Billy Wayne's Blog Site

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

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

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

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.