We are delighted that Ernie Haase and the Signature Sound will be coming to the UK for their first head-lining tour. We have worked with them the last few years as part of the Gaither Homecoming series that we have done. 

For many fans, these guys represent the future of Southern Gospel and Trevor King Entertainment and Ignite are delighted to be exposing them to a wider audience.

The details are:

February 19th - Assembly Halls-Belfast

February 20th - Findlay Memorial Church - Glasgow

February 21st - City Temple, Holborn Viaduct - London

Tickets are available from www.erniehhasetour.co.uk.

See you there!

In the last few years it has been my pleasure to get to know Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. They are a great bunch of guys and I am excited to be touring with them in February. Below is the press release for Ryan Seaton's departure and the introduction to the group of Devin MCGlamery

Dear Friends,
 
It is with sadness and regret that I announce the departure of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound lead singer, Ryan Seaton.

I thank him from the bottom of my heart for all his contributions. We wish Ryan the very best in his personal and professional pursuits, wherever they may lead him.
 
While one part of my heart is very heavy, the other half is uplifted by the news that Devin McGlamery, from southern gospel’s Grammy-nominated Karen Peck & New River, is joining EHSS as new lead singer! Devin has been lead/tenor for KPNR for the last five years, following a five-year career with the Dixie Melody Boys.
 
Devin’s debut with us will be on January 15, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio, at our “Dream On” concert featuring The Collingsworth Family – our first performance after Christmas break. We’re really thrilled to be headlining our own show throughout next year.

“To say I’m excited is an understatement,” said Devin. “Ernie and I have been great friends for years. I’ve always had a lot of admiration for him as a singer and as a person, and he has always encouraged me. Words cannot express how wonderful I feel about this opportunity for my career and my family.”
 
A native of Valdosta, Georgia, Devin is 27 and lives in Kinston, North Carolina, with his wife Karen Ham McGlamery and their children, Karlyn and Preston.
 
“I want to thank Karen Peck so much for everything over the last five years,” said Devin. "She let southern gospel music get to know the real me, and she let me be who I am. For that and many things, I will always be grateful. I’m really looking forward to the next part of my calling and my journey with Ernie and the group.”
 
I thank God for the opportunity to work with Devin and am grateful to Karen and Susan Peck for their graciousness. Please join me in giving a warm Signature Sound welcome to Devin, and keep Ryan and his dear family in your prayers!

As always, your support and understanding is SO valued and appreciated.

Another good weekend! Returning from a much needed haircut, I was surprised to see that a book written by mate Alun Matthias had been pushed through the door, more of that later.

I spent the day on Saturday painting the woodwork and walls of Ben's bedroom.  Lots of time to think and reflect. Very therapeutic! I then went for a pint with my 79 year old neighbour, John. What a legend. He regales me with such entertaining stories. The fact that Leeds United drew against Tottenham Hotspur in   the FA cup was also a source of great delight. I fancy Leeds taking them at Elland Road!

When I got back I began to read the book Alun had posted through. It's a short read around 100 pages. Initially it reads like a novel but quickly reveals itself as a allegory on how we in the west have the ability to solve poverty in the two thirds world. It has a simple contention. If we were all prepared to pay an extra 5% tax the problem would be dealt with. Not only an entertaining but a challenging read. However, it reveals itself as not just a normal book, but a manifesto. You see Alun intends to stand on this ticket at the next general election. He is suggesting that this is what the people want and all we need to do is communicate this to our leaders. For more information visit www.fiveapples.co.uk

Sometimes God has a habit of bombarding you (or at least me) with different but related messages and encourages me to join the dots! This morning as part of my quiet time I have been considering what it means to be a servant. The is sometimes a thought that rises in my head. It is horrible, not Christ-like and needs to be managed immediately. Typically it is something like "do they know who I am?' It's a ridiculous question, one that indicates a sinful pride.

Jesus is the king of the upside down kingdom. It says in the bible that in washing the disciples feet he revealed something greater about himself. We are called to be imitators of Christ and in order to be great in His kingdom you have to be a servant. Jesus came to not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:25-28). Richard Forster in his book ""Celebration of Discipline" puts it like this "Therefore the spiritual authority of Jesus is in an authority  not found in position or a title, but in a towel" 

The development of a kingdom of God attitude to servanthood is one that is relatively unconsidered. It shakes off the temptation to consider whether other people will see you serve. It is indiscriminate to the magnitude of the servanthood. It is just as likely to be a small act as a grand gesture. One serves regardless of feeling. Tiredness and spiritual energy are secondary to tenacity and resilience to serve the kingdom being a servant to your one's neighbours. 

 All this is challenging and something I feel I want to explore more. It potentially takes great sacrifice. In his treatise Alun Matthias suggests that we should all pay 5% more in tax. Government statistics suggest that the average salary in the UK is £25,428. The additional tax suggested by Alun is £1,271. My contention is that most people do not have this money in the bank with no plans for it! This being the case then we would need to make sacrifices. For most people it will not be easy to save £24.45 per week. However nowhere in scripture does it suggest that being a follower of Jesus would be easy. Indeed it suggests the reverse!

The book is available at www.five apples.co.uk

Feel free to comment.

Today I attended the funeral of a good friend, Kelvin Murray. I have known Kelvin and his wife Linda for about 10 years. He died of a hear attack on the morning of New Years day 2010. It was said that as he was pronounced dead by the paramedics, his sons Jason and Andy prayed that although they were confused and hurting they would continue to serve the Lord. What a legacy! Hymns included "Here is love vast as the ocean" and "It is well with my soul". Kelvin's brother reminded us that although we may be grieving and hurting, ultimately it is well with our souls.

The author of that song, Horatio Spafford lost just about all he owned in the great fire of Chicago in 1871. Deciding that his family could use a holiday he booked them on a liner to  England where his great friend Dwight Moody would be preaching. Horatio was delayed and the family left without him. On the journey the vessel was struck by another and all 4 of his daughters were drowned. His wife survived on an arrival in England sent a telegram that read "saved alone". Spafford left for the UK and as his ship arrived at the point where his daughters drowned, he wrote these words:

These are remarkable words, laced with grief but with eyes firmly fixed on the goal of eternal life through Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:14) 

So as family and friends gather around Linda, Jason and Andy, there is comfort in grief and hope in tragedy. 

It is well with my soul

My new iPhone 16 GB 3GS arrived today. I am loving how easy apple have made it to set up!

Last night saw us welcome in the new year at a party at the wonderful home of the amazing hosts, Martyn and Danielle Evans. 

New Year is often a time for looking back on a the previous year before looking forward to the following 12 months. To be honest I am not one for reviewing the past. There is nothing I can do to affect that but the next 12 months are always a challenge. Each year I have the same resolution and that is to be more of a man of God than I have been in the previous year. It is a challenge and one that needs constant discipline and attention.

In 1:Kings 3:4-14 When God appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered him the desires of his heart. He chooses wisdom. This clearly please God. That is my desire, to please God and acquire His wisdom. I have started to read one chapter of Proverbs each day. Surely this a good place to start!