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The Journey Begins: Give

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Received Much! Give Much!

When I think about my pain and problems they seem to grow.  So instead I choose to reflect upon God’s goodness to me.  My journey to worship began with parents who had family worship every evening and read the Morning Watch before we had breakfast.  My dad, Victor Griffiths set an example of service and excellence that will always leave me reaching for more.  As a pastor and educator he served in his local community and eventually overseeing adventist education all over the globe.  My mother Barbara continues to amaze me with her hospitality and grace under pressure.  She sacrificially serves to take care of others as much now at 87 as she did when I was growing up.  God blessed me with wonderful parents who worshipped him in their daily lives as much by their actions as by their reading of the bible and prayer.

Giving What I’ve Received

David at the piano at Uncle Charlie's funeral (1 of 1)

Not everyone can afford piano lessons or a piano for that matter.  Not everyone has a gift in that area to take advantage of the opportunity for study.  I am so very grateful to my Creator for the mental and musical gifts He’s given me as well as to my parents for providing the support necessary for them to thrive.  So I want to give that back to others!

A few years ago I recorded a CD with and then went on tour with the great Rwandan artist Jean Paul Samputu, to East Africa.  We visited Rwanda and Uganda but spent most of our time in Kenya.  We were blessed to be hosted by Maximum Miracle Center.  We were impressed by their ministry and service to their community.  Hearing of their needs we were able to sow into their ministry.  In particular I was excited to be able to gift some equipment for a recording studio they hoped to build.

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Maximum Melodies-a musical ministry of Maximum Miracle Center

 

Help Us Keep Giving

Today, I’m getting ready to go host a concert to raise funds for another studio to benefit young musicians in the rural community of Denton, Maryland.  I want to give generously as I have received generously.  Today’s concert will feature a 30 voice mass choir, several guest musicians-Kishore Carey, Alan Ace Cooper, Jahari Griffiths; and some amazing soloists-Carter Anderson, Terrence Nichols, Desmirra Quinnonez, Rachael Jackson, and TreVaughn Watson.  I’d love for you to come and support this worthy cause.  If you can make it click here for more info.

If you’d like to contribute a donation please click the link below.




 

I hope 20 years from now someone will be giving to someone else because of what we started today!

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Gratitude For Ministry

Pastor Visit From Sligo to Mom and B (1 of 1).jpgPictures Paint A 1000 Words

I love to take pictures!  Pictures say so much.  Probably if we didn’t have so many addictive distractions we would spend more time reflecting on the pictures of our life’s journey.

Today I want to reflect on the model’s of ministry displayed in this picture.  On the right Pastor Pranitha Fielder converses with my mother, Barbara on the left and my friend Moya in the center.  Pastor Fielder preached a sermon that moved my young son to take a stand to be baptized.  In this picture she’s just finished a visit with my stepfather who due to declining health has not been able to physically be with his Sligo Church family. Her visit brought encouragement to our family.

Sister Moya Rhodan came into our life initially as someone who wanted to take voice lessons.  But God has used her to help my mother take care of my ailing stepfather.  From the moments when I’ve been called to assist my mother with picking up or moving him I have gained a greater respect for those who serve us in this capacity.  When we are sick or feeble, those who help us to wash, eat or go to the bathroom truly are a picture of humility as they comfort and clean.  What a great picture of ministry!!!

Grandma and Maia on couch smiling (1 of 1).jpgBut my mother has given me the ultimate picture of sacrifice and ministry.  At the age of 87 when most people are being taken care of she is fearlessly and relentlessly taking care of others.  I have seen her throughout my life be such a great example of hospitality.  I never had to worry about bringing a friend home after church to eat.  She would always expand the meal and it would taste wonderful.

And whatever problem I might have to face, she was always willing to be part of the solution.  I don’t have words to fully express how wonderful my mother is especially in imitating the love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

So when you look at this picture I hope you now see it differently.  3 persons with pleasant facial expressions who have demonstrated in so many ways what it means to minister.

I’m beginning a series of concerts to minister to underserved communities.  The first two will raise funds to provide music and music production resources and education to the young people of Caroline County Maryland. Please consider making a donation to this worthy cause by clicking the button below. Thank you.



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