MISSION STATEMENT FOR CHURCH OR OTHER CHRISTIAN MUSIC MINISTRY

To share the gift of music with others as a vehicle to help give hope to the hopeless, encouragement to the weary, and serve as a living testimony of the life changing power and unconditional Love of Jesus Christ. I hope that my story will help inspire others to take a look at their own God given talents and utilize them to Glorify God and help others. I want people to have a clear understanding that God does have a plan for us and that our bad experiences can still be used and turned into producing something fruitful.

Some of the Scriptural references that may be incorporated within the music ministry:

Romans 8: 28 - "... in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose...to be conformed to the likeness of his Son..."

Mathew 25: 31-46 - "...For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink... I needed cloths and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me...The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' "

Mathew 11:28-29 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest...For my yoke is easy..."

James 1:27 - "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows..."

Psalm 71:14 - "But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness..."

Acts 2:25-28 - "... my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices: my body also will live in hope...you have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence."

PERSONAL TESTIMONY

When I was 19 and just out of high school, my step-father couldn’t wait to get me out of the house. I found myself homeless after being accused of lying about something I didn’t do. I had just paid rent, had no car and wasn’t going to get another paycheck for 2 weeks. I worked part time at Wendy’s and lived off of stolen hamburger patties on the 3 days I worked. On the other 4 days of the week, the hunger pains were intense. I was very depressed and reached a low point and contemplated sifting through a garbage can in an alley behind a restaurant. A worker came out just as I was getting ready to remove the lid and looked at me in disgust. I’ll never forget that look and how low and helpless I felt.

This experience helped me realize how important it is that we help the poor and needy. I was lucky because eventually I was taken in by a friend at church. I ask, "but what about the 30,000 children that die of hunger EVERY DAY!" James 1:27 states: “Religion that God - our Father accepts as pure and faultless, is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

I have decided to use my gifts as a musician and as a World Vision Artist to help those most in need. The Scriptures are quite clear that God expects us to care for “the least of these.” When I share my testimony it gives people a first hand experience of the devastating effects of hunger and starvation, not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually. It also helps people realize that hardships can fall on anyone; forcing them to become homeless. We are blessed with many opportunities and support here in the United States, where in other countries they don't even have access to clean water, food, or any means to earn a living. There are no McDonald's, Wendy's, or Walmart's. Children are stripped from their homes and used as slaves and in sex crimes for repayment of a loan that could not be paid. These children are truly living "as the least of these."

Although homelessness is a heart breaking reality, we can make a difference. When someone shows that they care, it renews hope to those who have lost it. My life is an example of how God used a terrible experience and turned it into a blessing for many. It is my hope and prayer that my music and testimony can bless others and unite fellow Christians in an effort to become more aware of the homeless issues and motivated to help World Vision's cause.

It is my hope that attendees of my concerts or even a brief presentation will enjoy great music, are uplifted spiritually & inspired to do God's work, and have fun while receiving a serious message. My intention is to help draw those who attend closer to God and enrich their lives, demonstrating that we can do the same for others.