Serving Churches and Para-church Ministries Across
North America
Much More Than Great Music!
Spring - May 2005
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CONTENTS |
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We have been privileged to serve churches and para-church organizations across North America as they seek to revitalize believers in the pews and reach out to non-believers in a fresh new way. We sincerely desire to help Christ's Body meet its obligations in fulfilling the Great Commission - building the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth and deepening people's faith in Christ regardless of where they currently are in their Christian walk. We have been excited to hear the testimonials of how God is active and working in people's lives through the music and speaking ministries that we support. Thank you to those who have been instrumental in planning and hosting these special events!
I would like to take this opportunity to update you about, and possibly introduce you to, the ministries that we are currently supporting. I have also written a "Tips for Hosting Events" section, which over our future newsletters will address several philosophical and practical topics that will help you promote and host your special events.
If there's any way that we can help your organization with Summer and Fall ministry events, please give us a call or send me an email. We'd be honored to serve you!
Blessings in Christ,
Kevin
Schafer
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This phenomenal group of three brothers (Michel, Fabian and Aliston) and four musicians have an appeal to an ever-growing audience around the world as they share their amazing testimony and sing with harmony-rich vocals put to a variety of poplular music styles, including their native Congolese.
2004 found Krystaal honored with numerous music awards and nominations for their album "Keep On Standing". They won four awards out of their five nominations at the MAJA Awards including "Artist of the Year" and "Album of the Year"; they also were awarded with "Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year" and "Best Urban Song" from the Canadian Gospel Music Association; and they received four nominations by the people's choice VIBE Awards (now SHAI Awards).
Early in 2005, Krystaal hooked up withGrammy and Juno nominated Fresh I.E. for an electrifying performance on CBC's nation-wide "Canada for Asia" broadcast for the Southeast Asia tsunami relief. Fresh and Krystaal shone in the midst of the all-star Canadian music cast, bringing the conservative CBC crowd to its feet. After their performance, there was an immediate spike in tsunami relief donations, hitting the highest level of the entire evening. Bryan Adams commented to the group that their performance was the best of the entire evening, and we have since learned that the performance is being submitted for a Gemini Award! (Thanks Fresh!)
Krystaal has been racking up the Air Miles, returning from performances in Africa and England earlier this year. On July 26, 2005 they will be returning to England where they will perform at the Baptist World Alliance's 2005 Congress International Music Concert in Birmingham England. The special guest speaker at the international conference will be former American President, Jimmy Carter.
The boys are currently in the studio working on their next album, and are also working on their first video! Krystaal have met with the producers of the Oprah show, and there are waves about them performing on Oprah in June, but we will send out details when we know more. Stay tuned!
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KRYSTAAL PERFORMS AT
"CANADA FOR ASIA" BROADCAST!
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Judy Savoy's one woman comedy show "Get Me Back To The Garden, I'm Chokin' On The Weeds" has been delighting audiences with clever characters, insightful commentaries about our society, and the message of our need for a personal relationship with Christ.
We hear many stories about the profound effect that Judy's ministry has as she disarms her audience and feeds them food for thought in a fun and entertaining environment. Just today I was told by a pastor about a women from his community who saw Judy perform, and started changing her mind about "this church thing". She checked it out and is still attending regularly today! An 18-year old girl who recently saw Judy perform announced to her mother that she has decided to start reading her Bible again! At women's events and retreats, she is able to further minister, helping women to deepen their faith in Christ with her wonderful humour, deep insight and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
In the fall of 2004, Judy toured with Tony Campolo for the World Vision "Tour of Hope". Report has it that Tony nearly rolled onto the floor with laughter as Judy unveiled her new almost-biblical character - Tony Campilino from Philippi (note, Tony Campolo is from Philidelphia). Fortunately for all, Dr. Campolo recovered and was able to continue with the tour!
"Judy's humor is brilliant, not only because it gets the audience to laugh, but because it gets the audience to think deeply about truths that are often ignored She puts on a good show, but in addition to that, she packs a powerful message" - Dr. Tony Campolo
We are excited about the doors that the Lord has opened to have Judy's show recorded to DVD! For all you who have enjoyed Judy's show and have wanted to take her home with you afterward...it won't be long before you can! |
CHRISTIAN COMEDIENNE EXTRAODINARE
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WRITING BOOK AND WORKING ON NEXT CD Canadian Christian blues singer/songwriter Danny Brooks is starting to write in another medium. He has just completed the first draft of his autobiography which will be called "Miracles for Breakfast" and is starting on the first revisions. The editor, who states that very few books "grab" her, found herself caught up in Danny's amazing story of God's grace and miraculous deliverance out of the pit of death. If you haven't heard Danny's testimony yet, "Miracles for Breakfast" will be a feast!
In 2004, Danny's musicianship was honoured with a nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year by the Canadian Maple Blues Awards. Also, all four of his song submissions to the 2004 International Songwriting Competition were accepted from a huge list of songwriters, with two of his songs reaching the ISC finals amongst top international contenders!
The world-wide Christian radio network, United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) has included Danny on their compilation CD of "Canada's Best". They have also recorded many of Danny's captivating and inspiring life stories to be played world-wide as introductions to Danny's songs on the air. UCB is calling these segments, "Behind the Blues".
Danny just returned from a trip to Myrtle Beach where his single "Other Side of the Cloud" has been enthusiastically embraced and has been climbing the charts. The song has also just been released on One20inc's newest "Soul Street Cafe" compilation CD!
In 2005, besides ministering to audiences across Canada, releasing his autobiography, and reaching down into the States, Danny is working toward releasing his next album: "Soulsville: Rock This House" (the second album of his Soulsville trilogy). There's also a possibility of a DVD being released, as most of the footage has already been filmed.
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We are excited to introduce the latest members of the Immanuel Agency roster: Carried Away! Colleen, Christine and Pam sing tight three-part harmonies, possessing a keen heart for ministry and desire to make a difference in the world. They've sure made a difference in my world - my daughter Hannah plays Carried Away's album CONSTANTLY! I am thrilled that Hannah is so excited about this Christ-centred album!
Even before Carried Away's album "Closer To You" was released, their single "I Know" was hitting the top of the Canadian Christian radio charts! And less than a month after being released, the album hit #23 on CMC Distributing's sales charts for the month of February...just under the popular American band - Mercy Me! It's been a fabulous start for the young group and their momentum just keeps growing!
In February Carried Away finished their Canada-wide CD launch tour, and in March they toured Ontario with Christian Contemporary music powerhouse Bryan Duncan! Later in the year, they will be found releasing their music in the States! Hang on!
Check out Carried Away's new promo video on their PR webpage! |
CARRIED AWAY HITS THE CANADIAN
CHARTS!
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JIREH WITH CIRQUE DU SOLIEL 2004 was a great year for Jireh! There were several highlights including the recording of their their second album, self-titled "Jireh Gospel Choir" and a performance with the world renown Cirque du Soliel on July 11th. Carol Bernard, the director of Jireh, wrote of the Cirque du Soliel experience:
"We sang to an estimated crowd of 205,000! It was broadcast live on CBC and Radio Canada across Canada. A feast for your eyes and ears...incredible mid-air acrobatics and gymnastics, fire-eaters, out-of this-world costumes and makeup, bagpipes, dancers, singers, Jireh Gospel Choir, people on stilts, an orchestra, a band, lights, cameras, snow, etc."
Jireh was invited to participate in the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and saw the Lord's provision during that trip. Read the trip report on their website! And during the year, the choir made a connection with popular Quebec singer Mario Pelchat, performing concerts with him and performing on his Christmas album ("Noël avec Jireh Gospel Choir"). |
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Jackie Ungar is a bright, young soloist who has a certain career in Christian music! Each time I hear Jackie I have been impressed with her powerful voice and commitment to be an example to young people.
This past winter, in the midst of her busy academic studies, Jackie still somehow managed to tour with vetran Christian rocker Randy Stonehill and later with the popular American band The Elms. At one of the concerts that I attended, after her set, Jackie snuck backstage and worked on a paper while the rest of the concert continued. Now that's dedication! |
JACKIE HITS THE
ROAD...AND THE BOOKS
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When I first heard Diane Tarantino sing, her spirit and artistic excellence transcended all the language barriers! Being a hopeless anglophone, I might not have understood the words of the songs, but I did appreciate her artistry and grace.
Diane's ministry is focused at francophone schools and churches where she performs an entertaining, colourful and interactive journey of faith, particularly great for children and families. Her album "Allez proclamer!" was nominated for two Covenant Awards by the Canadian Gospel Music Association, as well as being nominated by Le Gala de la chanson et de la musique franco-ontarienne.
Diane has also conducted numerous workshops for teachers, students and choirs, integrating the arts with religious education and celebrations of our faith.
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Michelle is an Associate Speaker with World Vision Canada. She is both hilariously funny and deeply insightful. The first time that I heard Michelle speak at a conference, I laughed so hard that I had tears running down my cheeks...and two years later I still remember the message: "If God can use a goofball like me, He can certainly use you!"
"Michelle Sim has a very relational and encouraging way of teaching the Word of God. She will challenge your peopleto keep moving toward God through anointed preaching of the Word and Prayer around the Altar. I wholeheartedly recommend Michelle Sim as a gifted speaker with a proven anointed ministry" - Rev. David Tapley (Senior Pastor, Georgetown Christian Fellowship)
AWOC
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Michelle Sim is a speaker, pastor, producer and a
minister
to many Christian musicians and artists across Canada through her organization 
In 2003, Michelle co-founded the Authentic Women of Canada (AWOC) conference, which was hosted in
Burlington Ontario, and in 2004 they added another
conference in Halifax. The AWOC conferences offer women solid teaching,
lots of fun, music from wonderful Canadian Christian
musicians and great fellowship in Christ. The 2005
theme is "Forgiveness", featuring Kim Phuc, a
survivour of the Vietnam War whose unforgettable photo as a
screaming child has been
etched into the consciences of many around the world.
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We are also pondering and praying about other possible IMM seminars - a 4-day performance workshop in Nashville, 2-day workshops in new cities, and re-visiting cities that we've already visited with the 2-day workshop. Details to come! |
We have had the honour and priviledge of
working with Nashville's 
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Preparing for a Successful Event
Billy Graham has stated that there are three critical keys for holding a successful evangelistic crusade: 1) prayer, 2) prayer and 3) prayer. These three keys apply to the preparation of any event that honors Christ, be it evangelistic, outreach, fellowship or worship - prayer, prayer and prayer!
Most of us would say that we want to honor the Lord by the events that we plan, and that is wonderful! But what if we were planning an event to honor an important dignitary and we got so busy with the preparations that we neglected to invite the guest of honor? And wouldn't we want to make sure that our agenda is in alignment with our honored guest's? In the midst of organizing any event, there are many details to work out, and the project can easily take on a life of its own consuming our thoughts and schedules. In those busy times, I have often been guilty of quickly offering a token prayer that the Lord would bless what I am trying to do in His name. However, if we want Christ to be the guest of honor at our events, we need to take the time to earnestly seek His counsel, listen to His guidance, and be sure to invite Him as the guest of honor.
Sure, we can organize and project-plan an event to completion in our own strength without the Lord's guidance, and ministry might still result, but I'd propose that in those cases, the Lord is working in spite of us and not necessarily through us. Been there, done that, and have the scars to prove it! It is so easy to fall into the quicksand of doing the Lord's work without the Lord's strength. It's tiring!
"...If
anyone serves, he should do it with the strength
God provides so that in all things God may be praised
through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the
power for ever and ever. Amen"
As you prayerfully plan your events, here are some suggestions of what you can be praying for:
What is the Lord laying on your heart to do? It might not be organizing an event, but possibly another ministry; or it might be to prayerfully continue what you are doing now! Ask Him...and listen!
Kevin
Schafer |
(c)
2005 The Immanuel
Agency
www.ImmanuelAgency.com