Billy Wayne's World

Dear Friends,
I feel I am standing at the brink of something incredible and God is waiting to see what I am going to do. Over the years, everyday has been a step of faith… sometimes baby steps and sometimes giant leaps. Either way, I gain something incredible.

Trusting in God is something that should come as natural as breathing to
Christians. It seems like we would learn to look at God’s track record and know that
He never leads us in a direction that He doesn’t have a plan or purpose.

Why is it that we get scared or fearful of just doing what He asks? His faithfulness should be a springboard for us to dive into the next adventure alongside Him. But, sometimes we stand frozen before the chasm of unbelief wondering what is at the bottom or on the other side.

Taking even the tiniest step of faith requires the greatest amount of trust. Let’s face it. We can’t see God in the flesh and we can’t see our future. Seeds of doubt creep in and rob us of the blessing of trusting in a Savior who trusted us enough to take us to the brink of the unknown. He believes in us even when we can’t believe in ourselves or Him.

God never gives up on the human spirit and the individual that He created. He knows the plans He has for us. Yet, because we don’t know the plans, we tremble in fear of the unknown.

Faith can be easily increased by spending time with our Father/Creator. Getting intimate with God is the only way of gaining trust in Him. We only trust those around us to whom we have spent time with and have become intimate with.

Sometimes God allows struggles in our lives in order for us to seek Him and His face. In the midst of hard times or tragedy is when we turn to God. Why does it have to be that way? If we spend time and seek a deeper, personal relationship with Him, no amount of doubt or fear should be able to knock us off course.

God teaches me constantly to trust Him with new areas of my life. Just when I feel I have the faith to take the next step in the given situation, He turns around and leads me to another brink of life. However, with each leap of faith, it becomes easier to jump.

When we are willing to fling ourselves into the arms of the one who knows more about us than we know about ourselves, it is then that we are closest to God. He loves to see us act in belief not just say it with words.

Those who are willing to step are those who gain even greater intimacy with God. Even when it is difficult to take a step of faith, according to scripture I can ask the Lord to help my “unbelief”. Isn’t it amazing how far God will go with us to the edge just to turn around to catch us on the other side?

I am learning that all that God wants from me is my intimacy and trust in Him to do for me what I cannot do for myself. What a God! He sent His Son to go the distance...to live in this world and set an example that I can trust God even unto death.

I am still learning...still praying... I’m still standing again at another brink. For all He has done for me, I think I can jump once more. After all what have I got to lose?
Billy Wayne

Billy Wayne's World

Dear Friends,
I am excited about what God is going to do for 2009. While it has been a year of changes for me, it has been the year of great blessings. I have had the opportunity to reflect on a lot of things over the last couple of months. One thing I know is that I am more determined than ever to share the gospel of Christ.
I am overwhelmed at what God is allowing to happen in our world. I believe that in America we are reaping the consequences of our overindulgence and materialism. When I look at the stock market or the financial status of our economy, I can’t help but see what we have done to ourselves.
God is a very patient God. I have seen Him time and again allow us to do what we want to do. The end result is absolute failure. I have often said, “When we make bad choices, we suffer the consequences”. Hello, America! Hello, Christian! What has happened to our convictions. Why do we think we can get by with being so selfish and self-centered?
Yes, God is a God of grace and compassion. He also has other attributes. He is also a God of holiness and judgment. We want to embrace the “warm, fuzzy” part of God and not His call to righteousness and purity. We want to call the shots and ask Him to come and bless our plans.
Over the last few months, I feel that I have been in one meeting after another listening to people give excuses as to why they are doing what they are doing. What happened to “conviction.” As believers, this is one thing that will be present in your life if indeed you have Christ in your heart.
The Holy Spirit lives in us to guide us. He gives us peace when we are following Him. He “convicts” us when we sin and follow our own desires. HE IS PRESENT in us.
I can’t understand why some people go to ministers or spiritual leaders to ease their conscience for the disobedience in their lives. Sometimes, people want me to make them feel better about what they have done wrong. Some put the blame on everyone else except themselves. I know that we have all done that to some extent, but peace will never come until we ask for forgiveness from the one we have hurt the most….JESUS.
It amazes me at how people can live in blatant disobedience to God. They can be bitter, unforgiving and arrogant and in the same breath ask God to bless them.
We should be a people of conviction. We should not be so concerned about others that we forget who we have really hurt. May we learn to have hearts that are sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s convicting power. If we don’t, we are going to end up miserable, self-seeking people.
God has allowed America to suffer for her prideful arrogance and materialism. God still loves us enough to discipline us and break us. Only the humble experience His presence.
Break me, O God. Convict my heart. Let me be what you want me to be. Don’t let me seek peace from mankind about my sin toward you. May I approach you with a repentant heart. May I always seek to restore broken relationships and trust. May I not be the excuse that others use for not wanting to be a Christian. I want to be a man of conviction.
As things around us seem to spin out of control, may we be able to point people to the unmovable, unchanging God. We can only do that if we are willing to be all that Christ calls us to be. It’s time to step up.

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5)

Convicted,
Billy Wayne

Update from the "Satisfied" Tour

Hey Ya’ll,
Wow, what an adventure. I have almost finished the Satisfied Tour with DecembeRadio. It has been a blessing and eye-opener.
First of all, I am very blessed with wonderful friendships with the guys. They are truly men of God who seek to do God’s will with their music and with their personal lives. To be such a “rocking” group, they are the most “down to earth”, real people you will ever meet.
I have been blessed also to see them grow in their relationship with Christ and in their music over the last 9 years. They strive to give God their best…no matter what. They are men of integrity that really do the right thing when no one is looking.
This tour has also allowed me to get to know two other groups: “Ruth” and “Sevenglory.” While on the road, I have served as “Road Pastor” and “Guest Speaker.” We have had some awesome devotions and are going through a Bible study on the Gospel of St. John. (Thank you, Peg Spurlin, for the study guide).
I am thankful for the freedom that Josh (lead singer for DR) has given me every evening in sharing the gospel message. The response from those attending the concerts has been overwhelming. Thanks to all of you who have sent e-mails about how God ministered to you. We love to hear what Jesus is doing.
I have met some wonderful promoters and leaders along the way. Every venue seemed to have some awesome servant-minded people working around us. You all have made it possible for ministry to take place in your area. You are also the ones that have to continue being the light once we leave. Thank you, for your vision in hosting the Satisfied Tour. We have seen hundreds of lives changed because of your hard work and prayers.
We are headed to Augusta, GA, where the guys have a “non-tour” date. I will be there for encouragement and ministry. We will be in Columbia, SC on Friday. It is a normal Tour date with the bands and I will speak that evening. I hope all my friends from that area will come out and support us. Please bring some lost people with you to “The Bubble.” It is going to be an awesome night.
We will end the tour at LampLight Theatre on Saturday night. Lori (our Theatre Manager) told me that she only has a handful of tickets left. (Thanks to WCQR for all they do for us) Hurry and call if you plan to come. It is going to be a great evening. I think DecembeRadio and I will be doing some of my songs that night. They have asked me if I wanted to…Why not? Hopefully, we get to run through a couple.
Thanks for all of your prayers. Continue praying for our bus. We continue fixing things as we go along (The blessing/curses of owning an older vehicle). It has been a blessing at the same time (Our home away from home). Please be in prayer for our staff at Visions as well. I am still in the process of finding a “road manager/personal assistant.” God knows who He wants here. I am praying for discernment and direction.
We are getting geared up for our Christmas Season at LampLight. I have been working on music and ideas for “Yuletide 2008.” It’s going to be a hoot. We have also been working on “The Merriest Christmas” throughout the past couple of months. This is the last year we will be doing this production. You don’t want to miss it. It will get you in the Christmas spirit for sure.
Don’t forget to get registered for “WinterBlast 2008.” It will be held 28-30 of December at LampLight. Come and join us for this winter retreat. It is going to be a time of great worship, teaching and fellowship. If you have a group that would like to be a spotlight artist, contact us.
I just want to thank Jesus most of all. He has given me so many opportunities. I am truly blessed to have had such a full life. God has shown great favor. I can’t wait to see what is next. While our ministry has gone through changes this year, God has truly given me grace to plow ahead. I am so unworthy of everything including the incredible friendships and co-laborers that God has blessed me with over the years.
I know that I have made many mistakes and failed and missed the mark so many times. This trip has afforded me times of reflection and thankfulness. God has confirmed His calling on my life. I know that my “prophet spirit” and boldness has offended many people. In my attempt to give God my best, I have worn a lot of people out. It has never been my intention. I just want people to be all that God has called them to be.
When I look at groups like DecembeRadio, I know that my boldness and “slave driving” work ethic pays off. They have been such a great encouragement to me. They have known me for years and we have survived a great deal together.
I want to thank those of you who have walked alongside me on this journey through the years (many faces and lives.) You have been so faithful. While it has been hard to see some of you move on to do God’s work in other ministries, (like DecembeRadio) I know He has greater plans. I miss you deeply, but it blesses me that God is just increasing His Kingdom’s work…And because of your faithfulness to this ministry, I am a better man. Thanks.

Love Ya’ll….Billy Wayne

Ministry Update on Satisfied Tour

Hey Ya’ll,
I have had an incredible time on the Satisfied Tour with DecembeRadio. We have met some wonderful people along the way including two bands: “Seven Glory” and “Ruth”. All of the members of the bands are great guys. They are the real deal with a message to share. Everyone on the tour seems to have a servant heart and humble spirit.
Calvary Chapel in Kernersville, NC was great. The concert was right on. The people from the church are some of the most servant-minded people I have ever met. They are a true reflection of their pastor, David (Awesome Man of God). What a ministry. God is doing some powerful things through that church. They really minister to broken lives and have a heartbeat for outreach and ministry. I give a shout out to all my new friends there. You blessed my socks off.
The Alliance Church in Auburn, NY was our next stop. Wendy and the crew did a phenomenal job at organizing the concert. All of the volunteers worked so hard to make things go so smoothly. The youth there blessed me. They have such a hunger and desire to reach out.
I want to encourage them to keep on keeping on. Thanks to the church leadership who had a vision to see the concert happen. I know that God is going to continue to bless that church as they continue pursuing opportunities to share Jesus beyond their comfort zone. We saw many lives changed that evening. God worked in so many ways. Praise the Lord!
First Baptist in Portland, Maine was a blessing as well. Once again, God moved in a powerful way. Thank the Lord for some wonderful people who really want to reach out to hurting souls. God used them in a mighty way. Thanks to all the volunteers and the different churches that came together to make it all happen.
We are getting ready to leave Bangor/ Brewer, Maine and head toward Maryland via New York. We are thinking about going into the city since we have some down-time. We will then head toward Maryland to do ministry later on this week.
If you are near Roanoke, VA, don’t forget the concert on Saturday night. We would love to see you there.
We will head for Harrisburg, PA for a concert Sunday evening. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us there.
Again, the tour has been a blessing so far. Meeting more of God’s family is always a blessing. Spending time with the guys has been like old times. We have enjoyed doing ministry together once again. The greatest reward has been seeing the altar filled with people seeking hope and truth.
I would like to thank “Not of This World” for the endorsement. This is a wonderful Christian Company that I am very fond of. They have some awesome clothing. They have kept me in style on this tour with some great shirts. I thank the Lord for a company that truly witnesses for our Lord. I urge you to check them out.
Please pray for the bus. We are having some heat pump issues. (Maybe a fan?) Regardless, God is taking care of us. Continue to pray for him to watch over us and the bus. Pray for protection for the other bands as they travel as well.
We also have to praise God for the 220 plus people who gave their lives to Christ during Mortality Room (House of Martyrs) at LampLight Theatre. There were also over 600 Christians that renewed their walk of faith. God used this drama to stir up hearts to be bold in their witness.
Stay tuned for updates from the tour and back at home. Thanks for the words of encouragement and prayer. We need you to continue as we share the gospel.

Love ya…
Billy Wayne

Pray for my dad and his siblings as they have lost their sister, Pauline. They do have the promise of seeing her again, but the loss is still hard. I wish I could have been there for them during this time of loss, but they have been so encouraging and understanding of what I am doing. I have a great family. God has brought us a long way.

Ministry Update

Hey ya’ll,
I just got back from the Bahamas with “Cruise for a Cause”. Wow, what an experience. You wouldn’t believe it. God moved in a mighty way. We visited several schools and prisons and did street ministry as well in Freeport and Nassau. We ended with a crusade of around 40,000 people attending. Collectively 10,350 decisions were made during our trip…absolutely amazing.
I had the opportunity to minister in a school (primary-high school). I was the artist for that particular outreach. There were around 300 students at the school. We saw 114 make decisions at our school that day (One third of the student body made decisions).
DecembeRadio was on the cruise as well. They did the first night’s concert on the ship and also sang at the crusade. It was great seeing the Lord use them. I pulled double duties for the week. I was there as their road pastor, but also was booked as an artist to help minister in the schools. The fellows and I ran different schedules, but we did get to eat together and fellowship while on the ship. We had an incredible time.
We were ministered to and ministered with some incredible artists (Sonic Flood, Building 429, The Crabb Family, Andre Crouch, Mary Mary, Larnelle Harris…just to name a few). We also had some wonderful speakers for the week including Tony Evans and Paula White.
I had never heard of PraiseFest Ministries until Indie Heaven contacted us and asked us to go. After I got there, I realized I knew some of the people who help head it up. Wade Hamner, one of the co-founders, introduced himself and sang “The Call” (one of my songs) to me. He told me that he had recorded two of my songs in 2000. Scotty had gotten permission from me to record them, but I had forgotten. His wife, Shelly, was a great help at check-in. God is using the Hamners in a big way.
I kept running into people that knew me, but I didn’t know how I knew them. I guess when you’ve been around as long as I have, you’re bound to run into someone that has seen you or knows someone who knows you. Life is funny.
I was blessed to get to know a man named Nigel. Nigel is from the UK and is Third Day’s road pastor. He knew me from Scotty Wilbanks and DecembeRadio. He has a true heart for souls and for ministry. He is an extremely busy man. Keep him and his family in your prayers. He was a blessing to me and God used him to confirm some things in my life.
Many doors were opened. I don’t know what will happen from it all. I doubt very seriously that the people from the islands or the boat will remember me, but I do know that there are over 10,000 people that now know the name of JESUS and the power behind it. Praise the Lord.
Kim Holbrook, Susan Depew, Joyce Kalokowich, and Tony Williams represented Vision Productions well. They helped lug all of my supplies to the school for ministry and helped with all the Public Relations stuff. They served as counselors at the school on the island. They also served as counselors along with me at the crusade. God used them in a mighty way. I’m certain there lives will never be the same.
I want to give a shout out to our two new friends, Tamara(TX) and Julie(KS). These girls were a blessing. Hello to the Chandler family in Evansville. Hi to Monique and Rose Mary in Haiti. Cindy, keep up the great work in Houston and at Lakewood. Randy, thank you for your ministry at the schools. We will be praying for your health and believe God for the healing.
I pray we get invited back next year to PraiseFest. I would love to see many of you join us. I’m not certain where the destination will be, but I am certain that God will move.
Be in prayer about Mortality Room/”House of Martyrs.” Mary and the staff have handled rehearsals while Larry continued to work on the set. I understand that they have been working hard. We are going into our last week of rehearsals before we get started with performances. It is going to be awesome. The response has been incredible. Make certain you call for reservations. We will take “walk-ins” but reservations guarantee you seating. Be in prayer for the cast and to all who attend. We want to see people come to know Jesus.
I will write more once I get home. I am on the bus now with DecembeRadio. We have two more dates this weekend in Florida. I will be back Sunday morning. I miss my staff and Ridge. I can’t wait to see everybody and jump back into rehearsals on Monday. God is up to something great and I don’t want to miss a thing.
Love ya’ll
Billy Wayne

Ministry Update

Hey ya’ll,
I just got back from Iowa with DecembeRadio. It was a long trip, but we had an awesome time. The guys were incredible as usual. It gave us all a preview of what the tour will be like. Aside from the air going out on the way back, we had a great drive. Raji (our bus driver) did an incredible job. He is a driving machine. We appreciate all he does.
I want to give a shout out to those in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for making me feel at home. Thanks for listening to Jesus and responding to His message. I am praying for those of you who shared that you accepted Christ that evening. I am also praying for the individuals that shared their stories with me. What an awesome time of ministry and healing. God was there.
The bus goes into the shop for continued repairs for the trip. We got half done before we left for Iowa. The rest should be done in the next couple of weeks. Thanks to those of you who are helping to pay for the repairs. That has been a blessing and a pleasant surprise.
We are gearing up for FolkFest, Mortality Room and the Christmas Season. We start rehearsals this week for “The Merriest Christmas.” This weekend is Movie Weekend. LampLight Theatre will be showing, “The Wager” with Randy Travis and Candace Cameron. I will actually be here this weekend preparing for the fall shows and the tour. Come out and see me
Try to come to FolkFest at LampLight as well. It is the last Saturday in this month. We are having traditional mountain music from locals on an outside stage. We will be having home-cooking and an apple butter stir-off. Try your hand in the Horseshow Tournament and visit some awesome vendors and craftsmen/women. “Hootin’ Holler” is an area for kids to have fun and play game. A hayride will take you to the petting zoo where you can pet Ridge’s pot-bellied pig, “LuLu”.
I will be performing with Pocket Full of Seeds twice during the day in the theatre. We will be doing some songs from A.I.M. (Artist in Ministry Conference). You will also get a chance to hear me sing Southern Gospel. (Ha. Ha.) You don’t want to miss that.
That evening we will present “Down-Home Jamboree” featuring “The Praisemen”(Southern Gospel Quartet from Bishopville, SC) and “North Fork Switchgrass” (A contemporary/traditional bluegrass group). “The Kelleys” will also be doing some storytelling during the evening.
This tradition started with the first year of our opening the theatre. It is a family affair. All of my family get involved and help put the whole thing together. You can meet my Mom, Dad, Stepmom, Sister, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. They help run it all.
All this stuff sounds crazy from a contemporary Christian Music Artist and evangelist, but it is who I am. I never get tired of my roots. The smells and sounds of family and the Fall bring great memories and fun times.
Pray for me as I begin the interviewing process for a Road Manager/ Personal Assistant. We are pressed for time as the “Satisfied Tour” nears. Pray for our ministry team as well.
I’m outta here for now. I’ll let you know how things go this week. Hold to Jesus.

Ministry Update

Hey ya’ll,
Just wanted you to know what is going on. We just finished auditions for “The Merriest Christmas” (Victorian Christmas Musical). We are going to have a great cast this year. This will be the last year we will do this production for a while. I have written a new production for next year called “The Candy Maker’s Dream.”
We will be having our auditions for Mortality Room (A Halloween Alternative). This year brings a new production to the stage. I wrote it while I was on the two week mission trip to New York. It’s called “House of Martyrs”. It is a contemporary story with flashbacks into the lives of past martyrs of the faith (based on Fox’s Book of Martyrs). The production is rated PG-13. It should be closer to NC-17 because of the graphic scenes.
The last couple of years, God burdened my heart about writing and directing this project. It has finally come to fruition. When reading the Book of Martyrs I was amazed at the boldness and bravery of our Christian forefathers.
No matter how I tried to dance around the atrocities, there was no way to avoid the gruesome details that needed to be depicted in this drama. While the production is very graphic in nature with its true to life situations, it promises to inspire every believer. As Christians, we all face persecutions and trials. Satan is alive and well and is trying everything to destroy Christianity. Our society is becoming more vulnerable as believers buckle under persecution. I would like to see this production encourage boldness for Christians to stand up for who and what they believe in. Try your best to get reservations to see these productions at LampLight Theatre. Check out www.lamplighttheatre.com
I will be leaving this weekend with DecembeRadio. We are headed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This will be our first time ministering together in a couple of years. We are all anticipating God to do some awesome things.
Ridge (my ward) will be going on the trip as a roadie. Between Eric Miker and Ridge, I don’t think we will have one quiet moment. I’m sure we will have fun.
The bus has been a blessing this summer. It has provided a place to work and rest. Thanks to all of you who helped get the bus up to par for the tour.
Pray for our bus driver, Raji. He is an excellent driver and takes good care of the bus. He will be driving 13 hrs. up and 13 hrs. back.
I’ll let you know how the weekend went. Check back on the blog next week and I’ll fill you in. Keep praying for us as we seek a new road manager and ministry team members. God is up to something. He is getting ready to show off in a big way.
Billy Wayne