Greater Than Tour 2015

Two Roads

     On Friday November 13, I ventured to the beautiful town of Aiken, South Carolina to capture the Greater Than Tour with MercyMe featuring Tim Timmons and Phil Wickham with special guest author, John Lynch. 

     Millbrook Baptist Church welcomed everyone in to join them who had tickets for the sold out evening sharing together in the grace and redemption power of the cross. Reverend Bill Howard opened the service with a sorrowful sentiment in regards to the horrific terrorists attacks in Paris, France.  For those attending that evening it was the first that many of us had heard of it.  He asked if we could all take a few minutes to pray for those devastated by the acts of heinous violence and in that moment you could feel the presence of God hearing our prayers.

     MercyMe showed up on this tour bearing gifts.  When I say this I mean in the sense of the two amazing artists and speaker that they invited to join them. As they traveled across different states sharing their testimonies and talents with those who came to hear how God has changed and encouraged their lives, anyone who was able to take part in one of these special nights would leave inspired and challenged. 

                Not only do they all demonstrate the love of Christ in spirit and truth but as supporters of the non-profit organization Compassion International they create the opportunity for others to change the life of a child in need of desperate help.  This organization is in the top 1% of how the money supporters donate is utilized in the lives of the children each person individually selects.  Not only do they get to choose the child or children they will be supporting but they also get the opportunity to build a relationship with them and communicate, often times getting the chance to meet them.  



Nathan and his sponsored child Edgar

       Nathan Tasker, knows from personal experience the impact you can have on a child in need.  He told us about a child named Edgar who he started receiving letters from.  Little did he know a friend of his started sponsoring Edgar for him. Initially he was surprised by the gift of this relationship with Edgar and it turned out to be a great blessing to him. Nathan stated,

   "When God gives a gift He wraps it in a person."
       Compassion International and the groups that support this outreach are on a mission to release children from poverty while honoring Jesus and sharing our faith with them. I spoke with a really friendly volunteer named Caysee towards the end of the evening and she stated a little under a hundred children had been sponsored that evening alone. 

     I recently had the opportunity to review Tim Timmons latest album , Awake Our Souls so when the opportunity arose for me to get the chance to see him perform live I didn't hesitate to take advantage of that. Tim opened up the evening with a message that seemed to be perfectly aligned with what we see happening in the world today.  A lot of his music is written from his personal testimony of trusting God no matter what others say or the situation or hardship portrays. 

Tim blessing the sold out crowd in Aiken, SC in song

    
     He asked the question, "What if I lived as if God is God and I am not?"  After singing his opening song he made a profound statement that worded in his perspective portrayed a significant difference between following God and trusting God.  Having blind faith in our risen Savior is allowing Him to truly be our King. 

"Every time we worry about something we become the King or Queen of our Kingdom. We have to trust God. What do you see? What do you learn from what you are going through or facing? One thing we have to trust is that He says He works things out for the good when we seek His Kingdom first. A lot of us pray and we pray hard but not many truly surrender. If we continue to worry about situations we are taking away His power to change it."

         
     Tim performed four wonderful songs that evening off his new album including Awake Our Souls, Everywhere I Go, Spring Up and one of my personal favorites, You Are Good (that I may).   Below you can watch his video for this song and I highly recommend catching him on an upcoming tour. 
     

      Bart Mallard, lead singer from MercyMe came on stage to introduce John Lynch who has been a true inspiration to him through his life in ministry. Bart said that one of the books he wrote reminded him at a difficult time in his life that, "Nothing we can do will make Christ love us more than He already does. What we do in our lives doesn't really matter, because it's not about what we do that creates our identity, it's about what Christ has already done for us."

     It was shortly after the introduction that Mr. Lynch came forward to share a powerful demonstration out of chapter one of his book The Cure (co-authored by Bruce McNicol and Bill Thrall).

     He began to speak of two roads we often come to, sometimes even years after serving Christ and trying to draw closer to Him. "As a Christian, sometimes the devil likes to try to defeat us by condemning us so we began to build mounds of dirt under our feet pushing us away from feeling worthy of an intimate relationship with Christ.

     We cannot work any harder on our sin than Christ already demonstrated. The crossroad we face is choosing between trusting God and pleasing God and both of these roads lead to different rooms full of people who are searching for answers just like us. Many people get stuck hiding behind masks without actually being free in Christ and it's important to keep traveling and not remain bound." 

     You will have to buy the book to figure out "if God isn't who you think He is and neither are you."

Phil during his set in Aiken, SC

     John took a short break in the message to invite Phil Wickham to the stage.  Phil mentioned that he plans to release his new album in April of 2016 which I am definitely looking forward to after hearing him share his testimony and music.  He opened his set with a popular favorite This Is Amazing Grace. After his opening song he began to share about how our hope gives us the confidence in Christ to believe. 

     "God who can make the stars and the Heavens lives inside of us and He Has promised us in His word the thoughts He has for us of peace and a future of hope and that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Our hope gives us the strength to stand in the good and bad on the promises of God. Even in the midst of tragedy we can have peace in Jesus so that we do not have to live in fear"

     Let me just say it was truly a blessing to learn more about all three of these gentleman with amazing hearts for God and love both for music and the Word doing what they can to share it with others.  It had been several years since I had actually seen MercyMe live, so I was kind of blown away by how much they have changed personally.  I have basically grown up with them in Christ as well which is why I assume the messages in their music have continued to minister to me. This was the first time I had heard Bart share part of his testimony about his dad and the transforming power of grace that he seen unfold in his family.  This resonated with me so deeply that without going into detail if you choose to read part of my testimony you can find it here.  

     I don't know what I enjoyed more that evening, the singing or the ministry provided by every single person that stood on that stage. Bart got me all choked up though with the ministry he would share between each number they would do.  On their album Shake released in 2014 there is a powerful message behind every single lyric and he passionately demonstrated the relevance of each one.

Bart Ministering in Aiken, SC    

      "I don't buy flowers for my wife to remind her I love her. It's because she's seen me at my worst and she still loves me. It's kind of the way Jesus works.  If you keep pursuing Christ you get to a point when that's all that comes out of you. Without suffering grace is hard to see. Sometimes you see yourself and look at God and ask, "Why would you ever want this?" and He responds by saying "Because you are mine." If the worst day of your life was exposed God would still look at you and say, "I'm crazy in love with you." Regardless of how many times you mess up God still sees you as His own.  With grace it doesn't mean we should continue in sin, but it's because of the cross sin has lost it's power to keep us down."

     


     The creativity that was demonstrated in the line up that MercyMe delivered was fantastic.  They definitely try to hit a sprinkle of every single person's favorite. With 21 years of history making songs to cover that is a task they definitely conquer and with a ministerial style that proves itself.  

      It was one of those nights where everything that took place was laid out as if it was a perfect orchestra and all the instruments that were used created a different experience for every single person that was listening.  For those who are looking for a perfect stocking treat for a loved one MercyMe has a new Christmas Album available and it would go great with Tim or Phil's latest album as well as John's book. 

     When author, John Lynch came back on stage to close out the wonderful evening of ministry he finished telling the story of what happened in the room called grace.  

"We are all saints that sometimes sin, and God wants us to trust Him enough to run to His arms.  It's time to trust who He says He is in you."  

     If you haven't found the door of Grace, it's at the cross where Christ took your sin and your shame and said, "I am enough and I will carry you." All you have to do is enter into that relationship with Christ trusting Him with your life and choosing to believe that He is all you need.  He's waiting on the other side of the door, all you have to do is open it. 

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Sing-A-Long With Tim

    
     Straight out of Orange County, Tim Timmons and his wife of 18 years, Hilary are currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee with their 4 children Malia, Noah, and twins Aaron and Anna.

     When Tim was living in Orange County he was a worship leader for almost two decades which is easily recognizable on his most recent album release through Provident Label Group/ Reunion Records. 

     One of the reasons I titled this review "Sing-A-Long With Tim", is because the musicianship on Awake Our Souls produces melodies that you can easily begin to catch onto and by the second chorus you are already joining right in with him the first time you hear each song.  That is a trademark quality of someone who has been a worship leader.  It's all about inviting everyone else into the moment with you blessing the Lord and encouraging one another. 

     Tim's last album Cast My Cares received a large amount of radio play and his goal with that album was to make believers of Jesus actually become followers of Jesus.  Not to just go through the set motions of how we are supposed to act, but to engage the world drawing them to Christ.  On Awake Our Souls Tim shares what his ultimate goal was behind the process and selection of songs he passionately captured.

     The opening title track Awake Our Souls is a high-spirited celebration asking God to open our eyes to the fact that the Kingdom of God resides inside of us.  We are carriers of the freedom that is given to the saints who have entered into a relationship with Christ.  In my opinion this song ends way too soon.  I could have used another verse in there somewhere.  It's one of those songs that takes you to a happy place. 

     Another toe tapper is Everywhere I Go, the message in this song is not to be afraid as long as we are walking with Christ. Knowing He is with us in every step we take, which brings comfort in all circumstances.  I couldn't help at one point mixing in the old country hit "Cotton Eyed Joe", and you will never be able to listen to it again without doing that either (If you know the song I am talking about).  This is definitely one you get stuck in your head quite a bit.  With great lyrics and a melody that won't quit this is sure to be a favorite among his fans.

     Tim continues the engaging melody pattern in, Like I've Been Changed.  "When I seek you first who knows what you will bring. Oh Jesus turn me upside down, shape my world till yours is found. Let my life show that I believe."  This song struck a chord with me bringing to remembrance a recent album review I did from Dan Bremnas.  Not that they sound like each other, but both of these guys are very good at creating earworms. 
     
     With all of the album reviews I have done I have come to the conclusion that if you make it through the third song on an album and you are impressed that's a good indication how things are going to progress.  Tim did not change my mind on this philosophy as he delivers throughout the entire album.    

     One video I must share happens to be one of my favorite songs right now.  Sometimes life can be overwhelming and we don't always understand situations and circumstance that we are currently facing. However, we find our way to the center of His grace and mercy placing our soul in His care.  He knows our struggles better than we do and this song although I had already grown to love it, really hit me right in my spirit the other day and has now been deemed my favorite on the album. Without further ado the video below for Rest My Soul.
    

    

     I feel Tim is easily able to express the lyrical components of this album because he is a living over-comer.  Being diagnosed with incurable cancer and fighting this battle for the last fourteen years of his life (told he would only live five by doctors) he doesn't stop that from letting him live freely as a wonderful Father, Husband and demonstrator of the gospel.  Not only does he share his tremendous faith through music, but also through an extended ministry he calls "Motel Church", which you can read about on his Website. 
 

     The Lord instructs us not to weary in well doing.  In The Outcome Tim demonstrates the importance of letting God lead our steps.  "To live the life you've put inside, till your work is done, I surrender the outcome. "  Trusting God with what He knows lies ahead has never been an easy task, but we learn that releasing the reigns to Him gives us joy unspeakable and full of Glory.  

     Right Beside Me, confirms the trust we find in Christ even when we can't see the outcome, we can look back and see that He has never left us.  "I'm here in the cold, in the dark, oh I'm overwhelmed but I'm not alone.  As I fix my eyes on you, I put my hope in you.  I can brave the storm, I can walk the sea.  I can step out on the waves cause your with me."

     Tim has a desire for the living water inside each believer to pour out to others who need to experience the hope we have in Christ.  Spring Up confronts this, questioning if we believe are we truly living it out? "Spring up a well in my soul and let the flood go.  Open the gates every heart and let the river flow.  Till we can see till we believe that you are everything.  All that we need."  

     Though most of the album is filled with higher tempo melodies there are a few beautiful worship songs that are just as challenging to all of us who truly want to become all that God calls us to be. All I Really Want is a beautiful invitation from someone asking God to take complete control of their lives.  "You are welcome to come have your way.  You are welcome to move in this place. Take over my heart, take over my soul, take over my life spirit of God."

     One of my favorite songs, Finally Breathing emotes so much freedom in what one comes to grasp as they embrace surrender.  I truly feel the passion that was lightly wrapped around this lyric and the presentation poured out of his heart. "If all I do is just survive, I'll waste this one and only life.  Your love moves me to my feet, it's like I'm finally breathing."  This is a truly beautiful work of art.  

     You Are God (That I May), is the only song I have not talked about yet.  First I must say this is a great radio song.  I can see a lot of people being truly blessed by this.  However, this song though simple in lyric, has a profound deep statement that causes me to cry every time I listen to it.  If we as people could grasp a hold of what Tim shares in this song 
no matter what they face they would realize they still win. Though we can be broken down and hurting, struggling and not understand why, God is still good.  

 

"I'll praise you, not that I have to, not that I ought to, but that I may." 

    
     What a privilege we have to worship our God in spirit and in truth.  No matter what our current circumstances may look like, one thing we can always count on is that He already knows the outcome and just trust Him.  All I can say is allow Tim's new album to Awake Your Soul, and try to catch him on tour with Mercy Me through November 14th.

 “We talk about all these things I’ve known about my whole life — like freedom in Jesus and overwhelming joy — but I’ve never known it until now and it’s just this awakening in my soul. The goal of this record is to invite people into a new reality of the Kingdom of God that is around us all the time.” -Tim Timmons

 

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KLove Fan Awards

Nashville 2015

     This weekend is by far one of the most fan involved music events one can attend. Not only does it allow the fans to interact with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, but it also allows them to interact with artists whose music through the ministry of K-love has changed and inspired their lives. 

     This is the second year that media has been invited to share the purpose and benefits of a weekend full of worship and fellowship while recognizing those who have used their God given talents to impact people abroad. To say the least this is no small task for K-love to pull off and if they were trying to do this on their own I believe it would prove to be slightly chaotic.

     However, by and through the grace of God the third year proved to be growing both in size and in production. Registration check in began Friday followed by an amazing Kick-Off Concert.

     Fans and artists alike have a fully planned out agenda to look forward to through the late hours of the live awards show on Sunday night. The opening worship concert sponsored by Pepsi brought Sidewalk Prophets to the stage.
    
     Kicking off with their current K-love hit “Save My Life” followed by a few other fan favorites the crowd became energized and excited about the announcement of their new album title based on Galatians 2:20, “Something Different”. Releasing in August Sidewalk has announced you can pre-order it now by visiting this link. Pre-Order Something Different  and get it before it's out of the gate!

      While crews swapped out sets opening night, fans were able to watch interviews by some of their favorite artists and some of the amazing D.J ministry team displayed on big screens on both sides of the gathering room.

        Matt Maher was next to hit the stage greeting fans with, "All the People Said Amen". Among his performances was "Deliverer", the latest single off his album, Saints and Sinners which released in March. Check out Matt's Touring Schedule!

      Matthew West who hosted the awards in 2014 hopped on stage; quite literally the whole time he was singing starting with, "Do Something". I've never had the opportunity to see Mr. West live before this weekend, and I must say that was a special treat for me. He is like the energizer bunny with an amazing Gift from God.

     Live Forever is Matthew's latest album inspired by people just like you and me; released this past April. Sharing struggles and testimonies of faith, hope and love. For those who would like to share their testimonies with Mr. West for song consideration towards his next album you can submit your story here. 
    
     An opening night of worship at the K-love Fan Awards just wouldn't be complete without Michael Tait. I am happily married so I don't pay attention to the personal information of artists. However, I overheard many single Christian ladies commenting through the weekend how the lead singer of Newsboys was the most eligible bachelor in their eyes. 

     Sharing some of their most powerful songs, I was unashamedly wiping away tears during "We Believe". That is really difficult not to do when you are in a room full of expectant believers corporately professing such a powerful anthem. 

     It was a night of worship and celebration filled with new friendships being made in the seats as people met from many different states. Some friends were able to reunite with one another after meeting the previous two years. I was able to meet and have dinner with Pam Donnelly Duerkes and her beautiful daughter Reenie who happens to be the Newsboys biggest fan.  

    Reenie attends almost every Christian concert she can and in the review last year we included a shot of her and Colton Dixon. Her Mother Pam contacted us to thank us for making Reenie feel so special and that initial contact turned into a wonderful friendship born through the K-love Fan Awards. Reenie got to meet another over comer this year! Mark Hall from Casting Crowns took the time to snap a shot!
    
     God opens the doors to new relationships everyday. Christian music is a gateway to obedience. Sometimes it's the ministry that heals broken relationships. Other times God will use the passion in lyrics to not only create healing and spiritual growth for the listener, but also to use the receiver to encourage others. The carnal mind cannot anticipate the realms at which God can create many moments where the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit destines a song in a single moment.

     Closing out the night of the Kick-Off concert was Toby Mac and Diverse City. Toby has a new album due to release on August 7, 2015 titled "This is Not a Test". For those who are curious what it will consist of he said it's going to be a wonderful schizophrenic pop musical gumbo dish. For a sampling of the feast this fall check them out. Fall Tour Schedule

     K-love is a tool that God has placed His stamp of approval on to be a portal by which music reaches the masses. Not only do the musicians impact the lives of listeners, but the Disc Jockey's play a huge role in this outreach. J.D Chandler, Craig, Amy and Kankelfritz, Scott and Kelli, Monika Kelly and Larry and Lauren along with the behind the scenes ministry team deposit Godly wisdom, humor and love into listeners lives on a daily basis.  

     I always look forward to seeing the artists at events like this, but more than that is it gives people the opportunity to share their testimonies. I am certain that every single person who is able to come to this fabulous event has an amazing story to tell about God. I always try to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit to try to follow His direction because testimonies are life changing and can create breakthroughs for others who hear or read about them.

     The Bible declares in Revelation 12:11 that we are over comers by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. It just so happens that the two wonderful ladies I had the opportunity to talk with willing to share their stories have formed a bond through their pain and have turned that pain into a glorious unfolding of faith, hope and love. The three things that CEO, Mike Novak emphasizes are the foundation by which K-love exists. Mike said, "K-love was created to use our faith in love to produce hope in the lives of those who feel hopeless."

     Janna Leigh, 25 years ago was a soon to be Mother of a beautiful daughter. On April 29, 1990 on a Sunday afternoon she had dilated and was as the hospital where the doctor was on call. The nurses had Janna get into the shower to try to induce labor but had forgotten about her and left in her in the shower for over an hour. On the heart monitor Janna could see that her daughter Karinna's heartbeat kept plunging. After laboring for six hours, the doctor finally arrived at 7 PM and Karinna was born eight minutes later.



Karinna in 2011

     During the delivery the cord had wrapped around her neck seven times and she was officially born dead. Karinna was resuscitated and in hospital care where Janna returned every night to sit with her daughter alone and pray for healing. Two weeks later, on Mother's Day Janna and Karinna were able to go home.

     Janna began noticing developmental issues with her baby girl and began to become sorrowful seeing her friends children rapidly progressing. She began to research and decided to ask the doctor the heart breaking question, "Does Karinna have cerebral palsy?"

      Coming to the conclusion this was the case was a heavy burden for Janna. The thought of her daughter struggling through life never enjoying what kids with no disabilities get to experience. Double suicide began to play out in Janna's mind. Planning to just drive off the side of the road to end the pain her daughter would have to endure. Desperate for healing she prayed and heard the voice of truth say, "She's going to be ok."

    
     God didn't heal Karinna that day but He did heal Janna emotionally. She decided from that day forward Karinna was going to live life to the fullest. Not treating Karinna as handicapped was something she and her family thrived on. She went on several adventures all over the world. During this time Janna and her husband had three other children. One who entered Heaven (lost in utero), their other daughter Luna Devika and son Ryan.

     Luna led Karinna to the Lord and introduced her to the music of Casting Crowns who Karinna grew to love. Shortly after becoming a fan of K-love Karinna got baptized and almost leaped out she was so overjoyed. Since that day she could not get enough of God. 

 Janna sat out on a mission to read her daughter the Bible aloud from beginning to end. Though Karinna could not chew or swallow, she had an I-pad she had mastered the one finger locator on to play her Christian music favorites.

     One of Karinna and Janna's adventures was getting to go on a K-love cruise. Karinna also enjoyed the K-love fan awards weekend in 2014 meeting several artists she loved to listen to including Matt Maher.
     
     When Janna returned home with Karinna that weekend her daughter Luna who had once served the Lord and her Son Ryan were both away from home working on their careers. A recent separation from her husband left her once again feeling hopeless. She fell to her knees and began praying with Karinna in agreement to restore her marriage and to bring all her children into relationship with Christ. They prayed, "God whatever it takes to bring you glory out of this." Songs like "Bring the Rain" by MercyMe and "Shoulders" by For King & Country were stamped on their hearts for restoration.

     Shortly after that prayer there was a wheelchair convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Janna was interested in getting Karinna a new wheelchair.

While they were there the Christian Broadcast Network was hosting a media convention. It just so happened that Michael Job who plays Jesus at the Holy Land Experience in Florida, called Janna and Karinna over and wholeheartedly prayed for our Lord and Savior to heal Karinna.

     After returning home, Karinna caught the flu which turned into pneumonia and five days later she would get to see with her own eyes where her Mother, Janna had left off reading her the scriptures in Revelation Chapter 7. "They are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will shelter them with His presence. Never again will they thirst. the sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away ever tear from their eyes."

     God used Janna to help Karinna change the lives of so many people. As Psalms 121 states, "The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more." He trusted Janna to care for His child and at the same time shared His blessed gift for 24 full years before whisking her out of that chair. Janna finds great comfort in Danny Gokey's song "More than you think I am." It reminds her that even though we face times of heartache, the joy that Karinna brought into the lives of others was above and beyond any gift that Janna could have ever received.



Chelsea with Karinna

     Chelsea Bussey, who is currently an RN at a mental health center at a young age happened to be hired by Karinna's Mother to help with the more physical care that comes with aiding someone with special needs. Janna and Karinna were once again being used as a tool from our Heavenly Father to prepare Chelsea for the gift she would soon receive.

     During that time these women began to form a friendship that God often refers to in Titus 2:4, "That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children."

     Chelsea noticed that she had been bleeding fairly heavy and took the concern to her Mother. After going to the doctor on October 3, 2013 a sonogram revealed she was 22 weeks pregnant. She had been taking birth control and had begun to lose weight. Without insurance the hospital would not assist her much in early diagnosis of health risks or concerns and she left unaware of what to expect. That following Monday she began to bleed more and her Mother and Grandmother accompanied her to a high risk clinic where the sonogram began showing signs of a high risk miscarriage.

     
     The following Saturday Chelsea began to have contraction pains at home. Living a good distance from the hospital they decided to head in that direction. Once they arrived the nurses gave her medication to try to stop her from going into labor. Chelsea could tell that her daughter was coming into the world that day whether she was physically ready to or not.

     After moving her to the delivery floor at 2:44 PM at only 23 weeks old weighing 1 pound and 6 ounces Mary-Elise Hope Bussey opened her eyes and looked at the doctors as if to say, "Fight with me"! They immediately took Mary-Elise to an incubator where Chelsea prayed asking God for her baby to fight and stay alive. 

      God answered Chelsea's prayer by giving Mary-Elise the nick name "Buck Wild Bussey." The nurses decided to call her this because she would always fight against the incubator, wires and all the obstacles she came into the world facing. The devil tried to take her out while in her Mother's womb but God had different plans for this giant little gift. With a praying doctor and people praying in fifty different states, Mary-Elise fought month after month and day after day against all odds. Janna along with Karinna at the 2014 K-love Fan Awards went around to several artists all who agreed and stood in prayer for little Mary-Elise to break free from the chains of that incubator into freedom in Christ.

      On August 29, 2014 the doctor came in to Chelsea and said, "She is already talking to Jesus about the future, I can fill it already." After surviving 2 heart attacks and multiple seizures Chelsea had to make a decision no parent ever wants to choose. Though little Buck Wild Bussey was a fighter her earthly body was tired and that day Chelsea signed the forms that if her daughter coded again she would not be resuscitated.

      During the next couple of days 22 nurses and staff came in with a birthday cake to celebrate her life. She was dedicated to the Lord by Pastors and people knew her name all over the United States.  On August 31 at 3:25 PM Mary-Elise Hope Bussey broke free from all her chains and is now completely healed in Heaven dancing on streets of gold with Karinna. 

      Chelsea loves to sing "Amazing Grace (my chains are gone)" at church because it represents the freedom at which her baby now lives. Though there are really difficult days, she feels God handpicked her to create the wonderful gift she had the opportunity to share with the world for 10 1/2 months. Janna and Chelsea both experienced that the smallest footprints leave the biggest impact not only in their lives, but in the lives of those who knew Mary-Elise and Karinna. 

     Through the K-Love Fan Awards she has met some amazing people who share stories of overcoming the loss of children, wives, husbands and friends. She feels that Mary-Elise brought her hope and encouragement because of how much of a fighter she was. Through her daughter's spirit she gains strength. At the funeral they released balloons to the Heavens in celebration of her life. Chelsea says that the song "Miracle of the Moment" by Steven Curtis Chapman lifts her spirits because in that moment one balloon seemed to be lingering not travelling as fast as the rest. All of a sudden it was like it was yanked to the sky. Her little girl was home free telling her mom she was celebrating her new life.

     One of the things that Janna said to me that revealed the depths of a Mother's love was that none of us should take anything for granted. Sometimes we miss all the small things and the opportunities we have not only to share special moments with those we love but to share the love of God with all those we come into contact with.

Chelsea and Janna with Danny Gokey in the fan zone

With tears in her eyes and such a passion for her daughter she released unto the Lord she cried, "People could be so inconsiderate sometimes of Karinna's disability, but Oh God, what I would do just to wipe the drool off her beautiful face one more time."

     The ministry of K-love if all testimonies were shared would expand beyond books of amazing stories to read. Though these two that you have read today in some people's perspective end with people losing those they love; what we so sorely often fail to grasp is the time they we're able to spend with them. The relationships and lives that were changed while they were here and the respect and love that God placed in the hearts of both Mothers creating a bond that can never be broken. Hope was born in their hearts through Amazing Grace, their daughter's chains are gone and they have been set free. 

      On Saturday Morning I took the privilege of joining many others to raise money for orphan children in Haiti in the K-love 5K. Walking alongside people with prosthetic limbs, those who were getting ready to start chemo treatment for cancer and those who just beat cancer. As we walked I wondered to myself the significance of each person's testimony. Knowing what God has done for me personally in my life intrigues me to learn the stories of others who are walking in His grace.

     Sunday night is the big night when everything comes together and people get dressed up in their K-love Awards Sunday best. Just so happens the rain tried to put a damper on things this year, but that wasn't going to stop this bunch from getting their praise and celebration on.

     This year was hosted by Kirk Cameron and Fox and Friends co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck. They kicked the night off by taking us back to Kirk's "Growing Pains" days of "Seaver Fever". Elisabeth confessed to having a picture of Michael Seaver on her wall when she was a teenager,(I don't know anyone who didn't). Many of the nominees had breathtaking performances and there were some very funny moments in between the awards. 

     I think one of the neatest ideas they had was the group selfie with the fans. Craig and Kankelfritz from the K-love morning show seemed pretty stoked about getting a selfie with David Crowder.


     For King & Country who are managed by their Father love the quote, "Preach the gospel and if necessary use words." Through passion and perseverance these humble brothers cleaned house winning Best Live Show (yes I voted for them), Group Duo of the Year and Artist of the Year.

     Honored to be given a platform all across this great Nation to lead people to the cross, Chris Tomlin walked away with Male Artist of the Year. He is planning what sounds to be an amazing conference this year called, Worship Night in America. 

     Influenced by her parents and taught by her Pastor to pray and seek humility, Francesca Battistelli was honored by her fans with Female Artist of the Year. She brought the house to their feet and to tears with her passionate performance of "Holy Spirit you are Welcome Here." When Michael Tait speaks about his faith and what drives the band to stand confident, he is highly passionate. The Newsboys created a powerful anthem in "We Believe" and is well deserving of the Song of the Year Award they walked away with.

     Worship Song of the Year went to Lauren Daigle, for "How Can it Be". Joining some of the most amazing worship groups on the Outcry Tour this year Lauren says,"Our goal is to call the bride of Christ to come together and unite and arise." You don't want to miss this event, I already got my ticket!


     Book Impact of the Year was given to Proverbs 31 Ministries president Lysa Terkeurst. She pressed the importance that with all the social media that is out there today, it's important we give our first thoughts to God. Lisa stated, "Our team is developing an App called First 5, that when your alarm goes off on your phone it will immediately start into a devotion time."

     New Orleans Saints, Benjamin Watson stated, "People look for authenticity, someone who will speak the truth to them in love." Winning the Sports Impact of the Year award he jokingly said, "Every athlete wants to go to a music awards show and win something, but the bottom line is who we are in Christ to others. That's what matters most."

     Big Daddy Weave was voted by the fans to be the Group to Appear on a Pepsi can. These guys have huge hearts and it's no wonder we are so moved by the messages in their songs.

     
     During the media interviews, at the awards show one thing reverberated in that room more than anything; it's all about God and seeing the lives of people changed through His grace and mercy. 

     Matthew West said, "Every single one of us have value, no matter where we are we can do something to bring God glory." He spoke of Alyssa Ferguson, a young girl with brain cancer who make a wish foundation reached out to. Instead of asking for something herself, she asked them to build a well in Zimbabwe for others without fresh water.

      Colton Dixon said, "None of the fame or attention matters. It's all about God and some of the most taxing times are the one on one's with fans because it can be very emotional." 

     Toby Mac informed everyone "No matter how small you think your audience is, you have to use your gifts and talents right where you are."

     Hawk Nelson desires for everyone to know that God loves them and they are worthy. Their desire is to use music to point people to Jesus through the truth in a world that seems to want to hear anything but the truth. 

     Mike Donehey from Tenth Avenue North was practicing for his next career as a comedian but shifted gears and got serious when talking about Jesus. "Jesus would look over the shoulder of the most famous person to the least because it's a personal relationship that matters to Him. Isn't it nice that we live in the freedom of forgetfulness? It's all about God and how through repentance He forgets all of our sins so that we can live in freedom through Him."

     God works in mysterious ways and MercyMe, who happened to close out the live awards show for 2015 had recruited Karinna's sister Luna. Currently a member of the performance group Beyond Wings, Luna and her peers shared the stage with them during the finale of "Greater". She told her Mother Janna she was dedicating the performance to her sister in Heaven. 

     As all was coming to a close I reflected on the weekend and how I had the opportunity to bump into Mike Novak, the CEO of K-love. The first day of the weekend celebration we crossed paths and he took the time out of his busy schedule to share in conversation with me.

     At first I didn't recognize him as I had been sitting quietly relaxing in a garden pathway inside Opryland, reflecting on how thankful I was for the little things. I did however find him extremely personable as we began to talk. He said the whole purpose of the K-love Fan awards is to give people the opportunity for one on one interaction with others and the artist they have so much respect for. 

     K-love is not simply a Christian radio station. It is a full blown ministry with a dedicated staff and fervent prayer warriors that have literally saved people's lives through the love of Christ and genuine concern for every single person that reaches out to them. In the deepest, darkest moments of life, this ministry team leads people to the cross. It does not matter if they are broken, bruised or abandoned. Mr. Novak said, "K-love is about relationship; one on one ministry that creates a loving atmosphere where people know and trust they can find hope."

(L to R) John Sanders, Mike Novak, Jon Klein and David Pearce

     One does not have to watch or listen long to this mission minded ministry team.  Behind this outreach you will find some of the most personable humble servants always willing to reach out to those who are hurting. Building relationships with other people that they consider part of the family of Christ is an encouragement to them.

     Don't forget to check out all the tours and new albums from the talented artists mentioned above and continue to support K-love radio. Also check out the new K-love Television. 

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