Status: Single
City: Somewhere in Southern
State: California
Country: US
Signup Date: 1/12/2006
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Monday, May 18, 2009
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Current mood:  confident Category: Life
Inspiration and sacrafice.
The two things that come to mind as I reflect on another visit to the northern part of our state. Why is it that I always come back inspired? To blog. To write music. To be thankful. I'm guessing it's a combination of the people and the presence of God. So many snapshots in my memory.
As I sat in Fridays eating a breakfast burrito at the Ontario Airport on Saturday morning, I considered the people surrounding the table. Talented musicians, and good friends, that have sacrificed much to be there with me and travel north for the Stand And Be Counted music festival. Chris, Stephen and Tom. Bound together by our faith and desire to see lives transformed. And the opportunity to rock-out for the Most High has it's appeal as well :) Chris had his snare drum in tote, and I flashed back to one of our very first times of ministry together at a coffeehouse in Corona when his hair was cleanly cut. Today his hair was long and seemed fitting for him to climb behind the drum kit at another event. And I couldn't help but consider Stephen's busy schedule that should have kept him from joining us, yet there he was, waiting to board the same plane I was. And Tom was there too, giving me some much needed tips on the many features of the Blackberry phone. One can't help but appreciate his love of music and all things JESUS. I also considered those who were not at the table, enjoying some food and getting ready to board a plane. That would be Jimmy and Cate. The two that chose the long road to Vacaville, CA. Their decision to drive up made way for some much needed gear to arrive safely at Saturday's event. And their contributions to the LIVE delivery of these songs is nothing short of amazing!
And finally, I shared the morning's meal with my best friend and wife, Shawn, who also waited for our flight to depart. She has endured so much in our quest to further the Gospel. I often wonder if she could have ever imagined our first glance in the hallway in the workplace all those years ago would have lead us here... waiting to board yet another flight to proclaim the Gospel through music. The mystery of God's plan is both beautiful and wonderful.
Jason picked us up at the airport in Sacramento and shuttled us to Andrews Park in Vacaville. As we pulled in, I could see all the familiar faces... and the familiar signs of the day's triple digit temps. Yes it was hot! Big Joe had a damp clothe draped over the top of his cleanly shaven head. Water bottles were being handed out, and pieces of paper were acting as make-shift fans as the volunteers tried to find some relief from the sun-filled day at the park.
Michelle M. greeted us. Joe gave us huge bear-hugs. Ana gave us each a holy-kiss. It felt like home. Michelle W. quickly ushered me over to a table to sign some aritst posters for some lucky winners later in the day, then she handed me not one, but two plates of 'green m&m' cookies ;) My ongoing joke about my short list of artist demands: green m&m's, inspired her mother to bake late into the night (thanks Mom). Needless to say this brought a smile to my face and my day in Northern California was off to a good start!
As I approached to stage area, I passed by a very important man in my ministry, Scot. He was working as a security guy at the entrance to the backstage area. Some know our story, and some don't, but Scot was the person God used to open the doors for me in Northern California. The doors that lead to JCM Prods, By Faith Prods, and I AM LOVE 360. You see Scot heard the music and became passionate about it. Almost as passionate as I am about it! Though we didn't know each other, he spread the word until people listened and offered me an open door. The rest is history as they say.
We arrived just in time for me to enjoy the music of one of my favorite atists, Philip Bardowell. He was joined on stage by a group of musicians known as TheUprising: Randy, Rich, and Andy. When you put all these talents together you end up with a force for the Kingdom like no other. I walked toward the stage just in time to hear Randy's guitar solo... you ROCK brotha! FYI: My favorite song from PB is "Let me be your servant". It's an anthem for the body of Christ and must be shared with all, so search for it online today!
The day was filled with amazing music, including KJ52 who had everyone forgetting the heat as they rushed the stage with hands in the air for his hip/hop/rap extraviganza! I especially loved when he had Van Halen playing with a pounding beat... that's from my childhood days brotha! In keeping with the vision for this annual event, KJ's performance was followed by a heart wrenching memorial to our troops. Glory to God. Honor to the Troops. That is why By Faith Productions Founder & President, Vince McAllister, holds this annual festival on Armed Forces Day each year. The military segment featured a young lady (I'm guessing 5 or 6?) singing the National Anthem that brought everyone to their feet. Trust me, I'm not being politically correct or pollite...this girl could sing! WOW! Later in the day, Mandisa would sing, from American Idol fame, but right then we were listening to the future of American Idol! I wish I knew that precious girl's name so that I could share it with you all here. And it's worth mentioning... they had some technical difficulties and the accompaniment track that she was supposed to sing with wasn't working. So this young lady sang acapella! And she didn't miss a beat!
After the memorial to our military, we took to the stage. Even though the evening was setting in, the heat seemed to be at an all time high for the day. They say it's 'darkest just before the dawn'. Well I think it's also 'hottest just before sunset!" As we took off into "Pearls Before Swine" I noticed a familiar face from my Facebook page... Lil. A wonderful praying woman who had traveled all the way from Nevada to be there! She was flanked by her daughters and grandchildren, I'm guessing. As I considered the high temps, and looking into Lil's eyes, I figured, "If she can stand it, so can I!!!" The show went on! I saw my wife there, stage left, snapping photos from Chris's camera. The one who sacrafice's much to support me and the Kingdom. The sun beating down on her back as she offered me a smile. From the corners of my eyes I could see my fellow musicians playing like this was our last gig together. Playing and singing their hearts out. They all kept me going. When it came time to play "Love all over the world" we were joined on stage by Stephanie and Phil. It's becoming a tradition of sorts to have them on stage with us as we spread the 'love' in Northern Cal. They are both amazing vocalists and I was blessed by them! I wonder if Phil will join me at the SWC festivals this year. Hmmmmmmmmmm?
After "Love all over the world" I took the mic from the stand and began to share. Quietly asking God in my head to help me. To lead me. To speak through me. I was unprepared to speak and extend the invitation that day. But looking back now, I think that's the perfect opportunity for God to work. Almost immediately I was drawn to a man... now known as the "man in the orange shirt." As I shared some of the amazing things that God had done in my life on the road from prison to the stage at Stand & Be Counted, I couldn't stop my gaze from finding the man in the orange shirt. Eventually I invited anyone willing to come forward and make that life-changing decision through prayer... to come. The volunteers for the altar call moved into position. There was a moment of ackward silence, and then two young men (late teens/early 20's?) came forward. Then a young girl about 6 years old, then another and another. The volunteers moved quickly. The faithful God we serve was moving again. Still, the man in the orange shirt was a ways away... not even close enough for me to see the expression on his face. We began to play "Knock'n On Heaven's Door". Then out of no where, there he was, right up front, just a few feet from me. The man in the orange shirt. I couldn't help myself as I blurted out on the mic, "I knew God wanted to meet you here when I first laid my eyes on you!!!" He began to sob. I called out for the volunteerts to make their way toward him, and several of them laid hands on him and began to pray as the man wept. He was a homeless man that through a chain events had found himself in that park, on that day, at that time. God meant him there. His name is Carlos.
There were 18, recorded, decisions for Christ in front of that stage.
Oh, and did I mention to 20+ married couples that came forward to re-dedicate their marriages to HIM? Without skipping a beat, Pastor Rodgar McCalmon from Living Grace Fellowship in Fairfield, CA, walked onto the stage, as I was stepping down. We enbraced each other at the stairs leading from the stage and shared a moment's glance that spoke volumes to one another. He began to pray inwardly and what came out was inspired by the Creator of all things. His message ended with a stage surrounded by married couples... and even some standing alone because their spouses weren't there but they didn't want to miss this opportunity. He lead them in prayer, as a wedding ceremony took place like no other in Andrew's Park history!
Have you ever felt fully satisfied, yet completely drained at the same time? That's how we felt as we made our way to the backstage area, after signing some autographs for the kind concert-goers. As we made our way to the lounge, a surprise was waiting. A huge, home made birthday cake, compliments of our sister and friend, Gabby! On it were the letters "RA". Now I know what you're thinking, and the 'R' did stand for 'Richard', but the 'A' stood for 'Ana' on this day! Yes, both Ana and I celebrated our birthdays this week. Her on the 12th, and me on the 13th. And there was another birthday in our midst... Jimmy "The Fish" had also celebrated a milestone on the 12th. Everyone sang "Happy Birthday" and we enjoyed the cake before leaving the park. The guys drove off with Big Joe for an evening in 'man-heaven' before their departure the following morning, and the rest of us hit the road for Fairfield, where we would stay the night and minister the following day at LGF.
Shawn and I were spent! We colapsed onto the hotel room couch. A quick bite to eat, showers, and we were in bed. As we considered the volunteers, sponsors, and Vince McAllister, we smiled and drifted off.
The next morning we were ready for whatever God had for us at LGF. The church quickly began to fill with people and it was like a reunion as we ebraced both old and new friends. My wife and I took advantage of a moment to visit with "Todd"... yes, one of the 'todds' from last year's SABC! He was there, one year later, with his new life in tact! A job, a home, a family. This guy answered the altar call the previous year, homeless, jobless, lifeless! Todd turned to introduce me to his father... they had just been reunited after 11 years apart! I wanted to cry. God allowed me to see this full-cirlce of restoration HE had worked out. I was speachless... and thankful that Vince McAllister responded to the call God has placed on his life. Made me think that maybe the "man in the orange shirt" (Cesar) would be this year's "Todd"? Who knows?
The service opened with Jimmy, Cate and I singing the Casting Crowns hit, "East to West". We followed that with "None Compare" as God began to move. After some announcements and reflection on the previous day's events, Philip Bardowell and The Uprising lead us all in a powerful time of worship and praise! Wow, it was thick in there folks! And never one to disappoint, PB closed his set with "Let me be your servant"! It was awesome!
Pastor Rodgar addressed the congregation like only he can. Opperating under a very special anointing, he took us all on a journey that even included him pulling a rabit from his hat! We were moved and challenged by his words of wisdom, delivered in understandable and relevant terms. He eventually asked, "Do you have another song for us?" Eventually Philip began to strum the intro chords to "Love all over the world". As I uttered the words, "I'm the one on the corner..." everyone stood to their feet, cameras flashing, video tapes rolling and people singing. It was a moment I will not soon forget. We all celebrated God's incredible works throug a song... in a moment. It was powerful. Then I addressed the people and shared with them my 1st experience at LGF that ultimately lead to my inspiration for "Love all over the world". I relived a moment when I sang "Knock'n On Heaven's Door" there and Pastor Rodgar followed it by sharing his vision for San Francisco. "Love" was born that day. I also explained to them that every time I'm asked about "Love all over the world" and it's inspiration I tell a story about a church in Fairfield, CA. A congregation of loving people. A pastor with vision. I tell them a story of where love was birthed. Originally in Bethlehem... and again in Fairfield.
James drove like the wind to get Shawn and I back to the airport for our flight home. As the clock ticked in the car, Christine just kept saying, "we'll make it." They dropped us at the curb and we ran through security and to the gate. And wouldn't you know it... our flight was delayed, so we arrived in plenty of time. Yet another one of God's fingerprints saying, "I've got this."
Remember friends... He's got this :)
~peace, RA
www.byfaithproductions.net
2:35 AM
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