NTOKOZO MBAMBO ~ a gospel music recording artist, singer, songwriter, wife and mother.

We bring you another Heart to Heart interview with Ntokozo Mbambo, a gospel music recording artist, singer, songwriter, wife and mother. Enjoy her heart.
Inside Woman: Please share your testimony of how you came to know Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Saviour?
Ntokozo Mbambo: I grew up in a very strong Christian home where everyday we went to Church so I grew up in Church. And my aunt kept asking me will I decide to accept Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. On the 19October 1998, during an alter call at Church I just stood up and received Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour.
Inside Woman: There are so many religions out there, why have a relationship with Jesus?
Ntokozo Mbambo: From an early age I always knew that Jesus was alive and real because I saw His hand upon my family. We werent the richest family but God saw us through.
Inside Woman: How important is prayer and studying of the Bible in your walk with Jesus!
Ntokozo Mbambo: It’s extremely important in my walk with Jesus. I get strength through prayer and studying the Word. God speaks to me and I get direction as well. So it’s extremely important.
Inside Woman: Who is the one woman you’ve always looked up to and why?
Ntokozo Mbambo: My mother definitely. She was also a worship leader in the Church and she always gave her best to God in Church when leading the congregation in worship. She’s a prayer-warrior, a woman of great strength, a woman of endless beauty. She’s amazing.
Inside Woman: How important is for you to have the support of matured Christian women surrounding you?
Ntokozo Mbambo: It very important because these are the women that I call when I need to be lifted in prayer. These are the women that give me sound advice when I need it and these are the women that encourage me when I’m going through challenges.
Inside Woman: Tell us about your family.
Ntokozo Mbambo: I’m married to a wonderful husband, Nqubeko Mbatha, and together we have one daughter, Fanelesibonge Ayanga Mbatha. These two bring me great joy.
Inside Woman: What delights you most about being a wife?
Ntokozo Mbambo: I love the fact that my husband and I are different people but we’re crazy about each other, we’re two pieces of a puzzle that came together in order for the puzzle to be complete. He’s a man of great character and I’m truly blessed to have him.
Inside Woman: And what about motherhood, how is that going? Are you still shocked that you gave birth to a real human being and you are responsible for her?
Ntokozo Mbambo: Motherhood is great. My daughter has a lot of energy. She’s constantly picking up things and I’m constantly running after her since she started walking and she’s very affectionate. I find this entire experience quite amazing, in the sense that I carried a human-being in my womb for nine months and this precious being now relys on me to make sure that she fulfills Gods plan & destiny for her life. That is absolutely amazing.
Inside Woman: Did you struggle as a single woman?
Ntokozo Mbambo: Nope, I was very focused on my journey with God and where he’s taking me and my musical career. Besides I married young, so I wasn’t single very long, lol.
Inside Woman: How did you meet your husband and how did you know he was the “one”?
Ntokozo Mbambo: I met my husband when he came to Durban to study at tertiary and I was just a lil’girl who sang. We met in concerts, Church conferences, etc, but nothing was going on there. We saw each other from a distance. Then in 2001 we both joined Joyous Celebration then as the years went by, we got to know each other and we became friends. He became my producer, then we worked even more closely together and we fell in love. I prayed about it and asked God for a specific sign to show me if he really is the one, and God did exactly that. Unfortunately I can’t share what the “sign” was. It’s personal.

Inside Woman: Is marriage everything you thought it would be?
Ntokozo Mbambo: It’s actually so much more than I thought it would be. Because not only am I learning more about my husband but I’m also discovering things about myself, some of them I don’t like, its almost like looking in the mirror and seeing pimples on your face, lol.
Inside Woman: If you could give one piece of advice to someone who’s about to say, “I do!” what would it be?
Ntokozo Mbambo: Firstly be 100 percent sure that he’s “the one” and secondly a happy marriage is worked on. Marriage is not for lazy people, you keep working on it to keep the fire alive. And lastly don’t ever stop doing the fun things you did together before you got married.
Inside Woman: What would you say to someone who is feeling like they are never going to find that special someone to spend the rest of their life with?
Ntokozo Mbambo: I would honestly tell them to keep their eyes on Jesus because when you’re too desperate, you chase true love away, but when you’re eyes are on God, you attract love. And you also don’t want to find yourself marrying the wrong person for the wrong reason just because you feel that time is running out. Take your time and keep your eyes fixed on God because He knows what you need and in due time God will bring the right man in your direction.
Inside Woman: Many Christian women these days are very aggressive and desperate when it comes to securing a husband. What can they do to trust God to orchestrate their love story?
Ntokozo Mbambo: No-one knows us better than God, and He knows what we need, so when we trust in Him and say YES to His will, then He moves on our behalf.
Inside Woman: What advice would you give to women who want to successfully remain pure for their future spouse?
Ntokozo Mbambo: Staying pure is the best thing you could ever do for yourself as a woman because it keeps you safe from unnecesary baggage and it also keeps your heart safe from getting hurt.
Inside Woman: Many Christian women struggle with eating disorders and body image issues. Do you ever feel the pressure and how do you deal with it?
Ntokozo Mbambo: There are moments when I feel the pressure but I realised a long time that I’ve never been a size 32 so why stress about it. I am wonderfully and fearfully made by God, but that also doesn’t mean I can do as I please. I’ve just started learning to eat healthier so that I can live longer and be healthy. This isnt because of the pressure from people or anything like that, no I’m doing this for myself and I also need to be a good example for my daughter as well.
Inside Woman: What is your view on how women of God should dress? And is this still an issue that needs to be addressed? And how do we go about doing it?
Ntokozo Mbambo: I think we as Christian women should dress in a way that brings honour to God and also dress in a way that shows the love of God. We are all representatives of Christ so we should the part.
Inside Woman: What do you want the world to know most about Jesus Christ through your music?
Ntokozo Mbambo: I want the world to know that Jesus saves, He lives, and He loves them.

Inside Woman: There have been a lot of changes in the gospel music industry recently. Are you encouraged or cautious about what’s happening in the industry?
Ntokozo Mbambo: I’ve learnt to stay in my path that God has called me to live so that I don’t get distracted but rather stick to my call and mandate.
Inside Woman: Let’s talk about your new album, Filled. Briefly tell us about it?
Ntokozo Mbambo: The album is based upon the scripture Acts 2 verse 2 which says, “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.” It was recorded live at the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City and we truly experienced the presence of God filling us with alll that we needed, and we captured that in a double-cd and a DVD. It’s available in all stores.
Inside Woman: Besides being a singer, you are also a producer, writer, voice coach and you also co-own a recording company. Why do you think it’s important for you to understand the business side of music?
Ntokozo Mbambo It’s very important to know the business side of music, because as a singer you are a business, you render a service that people pay for so that’s running a business.
Inside Woman: What advice do you have for an aspiring artist who may be ministering in the church now, but feel called to be a professional artist?
Ntokozo Mbambo: My husband and I always say that being a minister in the Church is the best way to sharpen your gift and gain experience, so use it. Be effective and productive where you are, God will see your dedication and will reward you. Serve wholeheartedly where you are and God will reward you for that.

Inside Woman: What are your words of encouragement for people who may have gifts, talents, desires and dreams but they feel ‘stuck’?
Ntokozo Mbambo: I was once told that, “You are better when you are ready when an opportunity comes than to have an opportunity and not be ready, because opportunity wastes no time for the unprepared”. While you’re waiting for your opportunity to come, prepare yourself for your destiny.
Inside Woman: Being in the spotlight only adds to the role model position that you find yourself in. Obviously, that can come with some pressure. How do you deal with that?
Ntokozo Mbambo: I’m someone who doesn’t get easily pressured but I just live a life that is pleasing to my God.
Inside Woman: You are handling success well. If you could sit down with some of the young girls and give them advice, what would you say?
Ntokozo Mbambo: I’d tell them to take it easy (no pressure) because we all have our own journeys to travell in life so don’t be intimated by someone elses journey. Put your faith and trust in God, because He knows whats best for you and your life is safe in His hands. True love is worth waiting for you, don’t rush.
Inside Woman: When you are not working what do you do to relax?
Ntokozo Mbambo: I love spending time with my husband and my daughter. I either go out for dinner and a movie with hubby or we go out and play with Fanele or just go for a full day spa. Relaxation is very important, because everyone needs a break

Source:Inside Woman Online-Heart to Heart.

USIKOSEEEEEEEEEEE JUMAPILI HII!

WHAT ARE YOUR ROADBLOCKS TO SUCCESS?

There is a hard question to ask and answer about ourselves and that is:

What are our individual mental roadblocks to success?

                                             A large Stone blocking a road.

We all have them, we have internal mental roadblocks to success that can stop us in our tracks. The challenge is to find out what these roadblocks are.
They are usually hidden quite well in our mind. These roadblocks usually have nothing to do with logic.

Then they seem to jump out right when we set a goal and make a success declaration. They are holding you back achieving success.
When you set a big goal, a goal that gets you excited, starts the juices flowing, you visualize the success of the goal then all of a sudden out of the blue, pops the roadblocks to success.

The roadblocks will infiltrate your thinking and start coming up with reasons why you cannot achieve that success or goal. 
Or they may be: I will have to do this first before I can do that. They will come into your mind in the form of what seems like logic, but it is not logic.

Roadblocks to Success – What are Yours

These roadblocks may be:

I don’t have the money!
I don’t have any experience!
I don’t have the time?
I am too old!
I am not smart enough! (self esteem)
I am too young!
I will have to get in better shape before I can do that!|
I will have to get a different job to be able to make that much!
There are thousands, maybe millions more…..you can call them Roadblocks…..
But They Are Really EXCUSES!!!

Roadblocks to Success ''Excuses"

These roadblocks (excuses) may come from your childhood, your previous experiences or things you have been told by people that were influential in your life.
These roadblocks or excuses are something that you have let become a part of you. These excuses may have some logic to them but mostly these are beliefs that you allow to remain in your mind.
Identify these excuses when you set a goal, write them down and and work through them one at a time……turn them into obstacles. 
Because obstacles, you can overcome them with a mindset for success.

Change your mindset today, and become successful in whatever you do!



Have a great day!
Firmina.

SINACH

SINACH

~ song writer, recording artist, producer and worship leader. 

                                            Sinach ministering at a crusade.

Osinach Kalu aka Sinach is a multiple award winning song writer, recording artist, producer and worship song leader. Sinach is a key member of the LoveWorld music team of Christ Embassy who started singing at a very young age.

She said she chose Sinach as are stage name from her name Osinachi because it is easy to pronounce and catchy.
However, it was not until she met the man of God, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, that she knew that she was called and then began her training towards using her talent
for ministry. 

For over fifteen years Sinach has been privileged to witness, first hand, amazing miracles take place in the lives of people while ministering in music, as her mentor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome ministered in the Healing School, several crusades, and conventions all over the world.

Sinach who believes in writing from her heart and knowing what the Spirit of God is saying to the Church, has written over 1,000 songs of which 300 is heard consistently all over the world. Her songs are inspired and influenced by the ministry of the Word by the president of Believers' Love International Rev. Chris Oyakhilome.

She is a multiple award winning song writer, recording artist, producer and worship song leader. Sinach who believes in writing from her heart and knowing what the Spirit of God is saying to the Church , has written over 300 songs which is heard consistently all over the world. 

Mostly inspired and influenced by the ministry of the Word by her Pastor, Mentor and Life coach, Rev Chris Oyakhilome, Sinach has written songs such as Awesome God, Simply Devoted, I am ready for Your Spirit, I want more of You, You are the fire in me, Shout of a King, You deserve, All things are possible, This is your Season, All I see is You, Born to win and many more!
Many of her songs are sung by several churches, played on several radio stations, and continue to be a blessing to people all over the world, her writings influencing several worship song leaders, choirs and churches all over the world.

Sinach has been described by many as a pacesetter who by her definition says gospel music is; The Word of God in music that can influence the heart of a man for our Lord Jesus Christ. Her lyrical contents bring healing, hope, inspiration and encouragement, moving the listeners to a higher level.

As a gifted vocalist and a multiple award winning recording artiste, Sinach has recorded and release three platinum audio albums which are gospel best sellers all around the world. "Her latest release, a Dvd titled; From Glory to Glory, is one of the fastest selling and impactful gospel album all over the world. The 13 track album was written and produced by Sinach, the album leaves the listener inspired, encouraged, full of the Spirit and truly blessed.".

She currently organizes live worship concerts with her team from the LoveWorld music in different cities with huge attendants where she leads many in songs of praise and worship lifting up the name of our Lord Jesus.

this is one of her songs..

I Believe by Sinach.

Ron Kenoly

Ron Kenoly

Ron Kenoly (born December 6, 1944 in Coffeyville, Kansas) is an American Christian worship leader, singer, and songwriter whose expressed mission is "to create an environment for the manifest presence of God". His musical style is one of jubilant praise and individual excellence on musical instruments. Although Kenoly himself only plays on one of his recordings, he leads comfortably with his voice and is always backed up by musicians and a large choir.


Education

He holds several degrees, including a music degree from Alameda College, a Master of Divinity from Faith Bible College, and a Doctorate of Ministry in Sacred music from Friends International Christian University. His music career began following time spent in the United States Air Force. He was originally with a group called Shades of Difference, but family issues caused him to leave the group. His critical success came in 1992 when Lift Him Up became the fastest selling worship album to that point. Welcome Home was also critically acclaimed, becoming Billboard's "Top Indie Contemporary Christian music album", and winning a Gospel Music Association Dove Award for "Praise and Worship Album" in 1997. He was signed to Integrity Music, but is no longer recording for them.

Ministry

He began working in full time ministry in 1985. He started out as a worship leader at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California. Not long after that, in 1987, he was ordained and installed as Music Pastor. As worship leader, his sole focus was leading worship service. When he became Music Pastor, he became the shepherd over the entire music department at Jubilee Christian Center.

 In 1993, after the success of 2 Integrity recordings, he started receiving invitations from all over the world. Churches not only wanted him to come lead praise and worship, but also to help them develop their music departments. So shortly afterwards, he was named Ambassador of Music at Jubilee Christian Center. He was sent out from the church as an ambassador to the world to help churches develop and find the balance between worship and the Word. In 1996, he received his Doctorate in Ministry of Sacred Music. In 1999, he felt the call to move from California to the East Coast. So, he relocated the ministry to Central Florida where he continues to travel, speak, sing and teach and record. He sings over all the world. Kenoly has also written a few books, one of them written with his pastor, Dick Bernal.



Early life

"God is the same yesterday, today and forever. But we're not. We change with time." Those are the words of a man who knows a great deal about change, transition and life in the Lord. From the time Dr. Ron Kenoly was born on December 6, 1944, until now, a great deal has transpired.

Both the man and his ministry have evolved. At 65, he has gone from being a military man to a Rhythm and Blues artist, then from a Sunday morning congregational hymn leader to the most popular Praise and Worship leader in the country.
 "God created the world so we would go through seasons. Each season brings about a change." Dr. Kenoly's life is one that has gone through many seasons, all designed by God to bring him to a place of serving the Lord and leading millions of people into His presence.

Kenoly states that when his mother, Edith Kenoly, was pregnant with him, she would rub her stomach, and her prayer was, 'Lord let this one praise you.


Marriage Life

After graduating from High School in his birthplace, Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly ventured out to Hollywood, California. When plans to make it in the big city fell through, he joined the Air Force in 1965. It was in the military that he met and married Tavita, his wife of 42 years. It was also there that the humble beginnings of his music career were launched. Kenoly joined the Mellow Fellows, a top 40 cover band that toured military bases. In 1968, he left the Air Force and the Mellows Fellows behind and shipped out to the City of Angels to go after his passion- music.

                                                        Mr and Mrs. Kenoly



A dream becoming reality

"As a child I remember seeing Sammy Davis Jr. and Nat King Cole for the first time. I was so impressed as I watched two Black men grace a national stage. I knew right then that was what I wanted." So for the next few years, Kenoly poured all of his energy into making his childhood dream a reality. He sang demos of Jimmy Web songs, like the 70's hit "Up, Up and Away," for the Audio Arts label. The label also released Kenoly's first single, "The Glory of Your Love (Mine Eyes Have Seen)." Success in the R&B arena came after he signed with A&M Records. Under that label, he cranked out hits like, "Soul Vaccination."

Ron Kenoly and Candy were the first act signed to Semper's Inner City label. Their "Lovely Weekend" single was a massive success selling close to 200, 000 copies. "The two of them came and sang the song at my house and I knew straight away I wanted to sign them," explains Semper. "We recorded it at CBA (Clark Brown Audio) recording studio in the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles in 1972.

Books written.

Ron Kenoly has written several books on Praise and Worship including: 
The priority of Praise and Worship, 
The effective praise and worship leader,
Lifting Him up.

Some of the popular songs sang by Ron Kenoly includes:
Ancient of Days,
Be Glorified,
Lift Him up,
All Honor,
As for me and my house..etc.


                      Ron Kenoly ~ Ancient of Days(Live)

SOUL BREAKFAST MEETINGS

Unaamini taarifa ya nani?

Tunapokea taarifa kutoka wa watu mbalimbali kila siku na taarifa kutoka sehemu mbalimbali,lakini inategemea sana tunapokeaje taarifa tulizopewa na tunaamini taarifa ipi kati ya tulizopokea!

Matokeo ya maamuzi yetu yatatarajia jinsi tulivyo pokea taarifa tulizopewa na kuzipambanua ili kujua tufikie maamuzi gani.

Mara zote maisha yetu ni matokeo ya maamuzi ambayo tumeyafanya baada ya kupokea taarifa fulani wakati fulani katika maisha.

Wengine wamekuwa kwenye fani fulani kwa sababu tu walipokea taarifa kuwa hiyo fani miaka ijayo itakua na soko kwa hiyo wakaisomea hiyo.

Mwingine yuko kwenye ofisi aliyoko kwa sababu, alipata taarifa kuna tangazo la kazi au kuna uhaba wa wafanyakazi hivyo aombe kazi hapo, na akapata. 

Mwingine akianzisha biashara fulani kwa sababu alisikia kwamba inafaida na ndio akaamua kutupia mtaji wake hapo, na kadhalika na kadhalika.

Kwa hiyo maisha ni mjumuiko wa maamuzi tunayofanya kila siku, na maamuzi hayo yanatokana na taarifa tunazopokea.

Unapoenda hospitali, mathalani unakua unaumwa au umeenda kufanya 'check up' ya mwili, unatarajia taarifa ya daktari, na ikija unaamini hivyo ndio hali ya mwili wako ilivyo,lakini kuna wakati majibu yanatoka kwa daktari na hayakuridhishi, hivyo unachukua hatua ya kwenda sehemu nyingine ili kuhakikisha kwamba yale majibu ya daktari ni sahihi au hayakua sahihi.

Mwanafunzi anapofanya mtihani anasubiri matokeo kutoka kwa mwalimu wake,na majibu yatakapotoka, ndio taarifa ya matokeo yake,na matunda ya kisomo chake kw a muda wote aliokua anasoma.

Lakini pia kama mwanafunzi huyo atakua hajaridhika na matokeo ya mtihani wake kutoka kwa mwalimu wake, anahaki na kuhoji matokeo yake,na anapewa ruhusa na kukata rufaa,ili mtihani wake uangaliwe kwa mara nyingine, ili kama ulisahihishwa kwa makosa urekebishwe nae apewe matokeo yake sahihi.

Taarifa nyingi hutujia kila siku, nyingine hufurahisha na nyingine huwa si nzuri wenye masikio yetu.

Kuna wakati simu ikipigwa moyo unashtuka kwa sababu unadhani inaweza ikawa si taarifa nzuri sana kuisikia. Na wakati mwingine tuna kimbilia kuuliza kama taarifa unazotarajia kusikia ni njema,ili kuuandaa moyo kukabiliana na taarifa unazoenda kupokea.

Lakini kuna wakati mwingine unapoona tu namba ya simu, huachi ikalia mara ya pili, umeshapokea kwa sababu unajua kuna hiyo simu imebeba taarifa nzuri ambazo huwezi kusubiri kuzisikia.

Taarifa unazozipata kila siku zinatokana na watu wanaokuzunguka iwe majirani, wafanyakazi wenzio,marafiki, mtandaoni,au kokote ambako kuko karibu na wewe.

Hivyo basi swala la nani anakuzunguka ni muhimu kuliangalia kwa umakini ili kupata taarifa sahihi na muhimu zitakazo wezesha wewe kufanya maamuzi sahihi katika kile unachotaka kutimiza.

Wakati wana wa Israel wana endelea na safari chini ya uongozi wa Mussa (Hesabu 13),walitakiwa kwenda kufanya uchunguzi wa mji wa Kanaan ambao Mungu alikua akiwaongoza kwenda kumiliki. Nawalienda kundi la watu kumi na mbili, miongoni mwao wakiwemo Joshua na Kalebu.

Watu hawa walifika katika mji ule,na kuukuta na wote waliona walioyakuta, lakini kila mmoja alipokea taarifa ile tofauti na kuipeleka kwa Mussa na wana wa Israel kama walivyoipokea.

taarifa yao ilitegemewa sana ili kuwawezesha wana wa Israel kuendelea na safari wakiwa na nguvu na ari ya kuufikia mji ambao Mungu aliwaahidi tangu wakiwa utumwani Misri.

Waliipeleleza ile nchi na kukuta ni nzuri na imejaa maziwa na asali. Lakini watu wanaokaa katika nchi ile ni hodari, na miji yao ina maboma, nayo ni makubwa sana; na pamoja na hayo waliwaona wana wa Anaki( kabila la watu waliokuwa na nguvu na warefu sana(giants))

Wakarudi na kupeleka taarifa, taarifa ambayo ilikua inategemewa sana na waIsrael.

Pamoja na taarifa nzuri ambayo Joshua na Kalebu walitoa, wale walioenda pamoja nao, wakaleta taarifa mbaya sana kuhusu ile nchi, kwamba "ile ni nchi inayowala watu wanaoikaa; na watu wote tuliowaona ndani yake ni watu warefu mno.Tukajiona nafsi zetu kuwa kama mapanzi; nao ndivyo walivyotuona sisi."

Ukiendelea kusoma Hesabu 14 utaona kwamba kutokana na ile taarifa mbaya waliyoipata,walinung'unika mbele za Mungu na kulalamika na kumkasirisha Mungu, matokeo yake hawakuingia katika ile nchi ya ahadi. Kundi loote lililotoka Misri,isipokua Joshua na Kalebu, hawakuiona kaanan, wote walifia jangwani.

Mpendwa msomaji wangu, unaweza kuona jinsi gani taarifa tunazopokea zinavyoweza kusababisha kufa kwa lile kusudi ambao tunakazana kulitimiza. Watu hawa walibakisha sehemu ndogo sana ili kufika mwisho wa safari, lakini wakafia njiani.

Mara ngapi tumekua na maono na ndoto za kufanya vitu vikubwa lakini katikati ya safari tunapokea taarifa hasi(negative information) ambazo zinasababisha tushindwe kuendelea katika safari ya kutimiza ndoto zetu?

Ni jambo la muhimu sana kuhakikisha taarifa tunazopata hazizuii sisi kuendelea na safari yetu.Ni kweli kwamba kwenye nchi waliyoenda kupeleleza kulikua na majitu, lakini haikutakiwa kuwa kikwazo kwa wana wa Israel,kwa sababu tayari walisha hakikishiwa na Mungu wao ushindi!kwa sababu aliye ndani yao ni mkuu kuliko aliye katika ulimwegu.

Kama Daudi angemwogopa Goliath kwa sababu ya taarifa ambazo alisikia kuhusu yeye asingeweza hata kumsogelea.Lakini alichagua kutokusikiliza zile taarifa za kukatisha tamaa na aliamua kusikiliza taarifa ambazo Mungu alimwambia, kuwa yeye yuko pamoja nae, kwamba yeye ni mwamba wa wokovu wake, kwamba, yeye ni Mungu wa wote wenye mwili na hakuna jambo gumu asiloweza..

Mpendwa msomaji,ni muhimu kuwa makini na taarifa unazopokea kila siku kwani ndizo zinazotegemea maamuzi unayoyafanya kila siku, na matokeo ya maisha yako ni jumla ya maamuzi unayoyafanya kila siku.



Mungu akubariki!
firmina.matee@gmail.com

Don Moen~ Song writer ,worship leader and producer!

                                                       Don Moen ministering in India.


Donald James  Moen commonly known as "Don Moen" was born June 29, 1950 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Don is an American singer-songwriter, worship leader, and producer of Christian worship music.

He is a Praise & Worship Artist with the sole aim of leading people into the presence of God through praise & Worship and reaching the world for His kingdom.

Moen attended Oral Roberts University and became a Living Sound musician for Terry Law Ministries and traveled with Terry Law for ten years.

Moen produced 11 volumes for the Hosanna! Music series of worship albums. His first album under his own name, Worship with Don Moen, was released in 1992. His music has total global sales of over five million units.

He worked for Integrity Media for over 20 years, serving as Creative Director and President of Integrity Music, President of Integrity Label Group, and an Executive Producer of Integrity Music albums. He left Integrity Media in 2008 to start a new initiative, The Don Moen Company. 

Moen received a Dove Award for his work on the musical "God With Us" in addition to amassing nine nominations for his songs. 

Moen is also a prolific songwriter, having worked with Claire Cloninger, Paul Overstreet, Martin J. Nystrom, Randy Rothwell, Ron Kenoly, Bob Fitts, Debbye Graafsma, Paul Baloche, Tom Brooks, among many others. He has also worked with talented musicians, Justo Almario, Abraham Laboriel, Alex Acuna, and Carl Albrecht. His name is associated with some of the most well-known songs in Contemporary Christian Music. He was a student at Oral Roberts University. 

He is currently President of Don Moen and Friends, Don Moen Productions and lives in Nashville, TN, with his wife Laura and their five children.

About Don Moen and Friends Ministry

Our Mission: Psalm 40:3: “I have put a new song in your mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see it and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.”

Don Moen and Friends is a 501-C3 nonprofit ministry, dedicated to worship evangelism through worship events, worship training, and worship in action to people worldwide. Through concerts, teaching, and partnerships with local and international relief organizations, Don Moen and Friends brings God’s message of hope, comfort, and encouragement around the world.

Worship is More Than a Song. It’s a Lifestyle
If you were to ask me why God put me on this planet, I’d tell you it was to be an architect who designs products and events that help people experience God’s presence in a new and fresh way. After more than three decades of ministry, I’ve had the privilege to be a part of that awesome purpose.
You know, we sometimes make a gross miscalculation that worship equals music and music equals worship. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The songs we offer up in worship are just a part of a lifestyle of worship, yet we have made an industry out of the music we sing. But a lifestyle of worship is something we live out 24/7, not just on Sunday morning. Worship is prayer, preaching, testimonies, God’s Word, caring for others, and of course, the songs we offer in praise and worship.
I’d love to tell you more about how you can join us and be a friend of the Don Moen and Friends ministry.please visit http://www.donmoenandfriends.org for more details.

The Parable Of The Pipeline

by Burke Hedges

Once upon a time long, long ago, two ambitious young cousins named Pablo and Bruno lived side by side in a small Italian village.

The young men were best buddies, and big dreamers.

They would talk endlessly about how someday, someway, they would become the richest men in the village. They were both bright and hard working. All they needed was an opportunity.

One day that opportunity arrived. The village decided to hire two men to carry water from a nearby river to a cistern in the town square. The job went to Pablo and Bruno.

Each man grabbed two buckets and headed to the river. By the end of the day, they had filled the town cistern to the brim. The village elder paid them one penny for each bucket of water.
"This is our dream come true! "shouted Bruno. "I can't believe our good fortune."

But Pablo wasn't so sure.

His back ached and his hands were blistered from carrying the heavy buckets. He dreaded getting up and going to work the next morning. He vowed to think of a better way to get the water from the river to the village.

Pablo The Pipeline Man:

"Bruno, I have a plan," Pablo said the next morning as they grabbed their buckets and headed for the river. "Instead of lugging buckets back and forth for pennies a day, let's build a pipeline from the village to the river."

Bruno stopped dead in his tracks.

"A pipeline! Whoever heard of such a thing?" Bruno shouted. "We've got a great job, Pablo. I can carry 100 buckets a day. At a penny a bucket that's a dollar a day! I'm rich!. By the end of the week, I can buy a new pair of shoes. By the end of the month a cow. By the end of six months I can buy a new hut. We have the best job in town. We have weekends off and two weeks paid vacation every year. We're set for life! Get out of here with your pipeline."

But Pablo was not easily discouraged. He patiently explained the pipeline plan to his best friend. Pablo would work part of the day carrying buckets, and part of the day and weekends building his pipeline.
He knew it would be hard work digging a ditch in the rocky soil. Because he was paid by the bucket he knew his income would drop. He also knew it might take a year or two before his pipeline would pay off. But Pablo believed in his dream and he went to work.
Bruno and the rest of the villagers began mocking Pablo, calling him "Pablo The Pipeline Man." Bruno, who was earning almost twice the money as Pablo, flaunted his new purchases. He bought a donkey outfitted with a new leather saddle, which he kept parked outside his new two-story hut. He bought flashy clothes and fancy meals at the inn. The villagers called him Mr. Bruno, and they cheered when he bought rounds at the tavern and laughed loudly at his jokes.

Small Actions Equal Big Results:

While Bruno lay in his hammock on evenings and weekends, Pablo kept digging his pipeline. The first few months Pablo didn't have much to show for his efforts. The work was hard, even harder than Bruno's because Pablo was working evenings and weekends too.

But Pablo kept reminding himself that tommorrow's dreams are built on today’s sacrifices. Day by day he dug, inch by inch.

Inches turned into one foot........... then ten feet............ then 20............. then 100.


"Short-term pain equals long-term gain," he reminded himself as he stumbled into his hut after another exuasting day's work. "In time my reward will exceed my efforts," he thought.

"Keep your eyes on the prize," he kept thinking as he drifted off to sleep with the sounds of laughter from the village tavern in the background.


The Tables Are Turned:

Days turned into months.One day Pablo realized his pipeline was half-way finished, which meant he only had to walk half as far to fill his buckets! Pablo used the extra time to work on his pipeline.

During his rest breaks, Pablo watched his old friend Bruno lug buckets. Bruno's shoulders were more stooped than ever. He was hunched in pain, his steps slowed by the daily grind. Bruno was angry and sullen, resenting the fact that he was doomed to carry buckets, day in, day out, for the rest of his life.

He began to spend less time in his hammock and more time in the tavern. When the tavern's patrons saw Bruno coming they'd whisper, "Here comes Bruno the Bucket Man, " and they giggle when the town drunk mimicked Bruno's stooped posture and shuffling gait. Bruno didn't buy rounds or tell jokes anymore, preferring to sit alone in a dark corner surrounded by empty bottles.

Finally Pablo's big day arrived, his pipeline was complete! The villagers crowded around as the water gushed from the pipeline into the village cistern! Now that the village had a steady supply of fresh water, people from around the countryside moved into the village and the village prospered.

Once the pipeline was complete, Pablo didn't have to carry buckets anymore. The water flowed whether he worked or not. It flowed while he ate. It flowed while he slept. It flowed on weekends while he played. The more the water flowed into the village, the more money flowed into Pablo's pockets!

Pablo the Pipeline Man became known as Pablo the Miracle Maker. But Pablo understood what he did wasn't a miracle. It was merely the first stage of a big, big dream. You see, Pablo had bigger plans. Pablo planned on building pipelines all over the world!.

Recruiting His Friend To Help:

The pipeline drove "Bruno The Bucket Man" out of business, and it pained Pablo to see his old friend begging for drinks at the tavern. So, Pablo arranged a meeting with his old friend.

"Bruno, I've come here to ask you for your help." Bruno straightened his stooped shoulders, and his dark eyes narrowed to a squint. "Don't mock me," Bruno hissed.
"I haven't come here to gloat," said Pablo. "I've come here to offer you a great business opportunity. It took me more than two years before my first pipeline was complete. But I've learned a lot during those two years. I know what tools to use now, and where to dig. I know where to lay the pipe. I kept notes as I went along so now I have a system that allow me to build another pipeline in less time then another...then another.

I could build a pipeline a year by myself, but what I plan on doing is teach you how to build a pipeline, then have you teach others and have them teach others.

"Just think, we could make a small percentage of every gallon of water that goes through those pipelines."

Bruno finally saw the big picture. They shook hands and hugged like old friends.


Pipeline Dreams In A Bucket-Carrying World:

Years passed. Their world pipelines were pumping millions of dollars into their bank accounts. Sometimes on their trips through the countryside, Pablo and Bruno would pass villagers from other villages carrying buckets.

The friends would pull over and tell them their story and offer to help them build a pipeline. But sadly, most bucket carriers would hastily dismiss the notion.

"I don't have the time."

"My friend told me he knew a friend who's uncle's best friend tried to build a pipeline and failed."

"Only the ones who get in early make money on a pipeline."

"I've carried buckets my whole life, I'll stick to what I know."

"I know people who lost money in a pipeline scam."

Both men resigned themselves to the fact they lived in a world with a bucket-carrying mentality.............

and only a very small percentage of people would  ever see the vision.


End Of Story



WE LIVE IN A BUCKET-CARRYING WORLD

Who are you? A bucket carrier............or a pipeline builder? Do you get paid only

when you how up for work like Bruno the Bucket Carrier?

Or do you do the work once and get paid over and over again like Pablo the Pipeline Builder?

If you're like most people, you're working the bucket-carrying plan. It's the time-for-money-trap.

The problem with bucket carrying is that the money stops when the bucket-carrying stops. Which means the concept of a "secure job" or "dream job" is an illusion. The inherent danger of carrying buckets is that the income is temporary instead of ongoing.

If Bruno woke up one morning with a stiff back and couldn't get out of bed, how much money would he earn that day? ZERO! No Work-No Money!

The same goes for any bucket-carrying job. Once bucket-carriers stop carry buckets for any reason, they won't continue to get a paycheck.


Real-Life True Story:

My previous dentist was the best dentist I ever had. A complete professional. Great personality. Great technician. Every visit was virtually pain-free. She loved what she did and set her own hours. She was only open three days a week so she could spend four-day weekends with her family.

She pulled down more than $100,000 a year working three days a week at a job she loved. This was a bucket-carriers dream job if there ever was one!

One problem. Before the age of 40 she developed arthritis in her hands and couldn't work anymore. Today she teaches at a university earning one-third the income she earned as a dentist.

There's no such thing as a secure bucket-carrying job no matter how great it seems.

The problem with the time-for-money trap is that if you can no longer trade-the-time, you no longer get the money!

Most people mistake bucket-carrying for pipeline building. We observe 99% of the people in the world are carrying buckets, so we assume bucket carrying is the way to get what we want in life.

We grow up surrounded by bucket-carriers, so we figure that's the way-of-the-

world. It reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw recently: 100,000 lemmings can't be wrong!

People think the same way about bucket-carriers. 100 million bucket-carriers can't be wrong. Well yes they can!.

Let's face it. 

There are a lot more bucket-carriers in this world than pipeline builders.

Why?

Because bucket-carrying is the model that our parents followed and the one that they taught us to follow. The bucket-carrying model tells you here's what you do to get ahead:

Go to school and learn how to carry buckets.

Work really hard.

Earn the right to carry bigger buckets. (get promoted)

Resign from "Bucket Company A" to work for "Bucket Company B" which lets you carry even bigger buckets.

Work longer hours so you can carry more buckets.

Put the kids through bucket-carrying college.

Try to get promoted from carrying metal buckets....... to carrying plastic buckets

............ to carrying digital buckets.

Dream of the day you can retire from bucket carrying after 30-40 years.

Until then, keep carrying those buckets....................... or, the bucket-carriers dream comes true. You hit the big lottery! (the odds are 1 in about 14-15 million against them, but hey most all bucket carriers think it could happen to them, so........... until then, keep carrying those buckets)

What do all those bucket-carriers earn for their efforts?

Surprisingly little. According to Parade magazine's "What People Earn" survey, the average worker in America earns $28,500 a year. Subtract almost 20% for taxes, and that leaves $22,500 take-homepay.

Let's face it, that's not enough for most people to live on.

What do bucket-carriers do when they need more money?

Because they have a bucket-carrying mentality, they come up with a bucket-carrying solution............ if you need more money you've got to carry more buckets!

"I'll get a second job carrying buckets in the evenings and on weekends," Daddy Bucket Carrier decides.

"I can go back to the bucket-carrying job I had before the kids were born," Mommy Bucket Carrier says.

"The kids can get bucket-carrying jobs after school and in the summer," they both say.

The Results?

Today North Americans work the longest hours in the world. Yes, even more than the work-obsessed Japanese. Is the earn-more-money-by-carrying-more-buckets plan working?

No. Here are the facts.

Consumer debt is at a record high. The average household has 95 cents worth of debt for every dollar earned.

The proportion of women working to support their families more than doubled over the past 20 years.

More people are taking second and third mortgages on their single biggest asset............ their homes............. to pay the bills.

Hello! What's wrong with this picture?

It's the fallacy of carrying bigger buckets. Bucket carriers tell themselves everything would be okay if they could just carry bigger buckets.

Bucket carriers are forever wondering how much money other bucket carriers earn. True, the doctors bucket is a lot bigger than the cook's bucket.............about ten times bigger! But that doesn't mean the doctor is financially independent. He's just as dependent on his bucket carrying job as the cook.

Why?

They spend more! Truth is, the doctors and lawyers making six-figures are spending most of their income to support their lifestyles.

a. The average worker drive a $5,000 used car. The doctor drives a $45,000 Lexus.

b. The average worker sends his kids to free public school. The doctor sends his kids to private school............ and on and on and on. 

The doctor spends just as much of a percentage of his income than all other bucket carriers. All are living paycheck-to paycheck. If you don't believe check the bankruptcy records. You'll see every kind of bucket carrier listed in there!

All Buckets Eventually Dry Up

All buckets dry up no matter how big they are. Pipelines, on the other hand, are self-sustaining. But pipelines require sacrifice. Pipelines don't build themselves. You have to be willing to put in the time and effort to build them.

A Bigger Bucket Won't Solve The Problem. Why?

Carry as big a bucket as you can but build a pipeline on the side, because as long as you carry buckets, you have to show-up to get paid, and no matter how big the bucket is... it will dry-up.

Many a person has gone from the "Millionaire Next Door" to the "Bankrupt Person Next Door".

This person had a HUGE bucket and now has nothing!

His name is Darryl Strawberry. Professional baseball player. The 38 year old outfielder broke into the majors as a teenager and was hailed as the next Ted Williams!

Strawberry has made a fortune in his career............. $2-$5 million every year. That was just from his baseball contract! Add a couple million from endorsements, speeches, autographs and more and he's earned $50-$100 million before his 40th birthday!

A guy like that has to be set for life right? WRONG!

According to a local newspaper report, "Strawberry(a baseball player) has no income or savings to support his current wife and their three children.

What Happened?

Strawberry bought expensive everything ........... including drugs and alcohol.

Strawberry didn't build a pipeline............. because he thought he had enough money to last forever no matter what. He can't play baseball anymore becuase of his drug problem. He won't be allowed to play ever again. He's Broke!

It's Your Turn To Choose

What sounds like the best plan to you? Remember, most of your friends and neighbors won't understand! They've been taught to carry buckets.


Time Levels The Playing Field

It doesn't matter how much money your earn ............ or how little money you earn........... we all have the same amount of time in each day. 24 hours.

It doesn't matter if you're a doctor, lawyer, or cook. It only takes time to build a pipeline. Yes you'll need tools................ but those will cost relatively very little. 

So everyone has an equal opportunity when it comes to building a pipeline!


Timing

Some people put off building their pipelines because "right now isn't a good time for me."

Guess what?

Right now is a bad time for anybody! We're all stressed. We're all busy. We're all putting out fires and dealing with unexpected emergencies. There's a word for these bad times.


It's called life!

Some people waste their lives waiting for the "perfect time" to do x, y, or z. Well, they'll die waiting because there's no such thing as a perfect time. 

If someone told you they'd give you $1 million dollars if you'd sit in a corner and knit for two hours every day for one year, you'd find the time right?

It wouldn't matter if your son broke his arm.............your car wouldn't start........

the cat got sick. Rather than forfeit $1 million dollars, you'd find the time no matter what.


Waste Not Want Not

People often ask me why they should take the time and effort to build pipelines when things aren't going so bad for them right now. They say they deserve to relax in the recliner and watch TV after a hard days work. Got a few bucks in the bank.... kids are doing good in school........... no need to "rock the boat".

There's no better time to build your pipeline than when things are going good!

A Final Thought

A man was on the 30th floor of a fancy hotel overlooking Central Park in Manhattan. He pulled back the shades........... and threw open the window to enjoy the view. As he leaned out the window, he was startled to see a man falling past his window.

"How you doing?" he asked the falling man.

"Fine so far," came the reply.


The point is, there are lots of bucket carriers in the world that think they are "doing just fine". But they can't stay in the free-fall forever. Sooner or later they'll meet the ground.

For bucket carriers it's.......if you don't or can't show up for work........then no
more paycheck!

The Decision is yours!