Hey Errbody,
A little update on us, a little lesson and a little more than you bargained for. That's what you're in for in this latest installation of the Casting Crowns Blog. First, the update. We're currently on day 5 of a 12 day stretch of a furious Northeast run. So far we've hit Baltimore, Rochester, Newark, and Portland (Maine, not Oregon. But that'd be incredible, wouldn't it?). I'm sitting in Binghamton,NY getting ready to go to dinner with most of my family. We left our youngest at home thinking arctic temperatures and rough roads would be a little hard on a baby. At any rate, this has been the best run so far. I say that with great respect to everyone who has come to concerts before, but the last few concerts have been pretty incredible with each night topping the last. I also say that with great anticipation to the crowds that will come (I've thrown down the gauntlet, people. Now it's your turn).
Tonight, I'm reflecting on three snapshots of the past five days. It's all of people I have encountered briefly in our concerts. After the World Vision appeal, we get to hand out some envelopes with children to sponsor all over the 
world, and recently it's been for the short term emergency work they are doing in Haiti (help with Haiti relief). Folks usually just come up and shake hands and take a child to sponsor or an envelope for Haiti. That night, a guy decided to say a little extra and told me he'd been clean for some time, that he'd been battling addiction for 31 years and that Casting Crowns had helped him through all of that. He now helps other people with the same problems and uses music God blessed us with to help them. He got a little misty eyed when he was telling me. I cannot begin to describe how humble that makes me. To be a part of something that causes change, but not just change, life changing events in people's journeys where they meet Jesus, or find strength to make it another day. To have someone actually trust me enough to lay their story down me, and for the most part, they are every personal stories. Lastly, to know they have since gone on and spread that to other's lives is incredible. Only by the grace and strength of God can such a thing happen.
Second time it happened at the same moment, but in a different city. We played in Newark and a man walked up to get a Haiti folder. He waited around for a few seconds, and mentioned he was from Haiti. I asked if he had any family there, and he said he had had a sister. I couldn't find words to comfort him. I said I was sorry, but was
taken in by his painful resiliency. I live in a country where when something happens to you, you are a victim. And somewhere in the Constitution it says that people, actually the government, must help you. I say that because it must be in there, because every time something happens here, people are mad that the government doesn't help faster, or more, or spend more money, or something. This man had lost family, and instead of rocking back and opening his hands, he was giving. Instead of looking to a government for change, he was making it happen and I can only admire him.
Last one happened last night in Portland, ME. I was looking for a third one to write about (for some reason, I'm attracted to 3's). I found two men sitting in the front row, and without sounding too judgmental, they both were physically and mentally challenged. One man was in a wheel chair and could hardly clap, though that didn't seem to stop him. One man was singing, but his face contorted in a painful expression that was also filled with joy. At one song, and I can't remember if it was East to West, or Storm, the man who could stand was lifting the man in the wheelchair so he could stand as well. The image of the friends who brought the paralytic to Jesus immediately popped into my mind. Before you send a ton of emails, or negative blog comments, I did not say we were Jesus. Nor did he carve a hole in the roof to lower him down on a stretcher. And these men weren't healed (not like we would like them to be, anyway). But the sight of a man so committed to his friend and so committed to God to do something as small as lift his friend so he could honor God just 6 inches more almost broke me on the spot.
I write these things for a few reasons. One is I'm usually praying for you guys while on stage, but these last few nights, I was shown a thing or two. Another is, are you so blessed by God's grace that you use that opportunity to show the way to someone else? Are you so trusting of our Lord that when something happens, you realize that you still have legs and hands to help others, or are you a victim? And lastly, despite what hinders you, do you lift anyone else up?
Peace
Juan
Comments
I just love how much you guys care about the people around you.. I'm just blown away everytime I hear something like this.. and your right, these are great comments that we should always try to have in the forefronts of our minds!
thanks for sharing
It was an amazing show!! Lots of energy and beautiful music! Thanks for making our first CC concert one we will never forget!
I agree. I too was at the show last night and it was amazing. Thank you very much for a great show and an awesome experience.
Thank you for posting this Juan. It is great to see that we (the fans) are ministering to you as much as you minister to us. God is always at work!
My ministry is at a secular university near NYC and it gets tough but I always remember I am here to be the salt and the light. God has been teaching me that sometimes I just need to be the walking epistle and He will do the rest! If more people showed love with our actions, we could really change this world.
I was at the Casting Crowns concert in Newark, NJ and I must say I was so happy to see over 10,000 people praising the Lord in my area. There is such a negative stronghold over the area, but seeing all those people worshipping that night in Newark showed me that God is truly at work in the NYC area transforming it by "demolishing arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthian 10:5). I saw how many people in the area love the Lord and it blew me away! That could be one reason why we were so loud and joyful that night...we know that we are not the majority in the area so when we get together with our fellow brothers and sisters, the joy just overflows...lol! It was a great night of praise and worship to Jesus!
Thank you for all that you sacrifice for the Lord! One day you will hear the Lord saying "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:23). God bless all of you!!
I enjoy the fact that you view what you do as MINISTRY! I did not have a Christian upbringing and listened to a lot of secular rock bands. I went to many concerts (not Christian bands) as a teenager. My first Christian concert was Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin and a not-so-well known band called Casting Crowns. This really turned my life around! Since then I saw CC on the Lifesong tour (where I met you in Saginaw, MI) and The Altar tour. I realize that it's not about the music! It's a tool, but that's not what it's about. Not to sound too cliche, but, your MINISTRY is anointed. It's because you guys (and gals) have removed yourself from the equation and let Him do the work. That's why you are so successful. You give me, and I'm sure many others, the opportunity to share Christ with those who may not be open to that. It's really easy to say "Hey, try listening to these guys. They're the Led Zeppelin of Christian rock!" What a way to plant the seed.
Thanks for what you let God do through you. I'll be at the show in Plymouth, MI on the 25th! Can't wait!!!
i am so excited to read this blog! i will be at your concert tonight in binghamton and to read about this awesome ministry of yours is incredible!
i'm a christian educator and youth leader and i know that many young lives will be touched and changed by your music.
thank you for coming to binghamton and sharing your gifts with us.
-erica heier
I have been to one concert in Wheeling WV last year and I will be at Pittsburgh, PA. I love your music and I feel so much at peace when I hear it. I cannot wait until this Saturday! I wish I could have gotten tickets to go back stage, but next time you will be that I will! Your music has changed my life in sooo many different ways that its unreal. It has gotten me through many different situations that I had no idea how to handle. Only being 22 and in a catholic college( Seton Hill University) I am not ashamed to say that yes believe in god and that I love christian music. A lot of people my age would be ashamed.
Thanks for all you do!
Cannot wait until Saturday!
Sherry Roberts
P.s. While in wheeling I found a guitar pick laying on the floor with JUAN on it......was that yours!?!?!
Just wanted you to know that we were there last night too. What an awesome night. It wasn't a concert. It was a worship service and the Holy Spirit was totally there. Thanks you guys for doing what you do. The Lord is moving through you and reaching out to the rest of the body.. I praise Him for what all HEs done and I thank you all for your minstry. God bless you as you continue the tour.
Looking forward to enjoying your praise music in Michigan on February 26. I am confident it will be an enriching experience. Praise God for your ministry - keep up the good work!
Cant wait too see you tonight. Will be my first cc concert ever!!!
That show was amazing and very encouraging! The energy, the lighting, the music, all of it was just amazing! I was very impressed, it was my first concert to ever to to and I really enjoyed it! I was really impressed that Brian can play the drums so amazingly...standing up! Just great job, all of you and I hope and pray to see you all here in Binghamton again someday! Oh and what does one do to get you to perform at my home church? Just wondering, have a great day all of you, and God Bless you!
God has shown me this very thing in the past few weeks. I am freshly (2 weeks) back from a trip to aid in the relief effort in Haiti. While I was there I was blown away by the hope and gratitude displayed by these people. If there was ever a situation where people could play the victim card, none of those with whom I came in contact did. They were simply happy that we took the time to come and give them some food.
The trip caused me to see how I should spend a great deal more effort in my life to help others. We have things that pop up in our lives and we pray for relief. Sometimes it comes and sometimes it doesn't. In those times where we are waiting to see which will happen, we should focus on helping others who are going through troubles. God did not call us to be safe. God did not call us to be comfortable. He called us to obey His commands and to share His love with everyone we meet. If you do your best to do something to make someone else's load a little lighter every day, I believe you'll get God's attention.
I left a little of my heart in Haiti when I had to come home. If things work out, I will be returning (with my wife this time) in April. Until then, I am commited to finding others to help, and trying my best to show the love of God to all I meet.
Juan (and everyone else)
First CC concert for my family & I. We live in VT and travelled 4 hours to see you. We stayed overnight Sat. & Sun. and made this our 2010 family vacation (the first we have ever had). We were in row 3, right behind the gentlemen you referred to. I couldn't see them clearly, but I sure could feel their enthusiasm!
God Bless all of you for giving our family one of the most spiritual, life-changing experiences we could have imagined. It was beyond description to see a concert hall with as many people in it as there are in our hometown, raising hands and praising Jesus. I am still trying to come down from the 'high' of the music and ministry. Our children (age 11, 9 & 7) were mesmerized and I know it touched their little hearts deeply.
Thank you again for bringing your zest for life, compassion for others and PASSION for Jesus to us!
Kathy & Kade Vorce
Thanks for coming to Portland. Thanks for walking through the chairs and praying for those who would soon be filling those chairs. I believe God answered those prayers very dramatically Sunday at the Portland Civic Center. My husband and I had just left the Holiday Inn to walk down the hill to meet a friend for dinner prior to the concert. We had just crossed the street behind the hotel when we heard 4-5 gun shots and saw a car speeding away. Had we been 10 seconds later we would have been in the path of either bullets or most definitely the speeding car. Praise God that He is holding on to us and cares so much for each of us that He hurries us along to protect us from danger. I tell you this to encourage you to continue praying for those who will fill the seats at your concerts (which was very encouraging and uplifting!).
Diane C.. Beverly, MA
Hello Casting Crowns Band, My husband and I attended our first concert seeing you live in concert for the first time ever. It was amazing. I looked forward to it all week. On the day of the concert, I didn't worry because you are not suppose to worry about anything as it says in the book of Matthew, but I was concerned about it being cancelled because of the snow. You could definitely tell we are all Michigan people because the place was jam packed from the floors to the ceilings. We all know how to drive in the Michigan snow. Well maybe some of us. I couldn't wait all day to get to your concert. All day waiting felt like the excitement of like it is being in a wedding just waiting for it to start. I kept counting down the time to get there; and just couldn't wait. Anyways, we had second row seats same side that the piano was on. The show was just inspiring and spiritual. It reminded me and my husband of a spiritual event our church has about once a month. It just really hit you deep down inside. Our church plays some of your songs. We just could not believe how spiritual it was. I can't listen to your song Slow Fade because that was at one time my marriage. It was slowly fading away. When I wasn't living a Christian life, I was just like the actress in the movie Fireproof who was slowly giving away her marriage; but I was ten times worse. Now, my old marriage problems are a walking testimony to try and to help others who are struggling, other women in our church; or couples experiencing marriage problems. I look at it as a life lesson; and I am very thankful to Jesus for him saving our marriage. I still cry when I here the song Slow Fade but I am thankful to know that Jesus saved me. He saved me from the fires of hell. I shared with my husband examples of how bad I was; and I almost lost my husband. Jesus has changed my life forever. I always give him glory and praise. The way that I can thank him for what he has done for me is to live the way the bible tells us to live, to have Jesus first in our lives always, to be involved in your church & in ministries, get in small groups, to try & love others as Christ has loved you, to seek forgiveness and peace, love, joy, self-control, patience and strength. Thank you Casting Crowns for sharing with all of us, for your love for your ministries you are in, for your awesome leadership with the youth, for writing such great songs; and most importantly for your love for Jesus; and for sharing it with all of us in your music.
First I want to thank CC for coming to Detroit!!! I know you'all had fun in our snow and you are welcome to come back anytime and make snow angels again!!! What an awesome time of worship! God's presence could truly be felt and heard through the words of every song. May you keep the fire burning with every city you visit. I look forward to seeing you'all the next time you come to Michigan!
I remember vivdly sitting next to the stage at the Downtown Armory in Rochester, NY a couple years ago struggling and in constant prayer about exactly where God wanted to use me in the bigger scheme of things. As I worshipped with Leeland and John Waller, anxiously awaiting, my inspiration for worship Casting Crowns, It began to unravel. The voice God gifted me with and more importantly the testimony He allowed me to endure were both ready to be shared through song. That very night, God spoke to me through Mark's words, "I don't need you, I want you!" - God went on to say I want you to do this very thing for me! Every since I listened to God's calling and stepped out of my comfort zone, I have written and produced song after song to Glorify God and reach people for His Kingdom. Almost two years later I was fortunate to meet Mark Hall in person at Roberts Wesylan College and thank him and give him something to encourage him in his faithfulnees to God and that it chnged my life forvever!
Hey Casting Crowns I just wanted to tell you your concert in Grand Rapids was amazing. I was really touched when you guys played East to West. I got to say for me it wasn't just a concert it was a revilation. Now i'm going to start stepping out of my comfort zone and telling people about my faith.
With Great Thanks,
Carter L. MI
Thank you so much for coming to New England. We were probably a smaller crowd than you are used to but we are starving in this region for Christian events. You were all such a blessing to us- something we will remember for a long time to come. Please come back again.
Castitng Crowns- Thank you for the great concert Friday night. We were celebrating our Lord and His great provision in our very difficult year. Friday night was soooo special soooo Graced by our Lord. I was there with my three children 12, 10 and 6 years old and my husband- His 43rd birthday! The sweet surprise to all of us was the true praise we saw our 6 year old daughter. She LOVES Jesus but we have never seen her raise her arms to him in praise and that night she raised her arms and her spirit to Him! The next day she told me something magical happened God kissed her! My heart still rejoices in the celebration of Friday night. Thank you for the blessed time! Praise God!!! Melissa Charron
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,"
As an artist, illustrator/sculptor and poet with a huge imagination I can see what that moment was like for you.
♫And when God lifts you up/ will you reach back/ to help another♪
Will you breach the problems and discover/ that the language is all the same...in His Name...
Lift me up... beyond the present pain...so I can help another in His Name
Lift me up so I can see...I need to gain the insight, in His Name
Lift me up so I believe...I want to respond with faith, in His Name
Lift me up so I imagine... knowing Hope... is in His Name
There is love in His Name...
Well, that's one that flew from my fingertips...Gee, I wonder where it came from? Not. Life is meant to be an inspiration, and praise...is a breath of song...GBU&yers. Kristine.
It is always good to see your band on tour. Keep up the good work with the great shows. This is so good to see.
Keep warm up there!!! And thanks for some amazing worship at women of joy in KY this past wknd. Did I hear Mark say you all were going to N. Korea??? God Bless!!!!
Yo this ministry is rockin! They didn't have church like this when I was growing up. Keep it up dudes.
Dusty