“Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20

We believe that we have been called to use the gifts God has given us to reach unbelievers for Him and to encourage, and build up His Church.

Melanie Live

Our friend, Lauren has been a fan of 60's/70's musical icon Melanie since I turned her on to Melanie's music when Lauren was a middle school student of mine. So recently, when Lauren's mother, Helen, saw the Melanie was going to be performing at a venue in Bath, Maine, she got four tickets: For Lauren, Helen, me and my wife Sue.  The plans were made months ago, then came a plot twist.

Our 18 year college freshman, Rose, came home for the long Veterans Day weekend.  Sue, not really a Melanie fan ("She's too shrieky!") gladly gave her ticket to Rose who has been a fan of Melanie since 7th grade.  Rose, in fact, did her dance competition solo to Melanie's "Beautiful People" last year.  So all five of us met for dinner locally, then Sue went to play dominoes with a friend while Lauren and Helen followed Rose and me as we drove to Bath's Chocolate Church concert hall.

At first Rose was by far the youngest person there, followed by Lauren.  I guess that's to be expected when you go to a show by someone who hasn't been on the top 40 since 1973. Eventually a few other college age people arrived, and even a dad with his presumably middle school aged daughter.  But generation gap aside, Rose enjoyed every minute. One of the little blessings of the evening was watching Rose and Lauren interact as peers; Rose was a little kid when Lauren was in my class, but now one was just starting college while the other just graduated, and they interacted as friends.

Melanie came out and opened with "Beautiful People". I wiped away a tear as I remembered the three times Rose competed to that song last winter, to say nothing of the hours and hours working on it in the studio (and sometimes our kitchen).  The sheer joy on Rose's face warmed this fathers heart.  Rose was gushing during intermission. When the second set started, Melanie's son, Beau-Jarrod, opened with a guitar solo of the Stone's "Paint it Black". He's an amazing talent who accompanied his mom all night, playing guitar, violin, baritone recorder and hand drum.  

Then Melanie opened the concert up to requests. When she sang "Peace Will Come" I remembered the news of Sandy Hook shootings and how all I could do that day was play this song over and over.  Finally, they ended the show with her hit "Lay Down" medleyed with Lennon's  "Give Peace a Chance". It was a great evening, but it wasn't over. Melanie manned her own merch table, and we got to meet her. Rose bought a poster that was autographed, and we headed home.  

We loved the concert, but I loved the trip to and from Bath just as much, as Rose opened up about what God was doing in her life, dreams, friends and more.  She is now on her way back to college with memories of a very special weekend.

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A Few Testimonies

The presentation was fun and encouraging... The gospel message was clear and encouraging. I purchased your book and just finished it. Your scope is broad and again encouraging. May God continue to bless your ministry. I will encourage others to read your book. -Parishioner of a local church

"Hey, I  wanted to say that was a great message in chapel today! It touched something:) thanks for doing it!" -High School Student  

"We are so grateful that you brought your amazing ministry back to our church this year... The Gospel message you bring applies to all!  It is such a positive, valuable work that you do."  -Coordinator of Christian Ed. UCC Church

"There's no questioning it. This is powerful stuff. It's extremely touching at times, never less than entertaining, and I see a lot of sincere love for Jesus in you guys."  -Dwight Lilies, song writer

The Lord has given you a wonderful window through which to present the Gospel!   - Field Director of Alliance Missions to Paraguay

"What a wonderful ministry to both children and adults.  In past years it has been a struggle to arrange programing that would hold the attention of all ages, but also challenge each heart with God's gift of Salvation.  Thank you for sharing your ministry."  -Sunday School Sup't.

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