Mr Mill with his first Tutor Group at Crofton 40th Anniversary/Mr Mill’s Celebration Party
“Love is the Way” from album of same name featuring Lucy Stimpson-Maynard on vocals and Ross Gill on guitar
The wedding on Saturday of the Risen! webmaster Mr Peter-John Radcliffe to his lovely bride Lorna was beautiful . The Vicar Stephen Girling presided over a relaxed and but reverent Service with Curate Steve Marsh giving a humorous and engaging message. I was so chuffed that Mr and Mrs Radcliffe asked me to read a passage from Scripture – Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12 “If one falls down his friend can help him up. But pity the man who has no one to help him up. Also if two lie down together they will keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered two can defend themselves. A chord of three strands is not quickly broken.” I was also honoured by having two Mustard Seed Songs – “Love is the Way” (featured in today’s blog ) and “Amazing Love” played during the signing of the register. Many congratulations to you both, Mr and Mrs Radcliffe – may your marriage be truly blessed.
That evening there was the 40th Crofton School Anniversary Celebration combined with Mr Mill’s Retirement Party. This was held at Fareham’s Ferneham Hall. For those who do not know, Mr Mill (Mr Bob Milliken) is the legendary RE Teacher who dedicated his life to the students of Crofton School- this was indeed his ministry. It was a great evening – some ex – students coming to meet with old friends not seen for 35 years – others to say thank you to Mr Mill and to have their photograph taken with him.
Entertainment was from the School Reunion Band and included live karaoke. Vocalist for the band was Nicola Hanser (nee Poustie) who has featured predominately in these blogs and who sung the role of Mary Magdalene for our Risen! CD
Mr Mill had a great time and of course we wish him the long and happy retirement he so richly deserves.
“Jesus is my Lord” – Recorded live- The Mustard Seed Soul Band featuring Lucy-Jane Rutherford
No blog this week as two major events are taking place: Number one -The fantastic Webmaster of the Risen! blog, Mr Peter – John Radcliffe, is marrying his lovely bride to be Lorna, this Saturday at Holy Rood Church and I have the honour of reading a passage from Scripture. Number two – Again on Saturday there is a Party of ex -Crofton School students and staff at The Ferneham Hall to celebrate the retirement of legendary teacher Mr Bob Milliken (known affectionally to all students as Mr Mill) All details, if you can make it, are on www.crofonreunion.org.uk
All at Mustards Seed Songs wish Peter- John and Lorna a wonderfully blessed life together and also Mr Mill’s a fantastic retirement.
Mary wife of Cleopas (Mariatu Conteh) and Mary Mother of Jesus (Jan Moll) rejoice in production of Risen! performed at Holy Rood Church 2013.
We Can Do Anything? featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard -piano and voice and Robbie Richardson – clarinet from album “Precious.” recorded and produced by Ross Gill.
So we are pretty much coming up to date now with this story of the music behind Risen! – The Musical. When will the double CD be released? Well Joffy and I have been working on this project for four years now but we are, I think, on the “final straight.” Joffy still has lots of work to do before it’s finished, including recording a string quartet, mixing and mastering. Although the CD is a “stand alone” project we have a vision for Risen!- to be so much more. We are looking for churches nationally or even internationally to produce Risen! themselves. They could do this either as a full stage production, or in concert form as we did ourselves at Holy Rood church in 2012 and 2014 (see blog May 8th) In order to do this we need a full written score and an “all singing and dancing website.” This of course will cost money and so we are hoping to soon launch a fund raiser entitled “Cheerful Giver” invented by my dear friend Darren Bovis – Coulter (see blog September 4th) We would also love to put on one more production of Risen! ourselves – the three productions at Holy Rood have only really been works in progress.-We now have a much revised script which includes the addition of three more characters – Susanna, Judas and James the brother of John. There are also new songs and I trust the script has fully addressed the helpful and positive criticisms that some made of the 2012 stage production- criticisms for which we are most thankful. I am currently speaking with CWR, the publishers of “Every Day With Jesus” who marketed many of our previous CDs- in the hope that they may be interested in helping us also market Risen!
You may be thinking that it is a bit far -fetched for us to have a vision of Risen! being produced internationally but nothing is impossible with God and He has been behind this project from the very start – in fact He started it by giving me the gift of making up songs “in my head.” Then look at the talented people He has given me the privilege to work with. Initially Lucy Stimpson- Maynard, John Hodgkinson, Ross Gill, Lucy Rutherford and now the fantastic Joffy Girling – who not only plays keys, guitar, sax and drums but who also has a Degree First in Sound Engineering and Production at Birmingham University. In addition to four years of hard work fitting Risen! work into his University commitments Joffy has now given up the last four months to work on Risen! pretty much full time.
Then there is the array of brilliant singers we have been blessed to record on the double Risen! CD including – Ben Morris (Jesus) trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and now in “Phantom of the Opera.” Lyndsey Gardiner (Susanna) also trained at Moutview and in “ Phantom.” Nicola Poustie (Mary Magdalene) also Mountview trained who toured with “We Will Rock You.” Alex Knox (John) with a Degree First from Guildhall School Of Music and Drama. Paul Clement (Judas) with an MA in Musical Theatre from the Guildford School of Acting. Tom Millen (James) trained at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts) Chloe Brokenshire (Mary sister of Martha and Lazarus) trained at London Studio Centre. Jan Moll (Mary Mother of Jesus) trained at Dundee University and “Rock Choir” Leader. Mariatu Conteh (Mary wife of Clopas) BA Hons Contemporary Music at The Academy of Contemporary Music, and member of ACM Gospel Choir.
We have also used professional musicians including Guitar -Gareth Matthews. Bass -Gareth Matthews and Greg Taplin. Drums -Josh Eaves. Trumpet – Stuart Fowler. Saxophone – Robbie Richardson and Tim Downs. Flute – Robbie Richardson. Violin -Kirstie Richardson and Elizabeth Peskett- – Viola – Ruth McGibbon and Cello- Fiona Murphy
So what next? The answer is the fund raiser. As I said we need to raise money to finance the completion of the double CD, which includes mixing, mastering, and replication. Also the writing of a score, production of a website and the production of a full stage production. How “Cheerful Giver” can do this I will share with you next week.
“The Season of Singing” featuring Lucy Jane Rutherford – produced by Ross Gill
“The Season of Singing” featuring Lucy Jane Rutherford – produced by Ross Gill
Mustard Seed Songs last album was “The Season of Singing.” It was recorded and produced by Ross Gill and featured vocals by Lucy Stimpson- Maynard, Lucy Rutherford, Harun Kotch, Ross Gill and Helen Joy Rubio. The CD was produced to raise funds for the charity “House of the Heroes” which was formed by two friends of mine, Craig and Elizabeth Johnson. Whilst travelling in the Philippines they were so distraught at the plight of street children in Manila that they founded “House of the Heroes” in which abandoned children are housed, fed and educated with a vision for them to become heroes. By visiting www.houseoftheheroes.org you can read what has already been achieved and what is planned. There is also a fantastic video of their work on www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNP0e1eT9BM
In addition to the “Season of Season” album Mustard Seeds have supported “House of the Heroes” by organising three Risen! events – two concerts and one stage production. You can support them yourself by visiting their website.
Two vocalists appear on a Mustard Seeds album for the first time – Helen Joy Rubio who duets with Ross on “We are Hard Pressed” (featured song on blog March 27th) and “Allow His Loving Arms.” the chorus of which is taken from Daniel 4:3 and 6:26-27)
How great are His signs, how might His wonders, how Kingdom’s eternal and His dominion endures. For He is the living God He humbles and safes He comforts and heals and we can trust in His Name.
In Risen! this chorus is sung by Thomas after he returns from contemplating whether or not his friends could be telling the truth when they said, a week earlier, that they had seen Jesus resurrected. Mustard Seeds are in the process of using a fund raiser “invented” by my very good friend Darren Bovis- Coulter – it is called “Cheerful Giver” and we hope to launch it very soon- for those that donate a small amount to the Risen! project a free copy of “How Great are His Signs” can be downloaded free of charge. Darren and his lovely wife Nikki also designed the artwork for our first musical “His Story,” the cover for our CD “Heart and Soul” and countless other promos, posters, tickets etc. Thanks very much BC’s- I love you! Incidentally Darren co- wrote a song on the “Season of Singing” album “ Because of Your Grace” It is sung by Harun Kotch and is the featured song on blog February 20th- Harun also sings “When You Walk With God” the chorus of which is again used in Risen! This time by Mary Mother of Jesus when she leads the ensemble in worship at the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 16- 20) and the Ascension (Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1: 9-11) Harun sung and played bass with Ross Gill in their band “Replenish” – in “Replenish” another friend, Darren Lewis played drums – Darren also played in our first musical “His Story” and on many of our CDs. The drummer on “Season of Singing” and also Risen! is Josh Eaves who is Darren’s brother in law – small world.
The title song “Season of Singing” is sung by Lucy Rutherford. Yes you have guessed it “The Season of Singing” also features in Risen! This time sung by Susanna (see Luke 8:3)) as Jesus’ disciples and followers stop to camp for the night on their journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem -which is where Jesus , after His resurrection, told them to meet Him. The role of Susanna is sung by Lyndsey Gardiner (see blog August 21st) who is playing in the West End’s Phantom of the Opera .
One final story re “Season of Singing” – I made the song up whilst on a skiing holiday. On the first day I had damaged my posterior cruciate ligament (and eventually had to be flown home) Whilst waiting for my friends to return from a day on the snow I read an “Every Day With Jesus” edition focused on Selwyn Hughes’ devotion on the “Song of Songs.” I felt inspired to write a chorus featuring the phrase “Oh thank You Lord the winters past, the rains are now over and there is sun and flowers appear again on earth the season of singing has come. The lyrics for the song’s verses are taken from Isaiah 53.
So “Season of Singing” was our last album. So when will our next album be released and what will it be called? Well the second question is easy to answer RISEN! – THE MUSICAL. The first question I should be able to answer soon – perhaps even in the next blog !
“Precious” featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard from album “Precious” – in thanks for the life of Ken’s mum – Audrey Lillian Shearsmith
My mum, Audrey Lillian Shearsmith, had attended Chapel as young girl and I knew that she said her prayers without fail every single day. However in 1997 I still was not sure how she would react to me telling her that I had become a Christian. I therefore showed her a little book from the Alpha course entitled “Who is Jesus?” and we had a short chat before she told me to leave it and that she would read it later.
When she was 102 years old and was living in the wonderful Chesterholm Lodge Care Home mum asked me what a Christian was and how you could became one. I simply said that to become a Christian you ask God to forgive you for all the things you have done in your life that have displeased Him and to ask Jesus to come into your life. She then smiled her special smile and pointed to her bag and nodded for me to look in it. And there it was -the “Who is Jesus? book that I had given her five years before. I told her that there was a prayer in the book that she could say if you wished to become a Christian. Mum immediately read out the prayer aloud. I was sitting on the bed beside her overjoyed, but at the same time almost not believing what was happening, in fact so much so that I told her that just saying the prayer was not enough she had to really mean it; so she said it again, but this time with even more meaning in her voice! I noticed, Mandy, one of her Carers who worships at my church was outside mum’s room, so I went out to tell her the good news. “Halleluiah” Mandy cried out before telling me that she was not in the least bit surprised because mum had been talking about Christianity for some time. So mum became a Christian at the age of almost 103!
A few days before she died in August 2006 I was with her on my own. She looked at me with so much love, smiled that wonderful smile again and told me that I was precious.
The day after she said “precious” to me I was looking at Psalm 116 and the word “precious” jumped out of the page. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” I read in the concordance that “precious”means, not only highly valued, but also carefully looked after – I can’t tell you how reassuring it was to know that in mum’s last days she was being carefully looked after by God. And she was; all those who were with her will testify to how much at peace she was. She was in no pain whatsoever and was as sharp as always. She left this life in a very gentle and serene way – there is no doubt that she was indeed being carefully looked after and watched over by God.
The day after reading Psalm 116 it was a Sunday and I sat at the back of Holy Rood church with no one on the one seat beside me. Beryl, a retired Curate, came in, which was a bit of a surprise because normally on a Sunday morning she worships at an associate church; coming to Holy Rood for the evening services. Although we are good friends I had not sat with Beryl before, but on that Sunday she asked if she could sit on that one free seat by my side. She knew that my mum was very unwell from the church notice sheet and when she asked me I told her that mum was, in fact dying.
At the end of the service Beryl told me that she had prayed for my mum and me and that during the service God had given her a picture. She had seen a beautiful meadow in which stood a rock- a rock that had been very “precious” to her friends and family. The rock was also “precious” to God. Beryl saw the earth around the rock become disturbed and God taking this “precious” rock up to heaven to be with Him.
Alex Knox (second from right) playing John in 2013 Stage Production of Risen! at Holy Rood Church- also from left to right – Mariatu Conteh (Mary Wife of Clopas) and Nicola Poustie (Mary Magdalene)
Martin Connor staring with Ken Shearsmith (circa 1930!) in “The Pirates of Portsmouth” at Northern Parade Junior Boys School , Portsmouth
“This Is Not Heaven” sung live by Fiona Poustie during ” His Story”production at Ferneham Hall, Fareham.
I know I said that this week I would tell you about our CD “Precious” and how my mum became a Christian aged 101 but our musical Risen! hit a landmark yesterday and that was when the last of our vocals were recorded; a process that has taken four years! So I thought this week I best focus on these recordings.
In the last few weeks Joffy, our MD recording engineer, mixer, arranger and just about everything else has been working overtime, re -recording some parts and recording some new material. Ben Morris, who plays Jesus (see blog July 17th) Nicola Poustie, who plays Mary Magdalene (see blogs May 25th June 6th July 17th )and Dan Scott, who plays Cleopas all came back to “tweak” their previous recordings. We also had brand new recordings from Chloe Brokenshire. Nicola was not available to play the part of Mary Magdalene in the Easter 2014 concert production of Risen! (see blog May 1st)) as she was getting married to Michael. However Chloe stepped in and did such a fantastic job that we asked her if she would record the part of Mary, Sister of Lazarus and Martha. Her performances are so moving – I can’t wait for you all to hear them!
We wrote into the script the role of Susanna , who, Luke tells us, was a follower of Jesus and who supported Him out of her own means. Ben Morris recommended a fellow member of the cast of the West End’s “Phantom of the Opera”- Lyndsey Garniner. She too has a beautiful voice; you can see and hear her sing on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB1_7VTvdjI&sns=em Incidentally you can also hear Ben Morris sing on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvxpvT0RMlk
Then yesterday Alex Knox came down from London to finish recording the recitative of John “the disciple who Jesus loved” (or more correctly- especially loved) How I met Alex is, I think a lovely story which I thought you might like to hear.
When, at the age of nine I moved from Gillingham in Kent to Portsmouth I went to the Northern Parade Junior Boys School. I have to say I did not like it at all – the teachers used the cane- something that I had not come across at all in the delightful Forge Lane Mixed School I attended in Gillingham.
Anyway one classroom teacher, Mr Thorpe was keen on amateur dramatics and each year would produce a show, usually one which he had written himself based on a Gilbert and Sullivan classic. I particularly remember “The Pirates of Portsmouth” in which I played a pirate “Mizzen Mast Martin” (I’ll let you pick me out in the featured pic) The star was a guy called Martin Connor who was in my class and who had been one of the few people who had been nice to me when I first went to Northern Parade. Martin is stage centre in the pic with a hook for a right hand (only make believe!)
In those ancient times we had to sit the 11 + exam to determine whether you went on to Grammar School or Secondary Modern. In Portsmouth there was also a “half -way house” – the Portsmouth Technical High School. Well to cut a long story short Martin and I found ourselves both at “The “halfway house”. We were also in the same form, the infamous 1B. Martin went on to become Head Boy – I did not.
I knew Martin had gone on from school to pursue a career in acting, but on leaving school I had lost contact with him. When I was looking to cast for the role of John I needed someone who could both act and sing. All of Risen! is sung and I particularly needed someone who was expert in recitative as this holds the storyline together. I decided to try to locate Martin to see if he was still in the world of acting so I googled his name (what else!) and there he was m Head of Acting at the Prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. I knew it was the same Martin as there was a pic of him on the Guildhall’s website and he had not changed a bit. (spit!)
I emailed him and we met up at the “Coach and Horses” pub which is right opposite our old school. We talked and laughed non -stop for hours, picking up on all the old Tech School life as if it were yesterday. Anyway yes Martin did have someone in mind to play the part of John – Alex Knox. Alex had a degree in Music from Manchester University – he also had a Masters in Singing from Guildhall and was now taking the Guildhall’s Masters Acting Degree- he would be perfect. So I took the train up to London to meet him at the Guildhall. I sang Alex the John parts in one of the Guildhall’s studios, so I suppose it could be said that I have sung at the Guildhall School of Music and Theatre! For a classical trained singer it would not have been normal to learn a part warbled by some PE teacher, but that is what happened and Alex has now played John brilliantly in three consecutive Risen! productions and, of course sings the part in our forthcoming Risen! CD. Alex has become a great friend and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his amazing efforts for Risen!
With all the continued trouble in the Middle East I thought it appropriate this week to feature a song of hope- “This is not heaven” sung live by Fiona Poustie of the Mustard Seed Soul Band at a production of our first musical “His Story.”
Blog should feature “Precious” next week but knowing me…….
Nicola, Fiona, Kat and Katy of the Mustard Seed Soul Band
Lucy Jane Rutheeford singing “The Gospel of Christ”
Ross Gill playing at a Mustard Seed Concert
“The Gospel of Christ” featuring Nicola Poustie, Fiona Poustie, Kat Hands and Katy Summer of the Mustard Seed Soul Band
“The Gospel of Christ” featuring Lucy Jane Rutherford. From album “Heart and Soul”
Last week I said that in this blog I would tell you about the album “Precious” but I want to delay that for a week or so as I have realised that I had not completed my previous story relating to Lucy Jane Rutherford. I spoke of how she had taken some of my songs and transformed them with her wonderful interpretations. I have to be honest and admit that in the main I am rather “precious” with the melodies with which God has inspired me and therefore do not take too kindly if a musician does not copy them pretty much exactly. With Lucy Jane, however it is different matter as she takes my melodies to a very lovely but “different place.”
Perhaps a good example is the song “The Gospel of Christ.” I remember God giving me those words and the first line of the melody when I was driving my car from my house in Portsmouth Road just around the corner to Wotton Road. The Mustard Seed Soul Band recorded a “soul” version of the song for the album “Heart and Soul.” However I had always felt it to be appropriate for a folk feel. I therefore asked Lucy Jane to sing her own interpretation and this was added to the “Heart and Soul” album as a “bonus track.” It also featured in our first musical “His Story.” Both versions feature in today’s blog – I think this is a good example of how a song can be interpreted in very different ways.
Lucy Jane also sings a song on the album “Where Would I Be Without You? (see blog July 24th) The song is “If You Call His Name” and was specifically written for my future wife Caroline, when she was going through a very difficult time and was most unwell. The song is taken from the story of the woman who Jesus healed in Luke Chapter 8 after she had suffered for years from bleeding. The second verse is:
I know you feel that all is lost, your pain’s so great, it is all hopeless, but if you touch His hands just gently, you will know He has scars too, And He will say, “Yes I have suffered, I have cried out just like you. Oh precious child, oh precious one, you’re not alone now; now you’ve come to me.
Ross Gill recorded the song in the studio he built in his parent’s house. Ross was responsible for arranging, recording, producing and mastering the following Mustard Seed albums: “Heart on Fire”- “His Story” – “Where Would I Be Without You?”- “Precious”- “Lift Your Hearts to Heavenly Places”- “Unsung Heroes” and “The Season of Singing.” In addition I am indebted to Ross for his brilliant singing and guitar playing. The blog of February 27th featured Ross on the track “Be Set Free” but he also sings and plays on “You Are My Rock”-“Walking With Jesus”- “Allow His Loving Arms” and “Mustard Seed Of Faith.” Ross is now dedicated to the work of Global Fire Productions of which he is Co -Director with Craig Johnson -wwwglobalfireproductions.co.uk
Ross was leader of the Mustard Seed Soul Band, the main vocalists of which were Nicola Poustie, Fiona Poustie, Kat Hands and Katy Summer. I have already mentioned Nicola as she was the vocal MD for the Easter 2012 Holy Rood production of Risen! In addition the blog of June 6th talked about how Nicola and Fiona arranged the harmonies for the song “Great and Marvellous.” Harmony is one of the many gifts that Nicola and Fiona have. In fact on leaving school they and Kat formed a group called “Akappela Blue” which had considerable success. Mustard Seeds have been so fortunate to have had their vocal talents together with that of Katy Summer who joined a little later. The four girls sung in all the productions of our first musical “His Story” -all the Mustard Seed concerts and most of our CDs. They also sung at the wedding of Caroline and myself and I will always be indebted to them and I thank them all so very much.
So next week is the “Precious” CD story which includes how my mum became a Christian aged 101!!
Two compilation albums for “Release International” – Lift Your Hearts To Heavenly Places” and “For Unsung Heroes”
“A Mustard Seed Of Faith” featuring Lucy Jane Rutherford from an unreleased album “His Story Live”
“Lift Your Hearts To Heavenly Places” featuring Lucy Jane Rutherford from album “Lift Your Hearts To Heavenly Places”
Sorry about missing the blog last week but I was really busy with the Crofton Summer Sports Week – check out www.cssw.org.uk for pics
However I did find time to meet Richard Harley, the writer and producer of the new Christian musical “Love Beyond.” Richard’s work with “Love Beyond” is an amazing story of faith and sacrifice – one that has certainly inspired me to try, with Joffy our MD, to “ raise the bar” on our own musical Risen! But in the meantime please don’t miss “Love Beyond” at the Wembley Arena on Oct 1st and 2nd – www.lovebeyondmusical.com/wembley
I have been very fortunate to have had so many brilliant people help me in the work of Mustard Seed Songs. I am indebted to the support and wisdom of our Trustees – Bob Milliken and Paul Knight. I have spoken of the recording and arranging of John Hodgkinson and, of course the beautiful singing of Lucy Stimpson- Maynard. Both she and John were also brilliant at converting my awful singing into chords. Ross Gill has done the same and has also been invaluable with his recording and producing skills together with his musicianship and singing. Nicola Poustie was amazing as our vocal MD for the Risen! musical of 2012. Paul Clements was a Godsend with the stage direction of that production. And there is no praise high enough for Joffy Girling our MD for Risen!
Another person I would like to highlight for thanks is Lucy Jane Rutherford. Lucy Jane was a student at Crofton School with Lucy Stimpson – Maynard being her music teacher. Lucy Jane was awarded a degree in Folk and Traditional Music and is , at present dedicated to her work with Ellel Ministries at Glyndley Manor. Lucy Jane sang as part of the Mustard Seed Girls’ Choir, soloed at a concert in Hereford Cathedral and also in our first musical “His Story.” Lucy Jane has taken some of my songs and transformed them to such an extent that, on first hearing her interpretations; I have ended up in tears. One such song “Lift Your Hearts to Heavenly Places” was inspired by the writings of Richard Wurmbrand in his incredible book “Tortured for Christ.” This is one of the two songs featured this week.
Richard Wurmbrand, whose sufferings at the hands of the Communists in Romania, are beyond belief founded the charity “Release International. A dear friend of mine, Imtiaz Asraf was working for “Release” when he suggested to a friend of his, Joanne Freer that she come to see a production of “His Story.” Joanne was so impressed that she suggested to “Release” that “His Story” become their project for the 2008 Pentecost Festival in London. And that is exactly what happened with “His Story” playing at Central Hall, Westminster – a fantastic location just opposite the Houses of Parliament. Because we missed last week’s blog I have included another track sung live by Lucy Jane from “His Story” -“A Mustard Seed of Faith.”
“A Mustard Seed Of Faith” is an appropriate title because “His Story” at the Pentecost Festival had an Asian influence celebrating the work of “Release International “ in that continent. So the production included music from Anal Kant who flew over especially from Mumbai. We also had “The Angel” Bollywood dancers. The plan was include an “Asian Buffet” for the ticket holders to enjoy before the production began, however there were last minute problems with the Indian Restaurant that was providing the catering. I tried everything but with no joy until just about my last phone call when I spoke to some wonderful people from a College in London that specialised in catering -they could have not been more helpful and the food was absolutely amazing. Looking back, I remember feeling that, although things were getting desperate with the tickets sold to include the Indian Buffet, I didn’t have any doubts that God would open a door somewhere and that it would be a door to something better than had originally been planned.
We later produced two compilation CDs for “Release International” the pics of which are featured today – “Lift Your Hearts to Heavenly Places” and “For Unsung Heroes.”
Next week I will tell you about the album that followed and which is the most special to me- “Precious” It comes with an amazing story of how it is never too late to become a follower of Jesus.
“Give Us Your Heart Lord” from album “Where Would I Be Without You?” featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard. Produced and recorded by Ross Gill
I am very fortunate in that my house overlooks The Solent and from my lounge window on the first floor I can look across the water to the Isle of Wight. Whilst sitting on my settee and enjoying this amazing view God has inspired me to write lots of songs, including “My Beloved King” “This is not Heaven” “Be Set Free” “There is Going to be Party” “Who am I to Judge” and “You Can Call Me Abba?”
I also remember contemplating and then writing the words to the title song of our sixth album “Where Would I Be Without You?”:
“Where would I be without You if you had not taken my sin away, lost without hope forsaken, frozen with fear of the Judgment Day. And how can I live without You, if weren’t there in my time of need, no comfort no strength just aching – life’s painful words left unhealed to bleed. How could I live – how could I live?
The whole CD was recorded in Ross Gill’s studio that he built in the loft of his parent’s house – Andy and Kay; Elders at Lee Community Church.
“Where Would I Be Without You?” has a number of tracks that have now been adapted and incorporated into our forthcoming musical “Risen!” For example “A Crown Day A Cross Tomorrow” has become “One Day A Crown.” “The melody of “Here I am Because I Love You” is used for Jesus singing “Do you have anything to eat- I’m not a ghost see my hands and feet.” And “Give Us Your Heart Lord” is the same version in Risen! as it is in the “Where Would I Be” album.
I have chosen “Give Us Your Heart Lord” as this week’s featured song, again beautifully sung by Lucy Stimpson- Maynard. I feel it is particularly relevant to how we look and react to the world today with all its massive problems. I think the song holds one of my favourite lines:
“Peace stems from forgiveness, revenge brings more pain, to give is a gain not a loss, choosing to understand rather than blame these truths cry out from the cross”
In the musical Risen! Lucy sings the part of a Susanna, to whom Luke introduces us in Chapter 8:3. Susanna, together with Mary Magdalene and Joanna, out of their own resources helped and supported Jesus and His disciples. In Risen! Susanna’s beautiful voice entertains Jesus’ followers as they travel to and from Jerusalem and Galilee.
I think I should take this opportunity to flag up another Christian musical called “Love Beyond.” I have just received information about this brand new production. The promo states “New Bible based Musical Hits the World Stage” It is playing at the Wembley Arena on 1st and 2nd of October. http://www.lovebeyondmusical.com/wembley
“Love Beyond” looks really great – now I have to put my hand on my heart and admit that “This old heart of mine” (must be a song title there!!) did sink a tad because my first reaction was “Oh no someone has got in first before our Risen!” However a) that is so selfish -I am seriously embarrassed b) “Love Beyond” features the whole Bible Story whereas Risen! focuses on the Resurrection c) God’s grace holds no bounds- it is indeed “Love beyond” d) it proves that a Christian musical can be produced West End style” -e) it reassures me that if God is behind your dreams then you can dream as big as you like and your dreams will come true as nothing is impossible with God.
So I am buying my tickets for “Love Beyond” and hope you do the same.
Next blog features our seventh CD “Lift Your Hearts To Heavenly Places.” We produced this CD for the charity “Release International” which like “Christian Solidarity Worldwide”” Barnabas Aid” and “Open Doors” seeks to support the persecuted church.
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