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
Saturday, August 19, 2006
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
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