Pilot helps pilot music ministry

Audiophile Chuck Oakley told his worship pastor,  “I know God has more for me than just being the resident recording engineer capturing the latest high school concert!” 

On that day 12 years ago, Chuck’s pastor said, “Call Frank Fortunato at OM. He just bought some recording equipment similar to what you use. See if he has anything to say.”  

Fortunato needed to return to Central Asia and deliver recording equipment to underground Christian musicians there. Without hesitation, Chuck offered to go in his place. He went and upon his return, Chuck Oakley helped Fortunato found Heart Sounds International, an OM partner ministry that empowers believers to create and record indigenous worship music.

Since then, Chuck has completed audio and video projects in several countries.  A Delta pilot by day, he still makes time to help direct Heart Sounds, allowing Fortunato to complete his doctoral work.  Chuck is an innovative leader actively building the Heart Sounds team.

Would you like to join him?  You can step out from behind your church sound board and become a field recording engineer through a two-week project.  These projects occasionally call for videographers and worship leaders.  Musicians can teach a workshop or host a songwriting event for local churches.  Learn more by telling Heart Sounds your interests and passions on their preliminary application. 

Video: The Singing Warrior

Heart Sounds International, a ministry of OM Arts, was recently in Mongolia to record Christian songs composed by one of the nation’s leading Christian songwriters. For one of the songs, the team needed a man’s voice. They knew that Tumku, who had recorded previous projects, was up to the task. He sang into the mic with conviction. The lyrics were written to reach deeply into the souls of Mongolians, recalling a time of fierce pride when warriors on horseback rode in the conquests of Genghis Khan.

Yet this song called Mongolians to a different fight, a spiritual battle for the King of Kings. As Tumku sang, the team knew he was God’s warrior for this moment. Five days after he heard the rough mix and gave his resounding approval, Tumku lost his life in a car accident. He left behind a wife and two young kids, but also a song urging his fellow warriors to fight the Lord’s battles. Here is Tumku and a portion of the song:

taste and see that the Lord is good

Enjoy this praise dance from Good Shepherd Community Church, a partner with OM India. English lyrics are included:

Aaron Keyes: worship pastor for Transform 2010

Aaron Keyes will be leading worship for Transform 2010, a movement to reach the Mediterranean this summer. A two-week conference in Rome kicks off the event before ministry teams are disbursed throughout the region, and Keyes will lead worship there.  Aaron Keyes is an Atlanta-area worship pastor who has led at other ministry events such as Catalyst. He has a gift for uniting worshippers by keeping them focused on the Word of God. He and his wife Megan, along with their four sons, host a school in their home for young worship pastors. Keyes mentors young leaders on how to first have a vibrant personal faith, then how to transcribe that relationship into a Scripture-filled corporate worship experience for others. Here is Aaron singing Psalm 62:

worship song inspired by Isaiah 58

Beautiful song by OM member Shirley Booth, who writes, "Do I fail to stoop down because my hands are raised too high?" Meditate on this over the weekend:

Live at Eddie's Attic: All the Things You Are

OM Arts song leader Jon Simpson took his music to an open mic night in Atlanta. Learn how you can use your own art to reach others.

New worship music by Jon Simpson: "Offering"

OM Arts song leader Jon Simpson presented his new song "Offering" at a recent concert for Refuge Dance Company called "Stories." Learn more about Jon's music.