On The Way Home!

I'm long overdue for an update! A ton has happened since my last post.

Thank you all soooo much for your prayers! We need them so much. God has been really working. Monday morning (April. 28th) After the concerts in Fenelon Falls and Lindsey, we headed back to Hounsomes for the day. We had some really good prayer times with them that evening. Tuesday (April. 29th) we left the Hounsome home and traveled to near King City to the same group of people (Forget Me Nots band) that gave me the stand-up bass last year. They have done music together for years. They treated us like kings and fed us fantastic food. Wednesday, we set-up and did a concert in the evening at a small hall nearby. Apparently there were a lot of non-Christians at that concert. We pray that the seeds planted will be fruitful.

With a few of our friends from the "Forget Me Not" group in front of their home:


Thursday morning we left our dear "Forget Me Not" friends and headed to Aylmer, Ont. It was a very full day as we had to travel 8 hours and set-up and do a concert in the East Elgin Community Complex. But God gave us enough energy to do it all. We were able to talk with James Heikoop a bit (my cousin's fiance) after the concert. We stayed at the Peters family's home that night. They have 9 kids and are homeschooled as well. They were a very hospitable family and even did research on our websites to find out what food we liked. :) They served us some delicious whole wheat tortillas that they made for supper. They even had some dark chocolate out for us. :)

Friday morning, we had another fairly long driving day as we traveled to Cobden, Ont. do to a concert at the Whitewater Wesleyan Community Church. They had an incredible supper ready for us at the church. The church was quite new. We did the concert at 7:00 PM. After the concert, me, Joel, Emily, Jeremiah and Jesse and Heidi stayed at the Garfat home. We had a really good stay with them.

Saturday we traveled to Ottawa. We stayed at my dad's cousin's home, Randy and Evelyn Jost. We had such a refreshing time there. Sunday morning, we did a concert at the Community Bible Church on the other side of Ottawa (Stittsville). It was probably one of the hardest concerts for me to do as we were really tired and felt rather empty. But, there were several comments from people stating how there were very ministered to and encouraged. Which proves that God can work no matter how you are feeling. :) Saturday evening, we did a concert at The MET. It went really well and the people reallly seemed to be receptive. Afterwards, for the first time, we met another Jost boy. Randy's son Nathan Jost. :) That was a treat. Really nice guy.

Monday morning, we left Ottawa and traveled all the way back to the Hounsomes home. They had one of the most amazing Turkey dinners ready for supper! So delicious! With strawberry rhubarb pies with ice cream for dessert :)

Tuesday, the Hounsomes and us all headed to Toronto for a Blue Jays game on 'Toonie Tuesday' again. It was so fun to take two huge families to the game again. :) We were able to walk around Blue Jays way for a while before the game. It was a great game even though they lost 5-4, but it was so much fun to hang out there. We all wore orange and the Hounsomes and us made in onto the Jumbotron screen twice. :)

If you look close, you can see us on the big screen:


Wednesday and Thursday, we stayed at the Hounsomes and recharged. We spent quite a while in devotions and prayer with the Hounsomes. It is so refreshing to get together with young people and be able have no wall between regular talk and spiritual conversations. Derek, Jim and Marilyn McDonald came by for a visit, too. It was so great to be with them, and share memories of Mark. On Thursday, Zack drove me, Gabe and Joel into Orillia to donate blood. It was my first time donating. An interesting experience. :)

Friday, Hounsomes and us headed to Huntsville and had supper with the Strongman family and they served us a BBQ and had a great time with them, playing volleyball after we set up. Afterwards, we did a concert in the Fairview Baptist Church which was right next to the Strongman home.

Saturday morning, after an awesome and spiritually refreshing time with the Hounsomes, we had to say goodbye. The Hounsomes have been such a blessing to us this tour with all their prayers and support. We appreciate their friendship so much and it was very hard to say goodbye.

The Hounsomes and Josts:



Saturday evening we stayed in the Galilean Bible Camp which is near Blind River, Ont. It was so nice to just have the place to ourselves.

Sunday morning, May 11th, was Mother's day. Dad served mom some yogurt in bed. :) I am so grateful for my mom. She has been such an awesome example to all us kids of being spiritually aware and being sensitive to others needs. I love her so much! Afterwards, we did a concert in the Gospel Fellowship Church in Iron Bridge for the morning service. And in the evening we headed over to Echo Bay and did a concert. We had a concert there last year as well. There is a really nice group of people there that are very receptive. Following the concert, me, Joel and Jeremiah were billeted out to the pastor Bill McLeans home.

Monday morning, we left Sault Ste. Marie and crossed the border into Michigan. Monday evening, we did a concert in the Mikado Baptist Church. God's presence really seemed to be there. Afterwards, the Jamieson family had us over and served us some delicious food and had us overnight. Tuesday morning they served us a huge breakfast. We then hit the road and made it to Ironwood, MI. Tomorrow we continue to speed home. We have to get home for our friends wedding that is happening on Sunday.

This tour has been a fair bit more hectic. Did a lot of concerts in a short amount of time. But, God has given us the energy and strength to do them all. We really feel that God is calling us to be doing this, so even when we don't feel like setting up and tearing down before and after concerts, we know this is what God wants, and so that is what we need to do. It really is worth it when people share with us after concerts how they have been affected by the messages in our songs and testimonies. We have so much to pray for.

We can't thank everyone enough for all their prayers. Without God's working hand, our music is just a skeleton.

In Lindsay, Ontario

Wow, been having an awesome tour thus far!!

Sunday (April. 20th)
We left the Minnett home Sunday morning after a very blessed time with their family in Charlton. We traveled from their home to near Orilia, Ont. to the Hounsome family. We were all so excited to get there and reunite with them! They have 14 kids (12 still at home) and we always have a blast with them! Once we unpacked we met with some of their church at a near by hall and fellowshipped together.

Monday (April. 21st) We chilled out with the Hounsomes which included a lot of jamming together in music and Ultimate Frisbee. In the evening, the Hounsomes sang several songs for us which was a real treat. I love to hear other families do music together.

The Hounsome family singing:



Tuesday (April. 22nd) Zack, Shayne and Gabriel Hounsome took Joel and I out to Orillia to play some squash. That was a blast! A new favorite sport for me. :) Afterwards, they took us out to a really nice restaurant for lunch. Later we met up with our family and set up for that night's concert at 'The Church On The Hill' in Orillia. It went really well. We got to spend time with Jim and Marilyn McDonald. We haven't seen them since their son, Mark, had died. They are sure dear people.

Eating out with Zack, Shayne and Gabriel Hounsome:



Wednesday (April. 23rd) We had a bunch fun more with the Hounsomes. :) Zack (who is about my age) and I, love to eat ice cream together. He bought a bunch of ice cream prior to our arrival. Our special 'emoticon' for wanting ice cream is: :)__ It's a guy smiling and drooling for ice cream. :)__ lol. In the evening, Joe Jesseau came over and jammed for a couple hours and had a really good talk.

Thursday (April. 24th) Thursday evening we did a concert at the Tollendale Village in Barrie.Great turnout, and we really appreciate the work that the Kiezebrinks went to for the concert. Afterwards, we had pizza at the Hounsome home. :)

Friday (April. 25th) We left the Hounsomes in the morning and headed to Hamilton to sing at the OCHEC convention. We arrived there around 2:00 PM. At 5:15 there was a break for supper. We set up for the concert then. Shortly after 7:00 we sang our package of music. We very blessed by their response. It was so cool to be there! There was another speaker after us and once she was done we took our part of the equipment and packed up. We then went to a really cool pita place with the Wulff family. Following the pitas, we went to the Wulff family who had us overnight. We arrived at there home at about 12:30 AM and hit the hay. :)

Singing at OCHEC:

Finding something to eat afterwards in Hamilton, Ont.



Saturday (April. 26th) We had a really nice time with the Wulffs. They took us canoing and showed us their property. They have a beautiful place! They served us some delicious tacos for lunch. We then left for Fenelon Falls and set up for the Sunday morning concert.

Sunday (April. 27th) We did a concert at the Fenelon Falls Fellowship Baptist church. They have a really neat church there. After singing, they served us dinner at the church. Afterwards, we took down our equipment and headed to Lindsay, Ont to set up at the Fairview Baptist church. After setting up, we were able to head over to our great aunt and uncle Don and Esther Jost and spend some time with them. They are such a sweet couple. We did the concert at 6:30. Right now, Emily, Joel and I have been billeted out to a couple here in Lindsay. They just ordered us pizza and they have wireless internet. :) I better get off my laptop now.

Thanks again to all those who have been praying for us! God has been so good!

Tour Update (2008-4-19)

We arrived in Winnipeg Saturday (April. 12th) evening to set up for the Sunday morning concert. After setting up, we headed over to Judy Ford's home where we were staying. She is known as our "Aunty Judy" and she is one of the sweetest ladies you would ever meet. She has such a super attitude on life despite the fact she is paraplegic. We stayed at her place from Saturday to Monday morning and had a super time with her. She was did such a great job hosting us.

Picture of Emily with Judy Ford:


On Sunday morning (April. 13th) we had a concert in the Maranatha Free Church in Winnipeg. We were able to meet up with Walter and Chris Martens. It was so cool meet up with them again. Sunday evening, we went over to the Bethel Baptist Church in Winnipeg to do a concert there. It was a great time with Pastor Arden and Judy Boville. God really intervened and gave us energy to sing in spite of some flu.

Monday morning (April. 14), we left Judy Ford's and headed towards Ontario. We stayed overnight in a hotel Monday night in Kenora. Then traveled to Thunder Bay on Tuesday (April. 15th) and stayed in a hotel there Tuesday night. (April. 16th) we traveled to Timmins and arrived at the Morrisette home in the evening. They had some really good tacos waiting. :) Gary and Claudette are incredibly energetic and giving hosts. We enjoyed some amazing meals and great conversation.

Thursday morning (April. 17th) and afternoon we visited with the Morrisettes which included some more great food! :) Thursday evening, we had a concert in Timmins that was held in a school that went very well.

Friday morning (April. 18th), we left Timmins and traveled to the Jim and Judy Minnett home in Charlton. We arrived for for lunch. Afterwards, we unpacked and set up for the concert. That evening, we did a concert in Charlton that was held at another school. It is so neat to see God at work.

Picture from the Charlton concert:


Today (April. 19th) we are chilling out with the Minnetts. They really have a love for people and are being awesome hosts. It is a beautiful, hot sunny day here. Jesse will be leading a youth gathering on a talk about purity this evening.

Judah, Emily, Jesse, Jeremiah all had some sickness in the past week. It looks like everyone is just about back to 100% health wise now though.

Once again, thank you so much to everyone for their prayers!

Now In Winnipeg!

After a very blessed time in Regina with the Durstons and friends, we are on the road again today after 2 days in the town of Langenburg, SK. We had a very blessed time there. We did a concert in the Langengurg theatre on Thursday night. There was a really good turn out. The concert was held in a renovated theatre that seated 300 and it was pretty much packed. It is truly the Lord who brings people out. We really sensed the Spirit and pray that God was able to speak through us.

In the Langenburg Theatre:


Picture of the 'Junior Josties' performing their song:



Friday afternoon, mom spoke at a ladies tea. She really enjoyed that. Friday evening we did a mini-concert for a youth event followed by a really good talk on purity from Jesse and Heidi. Saturday morning, Dad spoke at a men's prayer breakfast. It really seemed that God's spirit was in all the events there. It is so neat to see Him work. We met some really great new friends. Many thanks to the MacKenzies, Munds and Elhards for boarding us!

Emily has been feeling sick the last two days but is starting to feel better now. She still managed to sing in the concerts and still sounded great. :) Please pray that she will completely recover soon and that the sickness won't spread. We just arrived in Winnipeg tonight and set-up for the concert tomorrow morning. We have two concerts tomorrow.

Update and Tour Underway!

It's been crazy busy the last two weeks. We participated in Weekend In The Word this past weekend. It's focus was on studying your Bible. The teacher was Andy Jamieson and I found the teaching very beneficial and feel like I can really dig deeper in my Bible study. Overall, it was really an awesome weekend. Met and re-connected with some really great people.

(pictured is Ben Shonwise with me and Joel!)

Yesterday morning, we left for the 6 week eastern tour. There are currently 20 concerts scheduled. It's so great to have Jesse and Heidi and John-Michael with us again. Jon and Sharla and Lucy are staying home as Lucy is still quite small this time. We'll miss them. Our first stop is here in Regina to do a concert at the Heritage Alliance Church tonight. We are staying with some really great friends, the Durston Family. They really have a heart for the Lord and people around them. I really appreciate their friendship. Havin' a really great time! Today, we are heading out to Langenburg to do a concert there tonight. Your prayers are GREATLY appreciated.

(left to right: Joel, Shea Durston, myself and Tyler. Great buddies!



On another note, on my blog awhile back I shared a Mozilla Firefox ad-blocker. Since then, a friend has informed me that there is an ad-blocker add-on for Internet Explorer.

Here is the link for it:

http://www.ie7pro.com/

Hope you all have a super day in the Lord!

New Album, "Trust In The Lord" Coming Soon

Earlier this month with the help of the Roby Family we were able to finish recording the new CD, "Trust In The Lord". It was rather hectic to get it all done within the time frame, but it was fun.

The new CD will have 11 new songs.

Here is the the track listing:

1	Trust In The Lord
2	Joseph
3	Keep My Heart
4	More Alive
5	Cryin' The Blues
6	Children Are A Heritage
7	Ballad Of The Bridge
8	Daddies Love Your Little Girls
9	If You Only Knew
10	Come To The Cross
11	Mighty Men

Here's Emz recording a vocal.


And here are the ladies recording some bg vocals for the song "More Alive".
The mastered CD and the graphics were sent off the the replicating company last week. CDs should be available by late Mar/early April. We are going on another tour to Ontario from early April to mid May, so we really need to get them before then.

Oh, and here is an updated pic of sweet little lucy:


TTYAL!

Update on 'Lil Lucy!

Thank you so much to everyone that has been praying for Jon and Sharla's precious new baby!
They were finally able to take her home today after being in NICU for one month. They are so excited to be able to bring her home! Lucy has been doing very well and is now over 5lbs. Please pray that there will be no more complications.
We got to see them on their way home today. She is so cute and tiny!

Here are a couple pics:

'Lil Lucy:


And the happy family: