Thursday, July 26, 2012

God, can I go?... Off to Russia!

It was a pretty uneventful take-away. As always though, I expect a bit of adventure and moments that you can only trace back to "There is a God and He has revealed himself to us clearly."

It's exciting to think that God would include any of us in His plan for this world. His plans for this world are quoted so often from Jeremiah where He was speaking to the Jewish people. However, it is a promise I know that fits within his character for all people who put their hope in Jesus.

When I was invited to go to Russia again this summer, I begged the question, Lord, can I go?" Is that what you have for me to be a part of?

If you are asking God how He can include you in the BIGGER picture and His plan, He won't just throw you out there, He prepares you in every way.

Sometimes that means enduring various obstacles, lessons, difficulties, sorrows mixed in with Joys, triumphs, lessons learned, freedom which yield both the best of times and the worst of times.

But, if out of those times you can keep yourself from becoming angry with the circumstances or people in those circumstances to the point of a hard heart, bitterness, or unforgiveness, then you will find yourself in the middle of a real life Bible story where God begins unfolding your life and it's narrative is triumph in the midst of looming defeat., adventure, hope, and a certain awe of, "How is this even happening, Lord? I am nobody!"

Or, we can resign ourselves to a life of constant bickering with loved ones, ones we don't care to love, and a monotony of life mostly enjoyed by the animal kingdom: live, devour or be devoured, pro-create, and die. Except
for the fact that our destiny without truly seeking after God for His purpose and Call on our lives, leaves us with a loss of something special, wonderful, and beautiful to be a part of.

This wonder, beauty, and special undertaking comes with the cost of denying ourselves, our right to surrendering our rights and allow God to have the Glory and Vengeance that only He has the right to undertake. He is the one who paid all penalty for all sin, and He is the only one who has that right.

Surrendering ourselves means we can offer him all we are, long to be, and all we lack... It's coming to terms with who we are without Him. It's coming to terms with what is hidden in iur hearts that we dare not admit and hence, deem ourselves broken or imperfect. It's the sick who need a doctor! Be quick to recognize sin you don't want to acknowledge: bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, pride are ones that go on unnoticed.

Oh how I pray you and I would surrender ourselves so that He can use us as His loving hands and feet that being good news, and tongue that gives life through the sharing of His ability to rescue us from death and all that makes us fall short of Him.

He's calling you by Name... Will you respond?

Russia & South Dakota Summer 2012


What a summer this is turning out to be! When you surrender your life to Jesus and you say, "Here I am, Send Me!" He does. I have experienced some highs and lows during these missions/music trips and all of it has such value and learning to be had.

Russia was filled with times on the streets of playing the guitar and singing as passersby stopped to listen, or receive a Gospel of John handed out by the team. I was partnered with CCCPM and Riding High Ministries along with my dear friends/family Perry and Maryann Willer.

We had some wonderful laughs and time together in addition to "if it can go wrong, it will" moments. But in the end, You see Jesus bring others into Himself and encourage the sheep who already in the fold to step out and be bold enough to be used to rescue other lost sheep! I learned alot and gained many new friendships/relationships and solidified others!

I posted tons of pics on my facebook page. Internet was extremely spotty!
http://www.facebook.com/elvafrye"
South Dakota
Dupree Indian Reservation: David and Roseann Mapa have become dear friends through knowing my "home away from home" Maryann Willer. I was invited to come out to South Dakota to do missions/music in Dupree on the Reservation. A missions team from Calvary Chapel Melbourne, Florida was out and they became instant family and Background vocals and a choir! I was in a parade for the town which was just adorable and sweet, sang the National Anthem to start their first ever 3 on 3 basketball tournament during Alumni Weekend, did a few concerts: some planned and some impromptu, and led worship with a new friend, Glenn from Hills View E. Free. Many in the community came out and made the service such a special time. CC Melbourne Team did skits and gave a small message, and we shared in music when my new choir joined me for the last song... it was quite the surprise for those in attendance. A few other folks from Hills View W. Free like Fay and fam were also a huge help in Dupree! Pastor Chug and Karen are the pastors at Calvary Chapel Dupree and their hearts for people was evident and I am honored to have come alongside and been a part of their ministry to their community! I also made some really sweet little friends who were wonderful helpers and assistants throughout our time there!

Rapid CityBenefit Concert: I also did a benefit concert for a missionary named Mitch Hildebrandt who is in desperate need of funds for His continued emergency medical care in Swaziland. $11,500 was raised that night! What a miracle! I met Pastor Ron of Hills View E. Free church in Piedmont at the Reservation and what a beautiful and sweet couple he and his wife are. Pastor Ron MC'd the Benefit Concert and it was wonderful. The concert was held at South Canyon Baptist Church were the Church Family there was SO helpful and accommodating to all the needs for that night! Some wonderful folks, Pastor, Paul, Bob, Mary, Dale (Sound) and do many of the Church family so warm!!! Thank you for amazing sound and servants' hearts!

Rescue Mission: Oh, this was sweet. I did a one hour concert of music and sharing. It was such a sweet time with such sweet people. I love them all!!! Maryann and Roseann also shared their stories and what was on their hearts. They asked if I would return to do a benefit concert of which I am so willing, should God provide the way and means for me to return to them. Such a beautiful place!

Alternative Fuel Coffee Shop: Did an almost 2 hour concert here with a couple of breaks to meet people. I managed to learn everyone's name in the room which was ALOT of people! IT HAD to be God! We became a family and had so much fun and a sweet time of worship. I loved every minute and felt so at home. Had quite a few there who Jesus touched and I am so thankful to have been a part of what He is doing in people's hearts. I made LOTS of friends who just kept coming around and so we got to see them alot.

Korean/Japanese Restaurant: Oh what good food and I sang for the owner and the patrons before dinner and shared CDs for everyone who happened to be there. It was so much fun, that one of the patrons requested I sing Happy Birthday for His friend who had just turned 30. :) The owner, Grace, is a jewel and she and her staff treated us so well. What an honor that was.

Visiting with a new friend in Custer: Mourn with those who mourn, and laugh with those who laugh and was this ever that opportunity to come alongside a VERY special lady and family and encourage her that the Lord is near. We prayed with her and sang songs of peace and hope for her, praying that Jesus would comfort her, and HE DID and Is, and continues to. She prayed for assurance in committing her life to Jesus and having His peace, and I just LOVE this gal and her family. She lost a brother whose life brought life to many others through organ donation. This is a special family and I ask you keep them in your prayers.

Hills View E. Free: Beautiful church service where I again had the opportunity to lead with Glenn Bailey and then shared some songs from Five O'Clock AND meet MORE new friends and Church Family. It was a sweet time and we just loved the morning!

Fatima and Samuel: are a mom and son whose lives have touched me deeply. They are my new family as a result of David and Roseann and those four are bound by a yearning to see God raise up Sierra Leon in Africa. I pray that God would touch them and supply their every need, and if He wills, allow me to share in any way to see their hope for this country come to pass... that all would know Jesus!!!

Misc: We had opportunity to see the sights and visit Mount Rushmore. Loved it! Maryann was such a huge blessing to me. She manned the CD table, prayed with people, handed out videos, Gospels of John, and Cd and made sure I was taken care of.

This really was a remarkable trip and I am so excited for when I can return to South Dakota in God's timing.

Remember, we just have to sit at the feet of Jesus, He'll unfold His plan for us. There is no striving or worrying, just walking and following and HIM unfolding and doing through OUR hands and feet as His!

I have left out SO many intricate details, but these posts really cannot endure lengthy novel-like sentiments. Oh how I wish I could replay the week for you so you could experience it. Please pray for all the people we had divine appointments with. Some prayed to receive Jesus, some reconciled and returned to Him, and some are still pondering, I am sure. There were a lot of these appointments, and God knows if you help pray how to respond! Thank you to all of you who bought CD's to help support the work I do in music and missions. I am forever grateful!

That's the quick recap. Now off for my East Coast Mini-tour with my mom making a surprise visit to the stage with me and Kenya with Maryann! Please keep us in your prayers. Calendar and locations can be found on http://www.reverbnation.com/elvafrye
I cannot close this without saying that NONE of this would be possible if I did not have the most WONDERFUL husband in the world whose company I always long for and whose heart is one of Gold. He is the best husband anyone could ask for and I thank Him for being my "sender" in so many ways. Truly, a gift I have received in my brian.

love, e

Friday, June 15, 2012

Russia in 2 days!

We're preparing to go back to Russia in two days! This time Riding High Ministries will be on the helm with CCCPM and I am here to serve as FOH in whatever capacity requested, some of which I know is music,

http://www.ridinghighministries.org/

These guys are pretty awesome in the gifts they've been given, so I am definitely excited to be joining them along with Perry and Maryann Willer of NorCal,

If you've read other posts in the rest of this blog, you'd know who they are. I call MaryAnn my "home away from home"!

We're headed to Russia this Monday. Of course, I'll jot notes and keep you posted on our missions adventure!

Love, Jesus, & music,
e

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

What do Russia - Jan 2012 and Nashville - May 2012 have in common?

What do Russia, Jan 2012 and Nashville, May 2012 have in common?

My first trip to Russia was full of unknowns. 25-30 women would travel to Russia with Debbi Bryson and CCCPM. I only knew Maryann Willer and had just met a few of the gals going down in Oceanside a couple months prior.

I was on my way to see MaryAnn, whom I call, "My Home Away From Home". She was down in Oceanside helping with a women's conference. Perry and MaryAnn have become such dear friends to me as they gave me a home while I was recording "Five O'Clock" with Danny Donnelly in 2010 for about 6-8 weeks in Northern California.

The thought crossed my mind, "I want to go to Russia with MaryAnn," as I drove down 45 minutes to Oceanside where MaryAnn was visiting. I thought that was a strange thought because I hadn't thought of going to Russia since we had "almost" gone to Russia in 2008 when our church missions trip was changed to go to Africa. When MaryAnn opened the door of the house, her first words were, "Do you want to go to Russia?" I intended only to visit for an hour or so, when circumstances turned and I ended up staying the entire evening. I went to dinner with the girls where we shared life stories, prayed for each other, and attended the women's Bible Study taught by Debbi. At the study, we covered a verse that I felt was the verse that confirmed me going, but I didn't want to acknowledge it till I could pray with my husband about it.

Long story short--- I found myself in Russia with these girls a couple months later. Non-stop work and fellowship with the ladies from Russia and America. When we arrived at the Women's Retreat, we all went straight to work in the areas for which we were each responsible.



When the Russian women arrived to the women's retreat, we greeted them and laughed with them. Oh it was SOOO cold outside.

They each walked from the train in the dark, cold and bitter air. It was so cold, you cannot leave your smart phone exposed and out of your pocket without it shutting down in just a few minutes. We tried standing out there to watch them arrive, but not without a heavy coat you couldn't!



The weekend was filled with worship, teaching, workshops, praying with girls, crying and laughing with the girls, listening to them, sitting with them, drinking coffee and tea with them, standing arm and arm with them as we sang or prayed, and sitting and eating with the girls.

Some brought their children and the American girls took such good care of them. Some of the Russian girls served together with the American team and we all bonded in a special way.

There were moments of "sitting in the river" (that's another story I would have to write about). There were moments with the staff who worked at the retreat center.

I couldn't remember the last time I had cried and laughed with this many women in this short amount of time. It was such a time of healing. I loved every moment.

Sherri Youngward, a worship leader and singer/songwriter I respect and love very much, gave me the opportunity to minister to the girls through music in a little optional concert the 2nd day. It was such a sweet time sharing what God has been teaching me put to lyric and music.

I also had the opportunity to speak during a workshop session: Responding to Your Call. So many girls came that we had to add seats. We prayed Jesus would send who we wanted to hear that message. So many of the ladies requested prayer and a listening ear after the workshop, that those moments went on throughout the retreat!

There were so many moments that would probably keep this "short" blog going on and on and on. It was an IMMENSELY sweet time at the retreat which I shall ALWAYS cherish and hope to be able to partake in again EVERY year… but that's up to Jesus.

We then made our way to an orphanage where we shared the hope and message of Jesus through song, plays, and gifts. As I shared my testimony, I asked the children if they thought God was mad at me that I had walked away from Him. So many raised their hands believing that He was. We were able to share with them that He is NOT angry with them, but that He loves them, died for sin, and wants to save us from death that sin causes in every person. Everyone who spoke or shared had such a deep impact on the children and a few even committed their lives to Jesus!

I was the last to leave the theatre/auditorium when the director of the orphanage spouted a bunch of Russian words with a huge smile, squeezed my cheeks, and gave me a hug. I can only imagine that her heart was also touched by The Savior, as it was a beautiful moment. I know God knows what she said.


We also shared Gospels of John with random people at coffee shops, trains, train stations, metros, metro trains, airplanes, and wherever and whoever came our way as a group. The CCCPM folks on the ground made our "tourist-y" day an opportunity for shining light in darkness while buying souvenirs. :) It was a joy.



The answers to the unknowns were answered in 10 short days: What will it be like? Who will I meet? What will I do? How cold will it feel in the dead of winter? How will God use me there? What will it be like serving with so many women I don't know? What friendships and relationships will result from this time?

Had I not gone to Russia, I would not have met Sandy and the girls from Nashville. Had Sandy from Millersville not invited me to stay at her home in Millersville, my band and I would have never stumbled into the Millersville Waffle House.

Had we not stumbled into the Millersville Waffle House one sweet girl would not have known she could give her life to Jesus after an impromptu concert at that Waffle House and the other gals and patrons there would not have heard that night how much Jesus cares, loves, and chases them!




Had we never met them, they would not have known about Calvary Chapel at Rivergate as their new home and community of believers who can come alongside and encourage them, love them, and walk with them in this life.

Russia was not just about Russia. Nashville was not just about Nashville. All of this is about Jesus and leaving the 99 to go find the ONE! Where does He want to send you? Where will He send me?

I leave for Russia AGAIN in June! Praying for more lost sheep to find their Shepherd to bring them into fold and find protection for their souls and hope for their lives in Him!

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Baby Girl and The Waffle House Band and the Best Night Ever!

It just keeps getting better!!!

In the last blog I shared how we were divinely led into the Millersville Waffle House in Goodlettsville. We promised to return the next night with our instruments and a full concert.

While this promise meant we couldn't go out to Broadway with the folks at The Objective, we knew something special was waiting at The Waffle House. Chris, my friend Maya's husband, Pastor of newly started Calvary Chapel Nashville offered to bring an amp for Joe's Electric Guitar, and an amp for my Nord piano. This was last minute news, a couple of hours before we headed out to the Waffle House.

We shared our hearts at the Objective Showcase with a couple of songs where we received feedback from a panel of four judges. Many friends and their families that we've met along the way came out to support us and wanted to visit with us for a little bit and then we had the opportunity to listen to the rest of the bands that night.

After that, we made our way back to the Waffle House where we set up our gear and gave a concert. We started the night singing an old hymn everyone knows, Amazing Grace. There were a few of the same folks we had met the night before and folks there from Calvary Chapel at Rivergate and as mentioned before Calvary Chapel Nashville.

One of the gals we met was our new friend's daughter. After the concert, she and I spoke for a bit. It turned out that she longed for peace and wants to follow Jesus. She knew she needed Him but hadn't yet committed her life to Him. Jesus has been chasing after her a long time as He does for every lost sheep... He never lets us go, without going out to seek us out. He never discards us because of sin! He came and died and rose again BECAUSE OF SIN!!! Sin is WHY we need to turn our life to Him, otherwise we wouldn't need His forgiveness! She committed her life to Jesus that night and my prayer is that she would run with Him and never look back! I am so excited for her and how God is going to bless so many other little lost sheep through her life and story of redemption!

All those seeds planted in her heart and watered!... and tonight, we had the privilege of seeing the fruit! So excited for our new friends and family from the Waffle House!!!

So, we were given the suggestion to change up our band name. When I was born, my parents were undecided about what name I would have. So, the hospital fittingly gave me the name "Baby Girl" Fontanes until my parents could decide. Well, they decided on my name but my Birth certificate to this day remains "Baby Girl".

So... Baby Girl and the Waffle House Band was suggested. :) We're having fun with it and thought you might too! We've even jested about a Waffle House Tour! What do you think?!?!

Please pray for our newly and recommitted "now running with Jesus" friends/family at the Waffle House!

Love, e






James, a harmonica, and $5.

If you did not read the post from the other night: SPOILER ALERT!!!! Brian, my husband, Jenni and Joe Arant are on our trip to Nashville.

We met James on 4th and Commerce in downtown Nashville. James is homeless, was drunk, and needed a few $. However, we were enjoying the music coming out of the box on the corner of the street in Music City. My husband, Brian, was playing his harmonica, when James approached us looking for $. "Can't you see what we're doing? Enjoy the music with us!!" So James started dancing with us to the harmonica Brian was playing along with the country music coming out of the box.

Again, James insisted on some $, when we asked him what his name was. He swore he was using it to buy food and that he was was hungry (I know, I know). James professed to know Jesus and follow him, he is a prodigal. We told him about God's food and water for our souls, prayed with him, that God has a purpose for his life, and only because one of us felt led to do so, gave him $3. While he claimed it wasn't enough, we sent him on his way.

The next night, as we drove past the same corner half-expecting a response, I yelled out the window, "James, what did you do with the $3?!?!?". We all giggled about it.

The next day, we were sitting outside of Rocketown talking with a mentor we were assigned. We were many blocks from the corner where we met James. And here we were, tucked away between a Crown Vic we rented and the stairwell outside the Rocketown building when out of nowhere comes a man asking for money. Yes! It was James! There were many other people physically outside the building he could have asked for money. However, he came between the small opening straight to us when we all exclaimed, "James!"

I recounted to him the night before when I was yelling outside of our window, "James, what did you do with the three dollars?" He right away claimed that he bought food that night. I then asked him if he had drank anything today, and he honestly answered yes.

We then had the opportunity to really talk to James. He came to realize the fact that, yes, he is being held captive, and so we asked him turn around and look to the sky, and pray for God to help him. At first it seemed like a little show for us, but then it went on & on, and it became sincere.

I believe God gave me this picture: the same enemy of our souls that influences men to abuse children physically and sexually, is the same enemy of our souls that takes God's children captive with addictions and temptations of sin. Jesus came to set the captives free. And He has done that. So, why would we allow this disgusting enemy, to take us by the hand and put us in the box in his backyard. This is the spiritual equivalent to what child predators do.

This was a sobering thought to James. We gave him five dollars, and once again, prayed with him and after talking with him, sent Him on his way to McDonalds then the mission. This time, he promised to be running straight to the mission anytime he heard the tempting voice of this enemy. Run to the mission and confessing he was being tempted to drink. He will ask for prayer, and he will seek help from the chaplains. Whether or not James overcomes his addiction yesterday or today, God is greater than the addictions that has held him captive these years. This is why Jesus came!

Please pray for James!


Monday, May 7, 2012

Tonight was the best night EVER!!!

We stumbled (Divinely) into Waffle House IN MILLERSVILLE, TN tonight after a prayer asking Jesus to show us what to do and then leaving our sessions in Nashville early.

In Waffle House
The gals: Brenda Sue, the sweetest gal and cook (a gem) & Casey our server (another gem)... also trickling in: Jeff, a patron who drove back 8 miles after getting home to order hash browns w/cheese and Lynn, our server, Casey's husband. We could just sense we were led there and we made great friends with all four of em quickly when we suddenly broke out in song!

With tears and joy, we gathered in a circle and prayed together for our new family, shared struggles, more prayers, and promised to come back tomorrow night with more instruments and a full set.

Last night, WE MET JAMES. He was asking for money, but we told him to forget all that and join us in dancing to the music and harmonica. We were led to gather in a circle, hold hands, pray with him though he was inebriated and wanted two more bucks. Pray that James would be freed from addiction for He confesses Jesus but is trapped in his addiction.

Also pray for the unspoken things of the individual's we met at the waffle house tonight ! Pray for Brenda Sue's grandson headed to dangerous places soon, and Casey's little boy's healing, and a few things God know that I won't write here. Jesus loves all these folks so much. And He loves you too!!! He wants to use you to wrap your arms as His around the lost sheep, the hurting sheep, the wandered sheep...

Though we didn't go to the organized outreach at the "Objective Meetings" the Lord sent us to different highways and byways where He wanted to touch four souls in a very special and unique way. Joe said it tonight... We take Jesus and show people the Kingdom of God wherever we go.

We just used what we had in our hands... Joe and I- our voices and a table as a drum, Brian-his harmonica, and Jenni, a camera.

He guides us with His eyes... Whoever catches your eyes, it's because they've caught His. Be sensitive to what He puts on your heart to do in that moment!

The BEST DAY EVER!!!!!!!!

There is a video! I'll post when I can sort out how!!!! :)

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Nashville Bound & Chasing Your Dream

4:30a: It's Time To Wake Up
5:11a: lug the rest of the luggage/instruments downstairs.
520a: thank you Jen's mon & Eric! - Jen Arant's bro and mom for a ride to SNA.
7:00a: Let's take a ride on a plane!

It was a seamless and smooth take away this morning.

I've been pondering how we got to where we are going today. Some people end up in Nashville to chase the dream of a musical career. As I learn more about God and His purpose for us in these last 11-12 years, I see more and more WHY He wants us to chase Only Him.

Chasing dreams can be filled with disillusionment, disappointment, tiresome striving that seems only to spin wheels, a lot of pressure on you to "make it happen".

Chasing after Jesus is "seeking First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and everything else shall be added into you". My friends, THIS IS NOT CLICHE'! It's actually true!

I don't want to confuse "having a goal or dream" and working towards it with striving in your own strength apart from a relationship with God.

While we have definitely put in many hours of personal band rehearsals, quiet time, mundane tasks like trips to the post office, graphic design, responding to many requests in order for this trip to be possible, how it even became possible was no effort on our part. This was something presented to us and a door we walked through.

Literally, I was contacted by someone who happened upon my music on the internet. The organization is The Extreme Tour. They invited me to apply to go on The Extreme Tour, a musicianary type Tour where you are able to visit many cities and actually meet people on the ground and shine Light in Darkness, share our music, and pick up those who are in need of some Love and Rescue. We've been accepted for that tour and just waiting to hear back about dates between August end to Nov start.

They offered us the opportunity to come out to Nashville, play at Rocketown, attend some closed door meetings with mentors: musical and spiritual, industry folks, and the Extreme Tour Staff. They called these series of meetings: The Objective. There will be many other bands and musicians and we're looking forward to meeting new people and developing relationships with folks we'll be working with.

It all started with: Chasing After Jesus.

Many are called, but few are chosen.

God has a call on your life. Yes, you reading. How do you "get chosen?"

You RESPOND. Respond to Your Call.
What gifts, talents, and abilities have you been given?

What daily, "small" things you know you need to be doing that you keep putting off? Areas of discipline? Forgiving those who have hurt you? Luke 17!!! Roots of bitterness or resentment in your heart towards anyone? Fasting? Praying? Spending time knowing God by reading His Word? One Year Bible and journal are awesome for that!

It's a matter of your heart and is yours & your whole life surrendered to Jesus everyday?

These are the things God has spoken to my heart and even more so these last few years! I struggle to chase after Him! Everything worth something has to be fought for, and so I chase. Fallen down? Get up!!! Fallen down? Get up! Fallen down??? You get the picture!

You're not down until you quit and don't get up anymore. "a righteous man falls seven times, but gets up." Not in your own strength BUT HIS.

In due time, the things that so easily entangled, lose their power over you, when... You chase after Jesus.

DO YOU HAVE A DREAM? Don't give up on it!!! BUT, CHASE JESUS, not the dream.

He is so worth the fight rather than your own desires and ambitions. His desires and ambitions are far greater than what small things we can imagine for ourselves.

Let us seek glory for God, not ourselves. Chase Him, not our dreams.

And in the meantime, start doing the "small", mundane, disciplined hard work for each thing He calls you to each day.

Lord, what do you have for me to do today?

If you don't know what your gifts and talents are. Chase Him, He'll unfold/unwrap a perfectly beautiful gift of life that will lead you to places, people, and things you never imagined.

It's time to WAKE UP! THIS is the call!!!

Take a listen to FIVE O'CLOCK album, the musical version of this message! :)

www.facebook.com/elvafrye

By Buying music from independent artists like me, you help me Respond to my Call to be Hands and Feet and you'll be encouraged in responding to yours!!!

Lots of Love, Jesus, & Music!
e of b&e frye. :)

Landed in Dallas, gotta go!

Friday, May 4, 2012

Nashville, The Objective, and the Extreme Tour

Tomorrow morning 645a, Joe and Jenni Arant, Brian and myself will be sitting on a Nashville Bound flight.

Saturday PM: sightsee, visit with friends, and settle in!
Sunday AM: sharing a song or two at Calvary Chapel @Rivergate in Goodlettsville, TN
Tuesday 7 PM: originals at Rocketown - The Objective Showcase Concert -
Wednesday PM TBA: we caught wind of possible street outreach, but not sure if we're playing yet.

Then back home we come!!! :)

We'd love your prayers and if you're nearby, stop by Rocketown by 630p as we're on right at 7p!

We'll be taking pics and posting on my FACEBOOK page. www.facebook.com/elvafrye

Much love, prayers, and music!
Elva

Friday, April 6, 2012

Good Friday & Easter: The Gospel? Born Again? What does it all mean?

As we celebrated Good Friday, I realized that there are so many people who don't quite understand what our celebration is about. Sure, folks know about Jesus, Jesus Christ, "yeah... he died on a cross and people say they love him..."
Here are some facts written in the New Testament and verified by Historical secular writings, NT texts, and archaeology.

-Jesus DID walk this earth and He did die on a cross, and confirmed with a piercing of the sword on Passover Friday.
-He was buried in a tomb with a Huge Stone that rolled over it.
-His body and tomb was guarded by guards to prevent the disciples from stealing Jesus' body and hence, DUPE people into believing Jesus had risen again like Jesus predicted.
-On Sunday, 3 days after He died, an angel appeared frightening the guards who ran away.
-These guards reported their terror to the Religious Pharisees who plotted and succeeded in condemning Jesus to death.
-When the guards reported their terror, the religious pharisees paid the guards to lie and spread the lie that the body was stolen by the disciples.
-However, the FIRST witnesses who verified the empty tomb and saw the angel after the guards ran away were women who had known Jesus.
-The disciples did not believe that He was risen when the women reported what they saw,
-The disciples ran back to the empty tomb to see if it was true that the tomb was empty.
-Some disciples still did not believe until they saw Jesus Himself: ie... Doubting Thomas.
-Later, 11 of the 12 disciples died gruesome deaths insisting that Jesus Christ did die and rose again.
-When faced with death, if these disciples were lying, then they died for a lie.
-However, when faced with death, people usually die for what they believe is true, not what they know is a lie...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jesus said to "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand."
-Believe God has forgiven your sins through the work HE did on the cross to overcome sin and death, not by you doing good works, although god works are a result of a changed life.
-Believe in Jesus Christ, who is God in the Flesh, by whom all can be saved when you put your trust in Him.
-Confess your sins, turn from them, and follow God. He frees you from the things that you think you cannot break away from. That is how He "sets the captives free from the chains of sin and death."
-Sin causes a break in fellowship, wedge in relationship, darkness in your heart.
-Jesus is the LIGHT of the World, and will shine His Light in your life if you allow Him too. Sin = darkness and death. God = Light and Life.

God says If you draw near to Him He will draw near to you. Seek God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength AND YOU WILL find Him. He is not hiding, He is calling YOU by name.







The Gospel, What does it mean to be "Born Again?" Read for yourself:
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a]”

4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d]

9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[e] 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[f] 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”[g]

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

CD Graphich Designer and Artist for Five O'Clock CD: Melissa Diaz & Gro-wings.com

Melissa Diaz and Gro-wings.com THANK YOU for the amazing work you did Five O'Clock. Melissa an amazing artist happens to be my cousin and I am so honored to that she took on the project.

If you are a musician who is looking to create artwork for your CD project, contact her. She is passionate about her work and her work and work ethic are worth every penny you invest. She was diligent with communication between the printer and herself. She really listened to what I was trying to communicate in music to create a visual picture that would share that with the listener. We worked through a couple of concepts and this was the result.

Thanks gro-wings.com and Melissa Diaz!!!

http://gro-wings.com/art/design-campaigns/campaign-elva-frye.html

Friday, February 10, 2012

Elva Pics

Russia 2012DSCN1090DSCN1098SDC12796SDC12798Elva and Karen
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Elva Pics, a set on Flickr.

These are just SOME photos from my recent missions trip to Russia. Such a swwweeet time and I am so thankful for God allowing me to be a part of what HE is doing in Russia and our lives. Awesome awesome time. I'll write more later, but for now, enjoy the pics!