Greetings!  It has been WAYYYYY too long since I've communicated with all of my wonderful webworld friends, supporters and family.  Please forgive me for slacking in the area of communication.  I have no good excuse except to say that life happens at a rapid rate these days! =)

In a nutshell, my time in Brazil and holidays shortly following my return home really wiped me out!  I landed in Phoenix from Rio DeJaneiro on December 9th, 2000 with a double ear infection... and let's just say that I was in LOTS of pain.  It took me the rest of the year to recuperate.  But here it is April, and I still haven't written to say what's been goin' on!  

So, here I am to tell you -- 

The first half of this year has been dedicated mainly to two specific activities.

First - WORK.  Yep, I still have to eat and pay rent, so I have been doing my consulting business for a few clients and thoroughly enjoying it.  I meet some of the neatest people and find great encouragement in helping them with their business software applications.  It is quite the rewarding career and also an opportunity to be the salt and light of the world in corporate USA.  (Pix to left is my client in Benson, AZ.. colleagues, Arnold, Ian, and client, Toni & Nadine).

No offense to my lovely clients, but my second activity worth noting is the most exciting -- I've been working with some local musicians here in Phoenix and forming a band!  Yipppeeee!  This is so exciting and invigorating!!!!  We have our first live public appearance this coming Saturday, April 14th at Jesus Chapel's Cafe D'Vine in Scottsdale.  God has answered a prayer that I've sown for years to work with musicians who have a similar vision in reaching the lost.  What a group of loving and talented people God brought together... may I introduce you?

1) Jay Horvath - 
You might remember Jay from the October article he wrote for this website regarding our experience at the CCV Women's retreat.  Jay has been instrumental (pun completely intended) in working with me for that ministry effort as well as this one.  Due to my traveling for work and other activities, I call Jay the "Anchor" who keeps things moving in Phoenix... keeping us on track.  We have been praying and fasting for several months that God would lead us to the right people to work with in forming this band whose mission is to reach the lost!  It has been slow-going, but God has provided (and will continue).  Jay has pretty much offered his home, equipment, kind spirit, and incredible musical talents to spearhead the formation of a band capable of playing some of the top Christian pop/alternative music... and eventually some originals of our own. 

2) Nancy Barto -
Nancy is a soft-spoken, and funloving woman of God with whom I so enjoy working (or can we legally call this work??  more like play!).  She has a beautiful voice that blends so freely with mine that it is almost as if God made them to go together for His purposes!!  She has plenty going on with her youngest daughter still very much involved with high school activities, but she greatly desired to sing for Jesus!  We worked together one other time for the CCV Women's retreat back in Oct 2000, and I told her to be praying about doing future ministry together.  She did!... and WE are!!  

3) Paul Downey -
Paul has been a friend of mine since I moved to Phoenix back in 1998.  We sang a duet together for Sonrise Service at Radiant Church in Surprise Arizona ... oh it's been at least two years since then... but that was one of our first partnerships together for the Kingdom.  We've maintained our friendship since then, for which I am ever grateful.  When I told Paul I was praying about forming a band to be used the expand the Kingdom of God, he was gung-ho! (is that how you spell that silly word?)  He has a heart of gold and desires to truly please the Lord with his gift of singing... and he is.  

4) Ken Hodges -
I've known Ken for at least 2 years ++... when I met Ken he was actively involved with Christ's Church of the Valley (and still is... actually, now he's on staff) where I am a member.  He has been learning to play the bass guitar for the last year or so, and he has a deep desire to play for the Lord.  What an answer to prayer.  He too played at the CCV Women's retreat back in October.  He and Jay really work well together, as they have met many times on their own to better their skills.  I am so grateful to have Ken on board, and I know he delights in playing for the Lord.

5) Rick -
Rick is the newest addition to our band... the much needed drummer.  Jay and I met him by way of another musician/drummer who is too busy at present to play with us.  We prayed a long time for a drummer, and we certainly praise God for bringing Rick our way.  He loves keep'n the beat for the King!! =)  and for us!  He adds a new dimension not only to the sound of the song selection but also to the personality of the band.  He is definitely a giver of his gifts to God... investing his talents for the good works of the Kingdom.  I am enjoying getting to know him more.

So that's the gang!  I am hopeful you will someday meet each in person... if not here, certainly up above!  =)

I will try to write more as engagements are scheduled and as God's Spirit moves through us.  

Blessings to each of you.  Be encouraged to know that God can do the impossible with the least suspecting vessels... if we are willing!