Elva Frye Music Blog

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

2012-02-16T19:31:00.000-08:00

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!!!

href="http://gro-wings.com/art/design-campaigns/campaign-elva-frye.html">

Elva Pics

2012-02-10T15:17:00.001-08:00

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!

Off to Russia... What?

2012-01-30T12:17:00.001-08:00

It does seem a little random since I've never mentioned the possibility of going.

It's a Music and Missionary Journey

Calvary Chapel Church Planting Missions is hosting a women's conference in Moscow of which I am able to be a part of this year. This is a trip women from all over the country take every year to serve our Christian sisters and orphans, and I would dare to say widows. God cares so much for the orphans and the widows so much so that he stresses how important it is to care for them.

Speaking at the Conference
I have the great joy of speaking at one of the workshops. It is very special to share how God is working in our lives and teaching us so much and have the opportunity to share from His Word how He has walked us through so much and how we practically do that.

Orphans & a Concert
So pumped that we get to do a concert at the orphanage for ages 10-18. My greatest hope and prayer is that these children know how important and loved they are by God who created them and that they understand their worth and importance to Him and us, as people who follow Jesus.
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This is just an overview of the trip. So I'm keeping track of the details from now on.

What brought me to Russia? Simply Jesus. I have been asking for Him to send me whenever and wherever and yet, there were steps I wasn't taking that would prepare me to go.

It wasn't until I we're obedient that every step becomes a jump which becomes a leap across a giant canyon which becomes a larger-than-life adventure for which we hope and trust only Jesus for the outcome.

I'll post more as I experience more.
Thus far, we left New York six hours late after we arrived from LA which gave us an opportunity to sit around in a circle of 28 or so women, share a scripture that confirmed why each of us were to come on this trip, and just had a moment to bond. It was sweet.

Mine Bible verse is:
(Titus 3:4-8 NLT)But—"When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life." This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.

Cd release: Thank you It was an awesome night!

2011-12-12T10:37:00.001-08:00

I had an amazing night reuniting with so many people and meeting new friends. The band was awesome, the food was great, though some of you had never heard of Mellon wrapped prosciutto. :).

The most important thing was that Jesus was lifted up and we were reminded of the Call he has on our lives.

Please don't live another day without responding to Him and His purpose for you. You are too important and so is His Salvation of the world. He doesn't need us, but He wants to include us because He wants to reward us and draw us in even though it is He who does the work.

Respond! Have the conversation with Him today: Here I am, Send Me!

The Latest on the CD Release Party DEC 8

2011-11-15T14:01:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled for this CD Release Party! We have such wonderful people who have come out of the proverbial wood work and become answers to my prayer before God. Quite a few of willing souls will be using the gifts and talents God gave them to help make this night a wonderful and special night!

What has been provided!

1. Gifts for silent auction (Kreative Haus - Lindy)(if you have something to donate, please contact me!) Proceeds will go to FACE of Harvest.
2. Photography (Shelly Young) - The more the merrier :) Amateurs welcome!
3. Event Planning (Jennifer Wallace)
4. Catering (John, Matt, and Lily!)
5. Helpers for CD Table and Auction Table (Brandi Bender all the way from Arizona! - there are others who offered, and still waiting to hear they are certain to come.)
6. Press Release/Communications Kreative Haus - Lindy)
7. Kenyan Tea - (Nancy of FACE of Harvest)
8. Sound System - Armor of Light
9. Graphic Design - Melissa Diaz and Karla!
10. FACE of Harvest Team coming out from Washington DC!

Still Needed

1. Videos of the event - videographers and smartphone amateurs!
2. Helpers still needed: Food, Silent Auction Table, Greeters, Spreading the word (anyone can do that) via your social networks and grabbing some invites from me to share with your friends.
3. Anyone with awesome lighting equipment for event night... :)
4. Printing Services
5. Silent Auction Gifts for FACE of Harvest Silent Auction

There are lots of other things I can't think of right now, but you may have a gift you can share that I haven't yet thought of!
This is going to be an AWESOME night. I really am thrilled to be sharing this night with so many of you who might come and bless us with your presence and time.
Lots of love, prayers, and music,
e

Dec. 8, 2011 - 7:00pm - Five O'Clock CD Release Party

2011-10-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

I Asked

Lord, please send me help. I need people willing to share YOUR hands and feet in organizing this. Show me what YOU want for this CD Release Party. Where do you want to have it?

He AnsweredWith People

Along came Jennifer Wallace, Event Planner, by recommendation of Massage Therapist RBODY Cassandra, who donated her gifts to help me run the Half-Marathon to raise money for the Medical Clinic with FACE of Harvest.

A handful of folks have also volunteered their gifts and abilities too.

With a VenueThe Cove at Vanguard Univesity (Next to the Bookstore in the CENTER of Campus)Volunteers to make DessertsDesserts:My dear friends, the Brutlags, are amazing Foodies and volunteered to make delectable desserts!Kenyan Tea:My dear friend and sister who traveled with me to Kenya with FACE of Harvest is making KENYAN TEA!!!!! YAY! She ALSO is Kenyan, so this is LEGIT!I am STILL Asking for Help So HERE GOES

1. Photographers

2. Videographers

3. Set-Up

4. Clean-Up

5. Flash Mob (Singers/Drama) -- You come up with a "drama set to the music" and we'll hash it out at my house! :) Contact me with your video to one of my songs, and I'll let you know! :) Use your talents!

6. Sound Equipment and Sound person

7. Service napkins, plates, utensils

8. Gifts to Silent Auction off to raise money for the ongoing needs of the Medical Clinic in Kenya.

Other Foodies who are willing to contribute Hot drinks or appetizers for the evening.

Really excited about the opportunity to spend time with any and ALL of you whom God intends on being there! If you have a gift or talent and want to use it, this will be an amazing opportunity to do so. Lots of Love in Jesus and music,Elva

Calvary Chapel Pacific Hills Womens Retreat

2011-10-24T09:44:00.001-07:00

This is the photo story I kept of my visit at Calvary Chapel Pacific Hills women's retreat. It was a beautiful time. There were so many amazing women that I was able to meet and talk with. My only regret is that I did not get to meet and sit and talk with everyone.

Love the time we spent as a group worshiping God. It was so sweet. It occurred to me, that though I was in front on the Piano leading, I was actually sitting in the audience to an amazing choir. This was all for God, and he let me sit in the front row. I felt very honored.

I stayed up late both nights talking and sharing, laughing and crying, but it was worth no sleep for what beautiful conversations and fellowship we had.

Sweet times.

A CD release party for 5 O'Clock!

2011-10-20T16:39:00.001-07:00

I come to you now vocally by my iPhone. So if any of this looks a little weird, it's not me, it's me talking to my phone. My phone doesn't always know what I mean, but I'm not typing so I'm just speaking. It's a lot harder to do. But I digress.

I'm throwing a CD release party December 8, 2011. It will take place at Vanguard University of Southern California in The Cove. I am so excited and the event planner, Jennifer Wallace, is helping me to plan the event.

I have a few volunteers who have volunteered to help. I am hoping to find others who are willing to do the same. People who can get the word & invitations out, and bring a friend or two or three. I'll keep you posted on all that happens.

If you would like to help, yes you reading this blog right now, please send me an email. You can visit me on my Facebook music page, and let me know there too.

Www.Facebook.com/Elva Frye.

Not only will I be sharing some of the songs, but I will also talk about Face of Harvest and all that's happening there too. It's going to be a really fun night with a lot of fun people and great music, yummy desserts, and a lot of love to go around. I hope to see you there.

It's also close enough to Christmas, so if you want to pick up a few CDs for Christmas presents, you can do it there! We'll even have wrapping paper and bows for you to wrap your purchased CDs with.

I will be posting pictures of our last cd release party. It was a blast. So, put the date on your calendar December 8, 2011, at 7 PM in Southern California. Love, Elva

PS
I couldn't help myself. I went back and made a few corrections that my iPhone didn't catch.

Scheduling a Northeast 2012 Summer Tour! The DO-IT-Yourself Step by Step way.

2011-10-07T14:49:00.000-07:00

If you are following along with me in this blog, then you may want to know how one would schedule a tour. This is provided you are not using a Booking Agency. I definitely enjoy the interaction I have with people before the event, so for now, I am reaching out prayerfully on my own.

If you have any contacts or wonderful places for me to share the music and ministry entrusted to me, please feel free to share and I will prayerfully consider and reach out!!!

Booking a Tour (Not a complete list, I am sure.)

Step 1: Pray

Step 2: Keep Praying and have others do the same. (continue reading for hands-on practical steps)

Step 3: Determine a few base nights with people and/or church families who have the a similar heart and mission as you do.

Step 4: Start filling in other nights/dates and try to schedule them so you are not back tracking between cities within 1 to 3 hours. Contact churches, cafes, ministries you would like to come alongside and join for an evening or even a morning.

Step 5: Request a host family or accommodations in the area so that you can get to know the people and community and share in their work. (Unless you are able to accommodate yourself in a hotel or with people you know.) and request a healthy MEAL possibly for before or after the event.

Step 6: Determine what kind of transportation you will need - car, bus, suv.

Step 7: If possible, carry most of your own gear and instruments. Whatever you don't need, just leave in the vehicle. Better safe than sorry.

Step 8: Have a press kit available for the Venue/Church/Group 2 months in advance for each venue or ministry night, so that public service announcements can be made.

Step 9: You haven't stopped praying.

Step 10: Purchase any airline tickets to far destinations. (Preferably not with money you don't have.)

Step 11: Be ready for changes, cancellations, broken sound equipment, break downs (Get AAA), difficulties, joys, confusion, clarity, and most of all, be ready to be used by God wherever He leads you.

Step 12: Make sure you have enough CDs, merchandise, a portable table, CD Sales Table Decor, Credit Card swiper (or SQUARE - free, and only 2.75% fee), Change, Means of collecting emails and CONTACT info with people you are kindred with!, rules for selling in other locales (i.e. taxes), and anything else you can think of (i.e. water, granola bars, hand soap for laundry!)

Nothing happens in a vacuum, so trust that God is guiding your steps no matter what the circumstances are or become.

Prayer will keep you remembering you can TRUST the Lord with all of this.

Prayer is the WORK! Oswald Chambers

So, I'll keep you posted on how the scheduling goes for the Five O'Clock 2012 Northeast Summer Concert Tour! :) Please help me pray!

Free Song Download: I Will Follow & Story behind the song.

2011-09-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

I posed the question to "fans" of my Facebook Music Page: Which song would you like to receive as a free download? The winner, I Will Follow. So, for a limited time you can get a free download of the song. I hope you'll take this opportunity to upload the download. :) As, the free download will disappear soon. :)

All you need to do is visit my Facebook Music Page, click on the "Like" button while on that page, and you can get the free download. :)

I wrote "I Will Follow" in the midst of some very difficult and dark circumstances. It seemed as though there might be no end to the trouble and heartache. However, I remembered a promise the Lord made to me in the quiet of my heart when I committed to following Him where ever He led me. This song was THAT reminder to myself of His promise that if I honored Him with my gifts, he would take care of me in doing so. I know I am being a bit vague, however, if you and I ever have the chance to speak on a one on one basis, I'd be so happy to share the story.

Danny Donnelly is singing background vocals here, Sean Holt is playing saxes, and of course, everything by piano, is Danny D. :)

Anyway, I hope you'll download the song and that it too, will remind you that if you TRUST God, no matter what the circumstances say... if you feel like you will never get out of this, remember, trusting in God means you will follow Him, and He may not always pull us OUT of pain or a painful situation, but He will guide us through it, and through all of it, we will learn to TRUST Him because He alone is truly trustworthy. He's God, He knows the beginning and the end. Nothing is a surprise to Him. Don't fear. This is not cliche', it's truth and you'll know it once you walk in it.

CD's Are HERE!

2011-09-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

They are shrink wrapped and beautiful! Five O'Clock is here, but not officially released yet. We're working on the Official Release Party. You can check out the CD Artwork here! You can get the Digital Version right now. We are doing a Soft-Release at the concert this weekend outside Baltimore, MD.

9/11 Rememberance and Memorial

2011-09-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

I was at work in downtown San Francisco. My husband called me to let me know that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. I logged onto the internet. Then came the second phone call and news of the second tower hit. All I wanted to do was go home and be with my husband. My work, however, would insist we press on and continue to work. Then tower 2 collapsed. Then tower 1. "Oh God, save them."

The shock I felt, sadness...prayers lifted up... when the horror of the news and pictures on the internet reached my eyes was inexplicable. I prayed that every single person in those towers would be met by Jesus and comforted by Him. Then the news of the Pentagon and Pennsylvania plane crash.

Then the news of my mother on an airplane coming back from Florida to Arizona, where she was helping her sister, rerouted to Texas early in the day when the President ordered all aircraft out of the sky.

In Arizona, at my mother's home, 1130pm, my younger brother, Richard, slept. He heard frantic knocking and screaming at the front door. It was a man warning the household that the carport, car in the carport, and outdoor laundry room were on fire. My brother, unsure if this were true, neared the carport from inside when he felt the heat of the fire. In his pajamas, he hurriedly picked up his car keys and ran out the front door. Just seconds after that, the car in the carport exploded shooting flames through the attic and engulfing most of the house.

Then came the phone call from my little brother. Alarmed at the late night phone call, calmly and uncharacteristically monotone, "Elva, the house is burning down." "What?" I was confused. We were still reeling from events of the day. My mother's mom had just passed away. My parents were recently divorced. Terrorism struck us that day, and NOW? NOW? The house is on fire?

When I spoke to my mother early that morning, her response, in a shakey voice that carried the sound of sadness and loss, "Elva, the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

My mother has always shown EXTREME strength in the Lord because of her TRUST in the Lord. Even in spite of all she had lost. Emotions in my family ran high for our family on 9/11. Even though we did not know ONE NAME of the people in that tower, we felt like we had lost over 3000 of our own family. And the fire on that day brought the tragedy home, even closer to us.

Then, in the days that followed, people who had never walked into a church, began walking into churches to find comfort and solice in God.
People who didn't pray, began to pray.
Then, most cars on the road donned the American Flag.
Then, time passed.
People woke up later and later and stopped seeking comfort and solice from God.
Flags didn't don cars anymore.
Politics divided the country.
People who didn't know anyone in the towers began to forget.
Then, 10 Years Later... here we are again. Commemorating the 10th Year After this tragedy.

The Bible says in Isaiah 55:
6Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
7Let the wicked forsake his way
and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
8“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.

I wrote a song when my friends, the Hasenbalgs, were met by their own tragedy in losing their child. My prayer is that this song will be one to remind you that in whatever sorrow or loss, trial or difficulty, there is ONE who is NEAR to you. I am posting it on my FACEbook Music Page Band Profile. There is healing in tears, when you allow the savior and Light of the world to comfort you.

Dedicating this song to all those today, who are remembering 9/11. Praying for comfort for all.
Love, e

Releasing a CD is easier than producing it? Uh, yeah, NO!

2011-09-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

I've been in deep preparing for Five O'Clock CD release.

website content and going back and forth with that
messages to friends and supporters of DA music and me
blogs (hi, there) :)
marketing help
social website news
accounting
sales prep
scheduling opportunities to share the music
spending hours upon hours researching
meetings
traveling
praying for God's guidance and my surrender
AND so many other miscellaneous things!

Why go through all this? To garner personal attention? Lord, no. It's too much work.

But I have something to say in a song that was spoken to me in my walk with God-- through life, experiences, trials, and joys and I can't help but want others to experience the peace, help, and joy I experienced in writing the songs... then it is all worth it. If you're a songwriter or artist, you understand what I am saying. These songs are REAL, GENUINE lessons learned, tears cried, depression conquered (that's a constant battle on some days, but the battle is already always won), joy awakened --- all put to lyrics and melody. The hours and weeks - heart and soul poured out as God healed me, taught me, disciplined me, comforted me -- through the songs while allowing me... and yes, now YOU, to know that I can, I should, I MUST trust Him NO MATTER WHAT the circumstance is.

As long as we are not stumbling into trouble purposely and carelessly --- we can trust that good and bad circumstances are for (as James 1 says) testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

We should consider whatever we walk through in this life (trial or joy) AS A JOY.

He wants us to RISE and awaken to the LIFE He has for us.

So, this is why I am working so hard to get this CD and the message of it out. Not everyone will like the style of music or the sound of my voice, but my prayer is that the message resonates with ears that long to hear, and eyes that long to see. If you hear HIS voice today, soften your hearts, and HEAR!

You can hear FIVE O'CLOCK the TITLE TRACK RIGHT NOW on my FACEBOOK Music Page

New WEBSITE! and.... Five O'Clock: NEW CD IS HERE! Finally. :)

2011-09-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

... For Download ONLY, to you who "LIKE" my Facebook Page. If you download, please shoot me an email, and I will be SURE to send you a PDF copy of the CD ARTWORK by my amazing Artist of a cousin, Melissa Diaz.

She is an artist, costume designer, brand expert, and website builder extraordinaire. I am so honored to have her as my cousin, and hope you'll look her and her amazing work up.

So much NEW content on the website, and new songs, and new concerts and events coming up.

We're in the midst of trying to plan a CD Release Party, so it would be AWESOME if some of you want to help out, volunteer, donate a great "laid back, kick back" space that can fit about 125 people. We'll have to keep it manageable. A cafe anyone? A blessing for your cafe, and a place for me to open up and share some music from Five O'Clock and then enjoy some listening.

Just shoot me an email if you think your gifts, talents, and abilities can be hands and feet for Jesus for the CD Release! Love it! I know you're out there.

I already received a call from an Event Planner who wants to help out, so... HERE WE COME!

Off to send some mail out, and get a disc to KENYA, Africa by request so folks at the Radio Station can play some tunes. Pray for that please. :) We all need a little Wakin' up to do!

Love and prayers,
e

FACE of Harvest Elva Frye runs Half Marathon for the Medical Clinic.m4v

2011-08-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

If you have never run an official race, whether it be a 5K or marathon (26.1 miles) or a half-marathon (13.1 miles), then you are missing something. I wish that everyone could experience the feeling of knowing that you have trained for 4 months, endured pain, treatments, days when you want to train, days you dread that you have committed to something you're not even sure you can finish, and then rising early in the morning, downing a cup of 2 servings of oatmeal, drive and sit in a line of cars waiting to board a bus that will drive you 13.1 miles away only to run back the way you just came.

More than just running a physical race, the entire process was a spiritual learning experience. The parallel of running a physical race and a spiritual race make more sense to me, and has greatly broadened my understand when Paul in the Bible speaks about running a race. My NEW website touches upon this concept quite a bit, so I hope you'll go there and read about it.

Just running the race the half-marathon wouldn't be motivation enough for me. I set this goal as part of life goal that includes joining VERY SPECIAL people on the other side of the world who are working daily to help the people in their community by being hands and feet for Jesus. There are no spotlights or news cameras following my friends around. Few people in the world even know their names. But they are hands and feet for Jesus.

We at FACE of Harvest have been given the wonderful opportunity to join them and help them open a medical clinic. They are already sharing the Good News and giving medical care to those in need, and they would be so blessed with the gifts and talents, and blessings we've been given, to help them realize the medical clinic.

I've written much on Facebook about this Medical Clinic and this wonderful family so willingly giving of themselves to care for God's creation in this way. I hope you will JOIN ME in being HANDS AND FEET for Jesus WITH our friends, our family in Christ on the other side of the world. They are doing a MARVELOUS thing, and YOU get to be a part of it... should you join us prayerfully and some of you, financially.

Please visit www.faceofharvest.org and GIVE. Make sure you specify in the memo that I sent you and that you are joining us in opening the Medical Clinic.

This isn't to make us feel good! This is to be a part of something that God is giving us the special opportunity, blessing, and encouragement to be a part of! What an honor! For Him, and Him alone.

Half-Marathon - America's Finest City Marathon - San Diego, CA - Aug, 21, 2011 - Sunday

2011-08-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

I will be running a half-marathon this weekend in our journey to raise money for the Medical Clinic we at FACE of Harvest want to open in Kenya. While we are already supporting our nurse with medical supplies and medicines, we want to expand and open the clinic.

In support of the efforts to help those suffering the famine occurring in that region of the world, we will also be hosting a Benefit Concert the following weekend in Gaithersburg, Maryland. You can read about the even on the FACE of Harvest Website.

I think the perspective we can all take in partnering with any effort, ministry, or non-profit is not one of pity or sympathy. We should take the perspective that God provides different people with different means, gifts, talents, and abilities, and then provides us with opportunities to use all that He's given us as HIS hands and feet. It is so important to make sure that your involvement, donations, and gifts are for Him and to Him. It is exciting to be included in God's plan in others' lives as they are being used in ours, at the same instance.

So, with that being said... you can donate at http://faceofharvest.org/give.html. We're excited for those of you who are to join us in opening this clinic!

I'll be posting video and pics from the race. So far as I know, we've raised about $4500 for the clinic since I started on this journey to run this race. My personal goal was to raise $11,000 for the first 6-months operating expenses.

I am not worried about the total. That's for God to be concerned with. Is He calling you and what He's given you to give? Only YOU know! :)

Until then, this training has reminded me how much I love running which is not unlike our Spiritual running. If you want to be a runner... you have to run. If you want to be one who seeks God in Spirit and Truth, then you have to run this spiritual race with endurance despite the setbacks and injuries which force rest on the runner. Then recuperation comes and you continue to running. You don't stop!

If you'll be in San Diego, my bib # is 4733.

Elva Frye: Meet the guys behind the scenes of Five O'Clock: Danny Donnelly, Louie Teran, Brian Steckler, and Sean Holt.

2011-08-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

Elva Frye here. :) I promised behind the scenes, so here's more of it.

Danny Donnelly
Producer
Picture taken from www.dannydonnelly.com.

Danny D. is a worship leader, recording artist, singer songwriter, producer extrodinaire. He has a beautiful family and great church family in Northern California. Danny has also been on tour with other artists playing guitar. He has hosted the School of Worship of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa at THE BARN in NorCal. Danny D. shares his music as a special music guest at churches, retreats, and conferences. If you don't know his music, you must definitely give it a listen.
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I met Danny when I attended Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa School of Worship years ago. Danny doesn't take on many projects, so it was definitely a God-ordained opportunity for him to produce Five O'Clock. I am so grateful for the heart and soul he poured out on Five O'Clock. You'll hear Danny singing backgrounds and most of the instrumentation is him. He even took the keyboard lead on some of the songs... and he is known for his killer guitar... no kidding.

Louie Terran
Mastering Engineer
Excerpt is taken from http://www.marcussenmastering.com/engineers/louie.html.

Louie’s career in the music industry started in 1992 as a staff engineer at Skip Saylor Recording in Los Angeles. During his stay at Skip’s, Louie engineering has been featured on several Gold and Platinum Albums, including artists such as D.J. Quik and Tony, Toni, Tone.

In 1994, Louie became an independent engineer and expanded his client base in the rock and pop world. Louie was now overseeing album projects from start to finish. After the mixing was completed, Louie would attend the mastering session where he was fascinated by the process. This led to Louie’s decision to develop a career in mastering.

Having been with Marcussen Mastering since 1999, Louie masters the entire spectrum of musical styles from popular music to classical scores including “Cold Mountain”, “The Da Vinci Code” and the Academy Award winning score of “Finding Neverland”. Louie strives to bring out a sound dynamic that enhances artist’s musical directions and his fine attention to quality can be heard on artists’ recordings including the Dave Matthews Band, Marcus Miller, Snow Patrol and Lamb of God.

Louie also enjoys applying his mastering talents to independent bands to help bring out the highest sonic quality in their projects.
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I spent a little time with Louie while he mastered Five O'Clock. It was a really cool experience watchin' him master Five O'Clock. He is top notch.

Brian Steckler
Mixing Engineer, in addition, he co-produced "The Savior (Will You Go)"
Picture and bio info pulled from www.stickhouse.com

Brian is a composer for film and television, and classical choir. He mixes, produces, and composes. He also is a guest at worship conferences. This is Danny D's goto man for mixing. While I have never met Brian face to face, I am grateful for his work on Five O'Clock. Thanks Brian!

Sean Holt
Saxophone
Excerpt take from Lopez Show Website.
Sean Holt was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana surrounded by the blues, gospel, and jazz artists of that region. He was singing by age 3, playing piano at 6, and saxophone at 12 years old. He has performed/recorded on saxophone, vocals and keyboards with artists Carlos Santana, "P. Diddy" Combs, Slash, John Legend, Bruno Mars, Kenny Loggins, Jeffrey Osborne, the Neville Brothers, Charlie Wilson, Michael McDonald, Arturo Sandoval, George Clinton, Carl Anderson, Don Felder Tyreese, Michael Bolton, Jamie Foxx, Michael Buble, Monica, Beth Hart, El Debarge, 50 cent, Sergio Mendes, and numerous others.

You can watch Sean's interview on the Lopez Tonight Show website. Here's the Link: Sean Holt's Interview Video
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Sean recorded all of the sax parts on the CD and they are beautiful. I was not able to hang with Sean either, but SUPER stoked he was able to use his God-given talents on Five O'Clock. It made all the difference.

Five O'Clock Recording Journal

2011-08-12T14:44:00.000-07:00

The following is a composite post of the journey I've been on in recording Five O'Clock. ONE YEAR in the making...

436pm August 10.

It’s official. I am sitting in “The Barn”. The flight from SoCal to NorCal was drama free. Smooth flying and my wonderful friend of old, Taylre Nelson, picked me up with her two beauties of children. That was a VERY welcome welcoming.

We are working on a song called, (Well, I haven’t decided on the title yet)… I Will Follow Where You Lead, maybe? I guess we’ll all find out once it’s printed on a CD cover.

We’ve got serious groove going on over here. I may not have started out that way, but we’re groovin’ now, thanks to Danny D. You’ll know what I mean when you hear it. ☺

Thanks for the many prayers and those of you who are partnering with me in this. I feel very honored to labor with others who are laboring with me though you are not here.

The road here has been filled with trials, tribulations, joys, sorrows, times of rest, times of wanting to panic, yet knowing I can’t if I trust the Lord, and times that I know the Lord is allowing me to know that I know I TRUST Him. He is SO trustworthy.

Some of you have communicated that you are moved to partner but haven’t yet done so. WOW! That is amazing. Thank you for responding to the update and request letter. It means so much.

Playing and singing amongst other things until He comes back for us,
e

831pm August 11, 2010

Today, DAY 2 of recording sessions at the Barn, was special. I started the day by enjoying a run downhill, very downhill, which includes a VERY uphill return down a mountain to the river and back. My hosts are Perry and MaryAnn and what a wonderful home and hospitality they share. Outside my home away from home, bedroom, is a valley filled with pine trees and a river that meanders through them.
My eyes awakened to a breaking dawn, but the rest of me tried to ignore the fact that morning was upon me as I forced my eyes closed after learning it was early enough to sneak a few more winks. Granted, I spent the whole night hoping in every dream, that I didn’t sleep in so I could take the jog, I was rather relieved that it was only 6amish.
I enjoyed three delicious cups of espresso too many, as they totaled four in all. Unfortunately, I was experiencing what four cups of espresso can do to your nerves in session for a few hours. I won’t be making that mistake again tomorrow. Between my morning routine and Session 2, I had the wonderful opportunity to hang with a dearest friend, Taylre, and her two beauties. It is one of those Anne of Green Gables moments when you reconnect with a kindred friend. I don’t have many, and I can count them on my fingers.
I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying nightly “Tag! You’re It” and “Hide-And-Go-Seek” with “The Barn” children, Ella and Miles, after a scrumptious meal by “The Barn” wife and mother, Rachel. Goodness gracious, we had grilled New York Steak, amazingly cooked peas (more on that in a second), fruits mixed in with green salad and blue cheese vinaigrette and JUST PICKED blackberries in a RIGHT OUT of the oven COBBLER!

Okay, back to the peas. These were the MOST AMAZING peas I have ever eaten. If you don’t like peas, you will LOVE these. If you like peas, um, you haven’t had peas until you’ve eaten them. These were sautéed in butter and then fresh garlic was cooked to perfection and mixed in and served hot. Wow.
After dinner, we continued (OK, I mostly watched/listened) with “I Will Follow Where You Lead” – remember that’s a temporary title. We’re starting on another song tonight, hopefully. That’s the plan…it’s 8:45p right now, SOoooo, we’ll see. The next song is dedicated to a very special family. I’ll share the story about Lexi Bender and the Bender family tomorrow.
Ciao, as they say in Italia,
e

UPDATE on last entry: I’ll update it later.

19 August 2010

We’re in our second week of recording. We’ve been working on the title track, Five O’Clock.

Can I say I am having the TIME OF MY LIFE. Danny is a serious bro who has been gifted with some SCHWEET (that’s “sweet” for those who don’t speak Elva speak) skills.

I really don’t have much to say outside of, “This is AWESOME.” The long hours from mornings till early mornings of the wee hours of the night tracking and recording have been but minutes. Time flies when you’re having fun.

Not to mention the continued awesome meals Danny’s wife, Rachel makes for dinner.

We tracked piano, vocals, backgrounds, and drums today. Goodness gracious, you’ll hear why I am so excited when you hear it. It’ll be awhile though. Good things come to those who have to wait. ☺ I would say “wait”, but you HAVE to wait. Sorry.

Say a little prayer for us: I need the vocals to stay healthy for the duration. Pray for Danny and the fam. Danny sits long hours behind the comp and they’re managing without their dad and husband for many hours a day while we record. The kids and I enjoy play dates every day. And pray for my honey back home, who has to eat dinners without me during the week. ☺

25August10
We are in our third week of recording and we started on Take a Ride on a Plane. I don’t know what I am going to call it yet, “Take a Ride”. It’s a serious song with a bit of whimsy and light-heartedness. God isn’t a killjoy, and therefore, this song is so fitting because we can live without a care in the world when all our cares are cast upon Jesus: so sweet.

Tonight for dinner we enjoyed homemade BLT and avocado sandwiches with “Fruit salad, yummy yummy.” If you have children or nephews or nieces, then you know what I am talking about when I say you might be singing that tune for the next few hours. If you don’t know the song, google it… you tube it, whatever it takes. That’ll be a classic if it isn’t already.

September 7, 2010
Tuesday

Okay. This will complete a full month of recording at The Barn. We’re trying to finish up as much as we can, because this is my last scheduled week here. Yesterday, a new friend, Michele Coomler came to The Barn to shoot some photos for me. I was really super stoked that she came out and later that day, her hubby and photographer assistant shot another series of photos. She is a great photographer. Let’s just hope her subject was cooperative.
Danny and Rachel and fam have been ultra rad, uber cool, and mucho hospitable. I have had the priviledge of enjoying the company of an ultra dear friend (I’ve mentioned her before) and her family, Taylre and the Nelson clan. They took me in these last two weekends and given me a happy home and warm food to retreat to on the weekends –not to mention the softest, most comforting bed sheets to sleep in. On Sunday, we shared a meal with her folks, the Miller Clan and had some good times playing a charade-ish game and Mad Gab.
I’ve been staying with some other rad friends, Perry and MaryAnn during the weekdays. They made their home my home and I have been treated like family and royalty. Mary Ann ROCKS and I hope to scour the world for the little lost sheep with her one of these days and to encourage the found sheep: “GO! Do what God is calling you to do!!! Let’s usher in His Kingdom by responding to His Call to find the lost sheep with WHATEVER GIFT He’s given you to use, and whatever He has told you to do!”
It’s a bitter sweet week as this season (Recording at The Barn) will close. But the sweet thing is: HERE COMES THE MUSIC! I am EXCITED to share what God gave us in the studio and how He used Danny D. to pull it all together. You’ll hear him on the record as he threw down some killer tracks and BGVs, instrumentals, keys, percussion, “gueetar”, and Lord knows all the stuff he’s done – arrangements, reworking music, helping with reworking lyrics and coming up with rad lines. NOTE: Studio linguo: BGV is Background Vocal.

Quotables: Keep the peace, hold your tune. Elva

September 8, 2010

Okay. TODAY, we reworked You are Near. We were getting pretty worked with the rewrite. Danny nearly put down his guitar three, four, five times… ☺ But everytime, the next thing he said was, “Oh, what about…” And so finally, we cut the track. We cut it LIVE here in the studio. I have a pretty serious migraine goin’, light sensitivity, pain in the brain, and so how appropriate to be singing a song about hurt. ☺

On Sunday, Pastor Cimeno spoke about John 11 where Jesus comforted Martha as she ran to meet Him with the proclamation, “Lord, if only you were here, my brother would have lived.” Jesus encouraged her with, “I am the Resurrection.” What profound words… Jesus IS Life… He is the RESURRECTION AND the Life. We have the promise of Life ever after. We get a Happy ending, so in our grief, in our pain, He says that He is near to us… near to the broken-hearted in the midst of trial and pain. What a reassuring Savior we have. How grateful I am that this song made it to the record. It is special in that I wrote it the week my friends experienced their wee baby going to heaven. We were almost running out of time, that I was concerned for the tenth song, because I didn’t know what it was supposed to be. When Pastor Cimeno was speaking at Metro, I heard him say the very things that were in this song. Granted, many of the lyrics have been since reworked, but it is what he said, that so resonated with this song, that it was like God was saying, “This is the song.”

I shared with Danny the story, and he got right to work with me on it. Boy, am I grateful he was willing to hash it out with me and rework this stuff. May it be a song that brings comfort and the so necessary reminding we need that Jesus is near to us, especially in the darkest trials of life. Oh, he is near with His strength in His Joy, comfort in His Love, and the promise of life everlasting.

September 9, 2010
After today, there is only one more day of being here at the studio. Basically, I am looking at duplication/replication services, taking final notes for the CD on who did what and who played what. There’s a lot of info that goes into the artwork.
As an independent artist, I get the privilege of doing everything an A&R exec would be responsible for. I also get to keep all the rights to my music and get to set an affordable price for my music for all to enjoy.
I am debating on whether I should open up the CD to artists to submit their art ideas. I only have so much time so we can release in time for CHRISTMAS!
So, here comes the fun part! More photo shoots, artist collaborations with graphic artists, finding a distributor, and going through all it takes to pass it on.

We’ve had some fun in The Barn. Lots of laughs and things we found funny that most likely, “You had to be there.” To laugh with us about. But, I started writing some down some of what I like to call, “Quotables.”

Enjoy.

Quotables: There are Tree huggers, and then there are Glockenspiel huggers. Elva (you had to be there. I think there is a photo somewhere).
Quotables: In Jesus, we have all the accoutrements we need for a wonderful, unending existence.

Quotables: Miles Davis is no longer living. Let’s try to get him to play on the record anyway. (Danny D. – partially borrowed from a comedy skit)

Sept 22, 2010

Just got back from a trek of the East Coast where my very talented friend and sister (I lived with her and her family as a teenager) who is a photographer (Desirea Rodgers at Pennybird Photography) and did several days of photo shoots for Five O’Clock, the website, and etc. ☺ I really am excited about all that is happening. I got a chance to meet up with some friends/family and spend some time in New York City on my quick trip back east. That was a blast. We rode through Central Park on horse and buggy, went up to the top of the Empire State Building,

and took a tour around the entire city. We were the quintessential tourists for a day.

Of course, I have spent very few days at home in SoCal over the last 2 months because of the travel, recording, and photo shoots. And now, with little sleep behind me and the business of travel and recording coming to a halt, my body gave in to a cold, sore throat and laryngitis. Better now, than while I was recording, I say. I am grateful God kept me quite healthy.

August 12

WOW, it has been EXACTLY slightly over ONE YEAR ☺ since I started recording this project. There have been UPS and DOWNS. Proof after proof, artwork after artwork… I have just seen the proofs for the website and CDs and download cards. This is a very exciting time for Blue Bead Records (my indy label). This is our second release but the musical direction is an exciting new direction for me as a singer/songwriter.

You know, I have a much deeper appreciation for the arts despite the fact that I have been through this process before. However, you think you pay $10-15 for a CD and you wonder “Why are they charging for something that didn’t cost them anything to write?” Oh contrare…

I play and lead worship at churches, meetings, coffee shops, and concerts.

Sometimes I am given a monetary gift, and many other times I am not. However, there are MANY, MANY HOURS put into one single ½ hour time of worship, just to prepare both musically and practically, and then spiritually and prayerfully. I truly believe and trust God for my needs to be provided, so I don’t, much, pay attention to whether or not I receive a monetary gift. However, I don’t refuse it.

Musicians and recording artists have poured over our songs with tears, time, practice, intimate worship, more time, more practice, more tears, money to record, money to travel, time of travel, set up (sound checks, equipment set-up), heavy lifting of instruments and musical equipment, purchase of instruments, lessons, music to practice…. And then there is the cost of recording. Studio time, extra musician pay, meals on the go, costs for artwork for publication of the CD, website costs and printing expenses, photography costs because people want to relate to who is singing a song… Goodness, there is so much that goes into what we do.

It hit me as I watched a PIXAR documentary of all that goes into making “FINDING NEMO” and other such movies.

I will never again complain about the price of a movie, movie ticket, music download, or CD cost. I understand why it is so important to make sure to buy and not steal copies of songs and movies. I watched Danny Donnelly work heart and soul on this project with neck and back pain, hours and hours of listening and playing instruments, listening and replaying. Not to mention the sacrifice his family made to host me daily for over a month. I received the multiple drafts from the artists, my cousin, Melissa Diaz, specifically, spent days and sleepless nights pulling together concepts and ideas from the music and my descriptions of what we hoped to communicate and created a website, download cards, and the CD Artwork that were cohesive and slammin'! My photographer also put heart and soul into editing the photographs after spending multiple days on multiple shoot sites. My husband spent much of the pre-production time as a sounding board and sacrificed time together during production time. The love and spirit of excellence, sacrifice of time, and heart of every individual who poured into this project and into my life poured, additionally, into every listener who will hear these songs.

We are dedicated to making the most of this opportunity to share such a wonderful message of hope, inspiration, and encouragement by laying down these tracks. May the FAME of our Lord be lifted up, and may I diminish, as these songs become the songs sung by many others to God!

Meet the Missionaries we had the priviledge of spending time with!

2008-08-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

Pastor David and Twinkle Zavala and their two lil' beauties from Calvary Chapel Nairobi. They are our hosts.

Tom and Cheryl Rees are Missionaries with FRM. (Elva and Eunice were honored to be a part of their picture.) :)

Eric and His lovely Bride and beautiful child are in the middle of this picture!

Arie and Nacima and their children arrived Aug. 20! They were with us in California for our Missions Concert! What a Joy to see them here!

Erica Fye is a SWEET, SWEET sister serving in Kitgum, Uganda.

We had the privilege of spending a short time with our sweet sister,Vicky Bentley of FRM, whose picture is not available.

Please pray for these missionaries. They are servants of Jesus and our brothers and sisters. They have needs. They have prayer requests. Please be an encouragement to missionaries. They are hands and feet of the body of Christ. Let us not neglect our missionaries, but come alongside and encourage them in all things.

#5: Out of Africa - A Summary of the Mission - This is a long one!

2008-08-25T12:23:00.001-07:00

Monday Morning: We sat on the stage on our first day of Vacation Bible School. A few days before, we had gone into the slums behind CC Nairobi. Brent and Mike and the guys from CC Nairobi went out on Saturday to hand out more.

When we say "slums", we are describing an area where people live. Their homes are made of tin. Some have dirt floors. Some have concrete floors. Some have 1 or 2 or 4 chairs. Some have a couch or two. Some have a pretty curtain dividing the sleeping area from the sitting area. Some don't. One had a toilet in their home. Others share a sort of "outhouse" with their neighbors. None have running water. All have amazing hospitality.

Our brothers and sisters from Calvary Chapel welcomed us into their homes. Some had the time to make us tea (Kenyan tea, of course...we're in Kenya) and some made us food when time allowed. Many shared their prayer requests with us, and some went into debt buying special treats for us to eat.

When we drove by in the "MATATU" (a taxi/van) with Samuel, our Kenyan brother in the Lord, we looked at the people and smiled. Every person we smiled at... perhaps they were having a difficult day-- perhaps they hadn't sold fruit today yet to pay for their rent, or handbags to pay for their food-- perhaps their brother, sister, daughter had just died from aids... whoever it was-- a HUGE smile would appear across their face. If we were walking down the street, a pleasant greeting, "Harbari" (How are you?)--- on the most serious face, a smile appeared with the word, "Mazuri." (Fine).

The children would chase the Matatu down the dirt roads of the slums screaming, "How are You? How are You? Some of us would stick our hand out the window screaming, "Fine!" "Fine!" They call us, Muzungus...white people. :) It was such an endearing term, especially when the children used it, and asked "How are you, Muzungu?"

So, there we were: at the beginning of Vacation Bible School - First Day. 300+ children stared at us, while a summary/message by Fred (who happens to be the piano player at church) in Swahili was given after a few group worship songs and the drama by an amazing brother, CHRIS (who happens to have a great CD and ministry to children!)

We looked out at the beautiful sea of faces. It dawned on us, like a beautiful summer morning that we could VERY WELL be staring at this country's next leader. This leader, however, would have a heart for Jesus to bring justice, to take care of the widow and the orphan, to live a life worthy of the calling as a follower of Jesus Christ whose main focus would be to share the Love of Jesus in order that all men-- people everywhere would be saved.

The day before, Sunday - we worshiped with our church family, Calvary Chapel Nairobi. Brent and Elva led worship with Steve, the Jimbay percussionist. We interchanged between English and Swahili with our worship team singing English and Morris (guitar/sang), Nelly (sang), Phineas (sang), Mildred (sang), Fred (piano), and Steve (percussion) who provided an AWESOME time of worship in Swahili. Brent preached that Sunday morning starting our study in James on "GRACE AND UNITY". He had an entire chapter prepared, and the Lord provided only time for versus 1-3. We could have all stayed for more, but the Lord knew what He had in mind...

Grace and Unity was something we as a team came here with and yet, in God's wonderful way of sanctifying us, were challenged with as a team (Don't worry-- it was awesome). Of course, if you're going to preach it, the Lord will speak to you first. :) That is exactly what He did. It was so beautiful to see the Lord working in each of our hearts in order for us to understand, as fully as we can at this stage of our lives, what grace and unity are all about.

There were so many opportunities to extend Grace to each other for the unity of the team. It was an awesome test of our faith and trust in the Lord. On our last meeting with the women's ministry, "Rabuna Fi", we were really able to share from a vulnerable place, what it means to trust in the Lord. Robin shared her experiences with the women, and the Lord really used her testimony to minister to the women that last day.

Melissa and Robin were able to share in the women's ministry on Sat., Wed., and Fri, Rabuna Fi-- a word from the scriptures. It was a sweet time with our sisters as we all prayed for one another on our last day.

The guys, Mike and Brent and all the Calvary Chapel Nairobi brothers, were able to get into the Matatu on our last "ministry" day, and visit each other's homes. A couple of us gals, were able to tag along at the end, because of our word to do our best to visit our brother, Phineas's home. We were welcomed by our brothers with much love. We were so grateful. All the "Home Visits" were especially memorable.

The "Home Bible Fellowship" that Phineas taught at was absolutely led by the Lord and the teaching was so anointed. We were honored to be welcomed and invited to listen to the message. People overflowed from the front room out the door as the study progressed. It reminded us of the early church days, spoken of in Acts.

Everyday from Mon-Thurs, Mike and Brent alternated the Bible study on "Grace and Unity" in a study through James. Brent and Elva led worship the first two nights. The next two nights, Morris and Steve, Fred, and Mildred led worship.

Brent and Elva had several opportunities to just sing and play and worship the Lord with the worship team at CC Nairobi. It was such a sweet time of fellowship. We learned Swahili songs, which Brent DID PLAY on our last Sunday. Unfortunately, Elva lost her voice on Wednesday - the very day she did the worship seminar for the worship team. So, that was the end of all singing for her. We didn't worry about it too much, however. Why? The Lord is sovereign and He knows what He has for Elva. She continued to worship God with her heart-- her lips could only lip sync the rest of the week. :) But she was definitely "making melodies in her heart." - That quote is an inside joke for the team. Ask one of them about it - they'll tell you what that's all about.

Make sure when you ask about "Making melodies in my heart" you tell 'em, "Thumbs Up".

Everyday we ate in: breakfast, lunch and dinner by Eunice was amazing. It was always exciting to see what tasty morsels she would prepare. We had the opportunity to eat out a few times: Carnivore: meat on a stick slid down onto your plate. From Chicken Liver to Crocodile. Yes, I think all of us tried the Crocodile. Ethiopian Restaurant: We sat with our brothers and sisters that we served with in VBS to a very tasty Ethiopian meal where we ate with our fingers from one dish. Karen: the Out of Africa home of Karen where we took a walk in the garden and enjoyed the tall trees, swing, blue skies, and fresh air. Java House: where we enjoyed a great cup of Joe, or Americano, or good 'ole double-shot of espresso.

Every night, (for the most part) we had the opportunity to "debrief." We talked about the events of the day; what the Lord was showing us; sharing from our hearts any concerns and prayer requests. We had some real moments of vulnerability, real moments of tension, and real moments of grace and unity in the midst of all of it.

Also, the night before, Robin made sure we got together to prepare for VBS the next morning. VBS everyday, went VERY well. God completely glorified Himself. We loved the children so much and grew so attached to them. It was a joy to get to know their personalities. Some of us had younger children. Some of us had older children. Some of us had a mixture. All of the children, though, had such respect for their "Teachas." For days, whenever we would ask the children a question, the team heard "Cha", "Cha", "Cha" being yelled from the children. Finally on Day 3 of VBS, a couple of us caught on that they were actually yelling, "Teacha" or teacher. :)

It was little things like that, that make our experience in Nairobi, Kenya - with the beautiful people in Africa that are outside of YOU, the reader's, realm of experience.

Something we've been made aware of when we go back home, is that "You" the reader have not experienced what we have experienced. Therefore, you may read this excerpt, be excited about reading it, but walk away and forget about it. This is understandable. This is somewhat expected.

Our hope through this blog is one that is covered and will be covered in prayer. We have attached, and will continue to attach the pictures of the people we encountered and of the experiences we were able to photograph for you. However, unless your own experience in reading this blog is not covered in prayer for the people and missionaries of this blog... it will be very difficult to connect with the people and experiences this blog seeks to draw you into.

Our heart is that you would be stirred for missions to:
1) Proclaim to the Lord: "Here I Am, Send Me" AND I WILL PRAY
OR
2) Lord, Here I am - I will Send someone with the finances you have given me or support those on the mission field WHILE I cannot be there -- and I WILL PRAY!

Our GREATEST hope and desire, is that you would help us to pray for our brothers and sisters both missionaries and those serving the Lord locally here in Africa.

Africa is on the verge of something grand, something great in the Lord. We've stated it before, Prayer is not preparation. Prayer is the Work.

Do you want to be a part of what God is doing in the world to bring about His will that all men be saved? Let's do this together. Let the Lord stir up your heart. We asked how the Lord would keep us in a place of NOT FORGETTING what He has done here... for Africa, AND IN EACH ONE OF US... His answer came by way of our team leader, Brent. Pray. That is the work. So, that is what we are committed to doing.

Stay tuned. Prayer meeting for missions to be announced in the coming weeks. It will be a commitment on our part to be faithful to meet together on a regular basis.

"Pray that the Lord of the Harvest will send the laborers." Are you willing to do this work with us? Are you willing to allow the Lord to stir your heart?

There is so much more to be said of the trip, but unless you come, it would be so hard to give you the full grasp. We hope what we have said would stir you up to forget the things of this world, and hold on, to what is eternal.

In our Savior, Jesus Christ - who died and rose again and will come again,
Brent, Mike, Melissa, Robin, and Elva

More Vacation Bible School & Brent heeding the Call to Worship

2008-08-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

Vacation Bible School

2008-08-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

Here we are "Staring at the sea of beautiful faces" our first day of VBS. We've also posted a picture of one of the groups of kids.

We had 10 groups: A and B, (blue, red, yellow, white, green).
We had 20 teachers/helpers.
We had 350 to 400 children come on any given day.
We played games, did crafts, sang, performed dramas, and Elva, Melissa, Brent, and mike taught a lesson on each of the four days.
Meshak and Fred translated.
Steve, Joyce, Nelly, Chris and a few others participated in the dramas and leading songs of praise and worship.

More Pictures of our time here...

2008-08-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

Ethiopian Meal together and the Home Fellowship Bible Study! We'll try to post a picture of Phineas who leads the study!

A few pictures of our time here...

2008-08-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

Freedom in Christ Concert night - Elva met up with Esther Moonzwe's sister in Nairobi!
Robin and Damaris sat together and fellowshipped at Rabuna Fi.
Melissa and Elva were welcomed into Monica's home along with Nelly and Phineas as their guide and facilitators of the Home Visit -- such a sweet time of prayer and testimony!
Melissa loved on many of the children!

Freedom in Christ

2008-08-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

The Freedom in Christ Concert was a blast. The Lord had given Elva a song two days before we left for Africa. It was the first song she sang, and she called the whole team up to sing it, as we had been singing it for a couple of days together.

The Lord surprised everyone - including Elva (because she remembered) when she sang the chorus of her song "Send me" in Swahili. "Happa Nipo, Buana, Ni Tume." When she asked that only those who were serious about the Lord using them to raise their hands to the sky and sing it from their hearts - almost everyone was lifting hands to the sky crying out, "Here I am, OH God! Send Me!" It was very moving. It was very much the Lord.

#4: Half-way Across the World – South of the Equator

2008-08-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

We spent two hours at the Nairobi Airport getting through immigration, customs, and the sea of bags littered everywhere in Baggage Claim. Despite getting only 8 of 11 bags, we remained in great spirits. It became too exciting, not to be excited…we are in Kenya!

Our accommodations at the Far Reaching guest house were far better than we expected. We met Pastor David and Twinkle Zavala and their two lil' beauties from Calvary Chapel Nairobi. They are our hosts. Tom and Cheryl, Erica and Vicky, of Far Reaching Ministries are also here for a time. Taking care of us (making wonderful food and serving us with such love) are Joyce and Eunice, ladies who attend and serve at CC Nairobi. They greeted us with warm breakfast upon our arrival from the airport.

After our morning security briefing and a sweet time of prayer, we headed out to lunch where we had Italian—that’s right. We’re in Kenya and we had pizza. ☺ We all shared a few pizzas and laughed a considerable amount—this is nothing new.

Calvary Chapel Nairobi sits on Ngong Road in Nairobi Kenya on the road to Karen. Immediately upon meeting our Family in Christ at CCN, we were instant childhood friends as there was a kindred spirit amongst us—the Lord’s, no doubt. We hit the ground running. Our new-found brothers and sisters then led us into the slums where we handed out Freedom in Christ Concert and Vacation Bible School invitations to as many adults and children as possible (1000 total). The team jumped to action, but we all agreed that Brent, Team Leader, came alive as he greeted each person or group. It was so exciting and encouraging seeing each team member using the gifts God has given them to minister to people as we met them on the dirt roads and near their patchwork homes.

Funny thing, the children…they wanted more than one flyer. We tried explaining that these weren’t tickets, but all could come. Paper or no paper. “No more for you, you just come on Monday!” ☺

We came back to the guest house where dinner was waiting for us (Thank you Eunice and Joyce!) We then sat around and shared with one another all that God was teaching us and showing us from the day. Walls came down and our vulnerability to Jesus and to one another in Christ was so very revealing and encouraging. The Unity that God has brought the team cannot be described with words. We know this is a Unity that God is desiring for His Church as a whole.

We are praying that the heart for the lost--that God is giving us: a heart to do more than just throw up a prayer, now and again, for people of the world; a heart that is full of compassion and is seeking that God would use us individually and as a group; a heart to care for people we have never met by supporting ministries that are out in the field; a heart to be a part of the Salvation God will bring when the laborers are sent out to Harvest—we are praying that as you read just a snippet of what we are experiencing, you would be moved and the fire in your heart would be stoked in the same way God is moving in us.

We have shed tears, hugs, laughter, prayer, Bible Study, and songs. We are standing on the front lines of something great: something that only our God is capable of. Where does God want you? Are you running from a calling? God has impressed upon us to heed the call and submit in obedience: that is where we find His freedom. We are here to be used. He will use us wherever we are. Ask Him to give you a passion for the lost: to forsake your own hopes and dreams for the Hope of eternal life, not just for you, but those He calls you to.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
Pray for Brent: that God would heal his cold.

Pray for Mike: that God would continue to stir up the gifts in Him and give Him a stoked fire that cannot be quenched.

Pray for Melissa, Elva, and Robin: that the Lord would use them to minister to the women of Rabuna Fi.

#3: Los Angeles to San Francisco to London to Nairobi.

2008-08-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

We thought checking in at Los Angeles would be costly and difficult because of all of the tubs and luggage we were taking for Vacation Bible School. However, God granted us favor in the way of Kym from United. If the internet signal is strong enough, we’ll post a pic of her. ☺ It was off to SFO where we met “Minnie” and shared how much God loves her. We also shared Jesus with Justice and Ose along the way.

Eight hours after we'd left San Francisco, we were in London. We had the opportunity to take the tube to Piccadilly. For lunch, we shared fish'n'chips, shepherd's pie, still water, and LOTS OF LAUGHTER at an English restaurant.

On our plane to Nairobi, we fellowshipped with one another and caught some desperately needed shut-eye, though most of us only caught a few hours of sleep. We watched (via the Plane Tracker on our screens) with great anticipation as our plane flew into Africa. As we neared Nairobi at 6:00AM, we caught the beginnings of a beautiful African Sunrise. As we touched down in Nairobi on Friday Morning, 10 hours ahead of California, excitement grew in each one of us. Upon landing, we climbed the stairs down onto the tarmac where we proceeded to walk down taxiways in no particular order or line… just a mob of folks exiting the aircraft. We took the opportunity to take our first pictures in Africa.

When we say we shared laughter. We mean it. It has been so fun and just iron sharpening iron on our journey to Africa. With so much unity and love for one another in Jesus, we can only venture to say, that we are expecting one exciting journey—Into Africa.

PRAYER REQUESTS: Please pray for the faith to use the gifts and abilities that God has given us - Spiritual gifts, that we would walk in boldness, becoming FREE to love the people here with no apprehension or fear, but with power, love, and sound-mind.

Please Pray for Brent, he is teaching Sunday Morning: that God's word would cut deep into every heart, and that His word would not return void, and that Brent would be the mouthpiece and vessel God uses.

Please Pray that Mike's luggage is found and is returned to us.

Please Pray for Brent and Elva, they are leading worship Sunday morning with Steve the drummer, one of the guys from CCNairobi: that God would use them to take the hands of the people and be ushered in, together, into God's presence.

Please Pray that Melissa is healed from her cold.

Please Pray for Elva: She will be doing the Freedom in Christ Concert on Sunday evening: that the worship and songs would seep deep into the hearts of all those whose ears hear the words and music; that the Holy Spirit would reach down into the depths of their souls and cause them to turn from their sin, into everlasting life in Jesus; and for the Christians, that they would be enboldened and cry out, "Here I Am, Send Me!"

Please Pray that Robin is filled with God's Spirit as she prepares to teach on Wednesday and heads up the Vacation Bible School on Monday!

#2: Meet the Team: Read about how God called and led them to Africa.

2008-08-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

Meet Elva:
As I prepare to go to Nairobi, Kenya with my church family, Calvary Chapel Beach Cities and Far Reaching Ministries -- extended an extra week with World Harvest -- I don't think I can prepare myself for WHAT I will see. The Lord has been working in several areas of my heart and life, and trusting Him - even when life presents itself in ways I would never orchestrate. God, however, is the conductor of the life - the composer, creator, and ultimate sovereign one, and if we simply MOMENT BY MOMENT put our hope and trust in Him, life will unfold before our eyes in ways we could never expect. When stormy days and tumultuous waves crash against our comfy boat -- Jesus asks if we have the faith to continue to trust in Him.

The Calvary Chapel Missions Conference in Murrietta proved to be a turning point in my life: with three different people who did not or barely knew me prayed for me concerning Africa and one prayed concerning serving a particular religious group. Two weeks after that, I was contacted by World Harvest whose ministry involved both groups. 8 months after the conference, I find myself going to Africa.

The Lord didn't put in on my heart to send letters to ask for support in going: not this time. In fact, I felt very strongly that I was NOT to write letters for this particular mission's trip. The last week before the funds were due, I resigned to not going, as I had not raised all the funds. I even told a few people I wasn't going... when I learned that... the funds were in, and I WAS GOING!

So, Jesus has made it very clear that He is leading me, and off to Africa is where I am headed. My husband, Brian, who is unable to go, has been my greatest encouragement and cheerleader for what God is about to do. There is nothing, I in myself, have to offer those I am going to serve. It is only Jesus in us, that pours out His Life and Love through us, when we are empty of ourselves. Praying, spending time with Jesus, and fellowshipping with those I'll be serving with, is my only means of truly preparing. While I am catching up on the culture and devastation of these areas, it the Lord working through me by the power of His Holy Spirit that His ULTIMATE plan will be accomplished.

Please pray for our team...to that end. That Jesus would be lifted up and that we would TRULY be His hands and His feet.

What is it that God is calling you to do? Are your eyes open to make the most of every opportunity? Have you shared your faith with someone recently? Ask God to give you the opportunity AND the boldness through the Holy Spirit to speak out in faith. If you ask this, you truly will see Him answer. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (or fear), but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline (or sound mind). (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV/NKJV).

Meet Brent:
His Story Coming Soon.

Meet Robin:
Her Story Coming Soon.

Meet Melissa:
Praise the Lord for all that HE has done to get me on HIS way. He gets all of the GLORY for this trip. I am so excited to see how He will work amongst our team and stretch me beyond my reality to more of His.

He started to prick my attention toward a short term mission trip by way of multiple friends who are either in full time ministry or have had the opportunity to take a short term mssion trip. My desire started to build as I vicariously experienced the blessings they received from serving Him in a bigger way. My church, Calvary Chapel Beach Cities, announced that we were planning to send a team on a short term trip initially to the Ukraine. I was on board...wherever the Lord wanted to send us. Somehow these plans fell through which spurred the research and building of the trip to Africa.

As I began to pray, I realized that God had already provided for the BIG needs prior to me asking. In the process He revealed that this is completely in line with Scripture. Please take a look at Isaiah 65:23-24 which states "Before they call, I will answer them; and while they are still speaking, I will hear." and Genesis 24:15 "Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor, came out with a jar on her shoulder." (It is better to read both in context) Practically, I am required to take ten consecutive days off of work which is exactly the period of the trip. This was a huge blessing because I would not incur resistance or put undue stress on my team at work. Second, I saw God provide for the financial means to send me on the trip very soon upfront. I received support from my family after initial concern due to the unrest in Nairobi. My mom considered an encounter with a candidate for a job at her clinic who is from Nairobi to be God's way of reassuring her directly. My dad had a similar reassuring encounter much later in the process. I am blessed that God works in such intimate, personal ways in order to meet our needs. He continues to display is character as his "El Roi" name displays in that He sees us right where we are and meets us. HE is a good God who is more than worthy to be praised.

Most importantly He confirmed His call on my life to go to Africa through Scripture. He brought me Isaiah 58:9-11 on three occasions. Please read the whole chapter for context, but the verses state, "Then you will call and the Lord will answer. You will cry and He will say, 'Here I am.' If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness, and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desie of the afflicted, then your light will rise in the darkness and your gloom will become like midday. And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail." Meeting the needs of the afflicted...going to the widows and orphans...meeting tangible, spiritual, emotional needs seems to beat very in-tune with the heartbeat of God. I feel blessed to get to see Him move in a way that is so important to Him. He confirms this thought in James 1:27 which states " Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep onself unstained by the world."

I have seen confirmation along the way which has increased my faith beyond measure. Some of these have been through friends who have confirmed the call on my life and committed to pray. THANK YOU! Your prayers and petitions are invaluable and the most important thing in God's economy. Another was a song by Caedmon's Call titled Two Weeks in Africa which resulted in a fellowship moment with the cashier and a song which basically describes our trip. I ask myself if this is coincidence? Probably not! Finally, direct answers to prayer through provision of jerseys for our sports camp and spiritual movement amongst my circle of influence. Please continue to pray for salvation.

I challenge you to take the time to get to know our God in an intimate way. HE is an amazing God of adventure, surprise, and amazement. Get quiet with Him, block out the cares, distractions of the world and let Him reveal HIS reality. It is beyond anything you could ever ask or imagine. The decision to follow Him as your personal Lord and savior is just the beginning of the exciting adventure He has planned for your life. Are you up for it?

Thank you for keeping our team in prayer as we embark on this trip. I truly do consider this to be a partnership in which God uses all parts of the body in order to effectively accomplish HIS purpose. You are just as much a part of the team as those of us going and we need you. I can't wait to come back and have amazing stories to glorify Him for His goodness and the great things He will accomplish on the trip.

Meet Mike:
His Story Coming Soon.

#1: Africa on the Horizon - Preparing to Go

2008-08-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

Robin, 100% Deet, Grace, Pants, Brent, Tylenol, Skirts (for some of us), Rain Jackets, Melissa, Beads, Construction Paper, Smiley Faces, Unity, Microphone, Anticipation, Paper Noses, Holy Spirit, Prayers, Eyes, Bibles, Puzzles, Elva, Vacation Bible School Lessons, Mike, Sunscreen, and the Armies of the Living God.

What do the words on this list have in common? They are all going to Africa. In preparation for Africa, Vacation Bible School Lessons and Crafts have been put together by Debbie and Robin -- the rest of the team had the priviledge to join in the festivities by putting all their hard work into baggies.

Also in preparation, the team and many of you from Beach Cities Calvary, helped us host a Worship Concert to partner together in praying, sending, and worshiping together to ask the Lord to lead our trip Into Africa. Whereas there are movies about coming Out Of Africa, the blogs in these next few weeks will be about us going Into Africa. You'll learn daily what to pray for and read the stories of what God is doing in our midst.

So many of you have helped in so many ways. Some seen and some unseen. But know that our God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Your efforts have not gone unseen or unrewarded by Jesus.

Please watch the video in the link provided in this Blog so that you can pray WITH US for the REAL people and faces we will encounter. Until I watched the video about REAL people, it was only an idea, a word-Africa. Now, they are real people, with real pain; REAL hopelessness. We have seen a great Light. That Light is Jesus. We are asking Him to SHINE through us, that these very real hearts, would be open to a VERY REAL SAVIOR.

Please pray to that end.
Waiting and Watching--
Elva on behalf of The Journey of Five Missionaries (Brent, Mike, Robin, Melissa, and me)

Prayer is not preparation for the work. PRAYER IS THE WORK! (Oswald Chambers)

PLEASE PRAY!!! WATCH THE VIDEO NOW! http://tv.oneworld.net/article/view/156934/