Swaziland Mission Trip

Mission Trip Photo Album

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 21:12:00 +0000

Click the link to see a little of what our team experienced in Swaziland.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=3vx2pq7h.2zglv0tp&Uy=or15ty&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=1

Thank you again for your prayers. It was truly incredible and life-impacting for all involved.

Swazilan Update - August 8th

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:37:00 +0000

Hello all,

We are having the best time here. God is working greatly through the missionaries of Children's Cup here in Swaziland. They have such a loving and giving heart. One of them (Charles-the crazy young one) when telling us what they're doing here said, "Just giving them Jesus, man. Just giving them Jesus."

I must tell you a little of our challenging journey.

We got on the plane RDU right on time.

We taxied to a place near the runway...and waited for over 2 hours. The word was that there was a storm in DC and the Dulles airport was shut down.

We finally flew to DC and as we were nearing our terminal we saw the South African Airways plane loading on another tarmac.

Naturally when we got off our plane and found gate 32A the plane had already taken off. We left 2 1/2 hours late and missed our flight by 20 minutes.

After working for another 4 hours to try to get to Africa by another route, we finally took a shuttle to a hotel for the night.

Saturday, when we should have been landing in South Africa we were actually taking off from Washington DC. Actually only 15 of the 31 of us were taking off. The rest had to wait til 11pm that night for a flight to London because there were no more seats.

The first group arrived in Johannesburg Sunday night, hurried to a bus(minus on member who didn't have the required visa and flew on a small plane), ran out of gas, got on another bus and made it to the border 10 minutes after it had closed. The guards that were leaving were not so sympathetic. We found a nearby place to stay, missed dinner and finally drove into Swaziland Monday by lunch time.

The second group left London and made it to Swaziland by 6am Sunday and drove to Swaziland in time for a late lunch.

We all then drove to a nearby Care Point and had an amazing time with about 300 precious children. We played with them, helped feed them and hugged them. They love to be loved, and we loved loving them.

As you look over this rough account please make a note of the fact that we missed a meal. The children that we have seen at 6 different centers are fed a very simple meal once a day usually just Monday through Friday. Few have shoes for the cold nights of winter. Things here are very different, very hard and yet there is hope. Hope for the children that are able to come to a Care Point or Mercy Center to get food for their bellies and the message of a loving Jesus.

We look forward to working in cement and enjoying lunch with the child that we are sponsoring tomorrow (Thursday).

We look forward to working on crafts and sharing in games and a Bible story on Friday.
We are looking forward to having a very fun day with these children Saturday morning then having a meal with all the missionaries and their families.

We most look forward to hearing stories for years to come of how God is changing the Kingdom of Swaziland through the changed lives of these precious children.

Thank you for your continued prayers for us and especially these children. They are so ripe for all God has to offer them.

We love you,

Steve & Debbie Turley
And the Christian 107.3 Mission of Mercy team

Swaziland Mission Trip participants:

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:36:00 +0000

Sabine Jacob Beth Peck Kate Walters Aaron Walters Emily Brown
Heath Brown Mason Pluimer Debbie Turley Steve Turley ValariaMitchell
Isley Cotton Crystal Jackson Mike Kocher Diane Page Donald Page
Brett Asher Tammie Evers Roxann Linthicum Megan Hall Diane Hall
Hattie Pittman Thomas Jernigan Kevin Jernigan Loren Popelka Jessica Vann
Richard Holder Marta Holder Tracy Collins Heidi Collins
Mark Pluimer Dee Pluimer

Thank you for your prayerful support. Get updated details of our trip to Swaziland at the Mission Blog at www.christian107.com.

Swaziland's children need our help

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 19:51:00 +0000

If you would like to help us help the precious children of Swaziland, here's your chance.

Our suitcases are getting overstuffed with crafts, toys and school supplies.
One thing we will gladly make room for is dollars.

Join us at any of our upcoming events between now and Aug. 2nd, and every dollar, quarter, nickel and penny that is donated will be taken with us to Swaziland. (Head to www.christian107.com and click on the calendar page for upcoming events.)

Your support is vital in helping these children. Thank you and we'll see you at the ballgame, the waterpark and the concert hall.

Swaziland Trip Itinerary

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:23:00 +0000

3rd August (Friday)
Begin journey leaving RDU at 2:45pm
Enjoy 15 hour flight from Washington D.C. to Johannesburg, South Africa

4th August (Saturday)
Arrive in Johannesburg and travel by bus to Manzini, Swaziland (about 4 hour ride)

5th August (Sunday)
Church in the morning

Community braii in the afternoon (community outreach)

6th August (Monday)
Construction project at Zombodze Care Point in the morning

Community walk in the afternoon (praying with people in the community, handing out sweets)

7th August (Tuesday)
Construction project at Maphiveni Care Point in the morning

Drive to Hlane Game Park in the afternoon

8th August (Wednesday)
Drive from game park to Manzini

Split between 5 care points in the afternoon to do Bible clubs with the children

9th August (Thursday)
Construction project at Zombodze/LaGoba care point in the morning

Split between medical clinic and child sponsorship luncheon in the afternoon (this is where team members who sponsor a child in Swaziland through Mission of Mercy get to meet that child)

10th August (Friday)
Construction project at Zombodze care point in the morning

Split between 5 care points in the afternoon for more Bible clubs or medical clinic

11th August (Saturday)
Fun day at Zombodze Care Point in the morning

Shopping for gifts in the afternoon

Dinner with host missionaries from Children's Cup

12th August (Sunday)
Depart from the hotel for 4 hour bus ride back to Johannesburg for 5:55pm flight

13rd August (Monday)
Arrive at Dulles Intl Airport about 6am and arrive at RDU at about 10am

Casting Crowns plays at North Korea festival

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 14:08:00 +0000

Casting Crowns received a rare invitation to participate in North Korea’s 25th annual April Spring Friendship Art Festival in Pyongyang last week. Casting Crowns played three standing-room-only shows April 11-13 at the high-profile event. Performers from around the world were invited to the festival, with Casting Crowns the only native U.S. band to attend.

The band incorporated a few Korean favorites in their live show, including the popular song “White Dove, Fly High,” which is recognized as an anthem for peace. The vice chairman of the festival personally sharedhis gratitude to Casting Crowns for their participation and especially for the beautiful performance of the peace song.

Avalon member leaving for health reasons

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 14:07:00 +0000

After nearly 12 years with the group Avalon, founding member Jody McBrayer says he will step down due to pressing health issues. The group will continue to record albums and tour nationally. In March McBrayer was diagnosed with a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Even
though it’s manageable, the disease often affects an individual’s ability to undertake physical work, as in McBrayer’s case.

After much prayer and lengthy discussions with his family, doctors and the members of Avalon, McBrayer says he will resign from the group to focus on his health and his family’swelfare. McBrayer is still in the studio recording his last record with Avalon, which will be released in September. He will also travel with Avalon through the end of the year on their 40-city fall tour.

Look who's in the Music City Walk of Fame!

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:09:00 +0000

Michael W. Smith will be inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame this Sunday, April 22. The induction ceremony takes place at the Hall of Fame Park in downtown Nashville, across from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The 2007 class of inductees for the Music City Walk of Fame also includes Emmylou Harris, Wynonna Judd among others.

A new project from Steven Curtis Chapman?

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:00:00 +0000

Tracking began recently on the new Chapman studio release. Just prior to Christmas Steven jammed in a week long tracking session in Los Angeles with talented producer Matt Bronleewe and engineer Rusty Varenkamp, and some legendary players. On guitars Eric Schermerhorn and Lyle Workman, on bass Chris Chaney, drums by Abe Laboriel Jr., and on keys Patrick Warren.

In between sound check and concert sets on the Winter Jam tour, Steven is continuing writing and recording. The obvious question... When will it be in stores? For now, lets leave it at, later this year.

Meet VICKY BEECHING; in her own words

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 17:34:00 +0000

Growing up, my house was always soaked with music. When Mum put me to bed at night, she would make up little songs for me. She started to let me finish the last line, coming up with my own ending to the songs. It was a great game and I guess that was my early start in songwriting!
Worship leading began for me one cold, Britishly cloudy Sunday when I was about 12 years old. My local Church was gathered and ready to begin the service. The silence was broken by an announcement that the worship leader was unwell. Suddenly I was invited to step up to the microphone and lead for the first time. From that ‘nervously-take-a-deep-breath-and-sing’ beginning, the following years were a rollercoaster journey of invitations to lead at youth groups, events and conferences.
Throughout my teens I was permanently in my room with a guitar and a piano, playing and writing late into the night. One summer I borrowed the High School recording gear and filling our house with endless cables and wires; I recorded my own demo tape.
Vicky’s desire is to do more than express her own heart through singing and recording. She wants her music to serve the Church, equipping congregations with songs for worship. At every stage of the album - writing, arranging and recording - this has been an important value.
“My favourite thing about life on this planet, is knowing Jesus in the different twists and turns of daily life. Feeling His smile in the sun-drenched moments, and collapsing into His embrace on the tear stained days when the ceiling caves in. I love Converse high-tops, sushi, walking by the ocean and spending afternoons in vintage guitar stores. My dreams in life are… to make music that touches God’s heart and that draws people into His presence, to enjoy the journey – and maybe even learn to cook someday!”
(www.vickybeeching.com)
DISCOGRAPHY
Yesterday, Today & Forever
Painting the Invisible (releases Apr. 3, 2007)

“PAINTING THE INVISIBLE” - Vicky says “Trying to describe the Eternal using earthly words, is like trying to scoop up the whole ocean into the palm of your hand. Yet, we joyfully struggle for words and continue on our worshipful quest of expressing the inexpressible; explaining the unfathomable; painting the invisible.”
Produced by Ed Cash and Nathan Nockels, “Painting the Invisible” contains Vicky’s first single, “Join The Song,” - a bright praise doxology. It is followed by the delightful “Hallelujah What a Savior” then “Great is Your Glory”.
Vicky Beeching is doing what she does best on “Painting The Invisible,” worshipping the God she obviously adores with “Suddenly,” “Every One Under the Sun,” “At All Times,” the edgy “Only Your Arms” and the majestic “Wonder of the Cross,” overlaid with airy celtic overtones. Beeching closes the project out with a warm touch, the very personal “Twenty Six Summers” chronicling her lifetime of loving God. Look for Vicky’s excellent sophomore album on April 3rd.

Got a favorite American Idol contestant?

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 17:34:00 +0000

For the past several weeks the GMA has been reporting on the ‘American Idol’ journey of two young women who have ties to gospel music, Jordin Sparks and Melinda Doolittle. Each one again secured enough votes to advance, as they now find themselves among the Top 12 contestants of the FOX television show.

They are joined by another GMA-related member of the Top 12 – Chris Sligh. Sligh, who sang dc Talk's ‘We Just Wanna Be Loved’ last week, is, like Sparks, a GMA Music in the Rockies alumnus! Sligh fronted his band, The Chris Sligh Band, and competed at Estes Park in 2002 and 2003. Sligh also won first place in the Pop-Adult Contemporary/Inspirational Song category in 2003 for writing ‘Only You Remain.’

Now all three will get to meet music icon Diana Ross this week, as each of the finalists will be working with a different artist or producer for their performance. At this point in the competition, all the finalists will compete together on the same night and one contestant will be eliminated each week by the public voting.

The finalists will resume the competition TONIGHT, Tuesday, March 13, (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT) on FOX, followed by Wednesday's live results show (9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT).
(Source: GMA)

So who are you cheering on this season?

What's new with Third Day?

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:49:00 +0000

… NEW THIRD DAY SITE …
THIRD DAY’s brand new website has just launched and is currently taking pre-orders for Third Day's new CD/DVD, Chronlonlogy, Volume One.

The album will be the first installment of Third Day's first retrospective work, Chronology, Volume One. This important release compiles the cornerstone moments of the first 5 years of Third Day's professional career. From the self-titled "Bus" album and the fan favorite "Conspiracy #5", to the Dove and Grammy award winning "Time" album and the best selling "Offerings" record, Third Day came out swinging in their first five years in the national spotlight.

Chronology, Volume One compiles the best and most pivotal moments of this time period in a compelling and meaningful way. But that is not all, Chronology, Volume One also contains new recordings of the fan favorites "Thief" and "My Hope Is You" as well as never before heard live recordings. In addition, the liner notes contain an incredible collection of rare photographs and a historical narrative pulled from extended band interviews.

In addition to all of Third Day's music videos and Dove Award performances, the DVD features rare, previously-unreleased footage of Mac Powell and Mark Lee performing for local churches, David Carr's first show on drums, and Tai Anderson's first show on bass. Chronology, Volume One's DVD has an additional special feature which allows you to see and hear the band silhouetted against their own video content. The band humorously and ruthlessly comments on their own music, style (or lack of style), and stage presence, but also provides a unique perspective on some meaningful moments in the life of the band.

(Source: ThirdDay.com)

New music coming out in March

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:09:00 +0000

March 6
Various Artists “Absolute Modern Worship for Kids 3”
Various Artists “End of the Beginning: 16 Songs of Reflection for Easter”
Jeremy Riddle “Full Attention”
Jackson Waters “Come Undone”
Various Artists “WOW Hymns”
Veggie Tales “Moe & the Big Exit” (DVD)
John Waller “The Blessing”
Nichole Nordeman “Recollection: The Best of Nichole Nordeman”
Various Artists “Glory Revealed” (includes “By His Wounds”)
Various Artists “Beautiful Worship”

March 20
Casting Crowns “Casting Crowns Gift Edition”
Third Day “Chronology: 1996-2001”
Jason Gray “ All the Lovely Losers”
Nate Sallie “Ruined for Ordinary” Various Artists “Best of Worship, Vol. 1-4”

Find your favorite new music at the Christian Bookstore of Lumberton.

Have you seen "Amazing Grace"?

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 17:15:00 +0000

I've heard so many great things about the movie "Amazing Grace" but I haven't been able to see it yet. If you've seen it already, what do you think? Was the quality as good as it appeared in the trailer? Was the acting fantastic? Did it present the Christian life as something to be desired? Did it move you and cause you to want to do something about the slavery that exists in our world today? Share your thoughts with us on the movie "Amazing Grace".

Getting to know 33 Miles

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 15:10:00 +0000

In most cases, if something is good, you leave it alone and don’t mess with it. However, there are rare moments in which you can’t help but combine good things to make them great. Such is the case with Jason, Chris and Collin. Separately they are talented musicians and vocalists, but together they form 33Miles.
Each member is an accomplished vocalist, songwriter, and musician in his own right, but together there’s an electricity and passion that comes from a shared sense of purpose. “We know why God brought us together,” says Chris. “We really believe that God has called us to the church. We feel like we’ve been called to remind the church and ourselves of who we are in Christ and whom we serve. As Christians, we have grace, mercy and power beyond comprehension and understanding. We just want to encourage the church to look to Jesus. Don’t forget who you are in Christ.”
This purpose is reflected in their name, which is a simple metaphor for the 33 years that Christ spent on Earth, and how He lived them. “He was a friend to the friendless, He loved the unlovable, and He gave of Himself selflessly by dying on the cross in our place so that we could live forever,” Jason explains. “We want to follow Christ. We want our ‘Miles’ to have purpose and meaning and to make a difference for the Kingdom of God. We aren't promised a certain number of miles, so what are we going to do with the "Miles" that we are given?”
Jason Barton (lead vocal) followed his calling to Nashville where he signed his first recording contract in 2000. In the course of his career in the Christian music industry, Jason has become an accomplished studio and was nominated for a Grammy in 2003. Jason, however, would be quick to tell you that his greatest achievement is his family. He is married to Jennifer and they have two boys, Jake and Jonah.
Chris Lockwood (guitar/vocal) is a Mobile, AL native who majored in Music at the University of Mobile. He spent some time touring and became an in-demand session player. Later his prowess on guitar earned him acceptance to the prestigious Berklee School of Music. Today, he resides in Mobile with his wife Joy.
Collin Stoddard (piano/vocal), the group’s youngest member, grew up in Colorado Springs, CO. He then pursued a Commercial Music major with an emphasis on Piano Performance at Belmont University. When he met Jason, he saw God providing an opportunity for a new season. “He said, ‘Here’s a door, open it and step through.’
The debut disc from 33 Miles includes songs destined to become part of the fabric of the church. “There is A God” is a poignant ballad that declares the majesty of our heavenly father. “What Could Be Better (The Days Ahead)” is a high-spirited anthem co-written by Jason that is getting great reaction from all who hear it.
“This is Now” is a song that reminds the listener no matter how badly they’ve been broken, God is ready to put the pieces back together again. “Even though we wouldn't place ourselves in the worship category, we certainly had worshippers in mind while recording our record,” says Jason.
“On our album, listeners will feel a rock moment and hear a country moment and a pop moment,” says Jason. “I feel that what is going to make our sound a little bit different musically is that it integrates various musical styles. We are forging new territory, not only musically, but also in our own hearts, becoming what we want to be.

Artist News

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 19:06:00 +0000

What’s happening with the guys in Building 429?
In December, Building 429 played at the 27th annual Christian Rock Night in Ennepetal, Germany and also performed at the Heidelberg, Hanau and Baumholder US Army installations. The performances ranged from a Sunday morning worship service to a welcome home event in Baumholder for over 4,500 troops returning from Iraq. Building 429 was also invited to spend time with the troops and their families while in Germany.
"We have never been more sure of the presence of the Lord than we were as we stood on the stages in Germany and played for our heroes ... the ARMY," says lead vocalist, Jason Roy. "Every conversation that we had, and every soldier that we spoke with reminded us of just how BIG our God is. The Lord's presence was tangible on the Army bases and in the cities that we visited while in Germany, and we have returned home changed men."
While in Germany, the band also had the opportunity to use the city of Heidelberg as a backdrop for a photo shoot in support of their upcoming album, Iris to Iris . The album, which is set to release May 1, 2007, is currently receiving final touches with esteemed producer Brown Bannister. A spring tour with TobyMac is set to begin mid-March.
For more information on Building 429, visit www.b429.com.

Win a Taylor Guitar signed by Chris Tomlin!
hearitfirst.com chatted with Chris Tomlin about his "firsts" - hear him discuss the first time he played high school basketball, the first time he lead worship, the first song he wrote, his first job, and more! Watch his "firsts" and click here for our library of great Chris Tomlin interviews!

Catching Up With Mandisa

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 21:28:00 +0000

Mandisa, a top 10 finalist on American Idol’s 5th season will release her debut album this May. The songs will reflect her personal struggles, joys and her passionate faith.

You may remember how impressed guest coach Barry Manilow was with Mandisa’s powerful voice. Beyond her musical ability, Mandisa quickly became a positive role model for millions of women by gracefully responding to Idol judge Simon Cowell’s derogatory remarks about her weight. Very open now about her lifelong battle with food addiction, Mandisa will be publishing a book on that issue this summer and she is also a spokesmodel for Ashley Stewart Stores.

“I am a living witness that God can do Immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine,” says Mandisa. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be a recording artist, an author and a model! I am so thankful for my experience on ‘Idol’ both the good and the hard times. Because of it, I am living my dream.”
Prior to her America Idol breakthrough, Mandisa was a worship leader at Living Proof Live conferences featuring Beth Moore.

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ECHOING ANGELS

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 21:13:00 +0000

1 – WHERE DOES ECHOING ANGELS “HAIL” FROM?
ATLANTA, GA

2 – WHAT WAS THE ORIGINAL NAME OF THE BAND?
2 BARE FEET

3 – HOW MANY GUYS ARE IN THE BAND?
5

4 – WHAT IS THE NAME OF THEIR FIRST RADIO SINGLE?
YOU ALONE

5 – WHAT WERE THE OCCUPATIONS OF THE BAND MEMBERS BEFORE LAUNCHING THEIR BIG-TIME MUSIC CAREER?
CONSTRUCTION (4) AND GOLF PRO (1)