Update on Crowns Camp and new album

It's wonderful to read the comments about how your ministry has changed people's lives and your songs have touched so many. There is such power in the Spirit of the one who created us, redeemed us and sanctifies us! I too, have been touched by the power of the Spirit working through you. I think of "If We are the Body," "What if His People Prayed," and now, "Till the Whole World Hears." The refrain in that song "Ready yourselves" echoes through my consciousness throughout the day. Do you have any idea what that does? I heard a pastor once say, "Praise of the LORD creates an atmosphere through which the adversary cannot move." When your brain, heart, and spirit are saturated with love, praise, and meditation of how great and mighty Jesus is, the devil flees from you!! Such freedom! Such power! Such GRACE!! When I hear "Ready yourselves," I hear the trumpet blast, I see Jesus on that white horse with his robe sprinkled with blood, and on His robe and on his thigh is inscribed "King of kings" and "Lord of lords." He comes to break the bonds and loose the chords! Be ready! He truly is on His way and the end will come like a thief in the night, but not one of His children will be disappointed! All praise and glory to Him who is, and was, and is to come!

My husband and I wanted to tell your group how influential your music is to us.  Our church was inspired to organize a prayer walk in our community and it took place on October 17, 2009. About 50 members from 2 local churches walked almost 5 miles in the freezing rain praying for God to clear the darkness and the sadness we can all see and feel not only in our town but in this nation. We believe if we touched just one life that day then our purpose was met. "What if His people prayed" was the inspiration and it is an event we plan on having annually, hopefully to include more people with each year.  We had t-shirts made with the title of this song printed on them to wear during the walk. Hopefully others were also inspired to pray when they saw us. We just want to thank you for the ministry you provide to so many.  You all have truly touched our lives through your music.  We already have our tickets to see you in Hershey, Pa. and we're pumped about it.  We wanted somehow to give you one of the shirts we had made and a copy of the newspaper article for the prayer walk we had... so if you see something bright yellow flying through the air at the stage in Hershey DON'T PANIC... it's a t-shirt from a pair of grateful fans.  God bless you all!!    A.J. St.George  Corry,Pa sweetness7478@yahoo.com

Where do I even start? I had heard of Casting crowns a few years ago, but did not get formally introduced to your songs until about a year ago. Praise You In This Storm hit me in such a way that I couldn't stop thinking about it. Even though I was not experiencing any life altering events in my life at the time, I could so associate with that song...You have the wonderous ability to paint a picture so vividly with words. The irony that you have dyslexia is awesome. I say awesome because you know that these words truly are from God. =) Also, how fitting that the Word works in music to convey a message that others may never hear otherwise.

I was loaned a copy of your books Lifestories and Your Own Jesus by a friend. I plowed through them, at first, looking for the stories behind the lyrics of some of your songs. Then, I went back and re-read them. I cannot tell you how God has used you, the band, and words you wrote (some of them over 3 years ago) to reach me right where I am. Isn't that amazing? How awesome to think that God knew in 2000 whatever (whenever you started to put pen to paper) that Mandy would read these words and the thoughts she had rattling around inside her head would come to be because the words in Mark Hall's book would inspire and encourage her to take the leap? Amazing.

I have always wanted to share the faith. I want to inspire others and share what the Lord has done for me (and He has done so much) but I was shy to step out there in the spotlight. Scared to be transparent. Scared to be vulnerable. Scared to be flawed in front of so many others. Maybe even a little scared that I would be convicted of some things and held accountable to change? Maybe that.

In the past few days, I have started studying the Bible daily and writing about what I am learning and how it pertains to my daily life on a blog that I post on myspace and facebook. I made them public, which is very scary for someone like me who so private, so that anyone can read them and maybe learn with me or share insights with me. I don't know what God has planned for me in this journey, but I hope I follow instead of trying to run ahead and get in the way. Please continue fighting that voice of Satan and press forward with God's plan for you. I think you are wonderful and reading your books is like a breath of fresh air. You get me. Somehow, even though you and I have never met and probably never will, you understand me and all the random fears I have and you speak to me like we are having coffee st Starbucks. Thank you for heeding God's call for your life. God bless you and the band.

Hi Mark! Another nice blog! I always look forward to new postings as God really speaks to me through your insights. I am looking forward the new album. But I am even more excited about seeing Crowns twice in 3 days in Montana. Missoula, MT 8/13 and in Great Falls @ Downpour on 8/15. We saw you last summer in Bozeman and my 12 year old son became Andy's biggest fan (he is a drummer too). If Andy ever needs a protege I am sure that my son would sign-up!

The Crowns camp sounds AWESOME. I feel the same way about youth camps. They were some of the BEST weeks of my life and I often think back to how close I was with God and wonder why it's sooo hard to feel that way now. I'm looking forward to hearing more!

This is not a comment but a request. I have considered myself a Christian for many years, but I have yet to be able to lift my hands in praise and song while at a service or concert. I am attending your concert in Phoenix in September 2009. I feel that your song "East to West" is special to me, I request it daily from Radio Shine for my drive home. Could you please do this song in Phoenix, I know that this song will help me to be able to "let go" and praise as I should. I know that everyone praises in their own way but I know this song is special. Thanks

Hi Mark,Looking forward to your new album in november!But there's one thing: I can not find a tourdate in the list for Holland (the Netherlands).When is your real breaktrough in Europe?(Come over and help!)

Brother MarkI saw you on Fox tv. I would like to find out more about North Korea. Is there some way I could contact you.

Hi MarkI just want to let you know that I love love love you and the bands music. I cant wait until your newest album comes out. :-)

Hi, Mark! I think u would love the video that was done to your song, "Set Me Free" it was done by Ignite Student Ministries on www.tangle.com! Please check it out...it makes your song even more powerful than it already is if that is possible! For ameteurs, I think that you would agree that this is what this song is all about. FYI...make sure you read the t-shirts on the "demons"! I get goosebumps every time, and I think you will too!! God Bless you and your band for the wonderful work you do for Christ!! You have been an inspiration to me and my husband and lots of our friends! Thank you!!!

Hi Mark and group,Thank you for reaching so many with your music. You'll be in Charlotte this Saturday and our Youth Group wanted to be there, but were unable. Can we book Casting Crowns for Spring 2010? Is that doable? Thank you for allowing God's blessings thru your music. Stay the course.

Hey All:Love your songs, love your ministry, would love to see you in Oklahoma City!!!Lovin' 2B Livin'