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Providing
an online resource for Christian and religious studies |
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Composing
and performing praise music to inspire people to walk in the ways of The Lord |
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Teaching
seminars, workshops and classes |
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Available
for ministerial and pastoral services, revival meetings and worship services |
I'll try to post occasional messages
which will help you understand how to be a better Christian and why that is
important to you. Unfortunately, I don't have enough time to post a Message
every day, but I'll try to post as many as I can and as often as I can, and
will archive all previous messages so you can go back and read your favorites.
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Click to make a selection: THIS WEEK’S MESSAGE (Updated July 7, 2010) |
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News
as of July 7, 2010
The
new year so far has been good for personal spiritual growth as I continue to
study to improve my ministry efforts. Our Christian country gospel rock band,
Rightside, is making an effort to reach out to more venues than before in an
effort to reach more people with our music and to continue our giving of time,
talent and financial support through Gospel Review Ministries. Our new CD, “Living
on the Rightside,” was released May 22,
2010 and is available from our website RightsideBand.com.
I am also continuing work on my solo praise CD, “For the Faithful,” which will
consist of original songs as well as old favorites. I hope to have this
completed by Fall 2010.
I
haven’t given up completely on my efforts to start a summer camp which will
bring free music and bible lessons to both children and adults. I am continuing
to collect musical instruments and supplies. Please contact me if you have any
unused instrument you would like to donate. Until my plans come full circle, in
the meantime I am working with Gospel Review Ministries on the possibility of
presenting one or more gospel music festivals at a local rural campground or
similar location. The two or three day events would include music, vocal and
instrumental workshops, ministry and fellowship.
I
am also working on several books for publication. The first book will be a
self-help book which will contain valuable information based partly on biblical
principles. The book is designed to help people improve the quality of their
life, reduce stress, set and follow goals and improve personal and career
relationships. There is a section for teenagers seeking help and understanding
with the many problems faced by this age group. I hope to be able to find and
agent and a publisher that will create a name for me as a writer so that I may
write follow-up books that will explain why it important to put your faith in
God and follow the teachings of Jesus. I am getting more and more concerned
about the growing number of people that don’t believe in God, do not follow a
Christian religion, and even speak out against God and Christians trying to
bring ridicule and uncertainty on religious beliefs. If these people would put
as much effort into supporting Christianity instead of condemning it, our
population would be much better for it and we would begin to see positive
change in the world.
After
four years of writing my blog “Guitar Wisdom,” it is almost ready to compile
into a book as well. The Guitar Wisdom blog contains articles of interest to
guitar players and students, performers and music teachers.
My
other goal for 2010 is to contact as many other ministries as possible and
become acquainted with their staff and their beliefs and platforms so that I
may work together with them for the common good. As more and more ministers
unite to support issues, I plan to be “in the loop” and will contribute what I
can to support a good cause and to help spread the “Good News.” If you are
reading this and would like to share comments, ideas, web sites, information,
articles or anything at all, or if you just want to say “hi” (I’d love to hear
from you!), please contact me at tom@tomsmerk.com.
News
as of December 4, 2009
This
Christmas season has me joining the popular local gospel group “Rightside”
(formerly known as the “Gospel Review Vocal Band” for a
number of Christmas concerts at local East County churches. The band has been
in existence for ten years, but has been without a guitar player for the last
nine years! If they decide that they like the addition of a lead guitarist in
the group, I’ll look forward to being a part of their ministry and doing shows
throughout the coming years both locally and on the road. This band is a super
group of singers and musicians – you gotta’ hear them! Check the Rightside
website for the performance schedule and more information about the group. The
group has also added a second male tenor singer, bringing the total up to nine
people – four singers and a great country rock/jazz band playing the music! All
monies collected by the band at the concerts will be used for Christian
ministry projects.
News
as of November 4, 2009
I
have abandoned my plans to create a program to provide free music and Bible
instruction. The success of the program relied on raising funds to cover
facilities, musical instruments, supplies, music, and equipment. The project relied
on public donations to raise these funds, and the donations were not received
as expected. The program was originally designed to offer music instruction to
school-age children who lost the opportunity to study music in school when the
State funding was cut and public school programs were eliminated. I did not
want anyone seeking a music education to be left out, so the program was open
to adults as well. Part of the program was to include a summer camp in the
mountains where music and Bible study classes would be held daily and a final
recital performance would be offered to the public.
I
am saddened by the lack of public support for this program. As the State of
April
15, 2009 Update
To
my friends at the San Diego Rescue Mission - My carpal tunnel surgery on
Friday, March 13 was a success, and I have regained use of my right hand. Now
that I am able to return to my role of leading the music at the Rescue Mission
every second Sunday of the month, I have discovered that the San Diego Rescue
Mission is now using only “in-house” resident musicians in the Sunday worship
services. I will miss you all, and if the opportunity to return and play music
as before comes around again, I’ll be looking forward to seeing you all again.
Thanks for your concern, and as always, my best wishes to all of you.
News
as of December 1, 2008
I
have moved back to my new house in
I
am still building my music ministry as a songwriter and performer. I have
written several songs and will be writing more in hopes of recording a praise
CD next year. The style of music will be what I call “old-time country Gospel.”
It will contain some of my songs plus some old favorites such as “The Old
Rugged Cross,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Just A Closer Walk With Thee.”
I
am also seeking sponsors or benefactors to help me rebuild my recording studio
which was destroyed by fire last October. The cost of the facility will be
about $25,000 for the structure and $100,000 for the equipment. Most of my
losses were uninsured, so this is going to be a financial burden unless my
prayers are answered. Anyone wishing to donate the building will get a lot of
publicity when my new CD is released. Once I get the building erected, I can
add the musical and recording equipment a little at a time as I save and budget
for it.
In
the meantime, I am still available for weddings, house blessings and banquets /
assemblies (I have been an ordained minister since 2003). Contact me at (619)
818-2079 is you would like to arrange a service, or if you are interested in having
me bring my music and worship to your church, or contact me if you need help
and have no one to turn to.
I
would like to hear from anyone who has visited this site. Please take a moment
to send me an email with your suggestions. Contact tom@tomsmerk.com.
Until
then, don’t forget to live your life according to the Bible, and keep the
faith!
Thank
you!
God bless!
