Artists

Masters Voice

Master’s Voice - May 2004

Mike sang his last time with Master's Voice on the 28th of April. For those who don't know, Mike has accepted the calling God has for him to preach. How fitting it was that the last time he sang with us, he also preached. Let me tell you, it is even more obvious now that he is right in the center of God's will. The guy can preach. It just makes it easier to swallow knowing that God is in control of all the changes in the group. For those who cannot relate to what a blow this is to the group -- this is a ministry team of best friends who were put together nine years ago. We grew up together and have seen God do amazing things inspite of how ordinary we are. Since this wasn't such an abrupt departure for Mike, some of the sadness has subsided; however, those are some awfully big shoes to fill. He not only sang bass, but he ran the sound from stage, so be in prayer for us as we adjust to that as well. There are so many buttons and knobs that I have been reminded I'm still not allowed to touch! Ha! More than anything, we are eager to hear the trio sound and to just get on with everything. Mike, you will never not be missed....we love ya man!

This month, we also had the privilege of singing, again, with The Halls and HisSong. (Gary, we are still praying for you!) These groups are great, and we would love to share the stage with them anytime. It is such a cool thing to meet other ministers and establish a friendship with them. Sometimes, it is easier for other groups to encourage us in ways other people cannot because they can relate to the sacrifices involved in this particular calling. Not that I am complaining. Oh no! It is hard over the computer to be able to recognize tone of voice and inflection, so let me reiterate: we love what we do! It is a passion, and it is obvious that unless you are called to do this, you wont do this...for very long. The other night at the Hall's Homecoming, I was fabulously overwhelmed by something a sweet lady said to me. We were tearing down the equipment and this older lady came up to me. She hugged my neck for a long time, and she told me she loved me and that her soul had been encouraged. Later, her granddaughter told me that she had not been like that in quite some time....about that time, I looked for Mark and John to tell them about this sweet saint, and I saw them huddled over a gentleman praying for him. It reminded me of just how much of an impact, and, inevitably, an influence that groups have on people. I was also reminded that God will present us with opportunities to minister in ways that we did not expect, so it is important that we are walking rightly so we can discern those instances. I think that it would be easy to get in the rut of "the platform is where we minister." Loving people is where "it" is at. A minister's approachability is so paramount. I am so thrilled that God is instilling that very important concept in my brain. Ministering is not just something you do, it is who you are. I am so blessed to be partnered with men who know this and who teach me things every single time I am with them.