was a wonderful time...not your typical 'industry event'. One of the more famous guests was Glenn's long-time producer Brown Bannister. Carol and I got to chat with Brown and his wife for a bit and discovered many things in common (we've each been married 25 years, and we both have 5 kids!). Brown was very complimentary of my work on "M & D"...I'm praying that this seemingly random meeting will prove to be yet another God moment in our adventure here!
Of course, where would I be up here without my buddy Brian Green?? Not only has he gone out on a limb to give a virtual nobody like yours truly some work, but has proven to be a great friend. It's amazing how God plants people in your life where you least expected! Our two big LifeWay projects are drawing to a close and we pray these are the first of many to come.
And while I've been working like mad during the days to get my parts done so Brian can mix, I've been leaving around 3pm each day but Thursday to go play a student camp up on Signal Mountain in the Chattanooga area with my friend Greg Lowery. Yep...to say that I've been a 'road warrior' this past week would NOT be an understatement...lol. Carol and others make fun of me because I have most of the exits on I65 memorized...now I have a new interstate to work on!
Next week is pretty light, but that's good because I head back out on the road on Saturday for a session in Birmingham and to then hook up with the Kevin Williams Band for our annual North Carolina camp.
Make sure you check all the websites for the folks I've mentioned...I've added them to the Links section. Also in there is the link to the blog site for Randy Elrod, the former worship pastor at the People's Church. Randy is one of the most visionary men I know, and he recently left the staff of TPC to devote his life to helping other artists fulfill their God-given call. I know you'll find his site to a fascinating read, and also a great resource as well.
Yes!! I'm up to date...I'll not be a slacker any more!
Well...until the next time I get behind!
Love!
GV
Friday, July 21, 2006
Hello? McFly??
Ok...I'll admit it; these days, I have more in common with Marty McFly's inept dad beyond sharing first names. I've been a 'slacker' with my updates...but I have great reasons...I've been too busy to write!
I'm not even sure where to begin. Since my last post back around July 4th, me and the good old Project Onefifty Boys had finished a weekend in Birmingham. From there I headed south with my buddy Kevin Williams to play a student camp in Wetumpka, AL (and had a fabulous time with the students from a Huntsville area church).
I left Wetumpka straight away for a session at Bates Brothers Recording in Hueytown on Friday, and rehearsals on Saturday for the worship services at ClearBranch UMC in Argo on Sunday.
I got back in time on Monday to prepare for my opening slot at a People's Church event, where I opened for (and played bass with) my old friends Nori and Barbie Kelley, better known as "Wind". These guys have traveled with world playing thier music, and have been a great source of help and inspiration for P150. Check out their site at www.windmusic.us.
All through this time I've been continuing to work on a couple of big LifeWay projects with my friend Brian Green (we are almost finished...woo hoo).
OK...that was about 14 days worth, and brings me up to date for this past week. I'm about to head out the door for a camp I've been doing this week in Chattanooga, but I promise to finish up tomorrow and tell you about hanging with Brown Bannister (producer for Amy Grant and lots of other folks) and Chester Thompson (yes, THAT Chester Thompson, the drummer).
Keep praying for us! Love you!
GV
I'm not even sure where to begin. Since my last post back around July 4th, me and the good old Project Onefifty Boys had finished a weekend in Birmingham. From there I headed south with my buddy Kevin Williams to play a student camp in Wetumpka, AL (and had a fabulous time with the students from a Huntsville area church).
I left Wetumpka straight away for a session at Bates Brothers Recording in Hueytown on Friday, and rehearsals on Saturday for the worship services at ClearBranch UMC in Argo on Sunday.
I got back in time on Monday to prepare for my opening slot at a People's Church event, where I opened for (and played bass with) my old friends Nori and Barbie Kelley, better known as "Wind". These guys have traveled with world playing thier music, and have been a great source of help and inspiration for P150. Check out their site at www.windmusic.us.
All through this time I've been continuing to work on a couple of big LifeWay projects with my friend Brian Green (we are almost finished...woo hoo).
OK...that was about 14 days worth, and brings me up to date for this past week. I'm about to head out the door for a camp I've been doing this week in Chattanooga, but I promise to finish up tomorrow and tell you about hanging with Brown Bannister (producer for Amy Grant and lots of other folks) and Chester Thompson (yes, THAT Chester Thompson, the drummer).
Keep praying for us! Love you!
GV
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Ahhh...Life on the road!
Whew! Thankfully yet another busy week (and then some!). Let's see...where do I begin?
June ended in a bang! I thought that was reserved for July, but I'll take this crazy schedule over the alternative ANY day! The last time I updated this blog, I was in Chattanooga at the Summit Camp with Kellee McCoy. Well, I finished there on Friday and drove to Birmingham to play a private party for my friends at O2 Ideas ad agency. The band included ad genius and friend John Zimmerman on guitar and vocals, Bob Norman on keys, and fellow P150's Tony Wachter on vocals & percussion, and Jim Pollard on drums. We played a mix of rock from various decades on their 3rd floor deck. It was great fun!
From there, it was back home for a day or so, and I managed to be able to play bass at the People's Church where we've been attending. Check it out on streaming video sometime (www.pclive.org).
Onto this past week. Monday and Tuesday found Jim Pollard and I doing a CD project at Bates Brothers Recording in Hueytown, AL (the wonderful facility where we did 'Spheres of Influence'). Eugene Bates played bass, Charles Harnach played keys, and Eric Bates masterfully engineered the tracking session for a local artist.
Bear with me...we're halfway there! Wednesday, fellow Tennessean Glenn Garrett and I played a mini-concert for a home Bible study in the Mountain Brook area of Birmingham. It was a powerful and Spirit-filled night. We made many new friends and I was able to share with these folks about P150.
Thursday I made a quick trip home to see the family and get some clean clothes (both very important items...lol). Friday I did a jingle with Tony Wachter and Steve Sample at AudioCzar (Tony's project room).
Last night (Saturday) a modified line-up of my band played a cool venue called the Coffee House of Trussville (located, oddly enough, in Trussville, AL). This place is a bit on the small side, so we stripped back to a 5 piece unit (me on electric guitars, Eugene playing bass for a vacationing Barry Page, Rick Sutton on acoustic guitar, and groovemaster Steve Sample playing drums). Helping us sound great were Jesse Reagan, his son Jonathan, and Shawn Roberts snapped some pics (including the one in this blog post).
It was a special night for me in that, with great friends backing me up, and great friends in the audience urging us on, I had the honor of playing a Beatles song with my brother Melvin. This guy is to blame for me picking up guitar in the first place. It marked the first time we've played together in about 25 years...wow! He has an amazing story that I hope to share with you in an upcoming issue of our "Spheres" newsletter.
Today we helped Rick Sutton lead worship at Genesis, a new church plant here in Birmingham. The message that pastors Dale and Amy Bowers spoke on was 'Jesus on Injustice'. We played some P150 standards (People Get Ready, When Love Comes to Town) along with a couple of worship songs. We played "I Will Trust In You" before the message, and finished the day with a rousing version of "Amazing Grace". I always get chills when I hear Tony sing such great lyrics with his powerful voice. All in all, an 'amazing' end to a great week.
Next week (tomorrow) I'll be on the road again with Kevin Williams as we play a week-long student camp down close to Montgomery, AL. Yes, that means I haven't been home in a while...sigh. But I've been praying for work, so God is faithful! Oh yeah, during all this activity I've been working on a recording project for LifeWay with my buddy Brian Green. Never a dull moment!
Ahhh...life on the road! Keep praying and I'll keep playing!
Ok, that was bad...I promise...no more puns!
God bless!
GV
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Chattanooga Summit
Hello from Lookout Mountain! What a great month...the beach a few weeks ago and now the mountains. Well, specifically the aforementioned Lookout Mountain. I'm here in the Chattanooga, TN area playing electric guitar with my friend Kellee McCoy (the worship leader at the Chapel Service at Dawson Baptist in Birmingham). The camp we're playing up here at Covenant College is appropriately called "Summit", which has been meeting each summer for 19 years now!
I've been up here since Sunday, but updates have been few and far between, as we have to drive down the mountain to the local Krystal and their free WiFi (and Krystal Chicks...but we have to pay for those!). But I do have some thoughts to share with you...as always, these are free!
Monday, I was listening to a local radio station and heard that June 19th is widely held as the offical day for the Emancipation of the slaves here in America. Slavery seems to be a recurring theme in what God is showing me these days through my travels. My trips to Ireland and the story of "Amazing Grace" (written by former slave trader John Newton, who later became one of the leaders in the Abolishionist movement in England) reminded me how important June 19th is to African-Americans. But thinking about all this reminded me of when I was in slavery...slavery to my sin. My 'emancipation day' was March 9, 1975. That was the day when I surrendered my heart and life to Jesus Christ. While I struggle daily with the scars of my former servitude, God is still working in my life to make me into a devoted follower of Christ. Thank God for His endless mercy...I guess I could quote one of my own songs and say that "Love Never Fails".
We've been leading these students each morning and evening, and we've experienced some incredible times of worship. One of the key things I've learned is from a statement made by our guest speaker, John Hickman. He remarked how God has been meeting us in a 'mountain-top experience', but we never seem to ask why this happens in this environment. He said it's because we have been 'fasting from the world, and feasting on the Word'. Wow...what truth! God has been leading our home group back in Spring Hill in this same manner, so it's no coincidence that He's continuing this theme in my life this week.
The more I travel and the more people I meet, I have found a great commonality in how God is working and doing. How exciting to be a part of such a work. Stay open to what He wants to do in your life and 'spheres of influence'.
Love you guys! Keep praying for us!
GV
I've been up here since Sunday, but updates have been few and far between, as we have to drive down the mountain to the local Krystal and their free WiFi (and Krystal Chicks...but we have to pay for those!). But I do have some thoughts to share with you...as always, these are free!
Monday, I was listening to a local radio station and heard that June 19th is widely held as the offical day for the Emancipation of the slaves here in America. Slavery seems to be a recurring theme in what God is showing me these days through my travels. My trips to Ireland and the story of "Amazing Grace" (written by former slave trader John Newton, who later became one of the leaders in the Abolishionist movement in England) reminded me how important June 19th is to African-Americans. But thinking about all this reminded me of when I was in slavery...slavery to my sin. My 'emancipation day' was March 9, 1975. That was the day when I surrendered my heart and life to Jesus Christ. While I struggle daily with the scars of my former servitude, God is still working in my life to make me into a devoted follower of Christ. Thank God for His endless mercy...I guess I could quote one of my own songs and say that "Love Never Fails".
We've been leading these students each morning and evening, and we've experienced some incredible times of worship. One of the key things I've learned is from a statement made by our guest speaker, John Hickman. He remarked how God has been meeting us in a 'mountain-top experience', but we never seem to ask why this happens in this environment. He said it's because we have been 'fasting from the world, and feasting on the Word'. Wow...what truth! God has been leading our home group back in Spring Hill in this same manner, so it's no coincidence that He's continuing this theme in my life this week.
The more I travel and the more people I meet, I have found a great commonality in how God is working and doing. How exciting to be a part of such a work. Stay open to what He wants to do in your life and 'spheres of influence'.
Love you guys! Keep praying for us!
GV
Monday, June 19, 2006
On the road...again!
Sorry for the delay in this update, but it's been crazy (in a good way). The last time you heard from me, I was in Florida at the student retreat for my friends at ClearBranch UMC (Argo, AL). The camp went well, but there was a frightening accident on Tuesday night. One of their 8th grade students, a beautiful young lady named Faith, was struck by a car while she was crossing the road to the beach. It looked really bad at the time, but thankfully God stepped in! While Faith has some extensive surgery on her leg (the main point of impact), thankfully she HAS a road to recovery.
The rest of the camp went well, and it was wonderful working with all the gang from ClearBranch. I'm hoping that I can be part of their retreat for years to come.
After the camp, I had a rare occurance...some time at home (got to do chores, mow the lawn, etc). I did get to play guitar down at the new satellite campus for the People's Church, down at the Spring Hill high school. Chad Jarnagin led worship and we had an incredible time. God is truly doing a great work down in our neck of the woods (and I'm glad to be a small part of it).
Ok, my next update will fill you in on the camp I'm doing THIS week. Later, kids!
GV
The rest of the camp went well, and it was wonderful working with all the gang from ClearBranch. I'm hoping that I can be part of their retreat for years to come.
After the camp, I had a rare occurance...some time at home (got to do chores, mow the lawn, etc). I did get to play guitar down at the new satellite campus for the People's Church, down at the Spring Hill high school. Chad Jarnagin led worship and we had an incredible time. God is truly doing a great work down in our neck of the woods (and I'm glad to be a small part of it).
Ok, my next update will fill you in on the camp I'm doing THIS week. Later, kids!
GV
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Creature from the Black Laguna...
Hello from the beach!
Do you hate those kinds of greetings as much as I do? Even though summer is in full swing, most of us still go to work everyday, and to hear from someone at a beach or on an exotic trip can be a bummer. So, please forgive me for such an annoying intro...lol.
It's Tuesday and my great friend and long-time sound man Jesse Reagan and I are sitting outside the retreat center office, taking advantage of the wireless internet access. We've been here since late Sunday night, and the student camp with the folks from ClearBranch UMC in Argo, Alabama is going well.
Monday was taken up with the load-in and set up of all the gear, with a band rehearsal right before dinner. We then we all packed into Classroom #1 (all 150 of us! Yikes!) for a time of worship and teaching. I'm playing with some young guns from the music ministry at ClearBranch, along with rock veteran Steven 'Hamie" Hayman. Yes, Hamie is the 'Scottish dude' who played in a band with Damon Johnson a few years back. Hamie is a great singer and is fun to work with. We're having some great times of woship (with some bluesy rock jams thrown in for fun). The guys in the band are doing great too; Jordan Harnach (son of my friend and mentor Charles Harnach) is covering bass, and another Jordan (I don't know his last name) is playing drums, and Stevie Ray Vaughn worshipper (lol) Roddy Barrett is playing guitar. It's a jammin' bunch for sure. Our friend Stephanie Sparks is adding some great BGVs, too.
We actually have the rest of the day off, so we plan on attempting to pigment our albino-esque skin via exposure to the sun's rays...lol (without doing a great lobster impression).
Some great things are happening back home, too. Our small group hosted our first 'outreach' this past Sunday, a block party at the home of P150 drummer Jim and Pam Pollard. They gave away over 100 hot dogs and many folks from their nieghborhood signed the guest book. But the best story came today via Pam. One of her neighbors knocked on her door yestersday and shared how she wanted to come over Sunday, but her husband was out of town. She then began to share with Pam about a recent family loss and how deeply it has affected her. Pam was able to bring some Spirit-led comfort, all because of a block party.
Wow! Talk about a mission field! How many of us know what's happening in the lives of the people who live all around us? I know that Carol and I need work in that area. We do have those 'yard chats' while outside cutting grass (pulling weeds, more like it), but I know God would have us do more. I am encouraged that we are part of a Faith Family (the People's Church) with vision to empower groups like the people that make up our home group to find ways to reach out into the community, without waiting for the church to host an event. We plan on making this a regular happening this summer, with a block party held at each of our respective neighborhoods. Please pray that we can be salt, light, and water to the people around us.
Heck...we may even play some music...what a novel idea!
More from the retreat in a day or so. Keep praying for us, especially as I travel. While these camps and trips are helping to pay the bills, we most definitely need your support financially for the various P150 projects we have in the works, as well as helping to feed the family.
God bless!
GV
Do you hate those kinds of greetings as much as I do? Even though summer is in full swing, most of us still go to work everyday, and to hear from someone at a beach or on an exotic trip can be a bummer. So, please forgive me for such an annoying intro...lol.
It's Tuesday and my great friend and long-time sound man Jesse Reagan and I are sitting outside the retreat center office, taking advantage of the wireless internet access. We've been here since late Sunday night, and the student camp with the folks from ClearBranch UMC in Argo, Alabama is going well.
Monday was taken up with the load-in and set up of all the gear, with a band rehearsal right before dinner. We then we all packed into Classroom #1 (all 150 of us! Yikes!) for a time of worship and teaching. I'm playing with some young guns from the music ministry at ClearBranch, along with rock veteran Steven 'Hamie" Hayman. Yes, Hamie is the 'Scottish dude' who played in a band with Damon Johnson a few years back. Hamie is a great singer and is fun to work with. We're having some great times of woship (with some bluesy rock jams thrown in for fun). The guys in the band are doing great too; Jordan Harnach (son of my friend and mentor Charles Harnach) is covering bass, and another Jordan (I don't know his last name) is playing drums, and Stevie Ray Vaughn worshipper (lol) Roddy Barrett is playing guitar. It's a jammin' bunch for sure. Our friend Stephanie Sparks is adding some great BGVs, too.
We actually have the rest of the day off, so we plan on attempting to pigment our albino-esque skin via exposure to the sun's rays...lol (without doing a great lobster impression).
Some great things are happening back home, too. Our small group hosted our first 'outreach' this past Sunday, a block party at the home of P150 drummer Jim and Pam Pollard. They gave away over 100 hot dogs and many folks from their nieghborhood signed the guest book. But the best story came today via Pam. One of her neighbors knocked on her door yestersday and shared how she wanted to come over Sunday, but her husband was out of town. She then began to share with Pam about a recent family loss and how deeply it has affected her. Pam was able to bring some Spirit-led comfort, all because of a block party.
Wow! Talk about a mission field! How many of us know what's happening in the lives of the people who live all around us? I know that Carol and I need work in that area. We do have those 'yard chats' while outside cutting grass (pulling weeds, more like it), but I know God would have us do more. I am encouraged that we are part of a Faith Family (the People's Church) with vision to empower groups like the people that make up our home group to find ways to reach out into the community, without waiting for the church to host an event. We plan on making this a regular happening this summer, with a block party held at each of our respective neighborhoods. Please pray that we can be salt, light, and water to the people around us.
Heck...we may even play some music...what a novel idea!
More from the retreat in a day or so. Keep praying for us, especially as I travel. While these camps and trips are helping to pay the bills, we most definitely need your support financially for the various P150 projects we have in the works, as well as helping to feed the family.
God bless!
GV
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Artist Gathering...now I know I'm not crazy!
Hi guys!
I know what you're thinking...two posts in one week and he's not on tour...what's the deal? The 'deal' was a gathering of artists from all disciplines and genres, held this past Tuesday night at the Chapel of the People's Church in Franklin, TN (where we've plugged in as a family), and hosted by Randy Elrod and Ken Davis. Randy is another one of us crazy folks who've stepped away from their career to follow God's call. For the past years Randy has been the Worship Arts Pastor at TPC, and has been a great influence to me in the short time we've been here, both on and off stage.
Several folks shared their vision and callings, and you can follow the link above to hear Randy's new mission (to develop a facility in the Nashville area to equip and encourage artists). But the underlying message was that God is raising up artists in every area to a new work and style of ministry. I'm not talking artistic style...but the realization that God is NOT calling us to 'business as usual'.
As I sat in this room with about 50 other artists (many 'names' that you'd instantly recognize; and many other 'unknowns' like me), I was overwhelmed by the comfort of Holy Spirit as He once again confirmed in my heart and spirit the 'rightness' of where we've been called. I can't tell you just how many times I've questioned everything about this move and this call. I'm almost ashamed to admit my distrust, as God has done some incredible things just to get us here...and He has been faithful to provide in many miraculous ways in the past nine months.
I was so moved by this gathering, I went up to Randy afterward to express my thanks. But all I could get out of my mouth was the phrase "now I know I'm not crazy"! I know that he knew exactly what I meant. I mean...it's crazy to leave a great job and risk your family and life in such adventures. Project Onefifty is a few years old now and I'm still trying to figure it all out!
But thank God I know someone who does have it all figured out. He knows full well 'the plan' and our place. Thank you, thank you, thank you for continuing to support us. Continue to pray that we will faithfully follow the Call.
Love you guys!
GV
I know what you're thinking...two posts in one week and he's not on tour...what's the deal? The 'deal' was a gathering of artists from all disciplines and genres, held this past Tuesday night at the Chapel of the People's Church in Franklin, TN (where we've plugged in as a family), and hosted by Randy Elrod and Ken Davis. Randy is another one of us crazy folks who've stepped away from their career to follow God's call. For the past years Randy has been the Worship Arts Pastor at TPC, and has been a great influence to me in the short time we've been here, both on and off stage.
Several folks shared their vision and callings, and you can follow the link above to hear Randy's new mission (to develop a facility in the Nashville area to equip and encourage artists). But the underlying message was that God is raising up artists in every area to a new work and style of ministry. I'm not talking artistic style...but the realization that God is NOT calling us to 'business as usual'.
As I sat in this room with about 50 other artists (many 'names' that you'd instantly recognize; and many other 'unknowns' like me), I was overwhelmed by the comfort of Holy Spirit as He once again confirmed in my heart and spirit the 'rightness' of where we've been called. I can't tell you just how many times I've questioned everything about this move and this call. I'm almost ashamed to admit my distrust, as God has done some incredible things just to get us here...and He has been faithful to provide in many miraculous ways in the past nine months.
I was so moved by this gathering, I went up to Randy afterward to express my thanks. But all I could get out of my mouth was the phrase "now I know I'm not crazy"! I know that he knew exactly what I meant. I mean...it's crazy to leave a great job and risk your family and life in such adventures. Project Onefifty is a few years old now and I'm still trying to figure it all out!
But thank God I know someone who does have it all figured out. He knows full well 'the plan' and our place. Thank you, thank you, thank you for continuing to support us. Continue to pray that we will faithfully follow the Call.
Love you guys!
GV
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Weekend in Review
Ok...sounds like a Sunday morning talk show! Just trying to be consistent in this whole 'blog thing'. I have to have faith that someone out there may actually read these posts in order to keep up with me and Project Onefifty, so here goes!
I was once again back in Birmingham, Alabama for a few days. Thursday night I played the 'big room' in town...the Civic Center Coliseum. Along with home boys Barry Page on bass, Steve Sample on drums, horn players Mart Avant and Rich Davison (and Chad the unknown T-bone guy), and Michael Addler and company from Shades Mt. BC on BGVs, we played for Birmingham alum Charles Billingsley. He has been in groups like Newsong and is currently the music leader for the David Jeremiah Crusade ministry. It was just such a crusade that brought us all together at the Coliseum for a great night of music and preaching. It should appear on TV at some point, so I'll try to get you the info in a timely manner.
The rest of the weekend found me playing with my friends out at ClearBranch United Methodist Church in Argo, AL. Their student ministry presented an original musical called "Fifteen For A Moment". The premise was a recently departed lady looking back on her 9th grade year and all the trials and turmoil that led to her accepting Christ. My role was that of bass player, which led me full circle to my early days at Erwin High School playing bass in the pit for shows like "Bye Bye Birdie". I keep waiting for my Tony Award...maybe they don't have my new address in Tennessee!
Anyway, it was a fun week and a fantastic way to help pay the bills. I have asked many of you to pray that work would head my way, and I do believe your prayers and mine are being answered. As always, keep Project Onefifty on your list.
I actually have about 10 days or so off before heading back on the road. School ends this Thursday, and Justin (recently turned 19, and Brandon, 22!) will be heading to Chicago for the summer playing at a LifeWay Centrifuge camp. I'm hoping we can use this down time to do some fun family stuff around town (lots to do and see here).
I'm also hoping to use this time to do more work on songs and demos for a follow-up to my "Spheres of Influence" CD. I actually have 2 complete projects I want to do...but first things first, as they say.
Finally, my good buddy Glenn Garrett has finally completed his long-awaited CD titled "Mysteries and Dreams" (keep checking www.glenngarrett.com for more info). I am so excited about this...I ended up playing all the bass parts (with the exception of 2 tunes with synth bass) and alot of guitar parts as well. I am humbled to be on these tracks along with Glenn and session heavyweights Dave Cleveland on guitars, Tony Morra, Chester Thompson (yes, THE Chester Thompson!) on drums, as well as Lisa Bevill on BGVs. Heck, even my buddies Tom Lane and Jamie Rogan got to help on a few tracks (on guitars and percussion, respectively).
The new CD has been released to 240 radio stations and Glenn has already started booking concerts. Glenn and I go way back (he's also a Birmingham guy from about 20 years ago). I used in play in his road band back toward the end of his CCM career, and I actually helped he and Kathy move to Franklin. It was one of those 'God moments' that put Glenn and I back together again last year, leading ultimately to our move to the area (Kathy was also our realtor...lol!).
Alrighty, then...enough review! Have a great week and I hope to see you soon!
GV
I was once again back in Birmingham, Alabama for a few days. Thursday night I played the 'big room' in town...the Civic Center Coliseum. Along with home boys Barry Page on bass, Steve Sample on drums, horn players Mart Avant and Rich Davison (and Chad the unknown T-bone guy), and Michael Addler and company from Shades Mt. BC on BGVs, we played for Birmingham alum Charles Billingsley. He has been in groups like Newsong and is currently the music leader for the David Jeremiah Crusade ministry. It was just such a crusade that brought us all together at the Coliseum for a great night of music and preaching. It should appear on TV at some point, so I'll try to get you the info in a timely manner.
The rest of the weekend found me playing with my friends out at ClearBranch United Methodist Church in Argo, AL. Their student ministry presented an original musical called "Fifteen For A Moment". The premise was a recently departed lady looking back on her 9th grade year and all the trials and turmoil that led to her accepting Christ. My role was that of bass player, which led me full circle to my early days at Erwin High School playing bass in the pit for shows like "Bye Bye Birdie". I keep waiting for my Tony Award...maybe they don't have my new address in Tennessee!
Anyway, it was a fun week and a fantastic way to help pay the bills. I have asked many of you to pray that work would head my way, and I do believe your prayers and mine are being answered. As always, keep Project Onefifty on your list.
I actually have about 10 days or so off before heading back on the road. School ends this Thursday, and Justin (recently turned 19, and Brandon, 22!) will be heading to Chicago for the summer playing at a LifeWay Centrifuge camp. I'm hoping we can use this down time to do some fun family stuff around town (lots to do and see here).
I'm also hoping to use this time to do more work on songs and demos for a follow-up to my "Spheres of Influence" CD. I actually have 2 complete projects I want to do...but first things first, as they say.
Finally, my good buddy Glenn Garrett has finally completed his long-awaited CD titled "Mysteries and Dreams" (keep checking www.glenngarrett.com for more info). I am so excited about this...I ended up playing all the bass parts (with the exception of 2 tunes with synth bass) and alot of guitar parts as well. I am humbled to be on these tracks along with Glenn and session heavyweights Dave Cleveland on guitars, Tony Morra, Chester Thompson (yes, THE Chester Thompson!) on drums, as well as Lisa Bevill on BGVs. Heck, even my buddies Tom Lane and Jamie Rogan got to help on a few tracks (on guitars and percussion, respectively).
The new CD has been released to 240 radio stations and Glenn has already started booking concerts. Glenn and I go way back (he's also a Birmingham guy from about 20 years ago). I used in play in his road band back toward the end of his CCM career, and I actually helped he and Kathy move to Franklin. It was one of those 'God moments' that put Glenn and I back together again last year, leading ultimately to our move to the area (Kathy was also our realtor...lol!).
Alrighty, then...enough review! Have a great week and I hope to see you soon!
GV
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Project Onefifty
I was sitting and thinking about the incredible journey that I've been on the past several years, and I realized that many of you may not know how this whole Project Onefifty thing got started. And while you can go to the P150 website and get the 'Cliff Notes' version, I thought it'd be fun to reminsce.
It was about this time of year back in 2002 that I went on a music/missions trip to Italy and Switzerland led by my buddy Dan Moran. Joining me were Barry & Jill Page, Josh Cooper, David Gaines, Steve Wingo, and Deb and Seth Moran (Dan's wife and son). Our local ministry contact was Scott Steelman of the Italy for Christ ministry.
Our mission was simple; play music and let Dan preach. And play and preach we did. But the amazing thing to me was when we were simply playing music...and seeing people respond to a move of Holy Spirit, just from us jamming!
God had been tapping on my shoulder about doing this sort of ministry for several years. But in Paul's prison in Rome, he stopped tapping and pretty much slammed me! The next few days found me examining my motives, dreams and desires, and running all this by Carol back in the States.
After an incredible 10 days or so, I arrived back home in Birmingham after a long flight. But during that 12 hours or so, the entire concept for P150 dropped in my lap...name and all. Even down to the details of how we partner with other ministries, finances, etc.
To develop this ministry, we decided to go slow, determined to be obedient in every step. The process led to my first solo CD "Spheres of Influence", the actual creation of the business entity of Project Onefifty, finding a board of directors, etc. It would not be until July 2004 that we debuted Project Onefifty at our CD release event at the Church at Brook Hills.
Jumping back to today, May 17 2006...we now find ourselves living in a new city (Thompson's Station, TN, about 30 minutes south of Nashville), with new friends and opportunities for music and ministry. The People's Church in Franklin, TN has opened their arms to us in a huge way, even allowing us to host an event there this coming July to introduce P150 to more folks in our area. There have been great times and times of struggle...but God has been faithful in every step along the way.
Thank you for the way many of you support us each month, through finances, encouragement, and most of all prayer. Since that trip to Italy and Switzerland back in '02, I've been able to use my music in Ireland, Japan, the Middle East, and all over the Southeast. My music is being heard literally all over the world through online outlets such as iTunes, Napster, CD Baby, and about 30 others.
And so it goes. Tomorrow I head down to Birmingham to play for CCM artist Charles Billingsly at a big rally with David Jeremiah, and then to finish the weekend helping my friends at ClearBranch with a student musical. I am thankful that I'm allowed to use these skills in His service.
Ok...thanks for indulging my little stroll down Memory Lane. Glad I had you along...
Later!
GV
Monday, May 15, 2006
Vulcan Classic
This past Saturday I played at the Vulcan Classic at the Alys Stephens Center in Birmingham. No, I'm not talking about the motorcycle...this Vulcan Classic is a body-building championship. Yes, I know what you're thinking...what the heck was I doing there? My friends Brian Taunton and the God's House Band played the intermission of the show and they asked me to come play with them (I had worked on their recording project at Kevin Derryberry's Ark Studio).
And while the gig went very well, I think I know how it would feel be on an alien planet. We were surrounded all evening by men and women who looked like Greek gods and goddesses...needless to say I went around all night with my stomach pulled in as tight as I could...lol.
This whole event was Brian's brainchild (he is into that whole body-building world), and his dream was to have a time during the night where the Gospel would be clearly presented. God's House Band has great songs filled with truth, and toward the end of our set, Brian gave a powerful message of how Christ can change a life. He closed with a simple invitation to accept this message...over 5 people asked Christ into their life for the first time, and 6 others re-dedicated their lives!
God is challenging people all around the world to find new ways to present His love. For me and Project Onefifty, it's music. For Brian Taunton...it's reaching out to body-builders. But the fact remains that we need to go beyond the walls of the Church to "be Christ" to the people who won't come to us.
I'm proud to be part of this type of cutting-edge ministry. Brian tells me that next years Classic will be bigger and better than ever...
I'd better start working out now!
GV
And while the gig went very well, I think I know how it would feel be on an alien planet. We were surrounded all evening by men and women who looked like Greek gods and goddesses...needless to say I went around all night with my stomach pulled in as tight as I could...lol.
This whole event was Brian's brainchild (he is into that whole body-building world), and his dream was to have a time during the night where the Gospel would be clearly presented. God's House Band has great songs filled with truth, and toward the end of our set, Brian gave a powerful message of how Christ can change a life. He closed with a simple invitation to accept this message...over 5 people asked Christ into their life for the first time, and 6 others re-dedicated their lives!
God is challenging people all around the world to find new ways to present His love. For me and Project Onefifty, it's music. For Brian Taunton...it's reaching out to body-builders. But the fact remains that we need to go beyond the walls of the Church to "be Christ" to the people who won't come to us.
I'm proud to be part of this type of cutting-edge ministry. Brian tells me that next years Classic will be bigger and better than ever...
I'd better start working out now!
GV
Sunday, April 30, 2006
The long and winding road...
Well, April is almost over...and I’m off the road for a bit. And what a road it was! 25 out of 30 days found me on the road (or in the air) for a total of just over 11,000 miles!! Looking back, it’s hard to believe that we were able to go so many places in such a short time.
What’s even more incredible is what transpired during these journeys. It’s not ‘evangelistic exaggeration’ to say that literally hundreds of people heard about Christ...through word, song, and actions. From playing in pubs and venues in Ireland, storm ravaged schools and churches on the Gulf Coast, to helping other ministries with recording projects and events here close to home, the Good News was made clear. Many of the folks we met are now great friends...others we saw made important decisions about their spiritual condition. In any event, we were able to be an influence through our music. Me and the band were also able to help a Birmingham mental health agency raise over $10,000 in support for their programs...all through this gift of music!
And I have to thank many of you for all this. Your support through prayer and giving made this possible. From keeping us in eats and diapers on the home-front to covering travel costs to far-flung lands (and parts of Mississippi, too!), all of it mattered greatly in this effort. Thank you...thank you, thank you, thank you!!
But we’re not stopping here. Plans are already underway to return (with the band) to Ireland next April. We’re also working on doing some events down on the Gulf Coast. I saw firsthand how powerful and encouraging music can be in the lives of people dealing with disaster. And this year we hope to return to the studio for a follow-up to “Spheres of Influence” (many of you have already helped us determine what this project should look and sound like). Lastly, we want to help local churches too. We love leading worship and are planning a series of ‘house concerts’...if you want to host one of these, let me know!
Let me close by asking you to once again pray for us. I have been challenged greatly of late to go even farther beyond the walls of the church than ever before. I’m praying that God will open the right doors at the right time to take our music into places we as a ministry have never been. I honestly don’t know or understand exactly what this means...that’s why I need your prayers, so that our path will be made absolutely clear!
And please remember Project Onefifty in your financial giving. More than ever we need your help to help us continue to have months like this past April. I can honestly say that we don’t care where we go...we simply want to be used to help spread the Good News. By the grace of God, we will...
God bless you!!
GV
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Gulf Coast Tour wrap-up
It’s Sunday night around 11:15pm Eastern time and I just checked into my hotel for the next two nights in beautiful Asheville, NC. And while the Gulf Coast tour with Reveal, the student choir of the Biltmore Baptist Church was over for me on Friday night, my work with Biltmore is not quite finished. The next two days will find me playing guitar on a recording project for their worship ministry.
Let me get you up to speed on the tour. Wednesday night we played to a packed house at the First Baptist Church of Biloxi, MS, where five different youth groups came together for an incredible event. Kevin and I and the band started the evening off with worship...the energy and excitement in the room was palpable.
Reveal came up and continued to lead us, and our speaker Gary Permenter tied all the lyrical threads together and delivered a powerful message. There were several decisions to follow Christ...to be honest, the room was so packed that it was difficult to see all that was taking place. But to say that God showed up and showed off would be an accurate statement.
The next two days were pretty much the same (school event in the morning for the band, work projects for the choir, and an evening concert for the entire group). I don’t want to overlook what God did in these events, but I don’t want this message to stretch into novel length either...lol. Our final concert on Friday took place in Bogalusa, Louisiana (about 2 hours north of the coast). Our contact there, John, told us some pretty hair-raising stories about his contact with Katrina. But it was a comment he made to Kevin afterward that I’d like to share. John said that the last 6 months or so have been the most depressing period in his life...and not only for him, but the entire community. This small town is virtually abandoned due to the devastation caused by the storm. But our concert that night brought new life and energy to the people there...dare I say that our music and vibrant relationships with Christ as expressed in our music has literally inspired the people to have hope.
That pretty much sums up the entire tour. It has also confirmed to me that my desire to bring the Project Onefifty band down to the coast is not just something that would be nice, but would be a huge benefit. I’ll be sharing more in the weeks and months to come about these plans.
For now, let me sign off. My day starts early tomorrow and I’m pretty wiped from all the recent travel. On a personal note, thank you for praying for Audra; she had her CAT scan this past Friday and Carol is meeting with the doctors tomorrow for the results. Please continue to pray...
Love you guys!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Midweek 'mystery'...
Hi everyone!
Sorry for no update yesterday, but boy...it was a busy day! Call was at 6:00am and we hit the ground running! We played 3 events yesterday (yes...at different venues). Two of them were for Christian clubs at two different schools (one in the morning before classes and the other after school). The last was our evening concert featuring Kevin and the band, the choir, and our speaker Gary Permenter. I must say that David Gaines knows how to keep folks busy!
Today we played another school event and then I had the day 'off'. I'm sitting in the student auditorium of FBC Biloxi where tonight's event is happening. It's the usual story of 'hurry up and wait' while the crew gets everything ready. But I know it's going to be a great concert, as we are expecting not only the usual crowd at this church, but all the folks we've invited from the various school events. We are praying that it's an SRO crowd...not for the sake of numbers, but for as many people to have the chance to hear the Good News about the difference Christ has made in our lives.
During my free time today, I drove into Mobile and then around the area, just observing the damage, the clean-up efforts, etc. To be honest, I was very pre-occupied about some personal issues...Audra is having some tests done Friday; while that is nerve-wracking enough, the fact that I can't be there is hard. But I know that God has both Audra and my fears and concerns well in hand. I can go ahead and thank you for praying, because I know you will!
But even with my thoughts of family and home, I couldn't help but be affected by the sights of the area. Everywhere you turn, you see evidence of a storm long past...blue tarps are everywhere. Some places are simply empty lots...you can tell that some home or other structure used to be there, but now is simply gone.
But even with the devastation, you see signs of hope. Relief teams are in plain sight, working hard and selflessly to repair homes and to bring normalcy to the lives of the people in this region. The students from Biltmore are working no less hard than any of the other teams and it makes you proud that students (grades 6-12) are doing their part to be Christ in such a physical way. I'm proud to have even a small part in this trip.
Ok...the crew is done and the band is jamming...the choir is about to sound check and soon the doors will open. In a few hours, we'll reveal in a variety of ways the love of Christ, and the mystery that is the work of Holy Spirit will be evident as people will be drawn to make eternal decisions.
Thanks for praying and for helping me be here this week. God bless!
GV
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
New week...new adventure!
The wonderful thing about being a musician (or one that gets to travel) is getting to go to interesting places. So far this month, I've logged trips to Asheville, NC, Ireland (both the Republic Of and the Northern one), Birmingham, AL, and now this week's tour on the Gulf Coast.
I'm down in Gulfport, MS working with some of my best friends in the world. David Gaines (keyboard wiz) is on staff with the Biltmore Baptist Church in Asheville, NC, and his student choir is touring down here. Another great friend and great player down here with us is my longtime partner in musical crime, Kevin Williams. Kevin and I go way back...I played on his 2 recording projects, have served together on a church staff, and I play guitar in his road band. Kevin and I have been tasked with fronting the choir's student band (some decent players, too).
Our mission this week is multi-faceted. This entire region is still dealing with the effects of Hurricane Katrina (seven months after the fact), and the students will be helping in various relief projects (building, painting, cleaning, etc). The choir will be playing in area churches at night, and we'll be opening and closing the concerts. Our good friend Gary Permenter will be speaking...he is hilarious! But he really drives home the message of truth in a way unlike any other youth speaker (and I've heard a bunch of 'em!).
During the day, the band will be playing in school assemblies as a teaser for our nighttime concerts. Tonight we all rolled into town around 7pm, checked into our hotel and then went to a local church for a rehearsal. Tomorrow we hit the ground running at 6am for our first event; an assembly before school for a Christian club. Then it's off to another school where we'll do basically the same deal. Somewhere in between those two events will be a radio interview, hopefully some lunch and some rest before our evening concert.
So welcome to the Biltmore Student Choir Tour! Be praying that we can positively affect the lives of the people in this area and be Christ in a multitude of ways. Rest assured that while we'll lending our hands in a physical fashion, we'll do all this in the spirit of Christ and be looking for ways to share truth wherever we can.
Oh yeah...we'll play some music too!
Be praying! Love you guys!
GV
I'm down in Gulfport, MS working with some of my best friends in the world. David Gaines (keyboard wiz) is on staff with the Biltmore Baptist Church in Asheville, NC, and his student choir is touring down here. Another great friend and great player down here with us is my longtime partner in musical crime, Kevin Williams. Kevin and I go way back...I played on his 2 recording projects, have served together on a church staff, and I play guitar in his road band. Kevin and I have been tasked with fronting the choir's student band (some decent players, too).
Our mission this week is multi-faceted. This entire region is still dealing with the effects of Hurricane Katrina (seven months after the fact), and the students will be helping in various relief projects (building, painting, cleaning, etc). The choir will be playing in area churches at night, and we'll be opening and closing the concerts. Our good friend Gary Permenter will be speaking...he is hilarious! But he really drives home the message of truth in a way unlike any other youth speaker (and I've heard a bunch of 'em!).
During the day, the band will be playing in school assemblies as a teaser for our nighttime concerts. Tonight we all rolled into town around 7pm, checked into our hotel and then went to a local church for a rehearsal. Tomorrow we hit the ground running at 6am for our first event; an assembly before school for a Christian club. Then it's off to another school where we'll do basically the same deal. Somewhere in between those two events will be a radio interview, hopefully some lunch and some rest before our evening concert.
So welcome to the Biltmore Student Choir Tour! Be praying that we can positively affect the lives of the people in this area and be Christ in a multitude of ways. Rest assured that while we'll lending our hands in a physical fashion, we'll do all this in the spirit of Christ and be looking for ways to share truth wherever we can.
Oh yeah...we'll play some music too!
Be praying! Love you guys!
GV
Friday, April 14, 2006
Easter and beyond
Ok...I think my body knows what day and time it’s supposed to be since my Irish tour. Our church in Franklin, TN has a Saturday night service which my family and I will be attending (as I’m helping my friend Kellee McCoy down at Dawson in Birmingham, AL on Easter Sunday).
After that, it’s back home for the night and then I head out for a weeks’ tour in Gulfport, MS. My friend Kevin Williams and I will be helping the Biltmore Baptist Church (Asheville, NC) student choir with their tour down there. It’s gonna be a blast!
Please remember Christ’s sacrifice and especially the difference between Him and all other ‘paths’ to God...He’s the only one who predicted He’d rise from the dead (and then did so!).
What a savior!!
GV
After that, it’s back home for the night and then I head out for a weeks’ tour in Gulfport, MS. My friend Kevin Williams and I will be helping the Biltmore Baptist Church (Asheville, NC) student choir with their tour down there. It’s gonna be a blast!
Please remember Christ’s sacrifice and especially the difference between Him and all other ‘paths’ to God...He’s the only one who predicted He’d rise from the dead (and then did so!).
What a savior!!
GV
Monday, April 10, 2006
Last night in Ireland
Well, its hard to believe it, but our Ireland trip is drawing to a close. Jason and I are at our lodging for the night in Blackrock, a suburb of Dublin...its around 11:30pm and call time in the morning is 6am!
Im not sure where to begin! We had a pretty early call this morning, as Mike Mullins drove us down from Buncrana to Derry in order to catch the bus to Dublin. I didnt realize it, but Derry is right across the border in Northern Ireland and was the sight of the Bloody Sunday massacre. Most of us think of this as just a U2 song, but Mike took us through town to the actual site where the Catholic protesters were marching. History tells us that a shot rang out, and then the British troops opened fire on the marchers. Derry reminded me of Belfast, with slogans and murals decorating the various buildings. Even the curbs are marked with colors denoting the different neighborhoods (and factions). While the peace is thankfully still in effect (even with the recent assassination of a former British agent in the IRA), there are reminders everywhere of the Troubles that have plagued this country for so long. Both Mike Mullins and my friend up in Belfast, Fr. Martin Curley agree that the only thing that will ever bring peace to this island is the love of Jesus Christ.
Let me tell you about our final gig here. We played in the Irish Cultural Center (I cannot even begin to spell the Irish name for it!); this is a beautiful building in a grand old neighborhood, and this facility is a treasure trove of Irish music. If you want to learn about the history of this incredible music (and learn how to play it), then this is the place! And boy...I got a crash course, too! At the end of the night, our host, Cormac Shaw and a friend (also named Cormac) invited me to play along with them on a couple of traditional Irish melodies (these guys play the fiddle and the flute). I got thrown to the wolves! The two Cormacs are great players and I was struggling to keep up...I had never heard these jigs before, but it was a blast to play. What an incredible honor!
Tonight was another of our songwriting seminars. After playing a few opening songs, we launched into our session, with some great interaction with the participants. We played a few more of our tunes and then we turned the evening into an open mic night. There is a friend of Laura Robinson (Durand's 17 year old daughter who is on the tour with us)...a girl named Lisa who played and sang one of her songs...wow! This place is teeming with incredible talent.
We took a quick break to talk to the folks in the crowd, who were so very gracious to us. When we came back, we played a few more tunes, and ended (as always) with Amazing Grace. I had the opportunity to introduce the song, where I shared with the crowd (a mix of believers and non-believers alike) how the grace of this hymn/folk song has been so very real and important in my own life. It was a small seed we planted, but a seed nonetheless that our contacts here will cultivate.
And that is pretty much our mission; to use our music to help the local church reach into their communities and cultivate friendships with seekers. And while this was really a scouting trip for a future tour with the whole band, it was far more successful in that ministries in Newbridge, Buncrana, and Dublin were able to meet new friends and to minister to people who would never come to just another church service.
Jason is fast asleep as I type this, and Im trying not to weep aloud as I think about the people just this week weve met and ministered to; Sinead at the restaurant in Newbridge, and the wedding party at the pub...Seamus and Mary at the Drift Inn at Buncrana...some lads who chatted with us on the street in Buncrana after our first pub date up north (I gave them a CD)...and the many faces of the people I talked to tonight. The names are running together, but God knows each and every one of them and I pray that our friends here will be able to be Christ to them in the days and months ahead.
I just cant believe that God would use me and this music in such a way, but I am so thankful He has. Thank you for making this trip possible and especially for all your prayers. You are all special people in my life and Im glad to be in this journey with you.
Ok...to bed and then to the airport! Until our next trip, keep praying!
God bless you all...
GV
Im not sure where to begin! We had a pretty early call this morning, as Mike Mullins drove us down from Buncrana to Derry in order to catch the bus to Dublin. I didnt realize it, but Derry is right across the border in Northern Ireland and was the sight of the Bloody Sunday massacre. Most of us think of this as just a U2 song, but Mike took us through town to the actual site where the Catholic protesters were marching. History tells us that a shot rang out, and then the British troops opened fire on the marchers. Derry reminded me of Belfast, with slogans and murals decorating the various buildings. Even the curbs are marked with colors denoting the different neighborhoods (and factions). While the peace is thankfully still in effect (even with the recent assassination of a former British agent in the IRA), there are reminders everywhere of the Troubles that have plagued this country for so long. Both Mike Mullins and my friend up in Belfast, Fr. Martin Curley agree that the only thing that will ever bring peace to this island is the love of Jesus Christ.
Let me tell you about our final gig here. We played in the Irish Cultural Center (I cannot even begin to spell the Irish name for it!); this is a beautiful building in a grand old neighborhood, and this facility is a treasure trove of Irish music. If you want to learn about the history of this incredible music (and learn how to play it), then this is the place! And boy...I got a crash course, too! At the end of the night, our host, Cormac Shaw and a friend (also named Cormac) invited me to play along with them on a couple of traditional Irish melodies (these guys play the fiddle and the flute). I got thrown to the wolves! The two Cormacs are great players and I was struggling to keep up...I had never heard these jigs before, but it was a blast to play. What an incredible honor!
Tonight was another of our songwriting seminars. After playing a few opening songs, we launched into our session, with some great interaction with the participants. We played a few more of our tunes and then we turned the evening into an open mic night. There is a friend of Laura Robinson (Durand's 17 year old daughter who is on the tour with us)...a girl named Lisa who played and sang one of her songs...wow! This place is teeming with incredible talent.
We took a quick break to talk to the folks in the crowd, who were so very gracious to us. When we came back, we played a few more tunes, and ended (as always) with Amazing Grace. I had the opportunity to introduce the song, where I shared with the crowd (a mix of believers and non-believers alike) how the grace of this hymn/folk song has been so very real and important in my own life. It was a small seed we planted, but a seed nonetheless that our contacts here will cultivate.
And that is pretty much our mission; to use our music to help the local church reach into their communities and cultivate friendships with seekers. And while this was really a scouting trip for a future tour with the whole band, it was far more successful in that ministries in Newbridge, Buncrana, and Dublin were able to meet new friends and to minister to people who would never come to just another church service.
Jason is fast asleep as I type this, and Im trying not to weep aloud as I think about the people just this week weve met and ministered to; Sinead at the restaurant in Newbridge, and the wedding party at the pub...Seamus and Mary at the Drift Inn at Buncrana...some lads who chatted with us on the street in Buncrana after our first pub date up north (I gave them a CD)...and the many faces of the people I talked to tonight. The names are running together, but God knows each and every one of them and I pray that our friends here will be able to be Christ to them in the days and months ahead.
I just cant believe that God would use me and this music in such a way, but I am so thankful He has. Thank you for making this trip possible and especially for all your prayers. You are all special people in my life and Im glad to be in this journey with you.
Ok...to bed and then to the airport! Until our next trip, keep praying!
God bless you all...
GV
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Buncrana (part 3) final night
Whew...our time in Buncrana is almost over (its been a whirlwind day or two). We definitely ramped up into the events for our final weekend on the Emerald Isle. Tonight we played a concert for all the folks who heard us in the various places around town. As always with a tour like this, by the time you finish you are tight and ready to go on the road...lol! It was really amazing seeing how the three of us from completely differing musical backgrounds worked so well together. There literally was something for everyone! We did record the event and Jason's "Love Song For The Curse" was simply fantastic! Tony and I had talked earlier in the week about getting some of Jasons songs recorded so the rest of you can learn what a talented artist he is.
Before the concert, Mike Mullins drove us around the area and took us to the place on Loch Swilley where Amazing Grace author John Newton made landfall and gave his heart to Christ after being heavily involved in the African slave trade. This is an amazing story (pun intended) that needs to be told. I encourage you to pick up a book by Rolling Stone writer Steve Turner called Amazing Grace. Its written in two sections, the first of which is Newtons biography; the second half is a biography of sorts of the hymn itself, which has been recorded by literally thousands of artists (including yours truly).
Next year will be the 200th anniversary of the writing of the hymn, and the town council of Buncrana is planning to open a visitors center, as well as commissioning a status commemorating Newton and the hymn and Buncranas role in the story. I am praying about what Project Onefifty can do to be part of this event. People dont know that Newton was integral in the abolition of slavery in England...and Gods grace was at the heart of Newtons transformation from slaver to hymn writer. And when you think of how many of us have adopted his hymn as our song of testimony to Gods grace in our lives...it really is amazing!
Tomorrow morning is an early call as we travel by bus down to Dublin for our final event, a mini-concert and song writing workshop at the Irish Cultural Center. And then...home!
Its been an interesting trip and not without a few bumps...but I know that God has had us well in hand, and that you were all praying for us. Thank you again for joining me in this journey of guitars and grace!
Love you guys!
GV
Buncrana (part 2)
Ok...where did I leave off? What a great day (so far). This morning,
Durand and I helped lead worship
at the church here. I gave an oh-so-brief version of my testimony.
After the music, we shared
communion and Durand challenged us to find new ways for the church to
be good neighbors to the community.
After a great Irish lunch of fish and chips, we played at the Drift
Inn. Another beautiful pub/restaurant
(it was the old train station). Arsenal was playing Manchester, so as
to not offend the fans, we played
with the telly left on (but the sound down). Manchester did win, but we
had a great time. Jason's song
"Love Song For The Curse" went down very well.
The bartender (Paul) loved us and wants to know when we'll be back.
There was a great couple
(Seamus and Mary) that I had a wonderful conversation with. Seems that Seamus is
a bit of a guitarist himself
and he bought my CD (as did Paul); they both asked me to sign their copies. Very
sweet folks; It's difficult not to
fall in love with these people and this island.
Ok...this update will be in three parts, as it's time for a traditional
dinner of spaghetti (traditional at the
Vinson home anyway...lol). Tonight we have a concert and we hope that
many of the folks we've met
at the two pubs will be there.
Love you gang!!
GV
First night in Buncrana (part 1)
Good morning!!
Well, the first half of our journey is over and now we get busy! Yesterday we said our tearful farewells to our new friends in Newbridge and headed into Dublin. Our contact up north, Mike Mullin, was in town for a meeting so we larked about town until he finished.
There is an old saying in Ireland...if you dont like the weather, just wait a few moments. And this couldnt have been closer to the truth! We were hanging in the really cool Temple Bar area and after a great lunch, we continued our sightseeing. It was a bit cold, but very sunny. While we were eating, a hard rain blew in and out as fast as that. Durand and I were visiting the Irish Film Institute when out of nowhere, hail starting falling hard and fast; yes, hail! After about 10 minutes, they came Fat Old Sun acting as if nothing had happened. Way cool!
We had a grand journey traveling up to Buncrana. If you ever get the chance to come to this beautiful island, you simply must! I dont have the vocabulary to describe the glory of it...Ill just say its grand!
Mike Mullen heads a ministry up here called Operation Mobilization (OM), and he lined up another pub for us to play. And if I thought the Newbridge pub was cool, then Roddens was incredible! Its the kind of place where you stepped back in time...very quaint. I fully expected to see Frodo and Sam at a table, and Strider lurking in the corner...lol!
The three of us played about 2 hours to a packed room. They were great! Today we lead worship at Mikes church, this afternoon we play a restaurant, with a full concert at a local venue tonight. I think they were going easy on us down south, as we are slamming up here!
Well, Ill have to finish this update later, as we have to head to the service. By the way, wish Carol a happy birthday...yes, today is her birthday!!
Later, my friends!!
GV
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Final night in Newbridge
Hey guys,
We literally just finished our final concert in Newbridge just moments before. As I type, a crowd of about 60 folks are milling about in the main room of the Open Arms Community Church. It was a different night than we had planned, as Tony had to unexpectedly fly home this morning. And while we missed him greatly (Tony has won many fans here...no surprise there!), Durand, Jason, and I turned the night into more of a group effort. I had the wonderful privilege of playing on songs by both guys...and what great songs! Jason has one called Porcelain that talks about how breakable we all are. And Durand ended the night with a song of his called Only Plea which runs from one chorus that says ...were guilty, to the final chorus that declares that were ...forgiven.
And that sums up our lives...we are born guilty, but thanks to Christ's sacrifice, we can be forgiven. I had the chance to play one of my favorite hymns called The Fountain, which talk about His sacrifice and how we can be washed clean.
All in all, a great end to a great week! Tomorrow we travel up to Buncrana. Keep praying and youll hear from us again (and soon!).
Love you guys!
GV
We literally just finished our final concert in Newbridge just moments before. As I type, a crowd of about 60 folks are milling about in the main room of the Open Arms Community Church. It was a different night than we had planned, as Tony had to unexpectedly fly home this morning. And while we missed him greatly (Tony has won many fans here...no surprise there!), Durand, Jason, and I turned the night into more of a group effort. I had the wonderful privilege of playing on songs by both guys...and what great songs! Jason has one called Porcelain that talks about how breakable we all are. And Durand ended the night with a song of his called Only Plea which runs from one chorus that says ...were guilty, to the final chorus that declares that were ...forgiven.
And that sums up our lives...we are born guilty, but thanks to Christ's sacrifice, we can be forgiven. I had the chance to play one of my favorite hymns called The Fountain, which talk about His sacrifice and how we can be washed clean.
All in all, a great end to a great week! Tomorrow we travel up to Buncrana. Keep praying and youll hear from us again (and soon!).
Love you guys!
GV
Friday, April 07, 2006
Bridging the gap in Newbridge
Great news!!
I forgot to mention that the two ladies we played our 'private' concert for at Ross Morgans were at the concert tonight!
The mission of Project Onefifty is to use music as a tool to reach people outside the walls of the church. That's a great goal in and of itself, but unless the local church is involved, then it's all for naught. P150 works as the musical extention of the local ministry, and it's a wonderful answer to prayer to see that we've helped bridge the gap in Newbridge.
It was only two people...but worth every moment! Again, none of this could have been possible without the prayers and support of you (the folks who make this ministry happen). Open Arms Community Church thanks you...and I thank you!
It's not over yet! Keep praying...
GV
I forgot to mention that the two ladies we played our 'private' concert for at Ross Morgans were at the concert tonight!
The mission of Project Onefifty is to use music as a tool to reach people outside the walls of the church. That's a great goal in and of itself, but unless the local church is involved, then it's all for naught. P150 works as the musical extention of the local ministry, and it's a wonderful answer to prayer to see that we've helped bridge the gap in Newbridge.
It was only two people...but worth every moment! Again, none of this could have been possible without the prayers and support of you (the folks who make this ministry happen). Open Arms Community Church thanks you...and I thank you!
It's not over yet! Keep praying...
GV
My Big Green Irish Wedding
Well...it's never a dull moment on this trip! Tonight we had a great session at the Open Arms Community Church. Not only did we have a songwriting 'mini-workshop', but we tweaked the church sound system, and helped their worship band work through a number. These are really great folks who are making a difference in their community. As you can see, I'm a fan!
Afterwards, Tony and I (joined by Jason, Durand, and his daughter Laura) went to a couple of pubs until we found one that would let us play. And boy...what a pub! Imagine your quintessential Irish pub, crowded to the rafters...it was great! We went to a little nook in the place and I grabbed my acoustic and Tony started singing.
Little did we know, but we were playing to a big wedding party right in front of us! They loved our music and I remarked that we were the cheapest band they ever hired...lol! We did get free chips and sausages (and Diet Coke too!).
Tony sang until he could sing no more. I don't how we got there, but we ended up doing the last 3 songs in the big medley on the Beatles 'Abbey Road' album. Tony 'played' Ringo's drum solo on his legs and we even sang all the guitar solos...hilarious!
We had a couple of guys come up when we finished and asked what we were about, so you never know how God will use all this.
Tomorrow we go into Dublin for the day and finish up here in Newbridge tomorrow night. After that we head north to Buncrana.
More to come!
GV
Afterwards, Tony and I (joined by Jason, Durand, and his daughter Laura) went to a couple of pubs until we found one that would let us play. And boy...what a pub! Imagine your quintessential Irish pub, crowded to the rafters...it was great! We went to a little nook in the place and I grabbed my acoustic and Tony started singing.
Little did we know, but we were playing to a big wedding party right in front of us! They loved our music and I remarked that we were the cheapest band they ever hired...lol! We did get free chips and sausages (and Diet Coke too!).
Tony sang until he could sing no more. I don't how we got there, but we ended up doing the last 3 songs in the big medley on the Beatles 'Abbey Road' album. Tony 'played' Ringo's drum solo on his legs and we even sang all the guitar solos...hilarious!
We had a couple of guys come up when we finished and asked what we were about, so you never know how God will use all this.
Tomorrow we go into Dublin for the day and finish up here in Newbridge tomorrow night. After that we head north to Buncrana.
More to come!
GV
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Ireland Day Two...Newbridge
Top of the morning!
Ok...Im in Ireland...Im entitled to one cliche, right? We just got home from hanging with our Irish host Shawn after our first concert event. This was held at Open Arms Community Church here in Newbridge. This is a small, store-front church, but is a dynamic body of believers with a great home group outreach. We were gathered in their upstairs coffee shop area, the musicians set up against a huge plate glass window where we saw a beautiful sunset over the town.
And what a varied mix of music. The idea was to give the folks at Open Arms a taste of what were trying to do this week in our outreach events. Tonight was based loosely on a songwriters night. They served tea and coffee, along with biscuits (what wed call crackers). We started the night by hearing a few songs from a young guy named Jason Howell. Wow! What a talent...and hes barely 17! I know he has a website so Ill get the link for you. His music is introspective but with highly charged and thought-provoking lyrics. I know well all be hearing more from Jason in the years to come.
After a quick break for folks to chat and get more tea, our Greater Europe Mission contact, Durand Robinson took the stage. He is more of a James Taylor singer-songwriter guy; his songs are wonderfully melodic and you find yourself really relating to characters he sings about. By songs end, youre left with a great image of Gods truth and how it applies to your life.
Then Tony and I got a chance to have some fun. We opened with U2s When Love Came To Town (pretty cheeky as they say over here). Tony was rippin it up! He is such an amazing singer and had the audience (and me!) cheering along. We plowed straight into People Get Ready which the small but enthusiastic crowd enjoyed.
You know me; next up...a song by the Beatles! In this case it was Things We Said Today. This was a last minute change on my part, I feel led by Holy Spirit to tie into the next song, I Will Trust In You. I spoke about the idea in the Fab Four song about how powerful an emotion regret can be. What do you do or say when youve lost a loved one with whom you had unfinished business? How do you deal with this? Where is the trust that you can move on and allow forgiveness to take hold and healing to begin? We then moved into I Will Trust and shared briefly how this song was a gift from God at a time when I needed His comfort; this song was our gift to them. Man, it was powerful to see the tears in the eyes of Irish brothers and sisters.
We ended with Amazing Grace and it simply was! Before the song, I shared how Project Onefiftys mission is to reach beyond the walls of the church, to plant lines of hope in the lives of spiritual seekers, trusting Holy Spirit to lead in His timing. I told the audience about an idea that I had seen lately, a bumper sticker that said all roads lead to Truth. I took that to mean all roads lead to God. I may have shocked them when I said that I agreed with this idea. All our religions do lead to the same truth...the truth that on our own, we cant reach Him!! So what can leap the chasm between us and God? Only Gods amazing grace!
So let me end this update by once again thanking you for praying for us. Tomorrow we play a lunchtime set at a local restaurant, after which were heading into Dublin to see the sights. I hope to send some pics on my next update.
Love you all!!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Lunch concert...sorted!
Just a quick update about today's event. It was supposed to be playing some music for the lunch crowd at a very posh place...but somehow things got a bit out of sorts (basically good old-fashion communication mix up). But we ended up playing (very softly) for 2 ladies who wanted to hear more. Come to find out, the folks at Open Arms have been talking separately with these 2 ladies...and they both showed up today completely unaware that we were playing (or had anything to do with Open Arms, for that matter!). They sat and talked with us, and Jason played a couple of songs for them (I couldn't resist and had to join in).
Tonight, Tony and I were out and about and gave an impromptu performance at a local venue...well, Tony sang and I listened, since my guitar was back at our lodging. The long and short of it is that we're playing at set at this place tomorrow night after our workshop event at the church.
I guess I'd better bring my guitar!
Love and prayers,
GV
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
We made it!
Hi everyone!
Well...we made it! Tony Wachter and I arrived in Dublin a couple of hours
ago, and we're unpacking
and getting ready for our first event tonight. I'll try not to drive you
crazy with e-mail, but I will be
sending some updates (hopefully with some pics, too). We're six hours ahead
of most of you, so you
are blissfully sleeping while I'm typing (I'm envious!).
Before I go, I do need to share a prayer request with you. This past
weekend I was up in Asheville,
NC, doing some work with David Gaines (one of my best friends on this
planet!). Friday night we did
some recording work for their upcoming student choir tour; Saturday we
(Kevin Williams and David
and I) did a workshop with their student band, and Sunday found me playing
'The Fountain' as the
opener in all three of their worship services. All that stuff went very
well.
But something strange happened Friday night. When I got to town, I
immediately went to David's and
bagn recording. We got finished pretty late, so it was close to midnight
when I finally made it to the
hotel. When I was checking in, the girl behind the counter (her name is
Deborah) engaged me in one
of the strangest conversations I've ever had. I'm not really sure how it all
happened, but she began
telling me about some strange dreams and visions she's been having.
You must know that for whatever reason, Asheville seems to be the center
for a lot of 'New Age'
activity. When the Bible says that we are in 'spiritual warfare', I believe
it, especially after talking with
Deborah.
She is having recurring dreams about some strange figure that is attacking
her; her very words is
that she feels 'very oppressed'.
When Deborah asked me if all that meant anything to me, I responded that
if it were me, I'd be
praying for the Lord to either take away these dreams or at least give some
kind of insight as to their
meaning. She gave me the strangest look...she then said that '...I believe
in the Lord Jesus', but my
sense was that her belief was not that of a commited follower.
I told Deborah that I would pray specifically to the Lord for her (which I
have been doing). All the next
day I kept thinking about her and what I could do (if anything) to encourage
her. David found a small
New Testament and a document about spiritual warfare and what Scriptures to
read concerning all
this. I was delighted and determined to take these to her that evening when
she came to work (3rd
shift...11pm-7am).
I went to the lobby around 11:30pm...but no Deborah. I was wondering if
she was ok, etc., and
determined to somehow get these materials to her. I was also going to give
her a CD, but had told me
that she has no way to play CDs.
I had to be at the church by 7am Sunday morning, so I went to check
out...and there she was! There
were several people checking out as well, so all I could was to give her the
New Testament and the
pamphlet and commit to her that I would to continue to pray. David said that
he and his church would
follow up on her as well.
So, can I ask to add Deborah in Asheville, NC to the growing list of
people who need our prayers?
How many other 'Deborahs' are out there, spiritually seeking and oppressed
by our enemy?
Thank you for helping me to be on the road where the Lord is putting
people in my path. Please pray
for Tony and I this week especially as we use our music to plant seeds, and
to help local ministries
reach out to their communities. I literally could not be here without you!!
Sorry for the long message but I really wanted you to hear this story so
you can know how to pray!
Love you, guys!!
GV
Well...we made it! Tony Wachter and I arrived in Dublin a couple of hours
ago, and we're unpacking
and getting ready for our first event tonight. I'll try not to drive you
crazy with e-mail, but I will be
sending some updates (hopefully with some pics, too). We're six hours ahead
of most of you, so you
are blissfully sleeping while I'm typing (I'm envious!).
Before I go, I do need to share a prayer request with you. This past
weekend I was up in Asheville,
NC, doing some work with David Gaines (one of my best friends on this
planet!). Friday night we did
some recording work for their upcoming student choir tour; Saturday we
(Kevin Williams and David
and I) did a workshop with their student band, and Sunday found me playing
'The Fountain' as the
opener in all three of their worship services. All that stuff went very
well.
But something strange happened Friday night. When I got to town, I
immediately went to David's and
bagn recording. We got finished pretty late, so it was close to midnight
when I finally made it to the
hotel. When I was checking in, the girl behind the counter (her name is
Deborah) engaged me in one
of the strangest conversations I've ever had. I'm not really sure how it all
happened, but she began
telling me about some strange dreams and visions she's been having.
You must know that for whatever reason, Asheville seems to be the center
for a lot of 'New Age'
activity. When the Bible says that we are in 'spiritual warfare', I believe
it, especially after talking with
Deborah.
She is having recurring dreams about some strange figure that is attacking
her; her very words is
that she feels 'very oppressed'.
When Deborah asked me if all that meant anything to me, I responded that
if it were me, I'd be
praying for the Lord to either take away these dreams or at least give some
kind of insight as to their
meaning. She gave me the strangest look...she then said that '...I believe
in the Lord Jesus', but my
sense was that her belief was not that of a commited follower.
I told Deborah that I would pray specifically to the Lord for her (which I
have been doing). All the next
day I kept thinking about her and what I could do (if anything) to encourage
her. David found a small
New Testament and a document about spiritual warfare and what Scriptures to
read concerning all
this. I was delighted and determined to take these to her that evening when
she came to work (3rd
shift...11pm-7am).
I went to the lobby around 11:30pm...but no Deborah. I was wondering if
she was ok, etc., and
determined to somehow get these materials to her. I was also going to give
her a CD, but had told me
that she has no way to play CDs.
I had to be at the church by 7am Sunday morning, so I went to check
out...and there she was! There
were several people checking out as well, so all I could was to give her the
New Testament and the
pamphlet and commit to her that I would to continue to pray. David said that
he and his church would
follow up on her as well.
So, can I ask to add Deborah in Asheville, NC to the growing list of
people who need our prayers?
How many other 'Deborahs' are out there, spiritually seeking and oppressed
by our enemy?
Thank you for helping me to be on the road where the Lord is putting
people in my path. Please pray
for Tony and I this week especially as we use our music to plant seeds, and
to help local ministries
reach out to their communities. I literally could not be here without you!!
Sorry for the long message but I really wanted you to hear this story so
you can know how to pray!
Love you, guys!!
GV
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