K-love Fan Awards 2014

Welcome to the K-love Fan Awards Weekend Celebration!

     On Friday May 30, 2014 I embarked upon a three day weekend in Nashville, Tennessee at the ultimate KLove Fan Experience located at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. Once you get past the glory and splendor of this beautifully decorated resort and retrieve your guest passes for the extravaganza you make your way to the Ultimate Fan Zone entrance. 

     Upon entering the zone we were greeted by some very friendly volunteers from Trevecca University. Not only did they offer guests tasty popcorn samples but throughout the entire weekend, smiling students made the lives of the K-Love event planners simpler by offering their services in every area of business. I must at this point give a huge shout out to the University for providing such friendly people to man the stations so often over seen in these types of events.

           I was able to speak with Lindsey Bell, one of the many volunteers with a burden for youth.

She gave her life to Christ when she was fifteen years old and is now studying education. She plans to marry her fiancé, who is a youth Pastor on October 11, 2014. I asked her, "What is one thing you feel Trevecca has taught you?” She smiled and said, “The importance of realizing that we are all Christians despite our denomination, you know to love each other and to love Christ. That is what it’s all about.” I say Amen to that and wish this lovely young lady a bright future with her soon to be husband.

     There are numerous activities for family members of all ages throughout the weekend. It’s almost like you are in overdrive because you can’t really decide what you want to do or what you want to take part in. The best thing about the design of the zone is that you don’t really have to choose. The way it is set up you can wait in line to get autographs signed and meet your favorite artists, while watching several other singers play basketball against each other.

 



     Another perk to the zone is while partaking in all the events, there are live concerts by some of your favorite artists taking place like Sidewalk Prophets, Josh Wilson and Rhett Walker.

      It’s coordinated so that you don’t have to miss out on anything. I really enjoyed seeing all the people who took part in this event sitting around introducing themselves to new friends and sharing testimonies and experiences with each other. It becomes a moment in time when you can just enjoy the goodness of the Lord in an environment with like-minded individuals. Jamie Grace was a special treat for me always shining with her quirky personality and sense of humor. 

 

     When K-Love first decided to put this event together for the first time two years ago I wonder if they had any idea how much of a success it would truly become. As the second year of the event began to bloom into the weekend I began to wonder as a member of media what was the most important aspect of this event and how could God use me to glorify Him through writing about it?

     I looked around quietly and thought; “Yes everyone is excited to be here. Yes we are all going to hear music performed by all these gifted musicians and played by these talented disc jockeys that bless our lives on a daily basis and encourage us as we go through life. Yes we might get the opportunity to introduce ourselves to a few of them throughout the weekend, but what is the most relevant factor of this experience?” It did not take long for God to whisper to me; “The person standing next to you, the person in front of you and the person behind you all have a story to tell.” 

     I have had many opportunities to interview talented artists in different settings and get to know them on a personal level. However, this event is planned for the fans. In other words, for the Body of Christ that might not be known by a song they sing or by the name of their band. They might not work for a Christian radio station or be a recognizable face that passes by. However, they could be your neighbor or the person who took care of you in the hospital when you were sick. They might be the teacher who taught your child how to read, or the person that drives your son or daughter to school every day. She could be the barista that fixes your coffee for you on or he might just be the young man who took your order last night at dinner.

     The K-Love Ultimate Fan Experience is about people. Those of us who support K-Love, and the artists who bring the love of God to radio and into our homes and our vehicles. If it wasn’t for God using all of us each with our talents and gifts K-love would not be able to operate in the fashion that it does, and this weekend is all about them paying it forward. It’s a recognition of thankfulness to all those who come together and partner with them and support these musicians by buying their albums and going to concerts. So since we were in the fan zone, I took it upon myself to recognize some of these amazing individuals who were happy to take the time and speak with us and share some of their personal testimonies.

     Flying in from Roseburg Oregon, Heather Faught was enjoying her first experience at the Klove Fan Awards. She shared with us that her favorite band was Casting Crowns, who happened to win a special award that weekend.  She was thankful to be a part of such an amazing experience.  Heather came through a very difficult illness with several specialists not offering her much hope.  One year prior to this event she gave her life to Christ and through the ministry of Klove strengthened her relationship with God and led her to a doctor that was able to help her.  Heather said, "Klove was a huge part of my healing process."

     I have to stop for a moment here and focus on one of the most emotional moments for me personally. I want to encourage anyone out there reading this right now to never stop chasing your dreams. If God has put a vision inside of you or a dream inside of you fan that flame. Chase it with all that He has put inside of you and believe in yourself that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!

     I have had a desire for many years to work in Christian Radio. The fact that I was able to meet JD Chandler from K-Love and watch how all the DJ’s interacted with listeners and people in general just ignited that for me even more.

 

     It’s not about what they do as much as it was about God showing me to continue to follow that path. It was a personal moment for me with God; though JD Chandler was physically in this picture with me; if you look at the smile on my face, God was in my heart saying “You can do this. Keep that vision alive.”

 

     My husband and I were strolling along the resort pathway enjoying the water and speaking lightly with other guests that were there. I was enjoying trying to figure out who some of the band members were that I seen other people stopping to take photos with.

 

     I suppose as someone in media you would assume that I would recognize everyone, but unfortunately I relate musically more so than by physical appearance. I bumped into Lila Tuck and made this confession only to have her bust out laughing at me and say “Girl you know I work for K-Love and I am the same way.” It’s nice to know that you are not alone in the world and someone could understand my dilemma. Not to mention Lila was so much fun to get to talk to, even if it was for only a few minutes a day. K-Love is blessed to have this fire cracker on their staff.

 

     There are so many talented Christian bands out there and so much great music in this industry it is extremely difficult to know what everyone looks like. However, there are several that have ministered to me for quite some time that I have seen in concert or met on occasions enough to recognize immediately.

     David Frey lead singer from Sidewalk Prophets happens to fit into that category. We bumped into him on our stroll and he was nice enough to introduce us to their new guitar player Daniel Macal and pause for a moment to allow my husband to take a photo of us together.

     While walking back to the fan zone I seen a couple holding hands walking towards us and decided to stop and chat with them about their experience. We introduced ourselves and I asked them if this was their first time attending the K-Love Fan Awards weekend and they looked at each other and just kind of chuckled. Lo and behold out of all the people we could have interviewed, God led us to Michelle and Dale Harrison.

      Michelle told us that during the week that K-Love was taking pledges from their listener supporters she received a phone call. They had donated to the station and had been chosen as the winner for the weekend trip not even knowing they had a chance to win anything. They said God has been good to them in their marriage and through the counseling conferences that are held at their home church in Lafayette, Indiana. The weekend was really like a wedding Anniversary gift since they celebrated on the 27th of May. It was a blessing to meet this couple and we pray and wish for them many more years of happiness!

     With so much stuff going on in the world today and so many negative things to influence young children and teenagers, K-Love and Christian music is a huge benefit for parents. Many of the artists that are rising up in this industry are teenagers and young adults themselves so they can easily relate lyrically to the things others in the same generation are facing. Last July Rita and Richard York made it a point to book this as their family vacation.  As parents of teenagers R.J (14) whose favorite band is Capitol Kings and fifteen year old Kim who loves Switchfoot, they came in from Tucson, Arizona to share this time growing closer together.

     With a message of hope and encouragement and showing them they don’t have to go with the flow, but to be unique and to be steadfast in faith shows strength and character. One family we met during the weekend knows exactly how important it is incorporate that into the lives of their children.  This family was really a treasure to meet. We hope to see their smiling faces again next year, Lord willing.

     After we met some amazing fans we decided to make our way back to the fan zone. Upon entry everyone has the opportunity to have their photo taken with a K-Love Award on a red carpet. How could we possibly pass that by without striking a pose? We then ventured over to the memorabilia section where they were sporting the K-Love   Nascar driven by Michael McDowell.

     In this section you can see several points of history marked by different Christian artists who have opened up so many doors for the Glory of God to be exalted in the music industry and around the world through song.

     One of the coolest things in this section to me was the Newsboys rising and spinning drum set. I remember the first time I seen them in concert during Spirit Song Festival at Kings Island Amusement Park and I was just mesmerized by it. I have no idea how Duncan Phillips does not get extremely ill on that thing but I definitely would not challenge him to a scrambler duel. For avid fans of musical instruments and sports memorabilia there was also a silent auction in the fan zone.

 

      Proceeds went toward the support of the outreach in the middle of Detroit, Michigan called K-love Hope Center.  Not only did the K-Love Fan Awards bless those who were able to attend, but through all the voting that went into choosing the winners in each category and K-Love partnering with World Hope Ministries, four families were provided homes. Praise God for that! They also had a 5K Celebrity Run For Love to benefit the children of Haiti.

     Sunday morning the tide shifts and the focus of the celebration moves toward a wonderful worship service led by none other than Michael W Smith. After worship you have the option to enjoy more concerts and autograph signing at the convention center or relax and get ready for the main event at the Grand Ole Opry.

     For those staying at the resort there is a shuttle that transports you to the event so there is no need for you to drive. It was very hot out that evening and people were dressed to impress. Not only were the fans sporting some fancy attire, but media as well as artists were looking quite snazzy and everyone was hot and trying to maintain their appeal. I spoke to a few fans that were really excited and trying to catch a glimpse of some familiar faces walking along the red carpet. I told them I was going to get a few of them all dressed up and excited about the evening out enjoying the day with friends.

 

     As the red carpet began to fill up with familiar faces, artists like Colton Dixon were making some fans extremely happy. The thing I noticed about this whole weekend coming full circle is not only do the fans love these artists, but these artists love their fans and each other.

 

     The smiles that were generated from each of these Christian artists, no matter what realm they work in whether it be in film or the music industry carried the expression of humble gratitude and joy of living in the gift they were given by their creator.

      Each category of nominee’s carried some tough competition. However, these artists love each other like brothers and sisters and don’t view it as a competition but more so as someone they love being recognized for the gifts they share with the world sharing the Gospel. I was able to stand in the hallway with all these super talented individuals as they visited each other and greeted one another as if they were at a family reunion.

      I wanted to go to each of them and say “Hey, I just want you to know how much this song blessed me, or how what you said at that concert that night really touched my heart”. Instead I realized in that moment they were all getting exactly what they needed. These artists that we look up to so much do not see themselves as stars. They see themselves as one of us, as the body of Christ they are using the gifts and talents that God has given them to minister to others. 

 

     All of these creative vessels of sports, music, movie production and media coming together in one place for one purpose and in one accord is priceless. In that moment they were nourishing each other and reconnecting with people they genuinely care a great deal about.

      One of the highlights of the weekend for me was seeing how happy they were to see each other.

I did however snag a shot with David White and his beautiful wife Andrea. This was the first year that media was approved for the weekend events and backstage coverage at the awards show.


      The ceremony kicked off with Matthew West and Candace Cameron Bure entertainingly hosting. K-Love staff had a very nice area set up for media behind the scenes with food and a big screen with audio to view the unfolding events. Every few minutes or so a different group or artist would grace the media cave (as referred to by Toby Mac) and the microphone would be opened up and audio from the live show silenced for a few select questions from the media outlets.

 

 

 

     Since each category can only have one winner, let’s start by giving a shout out to Mandisa

who took home Female Artist of the Year and Song of the Year with Overcomer.

Pepsi is a big sponsor for the Fan Awards weekend and they offer an exciting award for the artist who is chosen to be plastered on a seven-up can. The little comical musician Jamie Grace won the chance to quench the thirst of her fans and she is adorable.

     Hillsong was chosen for Worship Song of the Year with Oceans which happens to be one of my personal favorites. Artists of the Year,which was one of the toughest categories got nabbed by Casting Crowns.
 

     The Book that fans voted had the Most Impact was by Max Lucado titled, You'll Get Through This. Thomas Davis took home the Sports Impact win. Best Live Show was stolen by the one who asks God to steal it from him, how ironic. Much deserved applause out to Mr. Toby Mac.

     Group Duo of the Year got carried away by The Newsboys.  Chris Tomlin, who happens to be one of my personal lyrical heroes took home Male Artist of the Year.  God's Not Dead received the Film/ Television Impact award. Big shout out to the actors and filmmakers in this category and the much deserved winners.

 

     This event not only celebrates the fans, but it also recognizes the amazing gifts and talents lived out by these incredible artists who first and foremost are celebrating what God has done in all of us. He gives His children the abilities we carry inside to bless the body, which in turn reciprocates recognition and honor all for the Glory of His Kingdom. God bless each and every person who took part in, attended and made this event all that it was and the doors that each of these individuals open up for Christ to do a work in others through what they share with the world. How can you not see the joy of the Lord in these faces?

 

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Interview with Shonlock

2011 Dove Awards Interview with Shonlock

    
     The Christian music industry over the last five years has witnessed the birth of many R&B and hip-hop artists rising to the number one spot on the Christian music charts. Recently slaying this arena is long time choreographer, lyricists and dancer, Mr. Deshon Bullock. Better known in the playing field as Shonlock and his crew Da Monsta.

     You may see his footprints through many platforms, like in the production of Mandisa’s hit song Love Somebody, which he co-wrote. Shonlock has also worked on projects and shows with Aaliyah, Arrested Development, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, and Nicole C. Mullins to name a few. His most talked about involvement has been with Christian music veteran Toby Mac, who hired him to travel with him and be a show choreographer and dancer.

With a fan wearing something in your eyes t-shirt

     This warm spirited and gifted young man has created many wonderful messages for a generation of youth and adults that are geared more toward the message with a bass beat and lyrically challenging groove. Arrow/Universal records knew what they were doing when they signed Shonlock in 2009. His #1 single Something in your eyes has made him a strong contender for a nomination in the 2012 annual Dove Awards. I found out during our interview he will be alongside two of the 2011 Dove Award nominees  on tour this fall, which is a treat you don’t want to miss!

     If you are curious what CD this multi-gifted hip-hop artist chooses to listen to, this interview will be very eye opening for you. You will learn what inspires this young man to stay true to his faith and yet still show the world you can have fun as an artist. A person just trying to stay straight or simply a teenager facing the difficult scenarios surrounding them on a day to day basis.

Me: “So, tell me how you guys came up with the name of your group?

Shonlock: “Oh, yeah, Da Monsta. Our band name kind of signifies what I feel the body of Christ is as a whole. You know that needs to be our mentality. We are a massive army for Christ”

Me: “So, how many members make up Da Monsta team?”

Shonlock: “Let’s see we have Monte, Robert, Shatier and Dakari. Really great guys to work with. We always have a lot of fun.”

Me: “Yeah, I was watching a video you had where you and one of the band members were working on a song, he was playing his guitar part.”

Shonlock: “Yeah, that was Robert.”

Me: “He seemed like he was really laid back is he always like that?”

Shonlock: (Laughing) “Oh Robert, no that was very unusual.”

Me: “Who would you say your musical influences are or anyone that influences you and what CD are you currently listening to?”

Shonlock: “Really, Toby Mac has been a great influence on me both musically and spiritually you know, he is always there for me if I need to talk you know. No matter if it’s about music or not. As far as what CD I am listening to right now, (grinning with hesitation) Taylor Swift.”

Me: “Really? (grinning myself) I really did not expect that for some reason kind of threw me off on that note.”

Shonlock: “Yeah, I know a little strange huh? A Christian hip-hop artist listening to a country girl. But you know I am big on lyrics and I can just relate so much to the stuff she sings about. It’s really a great album.”

Me: "It’s obvious that God gifted you musically in many ways, how long ago was it that you surrendered your gifts to Him for His purposes?”

Shonlock: “Well, let me see, it was about ten years ago. You know I traveled a lot and worked with a bunch of different artists. I moved out and away from those positive influences and stumbled a bit and wasn’t really living it you know?

However, about eight years ago when I moved back to Nashville I started working with the Katinas, and some other great groups. You know God just pierced my heart. Toby Mac just so happened to be at a show where I was working with Nicole C Mullins and he seen me just flipping off the speakers and he said, “I got to get that guy”.

Me: “That is awesome, what would you say your favorite scripture is, if you had to pick one?”

Shonlock: “Wow, there is just so many. I guess I would have to say John 10:10 comes to mind. You know He wants us to live life to the fullest. Loving Him and having fun doing it. You know and share that happiness with others.”

Me: “So how often do you and the band practice and do you all struggle with each other at all?”

Shonlock: “Right now we usually try to have rehearsals at least twice a week. You know we have been together for nine years so you know struggles yeah. But prayer really helps with all that. You know we try to keep each other accountable. Especially when we are out on the road, we will not leave each other alone. Not everyone has the same abilities and weaknesses so we just keep each other’s back. But prayer really is a lot of it.”

Me: “So speaking of struggles. What do you think as a Christian you feel you battle with the most?”

Shonlock: “Funny you should ask that cause it recently happened to me again. You know when God tells you to do something or talk to someone and you feel insecure cause you don’t really feel like they are going to want to hear you?

Then God keeps putting that person in your path and you still keep shying away from it? I would say that is my biggest struggle, cause later I always see that if I am not obedient He will send someone else to do it and I need to just start doing it because it’s a window of opportunity that He is opening.”

Me: “So, what are your plans for touring this year? You got any big plans? You think you will swing through Ohio?”

Shonlock: “Actually yes, we are getting ready to do a fall tour with Group 1 Crew and Rapture Ruckus. I think we are going to be hitting the mid-west too. If not on that tour then we will be coming through I think for the Alive Festival.”

Me: “Music has a huge impact on the youth today that are facing so many different struggles, as a role model, what advice do you have to encourage the future generations?”

Shonlock: “Wow, you know follow the passion God has put in their heart. Whatever passions they may be turn them over to God. He will take them and mold them and use them for good. Just because you give your heart to God it does not make you a square. You can still have fun as a Christian."

Me: “Have you been a part of a ministry in your local church?”

Shonlock: “Actually yes, I saw a lot of young men coming forth quite a bit and they really did not have anyone to talk to them about the real struggles they would face you know as a young man. So I started this group up called NOTASIN. That actually stands for Nobles Out To Achieve Something Incredible Now. It gives them someone to talk to and helps them succeed in life.”

Me: “As an artist, how would you define success?”

Shonlock: “You know I think it is the impact that you leave with people. You might have missed it if all you do is talk about yourself. It comes down to the impression you leave of God with that person.”

Me with Deshon at the end of the interview

     The Father of two boys a six-year old and a 19th month old and married to a Pastors daughter, Deshon comes across as a very fun loving southern young man. I doubt anyone who has the blessing of crossing paths with him will not feel the love of Christ from his spirit. Don’t forget to check out Hello, which was released to radio stations on April 20, 2011 it is bound to be an incredible addition to his already chart topping creations! When this Monsta shows up, the only mashing that is going to be happening is on the face of the devil.  

Shonlocks Words of Wisdom 

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.

Check Out His Website Here

    Watch the Official Video For Hello.  

Make a Difference Tour

Review of the Make a Difference Tour

     With the New Year coming into play, it’s hard to look back over 2010 and point out one significant event that God truly moved through in our midst. In these days and times it is not unusual to witness God doing great things all around us. With certainty I am sure we could all testify about several awesome things we seen God do in the past year.

     One great experience I had in 2010 was when I was able to attend the Make A Difference Tour led by front man Max Lucado. When we think about what people will remember about us when we are gone, it motivates us to try and make a difference in another person’s life. It is very similar to the movie Pay it Forward. God gave us the love and sacrifice of His Son on the cross so that we could give love to someone else, releasing the knowledge of that sacrifice into their hearts through Christ.

     Mr. Lucado has committed to reaching the goal of 25,000 sponsored through the make a difference program. Through the success of tours and displays the number has reached 15,881 . The Make a Difference Tour has continued to impact the lives of those who have been helped. It opens a window of hope, a window of faith and a window of chance to those who otherwise may not live to see their next meal.


Toby Mac, Michael W. Smith and Third Day were a great selection for Max to choose to tour with in 2010. Jason Gray hopped on the wagon to join them during the last few appearances. There was a particular moment during the performance of Jesus Freak, where Toby Mac did a freeze frame and the special effects were off the hook!


  

   Michael W Smith filled the audience with tears as he pulled the heartstrings of those who had lost loved ones with his performance of Welcome Home. Third Day got the crowd involved in almost every song, including one off their recently released CD, Move titled Children of God. This song was accompanied by a video of many who have been helped through the Make a Difference Tour and through the continued outreach of World Vision.

     Speaking of Third Day's latest release Move, when I was blessed with the opportunity to interview Mac Powell, he mentioned many fans told him this was their "new favorite". Though I cannot single out a favorite album by Third Day, I have to say this one definitely fits perfectly in the CD player on a road trip!
     It is a great combination of songs that take you back to the southern rock sound molded together with the Spirit of God. Placing your feet on solid ground calling you to surrender all and trust Him to be with you no matter where you go and to never give up hope! Surrender, happens to be my favorite and one that I would stamp as being a “new favorite” to be requested for years to come. The first time I listened to the CD I had to go back and listen to that one over a few times. The band’s instruments and the vocals that Mac Powell delivers on this CD, clearly defines why so many have told them it is their new favorite album.

      Having the opportunity to interview the lead singer from Third Day, was the highlight of 2010 for me as a Christian. Not that I consider Mac Powell to be a celebrity because he is just another man gifted to worship and minister in music. However, for me many of their great classics ministered to me at some of the most trying times of my faith. Their ability to walk in the spirit of the gift that God has given them and touch the lives of so many on a daily basis is so inspirational to me. Having the heart of a worshipper myself makes it that much more of a blessing.

     Needless to say, behind the scenes there is word spreading that plans for another Make a Difference Tour are in the making for 2011. No one seems to know the line up yet for the artists that will be joining Mr. Lucado. However, one thing you can count on is God has an agenda for His people according to His master plan. I believe no matter who decides to step on board that tour, their music ministry and lives will be blessed because of their willingness to step out in faith for a great cause.
    
     Those who get involved in acts of charity through the worship and true calling of Christ sacrifice time with friends and family. If you were unable to attend the tour last year, do not miss out on the chance to be ministered to and entertained by the venue this year. If you were able to take part of the outreach last year, I don’t have to tell you what you will miss if you don’t go again this year!


     Do what you can today to demonstrate pure religion. With people making New Year Resolutions for 2011, I would urge you to make a resolution to change someone’s life this year. If you have not taken the opportunity to sponsor a child would you consider your ability to open your arms and bless someone who could use the hand of love this year? As a family maybe you could decide that will be your Resolution. Let your light shine in someone else’s life.

     James 1:27 "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world."

 Luke 6:38 "For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give--large or small--will be used to measure what is given back to you."

Interview With Mac Powell From Third Day

Third Day Makes You Want to Move

     For many of us Rock & Roll has been a great influence throughout our life times. For those thirty-forty something's we can remember sitting around with our friends listening to Lynard Skynard the Steve Miller Band or Guns "N" Roses. 

     No matter what generation you grew up in Rock & Roll played a part in your life at one point in time influencing your musical inclinations. When I found out it was Guns n Roses Appetite for Destruction that sparked the desire for Mac Powell to be in a rock band I found that kind of humorous and had to ask him about it.


Mac: "Yeah, actually we were talking about that the other day. You know I had not listened to much Rock & Roll for awhile and that summer my sister bought that album. I started listening to it while mowing the grass and that is when I knew I wanted to be in a band."

Me: "I thought that was kind of funny. I was going to say the next album you guys make you should call it Appetite for Salvation."

Mac: "Ha! Yeah you know it may have been last year or a few years back there was a tour that Switchfoot and Reliant K were on called Appetite for Construction."

     After meeting with guitarist Mark Lee, and former member Billy Wilkins the journey has moved them from being a wanna be rock band to the most well known Christian Band to ever travel through the radio waves to date. Tai Anderson and David Carr joined Mac, Mark and Billy in 1992 while they were working on their first album.

     

Today Mac, Mark, Tai and David are Moving several directions trying to share with others the importance of reaching out to those that are in need, those that are hurting and those that need a little hand from someone who has the ability to reach out and say, "You are not alone, God is waiting for you."

     Currently they have teamed up with Max Lucado, Toby Mac, Michael W Smith and the newly recruited tour member Jason Gray. I asked Mac how the tour was going and what the focus of the tour was on.

Mac: "World Vision is a huge part of this tour. Actually everyone has been great. This is the 25th year that Max Lucado has been publishing books and he did not want this anniversary celebration to be about him. We are on a mission to get as many young children in need sponsored as possible. It has been a great success so far, I am not sure what the numbers are at right now. However, the last time I checked we were around about 6,000 so far. Our goal is 25,000."

Me: "Wow, that is great! It is important for those who are financially able in the body of Christ to reach out to help others so that they may see the love and grace of God through His people."

Mac: "Absolutely!"

     So, if you have not been able to attend this tour and you are reading this you can be that one hand that could open a child's eyes up to God by visiting this website. You can move that mountain for someone! 

 CLICK HERE!

     Speaking of moving, for those who anticipate each new Third Day album that hits the musical streets, you will be pleased to know that Move became available Tuesday the 19th of October. I talked to Mac to get some insight on what to expect on the new album and he simply confirmed my excitement.

Mac: "Well, it is the first album we have had the opportunity to record in our New Studio which is only about twenty or thirty minutes away from where we all live. That makes it really nice cause we don't really have to travel to go there and whenever we need to rest or need time with our families it does not take long to go back and forth. We worked with Paul Moak on the album and he agreed with us to return back to our rock roots.

You know some of our earlier classic sounds, but hopefully it sounds better this time around. We had a great time working on this album and many of our listeners have already come up and said it is their "new favorite" Third Day record."

Me: "Wow, their "new favorite". I do not think I could narrow it down to "one favorite". You guys have so many great albums and songs. Two of my favorite songs from you guys are Thief and Show Me Your Glory.

Mac: "Yeah, Thief is one of those classics that I was talking about. We have always been able to play that and we pretty much get the same response from the crowd. It is a classic that everyone loves. Show Me Your Glory, is another great worship song that always goes well at shows also."




     Third Day continues to have numerous number one singles and have been nominated for a vast array of music awards. In 2009 they were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. I asked Mac how the group felt when they were honored with that recognition.

Mac:" You know it was just one of those amazing moments of our careers. You never really think about that kind of stuff. You know like it is even possible. Then it happens. It is really amazing to be recognized like that especially from your home state."

Me "So, are you all involved in your local churches in any ministry inside of them?"

Pastor Max Lucado

Mac: "Yeah, we all live in Georgia but we all go to different churches. We do travel a lot, but I do stay in touch with our Pastor and still have conversations with many of our church family also. I go when we are home. We have church on the road all the time. Max Lucado has been great on this tour, we have Bible studies and prayer time. Nigel James is our regular road Pastor who is from Europe. He has been great with us. You know he is just real. There are so many Pastors out there that are really legalistic about everything and he just is not like that. He just holds us accountable to that time of dedication to prayer and study, and he is always there just for us to talk to about things."


     Since I first began listening to Third Day in 1998 I knew lyrically they were passionate about encouraging others to grow closer in their relationship with Christ and if they did not know Christ to begin to pursue that relationship with Him. Today I see Third Day as so much more than motivators, they are doers as well. Not only do they support causes like World Vision, Habitat For Humanity,  The One Campaign and the Land Of A Thousand Hills Coffee,   they also reach further than that.

Me: "So, I seen where you and your wife Amy adopted a little boy how is that working out?"

Mac: "Oh, yeah it's great! He is great! We actually just adopted another little girl as well on January 5. Everyone is great with each other. We have Scout, Cash, Camie Love and now our two adopted children, Emmanuel and Bertie Claire."

Me: "That is awesome! I am so happy for you guys."

Mac: "Thanks we love it!"

     Third Day has lit a candle and God keeps raising the flame. They are a hope, shining in a world today that needs to see the light and love of Christ. As they take the gospel forth in their music, their actions and their feet I asked Mac if he could think of one moment throughout their ministry where he was in awe of what he saw God using them to do.

Mac: "You know almost every night on the road people come up and share of how a song has ministered to them. It's impossible to narrow it down to one moment because it happens all the time. It is very humbling when a person shares with us how our music has helped them through the loss of a loved one. Our music has done that a lot for people and that is very tough time. I remember there was one girl who was going to commit suicide and she heard the song Cry Out to Jesus and it saved her life! We hear of a lot of couples that are headed for divorce and they hear a song and end up working things out. You know that is awesome."

Official Music Video for Cry Out to Jesus

     Thankfully what moved Mac that day he was mowing the grass as a youngster, is not the same thing that moves Third Day as mighty men of God. The lyrical passion and musical talent that flows through this band is one that continues to transform people for Christ.

     Where You Are there is a Revelation on a Live Wire that Third Day knows about a Conspiracy that Offerings will cause us to Move and Come Together in God's Time and Make a Difference.

It's Time To Move and Order Their New Album!!