Jeff Arrandale Calendar Update Mar 16, 2011

The following date has been added to the Jeff Arrandale Calendar.

For additional dates and details, visit the Jeff Arrandale Calendar section.

Subscribe to Jeff’s e-mail Newsletter to be notified of his latest news, events, and website updates.

Date	Venue	Details
Friday Mar 25, 2011	Life Center also performing Tyke Michelle Joy with Patterson216 201 E. Locust Des Moines, IA	7PM-10PM Doors open 6:30PM $5 Cover

Jeff Arrandale Gallery – Laos

Candid photos from Jeff Arrandale’s trip to Laos.

View other Jeff Arrandale photo galleries HERE.

Jeff Arrandale Blog – Review & Song

Happy New Year everyone!

Wonderful night back in mid-November doing our report on SE Asia at FCC. It was a night of music as played in-country along with heartfelt stories and testimonies of Certainty’s trek. I shared a little bit of my perspective on the trip and had debriefed with the others before the performance, but actually being there, hearing it again, talking about the photos in conjunction with what the Spirit was doing was pretty amazing. And it was cool to have one of the MIFs (members in the field, aka missionary) in the audience who will soon be taking his family to serve there.

Except for December Sundays and Christmas Eve, I decided to shut it down after a busy second half of the year from a performance standpoint. I needed a rest. It was a blessed time with family, friends, and reflecting on God’s gift to the world. I hope yours was even better!

I did get some time between the holidays to do the catalog recording I mentioned in my last blog. It was kinda fun to just set up a couple of mics and play and sing songs I’ve written over the last several years for no one but God and me, plus Steve (the engineer) pushing the record button. Not sure what will come out of this except a discussion about what songs would be good for an upcoming 5-song EP that I’m hopeful will be produced in 2011. Nothing happens unless God permits it, so my prayer is that I am in His perfect will.

Over the years I’ve had people come up to me and ask how I write a song. I’ve been doing it for a long time now, but since about 1998 it’s been all inspired by God’s Word and good teaching. Yesterday a very close and long-time friend sent an email about his mother who is battling Alzheimer’s from a nursing home in North Central Missouri.

My friend says that since his father died a few years ago he and his two brothers were able to keep her in the home she shared with her husband nearly all their married life. They were able to do this despite her deteriorating condition via part-time in-home day-care during the week and by the brothers taking turns staying with her on the weekends for many months.

When her husband died, she wanted to go with him, but he said, “not yet.” She claims she actually saw her husband shortly after his death and talked to him about many things. The conversation with him gave her peace and helped her through the difficult time. Eventually the brothers had to put her in a home where she has progressively gone downhill.

This week my friend shared that she recognizes few people and she’s not eating, only sleeping, which means it might be time for some pretty tough decisions. My friend and his family weighed heavy on my mind and heart, and I woke up the next morning with a new lyric about a simple, god-fearing, faith-filled, dignified life and the circumstances that may bring it to an end. Here’s what flowed out.

She’s Lived a Good Life – ©2011 Jeff Arrandale

She’s lived a good life, sometimes was kinda hard
With a good, good man, who caught her off her guard
She had her three sons, filled her house when they were young
She says she’s ready to go, ‘cause her time is almost done

She lived a simple life, first her faith, then family
Trusted Jesus since barely passed her father’s knee
She shared His love, accepted grace as it would come
It’s been a faith filled life, and it’s time is almost done

She used to laugh a lot, like a child in the rain
Until her husband died, God had taken, she didn’t blame
Just ached to be with him, but he said it wasn’t time
Now it’s so good again, ‘cause her time is almost done.

She’s lived a long life, some now say it’s been too long
So many people blessed, by her heart – most now gone
O she waits now, for the sweet time to come along
It’s been a good life, the long race is almost run

Today her boys are there, as good and faithful sons
Rememb’ring how she cared, how she watched them when they’d run
Each day is hard on them, they’re the ones now to decide
Wisdom, peace and strength, are what they need to do what’s right

He sat alone with her, not sure if she knew his name
He said, “I love you mom,” She said, “I love you, son, just the same.”
She said, “I’m ready just to go and be with Dad.
It’s been the best life a little girl could ever have.”

The melody came just as easy as the words, which isn’t always the case. The song actually wrote itself backwards from the way I normally write. I tend to fiddle with a chord progression then wait for the words. Well all that is trivial compared to what my friend and his family are going through. I pray daily for the wisdom, peace and strength mentioned above that they will need over the coming weeks and months. I lost my dear grandmother about ten years ago to the same disease and it was hard watching that saintly, similar woman pass. But we can take peace in that God has a plan and is in control and I know I’ll see her someday again.

Whew. Emotional.

For Christ.

Jeff

New Jeff Arrandale podcast series

Jeff Arrandale begins his new regularly updated podcast series which allows you to have a behind the scenes view of what is going on in his world and what is keeping him busy. Be sure to check back often for this podcast series.

In this first episode, Jeff discusses his recent trip to Laos, working on new songs for an upcoming recording project, new additions to the website, and much more.

You can check out this new podcast series here. Jeff’s latest podcast episode is always available for streaming on the front page of his website here.

Jeff Arrandale Calendar Update Dec 21, 2010

The following date has been added to the Jeff Arrandale Calendar.

For additional dates and details, visit the Jeff Arrandale Calendar section.

Subscribe to Jeff’s e-mail Newsletter to be notified of his latest news, events, and website updates.

Date	Venue	Details
Friday Dec 24, 2010	Fellowship Community Church Christmas Eve Candle Light Service 225 North Avenue Norwalk, IA	5PM-7PM

Jeff Arrandale Blog – Back from SE Asia

What a great trip to SE Asia! It doesn’t seem possible, but I’ve been back for a couple of weeks and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity I had to go. I had amazing prayer support – so much so that it was apparent in way to many situations to not be apparent for what it was. There was a special hedge of protection throughout the air travel and in-country travel, around health while gone, around our group’s unity and, most importantly, around our spiritual protection.

Even though the country is enslaved by Buddhism, animism, and communism, the people we encountered didn’t seem much different from you and me. In the area where we were, a small river city of 30 thousand or so and its nearby villages, people were industrious, hard-working, friendly, and curious about us. It seemed nearly every structure along the streets and roads we traveled had some sort of shop or business along with being the primary residence, either upstairs or in back. Most who were going somewhere traveled via little motorcycles. We saw uniformed elementary students, uniformed police, and uniformed government officials. While the food is different from here we didn’t go hungry. I had ice cream at least once per day and still lost 5 pounds. At the markets, we saw fresh beef, pork, chicken, fish, vegetables, fruits, and spices being sold along with more exotic (at least to me) “food” like crickets, eels, leaches, bats, and squid.

One thing I noticed is the number of people, especially students, who spoke or were learning to speak English. Many loved trying their new language out on the American, which made for great fun and much laughter. I was grateful they were understanding of my limited knowledge of their language. Before leaving the U.S. and while in-country I learned five basic phrases with two of them being “Thank you,” and “Thank you very much.” Ha!

As planned, I performed with Certainty in support of a company who promotes clean water and personal hygiene. We played at bustling markets in 5 different villages over five days while the company’s staff sold water filters. We were loud and sang Christian rock and worship songs, though we disguised most of the lyrics since we’d been advised to be wise in this country where people can’t freely worship the One True God and His Son Jesus. We kept ourselves humble by interacting with as many as we could while encouraging the staff in their efforts. We were told that 74 water filters were sold during our performances, and everyone, including the company’s leadership, seemed pleased. We were told that what we did was “ground-breaking,” at least in the part of the country we were in. What we did wasn’t unlike the worshippers going before the Israelites in Old Testament battles. The enemy knew we were there.

It was a blessing to learn that many on the staff already call Jesus “savior.” I pray that God would use these people to enlighten their fellow countrymen and that they be bold in their witness. I also pray they will be protected by the Holy Spirit as they proclaim His name (mostly in secret and small underground groups) in this country where Christians are persecuted on a daily basis. One village we played in had a believer who had just been released from prison after serving 9 months for sharing the gospel. Another believer in that village had been in prison for 6 months and no one knows when or if he will be released.

Another very important thing I did as we toured the city, villages, and temples was pray. My heart broke for the young monks we visited with at one temple. When asked what they did there and they said they went to school, which was in session at that time. They were asked what they studied and they said their religion mostly. When asked if they were taught other religions, they said, “no.” When asked if they had ever heard the name of Jesus, they said, “no.” God is capable of great things, even overcoming the deception they’ve been told for years.

Philippians 2:10-11

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The Great Commission from Matthew and the verse above is the reason I went on this trip. God calls us to gather worshipers from every nation, or people group. The country we visited, though small, is the home of hundreds of different people groups and very few have ever heard the name of Jesus. Philippians 2:10 says in part “…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” I believe this means everyone, whether their faith has been put in Christ or not, will one day bow before Jesus. I think it would be better if more bow out of love for the Savior rather than obligation and it’s my prayer that those bowing out of love will include a multitude from SE Asia.

Since I’ve been home I’ve had time process what I saw and learned and my heart goes out to the lost there. They need our prayers. They need us. They need you. They need Jesus.

Until next time,
Jeff

Jeff Arrandale Blog – Busy, busy, busy

“Busy, busy, busy ….” You remember the evil magician in Frosty the Snowman. That was his mantra in the first part of the show as he was running around with his head cut off. It’s been like that for me for the last month or so, thus the lateness of this post.

Lots of performances including another visit with the men of Live from the Path internet radio show and with some amazing college student worshipers from Zambia, Africa. When you throw in the preparations for the trip to SE Asia, you have “busy, busy, busy.”

I joined the guys from Live From The Path on Monday, October 04 for a full two hours and got to perform three songs: Race, Not Here for Me, and a request for I Can Feel You Watchin’. You can check out some of my performances on Live From The Path on my Video page HERE. You can get links to the podcasts I was a part of and find out more about Live From The Path at www.livefromthepath.org.

Malachi 1:11 – My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to the place where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord Almighty.

I saw that verse lived out on Sunday night, October 10, as I performed with Certainty in support of a group of students from Zambia, Africa. This group came to the States to meet supporters who helped fund and build their brand new college over the last 5-10 years. It’s the first group of students to go through the school whose mission is to raise up and train native pastors that will spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in that poor country.

After we opened and got the place jumpin’ a bit, the Zambians gave an excellent a cappella performance that was high in energy. The name of the Lord was lifted high that night, and it is apparent that His name will be great among the nations and He will be praised from where the sun rises to where it sets.

Preparations for the trip to southeast Asia have gone well. As a group we’ve rehearsed and met regularly to pray, to have some language instruction, and to be somewhat indoctrinated into the culture, government posture to what we are doing, and what we can expect day-to-day during the trip. We’ve also sampled food that will be similar to what we might be eating while we are gone. This worries me a bit as I’m used to a pretty bland diet of meat and potatoes, but I can surely tough it out for 10 days. As I write this I’m packing and going through final spiritual and physical preparations. If you think of it, prayer needs include:

• Unity amongst the group I’ll be performing with
• For God’s hand on the flights and connections to the country. In all, the flight time totals 22 hours over two days with three connections– both to and from (that’ll be a minor miracle in itself)
• For cohesiveness with the in-country business we’ll be performing in support of
• For food, lodging, health, rest, and personal needs (we’ll be in rural districts with little to no sanitation or clean water)
• For family that will be at home
• And most of all, that the name of Jesus will be worshiped in this place and that we will trust God fully. As was the case in the Old Testament, we will be going before God’s army in what really is a spiritual battle.

One thing I know for sure is that is God will go before us and will be our rear guard as well. Look for a post-trip report from the trip in my next blog.

Lastly, upon my return, the performance schedule will be minimal because I hope to spend a little time doing some guitar-only demos. This will help me catalog songs and start to put some thought around what I hope is a future recording project.

That’s all for now. Thanks for checking in!

Jeff

Jeff Arrandale Calendar Update Oct 04 2010

The following date has been added to the Jeff Arrandale Calendar.

For additional dates and details, visit the Jeff Arrandale Calendar section.

Subscribe to Jeff’s e-mail Newsletter to be notified of his latest news, events, and website updates.

Date	Venue	Details
Sunday Oct 10, 2010	Certainty performing at Fellowship Community Church for Transformed (FCC Youth) Appearing with Gospel Link Bible College students from Zambia, Africa Norwalk, IA	6PM

Jeff Arrandale Blog – Blessed and Amazed

Hello again and thanks for checking in on what’s going on. God continues to bless and amaze. Let me tell you about it.

This summer, a young couple in our church volunteered each Sunday to teach children the meaning of worship. The 3-month session was called All In Worship and not only did they teach the children songs, they taught them the meaning of the songs and the passages in the Bible from where they came. The kids learned to focus on God as they worshiped, to clap along as they sang, and to close their eyes and lift holy hands toward God as well.

I was blessed to be asked to join them in teaching songs and we had a lot of fun together. One thing I taught was that if we, God’s children, don’t worship Him and the one whom He sent, the rocks and hills will. Christ said in Luke 19 when the Pharisees told Him to rebuke His disciples for blessing the king who comes in the name of the Lord, “I tell you…if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

At the end of the session, we gave each child a CD with some of my music so they could play and sing with them when riding in the car with Mom and Dad. I got to know the kids a little and they got to know me. Now we high five in the hall for God!

I had lots of fun at Spirit Midwest last month performing on the first evening with Certainty and it turned out to be a nice night with plenty of music, fellowship with fans and other musicians, good food, and mega amounts of mosquitoes. Ouch! I’m still scratching.

There was a performance at the Granger Praise Fest in Granger, IA , and early in September I played in support of Meals from the Heartland, as thousands of volunteers packaged meals for delivery to starving people around the world.

Plans continue to for the upcoming trip to and performance in the “closed county” I told you about in the last blog. I’m waiting to tell you the name of the place in order to avoid “tipping my hand” to authorities there. Spiritual roadblocks are starting to pop up in a big way, but that just means the evil one is working to thwart what God wants to do in that unreached country.

The spiritual warfare that goes on there reminds me of Frank Peretti’s books This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness. Ephesians 6:12 says that our “struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the authorities of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Battles are fought every day against these forces for the souls of those who don’t know Christ. The only way to overcome them is by putting on the full armor of God and through the power of prayer.

The country where I am going is a dark place spiritually, one where the name of Jesus is rarely uttered and where very few experience the joy of knowing Him. This darkness hates The Light that is Jesus Christ. As I prepare to go, please pray for the spiritual and physical protection of the team that will perform with me and that God would use us to shine His Light there. Can’t wait to see what God’s going to do there through the performances.

Until next time, praise God!

Jeff

Jeff Arrandale Calendar Update Aug 24 2010

The following date has been added to the Jeff Arrandale Calendar.

For additional dates and details, visit the Jeff Arrandale Calendar section.

Subscribe to Jeff’s e-mail Newsletter to be notified of his latest news, events, and website updates.

Date	Venue	Details
Friday Sep 03, 2010	Certainty performing at Meals for the Heartland Hy Vee Hall Iowa Events Center 730 3rd Street Des Moines, IA (515) 564-8000 Directions	7PM-8PM

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