Hey everyone!
I wanted to update you on how things are going down here at YWAM!
This week has been a great week! Monday we led some worship songs and our friend Gift performed a Thai dance for about 50 seniors at the Edwinola Assisted Living Facility in Dade City. It was awesome and the audience did NOT want us to leave after a little over an hour of performing. In addition, I just about finished all the instrumental tracks for my album! I am now getting ready to concentrate on vocals and cover art! I'm really excited about it!
This upcoming week we are getting ready for a Halloween outreach in our neighborhood on Wednesday night. Kids from all over the are come to our neighborhood for trick-or-treating. We are gonna pass out candy and tracks, do the thriller dance and have some major fun. We are praying for opportunities to minister the gospel of Christ in the lives of these kids and their families!
We will be leaving for a YWAM conference a week from today! Please be praying for safe travels and for continued direction in the vision we have to Know God and Make Him Known through music and performing arts!
What blessing this weekend I had to be able to get a free trip down to Tampa and spend the day and night with my good friend! Thanks Barna for all of your hospitality and generosity!
Prayer Points:
*Please being praying over Halloween this Wednesday night as we will be handing out candy and tracks to the kids, doing some performances and trying minister to the local families! Be praying for God's spirit to move on the hearts and lives of these families ;)
*Prayer for our week long trip to Alabama and the performances that following weekend.
*Continued guidance and wisdom in the production of the worship album "Throne Room", that it would be God's handiwork and not my own. Pray that the Lord will bring opportunities for promotion and performing to further the work He has called me to.
*Prayer for January, that the plans we are carrying out now are lined up with God's plans; that they would pave the way for the arrival of our cast in January.
*Continued financial support, for not just me, but for all of the staff and oncoming cast members involved in YWAM Tampa!
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support!
I will keep you all updated on the upcoming events and ministry!
Thank you all for your love and support!
-Aaron Gray
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
Trust in the Midst of Frustration
What a week of breakthrough!
This past Wednesday a whole lot happened that just really encouraged me. I received just enough money to fix my computer and take care of the bills for October. I discovered I shed 8 pounds since I've been at DTS (healthily, mind you. I have been eating, as some people have questioned! LOL!) I had a friend tell me he wants to do a promotional video (professional quality) for me and the ministry in December. Last, but certainly not least!, the Apple store e-mailed and said my computer was ready for pick-up! Awesome day!
Then................yesterday happened.......................................................
I drove down early to Tampa (about an hour drive) so I could deposit my check at the bank. I know it takes awhile for the check to go through, so I brought my check book with me to the Apple store so I could write one when I pick-up my computer. However, they run checks just like a debit or credit card. So, I decided to wait around awhile, hoping that I had deposited my check early enough for it go through maybe by 2:00-4:00p.m. At least that is what has happened before with my bank. Apparently, rules have changed and they don't put any money through until mid-night.
So, plan B: Several people offered to give their credit card over the phone to Apple so I could get my computer. Praise the Lord and thank you to those people who offered! Except, for the fact that when I went back to Apple, they said they don't allow payment over the phone: they have to have the form of payment in hand. UGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! It's now 5:00p.m. I texted a couple prayer brothers and called my parents, just really discouraged and not understanding why I couldn't get my computer yet.
I had so many people willing and offering to help. Why was this not working out? Had I done something wrong? Had I not planned this out well enough? How had I not considered all of the outcomes and options? What was happening? Life happened- that's all.
On the way home, a fellow YWAMmer and I were talking about how often the Lord changes our plans, yet works it out for the better. We don't always understand, and so often, days seem like wasted spaces of time, even though we think we have done everything we can to be productive.
I was reminded of Jeremiah 29:11 which says that "God knows the plans He has for us. They are plans for good and not for evil; plans to prosper us, to give us a future and hope."
I was also reminded that "Man plans his way, but it is the LORD who directs His steps." (Proverbs 16:9)
Life is full of twists and turns. The enemy of our soul is going to do whatever He can to steal, kill and destroy the plans that God speaks about in Jeremiah 29:11! But, in the midst of all of this, I cannot back down from trusting in the Savior. He is good, kind and faithful. His love lasts forever! We must be strong and courageous, my brothers and sisters. God has called us to something far more greater than what we are living now. It is supernatural in the middle of the mundane. We are not called to be productive if we are not producing spiritual fruit: we are called to be intimate with Christ! (John 15)
Thank you so much to everyone who has sowed both prayer and financial seed in the Kingdom by partnering with me! Prayerfully, I will be getting my computer on Sunday afternoon after church! God is moving and His glory will be proclaimed through our partnership together. I cannot thank you enough. Be blessed and take heart whatever you are going through! For He has truly overcome the world! (John 16:33)
-Aaron
Prayer Points:
*Sunday, I am hoping to be able to officially have my computer back as we will be stopping by the Apple Store after attending church in St. Petersburg. Please pray that everything goes well and I can have my computer back. :)
*Monday, October 22nd our friend Gift will be performing a Thai Dance at an assisted living facility in Dade City. I will be leading couple worship songs also. Pray for the salvation of those that have not received Christ as Lord and Savior.
*Continued patience and strength as I continue to do what I can to get this worship album recorded and produced.
*Halloween night we will be passing out candy and tracks to the "trick-or-treaters" throughout the neighborhood. Believing the seeds of the Kingdom will be sown into the hearts, lives and families of the young ones.
*We will be traveling to Alabama for an upcoming YWAM conference in early November. Praying for safe travels, provision and for whatever God has for us during that time.
This past Wednesday a whole lot happened that just really encouraged me. I received just enough money to fix my computer and take care of the bills for October. I discovered I shed 8 pounds since I've been at DTS (healthily, mind you. I have been eating, as some people have questioned! LOL!) I had a friend tell me he wants to do a promotional video (professional quality) for me and the ministry in December. Last, but certainly not least!, the Apple store e-mailed and said my computer was ready for pick-up! Awesome day!
Then................yesterday happened.......................................................
I drove down early to Tampa (about an hour drive) so I could deposit my check at the bank. I know it takes awhile for the check to go through, so I brought my check book with me to the Apple store so I could write one when I pick-up my computer. However, they run checks just like a debit or credit card. So, I decided to wait around awhile, hoping that I had deposited my check early enough for it go through maybe by 2:00-4:00p.m. At least that is what has happened before with my bank. Apparently, rules have changed and they don't put any money through until mid-night.
So, plan B: Several people offered to give their credit card over the phone to Apple so I could get my computer. Praise the Lord and thank you to those people who offered! Except, for the fact that when I went back to Apple, they said they don't allow payment over the phone: they have to have the form of payment in hand. UGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! It's now 5:00p.m. I texted a couple prayer brothers and called my parents, just really discouraged and not understanding why I couldn't get my computer yet.
I had so many people willing and offering to help. Why was this not working out? Had I done something wrong? Had I not planned this out well enough? How had I not considered all of the outcomes and options? What was happening? Life happened- that's all.
On the way home, a fellow YWAMmer and I were talking about how often the Lord changes our plans, yet works it out for the better. We don't always understand, and so often, days seem like wasted spaces of time, even though we think we have done everything we can to be productive.
I was reminded of Jeremiah 29:11 which says that "God knows the plans He has for us. They are plans for good and not for evil; plans to prosper us, to give us a future and hope."
I was also reminded that "Man plans his way, but it is the LORD who directs His steps." (Proverbs 16:9)
Life is full of twists and turns. The enemy of our soul is going to do whatever He can to steal, kill and destroy the plans that God speaks about in Jeremiah 29:11! But, in the midst of all of this, I cannot back down from trusting in the Savior. He is good, kind and faithful. His love lasts forever! We must be strong and courageous, my brothers and sisters. God has called us to something far more greater than what we are living now. It is supernatural in the middle of the mundane. We are not called to be productive if we are not producing spiritual fruit: we are called to be intimate with Christ! (John 15)
Thank you so much to everyone who has sowed both prayer and financial seed in the Kingdom by partnering with me! Prayerfully, I will be getting my computer on Sunday afternoon after church! God is moving and His glory will be proclaimed through our partnership together. I cannot thank you enough. Be blessed and take heart whatever you are going through! For He has truly overcome the world! (John 16:33)
-Aaron
Prayer Points:
*Sunday, I am hoping to be able to officially have my computer back as we will be stopping by the Apple Store after attending church in St. Petersburg. Please pray that everything goes well and I can have my computer back. :)
*Monday, October 22nd our friend Gift will be performing a Thai Dance at an assisted living facility in Dade City. I will be leading couple worship songs also. Pray for the salvation of those that have not received Christ as Lord and Savior.
*Continued patience and strength as I continue to do what I can to get this worship album recorded and produced.
*Halloween night we will be passing out candy and tracks to the "trick-or-treaters" throughout the neighborhood. Believing the seeds of the Kingdom will be sown into the hearts, lives and families of the young ones.
*We will be traveling to Alabama for an upcoming YWAM conference in early November. Praying for safe travels, provision and for whatever God has for us during that time.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Confession
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16
Last week was rough, I'm not gonna lie. Found out a lot of things that I did not feel like dealing with. I felt stuck, between a rock and hard place, like maybe I had even been misguided as to the Lord's will for me during this time.
The hardest part about this is that I was feeling guilty about have these thoughts and feelings and I didn't want to tell anybody about it. Yet, it was affecting my work and my relationships. This past Wednesday, I finally confessed and was really honest about how I was doing and where I was spiritually. Several people prayed over me throughout the day, and began getting encouragement from other people. That night through the next day, my time with the Lord changed. Hope and faith began to be strengthened inside me. I was full of new vision and the next two days were some of the most productive days I've had since I've been back at YWAM.
I encourage you, brothers and sisters, to not let the enemy keep you isolated in your doubt, fear, guilt, shame, and unbelief. Confess your faults to those brothers and sisters in the faith that you can trust, look up to and hold dear to you. Whenever we confess to others how we are doing, something breaks off of us in the spirit (and others as well) and there is a healing and freedom that takes place.
This is why Satan comes so strongly against the united. If he can break the trust between the brethren, he knows that we won't confess sins to each other and he can keep us trapped in the very thing that hinders us from the promise that God has for us in Christ. He knows that this will also ruin the testimony we have, which is how we overcome and triumph over the accuser. (Revelation 12:11)
Stand unified and humble, church! Confess to one another and realize that "we suffer no temptation except which is common to man." (1 Corinthians 10:13) We are all in this together.
Be encouraged! "In this world, you will have trouble, BUT! Take heart! I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD!" (John 16:33)
Last week was rough, I'm not gonna lie. Found out a lot of things that I did not feel like dealing with. I felt stuck, between a rock and hard place, like maybe I had even been misguided as to the Lord's will for me during this time.
The hardest part about this is that I was feeling guilty about have these thoughts and feelings and I didn't want to tell anybody about it. Yet, it was affecting my work and my relationships. This past Wednesday, I finally confessed and was really honest about how I was doing and where I was spiritually. Several people prayed over me throughout the day, and began getting encouragement from other people. That night through the next day, my time with the Lord changed. Hope and faith began to be strengthened inside me. I was full of new vision and the next two days were some of the most productive days I've had since I've been back at YWAM.
I encourage you, brothers and sisters, to not let the enemy keep you isolated in your doubt, fear, guilt, shame, and unbelief. Confess your faults to those brothers and sisters in the faith that you can trust, look up to and hold dear to you. Whenever we confess to others how we are doing, something breaks off of us in the spirit (and others as well) and there is a healing and freedom that takes place.
This is why Satan comes so strongly against the united. If he can break the trust between the brethren, he knows that we won't confess sins to each other and he can keep us trapped in the very thing that hinders us from the promise that God has for us in Christ. He knows that this will also ruin the testimony we have, which is how we overcome and triumph over the accuser. (Revelation 12:11)
Stand unified and humble, church! Confess to one another and realize that "we suffer no temptation except which is common to man." (1 Corinthians 10:13) We are all in this together.
Be encouraged! "In this world, you will have trouble, BUT! Take heart! I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD!" (John 16:33)
Friday, October 5, 2012
First Week Back
Dear friends, family and ministry partners!
I safely arrived back at YWAM Tampa this past Tuesday, October 2nd 2012. Boy, have things been crazy! I was able to settle into my room Wednesday morning. That afternoon we had a staff meeting in which we clarified our focus for the next week.
My primary focus right now is to GET THE ALBUM FINISHED!!! Alright! Ready! Set............
Oops! I forgot! My computer screen won't work! After a long trip down to Tampa to see the Apple specialists, they diagnosed the problem as a burned out video card. Estimated cost to fix is $310 and 5-7 days of repair. I don't have that money on hand because of living costs and payment for a YWAM conference coming up at the beginning of November. So I went to another place I had found just down the street for a second opinion. Unfortunately, they had the same diagnosis. The gentlemen did say, however, that I could try to hook up the computer to an external screen to see if that will work. However, even if this method does work, I will still not have a computer screen out of the office or on the road. So Either way, I will eventually need to get this computer screen fixed. Please be praying in these funds, or be praying for a cheaper solution. All the music I have been working on for this album is on this computer! So, we need to get this situation resolved quickly, so I can finish the instrumentals, record the vocals, mix, master and work on cover art. I am also having to barrow other people's computers for blog updates, making appointments, etc.
However, this past experience is only confirmation that I am right in the center of God's will. We can't expect things to go easy or smoothly when we are in the Lord's will. We have an enemy who wants to distract us and get us off track! So we must always choose to rejoice in our trials and tribulations, knowing that these things make us worthy of the calling of Christ on our lives! (James 1:2-4) Praise the Lord! I'm right where He wants me and the enemy is stankin' mad! So, two of my goals are already complete!
Some of you have been asking me about where to send checks, care packages, etc. I think you will find the following information helpful:
Personal care packages, letters, etc. can be mailed to:
Aaron Gray
31407 Satin Leaf Run
Brooksville, FL 34602
If you would like to partner financially, You can write a check to YWAM TAMPA and send it to the above address.
*NOTE: Please make checks payable to YWAM TAMPA and not to me personally. This way you will receive a tax deduction. Please make sure that you DO NOT WRITE MY NAME ANYWHERE ON THE CHECK ITSELF, INCLUDING THE MEMO BLANK AT THE BOTTOM! You can designate the check to me by ATTACHING A STICKY NOTE to the check stating 'TO MISSIONARY AARON GRAY".
Thank you to everyone who is partnering with me in both prayer and finances! I could NOT be doing this without you! I cannot wait to share with you all what God is going to be doing in the next few months. Thank you, thank you, thank you once again!
-In His love forever,
-Aaron Gray
I safely arrived back at YWAM Tampa this past Tuesday, October 2nd 2012. Boy, have things been crazy! I was able to settle into my room Wednesday morning. That afternoon we had a staff meeting in which we clarified our focus for the next week.
My primary focus right now is to GET THE ALBUM FINISHED!!! Alright! Ready! Set............
Oops! I forgot! My computer screen won't work! After a long trip down to Tampa to see the Apple specialists, they diagnosed the problem as a burned out video card. Estimated cost to fix is $310 and 5-7 days of repair. I don't have that money on hand because of living costs and payment for a YWAM conference coming up at the beginning of November. So I went to another place I had found just down the street for a second opinion. Unfortunately, they had the same diagnosis. The gentlemen did say, however, that I could try to hook up the computer to an external screen to see if that will work. However, even if this method does work, I will still not have a computer screen out of the office or on the road. So Either way, I will eventually need to get this computer screen fixed. Please be praying in these funds, or be praying for a cheaper solution. All the music I have been working on for this album is on this computer! So, we need to get this situation resolved quickly, so I can finish the instrumentals, record the vocals, mix, master and work on cover art. I am also having to barrow other people's computers for blog updates, making appointments, etc.
However, this past experience is only confirmation that I am right in the center of God's will. We can't expect things to go easy or smoothly when we are in the Lord's will. We have an enemy who wants to distract us and get us off track! So we must always choose to rejoice in our trials and tribulations, knowing that these things make us worthy of the calling of Christ on our lives! (James 1:2-4) Praise the Lord! I'm right where He wants me and the enemy is stankin' mad! So, two of my goals are already complete!
Some of you have been asking me about where to send checks, care packages, etc. I think you will find the following information helpful:
Personal care packages, letters, etc. can be mailed to:
Aaron Gray
31407 Satin Leaf Run
Brooksville, FL 34602
If you would like to partner financially, You can write a check to YWAM TAMPA and send it to the above address.
*NOTE: Please make checks payable to YWAM TAMPA and not to me personally. This way you will receive a tax deduction. Please make sure that you DO NOT WRITE MY NAME ANYWHERE ON THE CHECK ITSELF, INCLUDING THE MEMO BLANK AT THE BOTTOM! You can designate the check to me by ATTACHING A STICKY NOTE to the check stating 'TO MISSIONARY AARON GRAY".
Thank you to everyone who is partnering with me in both prayer and finances! I could NOT be doing this without you! I cannot wait to share with you all what God is going to be doing in the next few months. Thank you, thank you, thank you once again!
-In His love forever,
-Aaron Gray
Sunday, September 16, 2012
I am so Sorry!
So, it was brought to my attention that my link to donate was faulty! I accidentally put in the wrong link on my YouCaring site. So, if you have tried to donate in the past and got really confused, that is my fault.
I am SO SORRY!!!
Today I was able to back and fix it and it worked! So if you feel led to contribute, or have tried in the past and it did not work, it is officially up and running properly!
Thank you so much for your support! Love you guys!
-Aaron
I am SO SORRY!!!
Today I was able to back and fix it and it worked! So if you feel led to contribute, or have tried in the past and it did not work, it is officially up and running properly!
Thank you so much for your support! Love you guys!
-Aaron
Friday, September 14, 2012
Two Weeks and Counting!
So, I'm leaving for YWAM in a little more than two weeks! I'm so excited, yet there is a lot to do. I have a few prayer requests that I would love for my fellow prayer warriors to stand in with me.
I have learned that if I mix my own tracks and just have it mastered, it will cost $100 per song. This cost is in addition to flights, monthly staff fees, etc. Please be praying and rejoicing over the provision
The CD is now 13 tracks long. I have most of the instrumentals all finished up except for 3 tracks. When I go to YWAM I will record the vocals and finish mixing and fine tuning the tracks exactly to how I want them. Please pray for endurance, patience and strength as I finish this project. I'm really excited about it and to be able to take it on the road with me.
Please also be praying for the other staff who will be coming to YWAM Tampa and the Sanborn family who run it. I'm sure there are a lot of obstacles that will be revealing themselves to everyone as the enemy does NOT want this outreach to happen.
Thank you all so much for your prayer and financial support! I pray the Lord continues to bless you and keep you as we continue to partner together to advance His Kingdom!
-Aaron
I have learned that if I mix my own tracks and just have it mastered, it will cost $100 per song. This cost is in addition to flights, monthly staff fees, etc. Please be praying and rejoicing over the provision
The CD is now 13 tracks long. I have most of the instrumentals all finished up except for 3 tracks. When I go to YWAM I will record the vocals and finish mixing and fine tuning the tracks exactly to how I want them. Please pray for endurance, patience and strength as I finish this project. I'm really excited about it and to be able to take it on the road with me.
Please also be praying for the other staff who will be coming to YWAM Tampa and the Sanborn family who run it. I'm sure there are a lot of obstacles that will be revealing themselves to everyone as the enemy does NOT want this outreach to happen.
Thank you all so much for your prayer and financial support! I pray the Lord continues to bless you and keep you as we continue to partner together to advance His Kingdom!
-Aaron
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Anything worthwhile....
....is never easy. I am learning this. Writing, composing, recording, and keeping the vision alive all at the same time have proven to be harder than I originally expected.
I am currently in my third week of recording, while staying active in my church, helping my family with just basic little things, taking random job opportunities and getting ready for my return to YWAM.
May I just say, things as far as circumstances have been great! But, I have been getting attacked in my thoughts more and more. "You're not good enough to do this." "You don't know enough." You aren't talented enough." "You don't have the skill." All of these thoughts keep poking me in the back of my mind. And yet, I am committed to making this CD project, to the best of my ability.
You'd think I would look at trying to make a worship album through a church, or through a studio. Or maybe even trying to look at getting a record label. Try playing a street corner or put some music out through a local pub or bar to try to get some attention. There are a lot of options. Yet, in my spending time with the Lord, I keep getting the hint that I'm not supposed to pursue those things. I keep feeling like He's telling me to press into Him, and the music from His throne will surge through me.
I'm not trying to be arrogant at all when I say that the Lord is telling me, NO! CHALLENGING me to believe that the music He wants to play and sing through me doesn't need a studio, a label, a financial organization to back it before it goes somewhere. And to be honest, I don't really want all that stuff. My heart is to see people worship. My desire is to see the Lord's creation reconnecting with Him, through whatever gifts and talents He has given me to use.
You'd think there would be peace in this thought. And there is. Yet, my mind rages on in battle, telling me lies that I thought I had cast down before. I thought I had taken these thoughts captive into the obedience of Christ. Isn't "I have commissioned You, so DO IT! I will provide for your lack," good enough of a hope and motivation to press on? It is, if I choose to dwell on it.
Whatever opportunities arise I will test them to see if they are in the Lord's will, or just a distraction from the enemy. One thing is for sure, I am in a battle of thought for confidence, motivation and faith that God is overwhelmingly more than enough for me. I am challenged to use what I have to the best of my ability. Whatever I don't have, God Almighty has more than enough to make up for it.
Therefore, "I press on toward for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus," just as Paul said in Philippians 3:14.
Nothing excellent comes easy. And I am for sure not striving for "Good Enough".
I am currently in my third week of recording, while staying active in my church, helping my family with just basic little things, taking random job opportunities and getting ready for my return to YWAM.
May I just say, things as far as circumstances have been great! But, I have been getting attacked in my thoughts more and more. "You're not good enough to do this." "You don't know enough." You aren't talented enough." "You don't have the skill." All of these thoughts keep poking me in the back of my mind. And yet, I am committed to making this CD project, to the best of my ability.
You'd think I would look at trying to make a worship album through a church, or through a studio. Or maybe even trying to look at getting a record label. Try playing a street corner or put some music out through a local pub or bar to try to get some attention. There are a lot of options. Yet, in my spending time with the Lord, I keep getting the hint that I'm not supposed to pursue those things. I keep feeling like He's telling me to press into Him, and the music from His throne will surge through me.
I'm not trying to be arrogant at all when I say that the Lord is telling me, NO! CHALLENGING me to believe that the music He wants to play and sing through me doesn't need a studio, a label, a financial organization to back it before it goes somewhere. And to be honest, I don't really want all that stuff. My heart is to see people worship. My desire is to see the Lord's creation reconnecting with Him, through whatever gifts and talents He has given me to use.
You'd think there would be peace in this thought. And there is. Yet, my mind rages on in battle, telling me lies that I thought I had cast down before. I thought I had taken these thoughts captive into the obedience of Christ. Isn't "I have commissioned You, so DO IT! I will provide for your lack," good enough of a hope and motivation to press on? It is, if I choose to dwell on it.
Whatever opportunities arise I will test them to see if they are in the Lord's will, or just a distraction from the enemy. One thing is for sure, I am in a battle of thought for confidence, motivation and faith that God is overwhelmingly more than enough for me. I am challenged to use what I have to the best of my ability. Whatever I don't have, God Almighty has more than enough to make up for it.
Therefore, "I press on toward for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus," just as Paul said in Philippians 3:14.
Nothing excellent comes easy. And I am for sure not striving for "Good Enough".
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