fw-blog

When we started the FW site, about 10 years ago, one of the first (and easiest) decisions we made was to make all of the songs available for download for free. This included MP3 files, backing tracks, lyrics, guitar chords and sheet music. As a small, relatively unknown, non-profit ministry, it seemed to me to be a very effective way to get the songs out, and it has been an exciting journey ever since, seeing where the songs have ended up.

Of course we do also record and sell CD’s of the songs (7 so far), and we have been assisted in that process by long-term partner, ICC Records, who act as our publisher and distributor. As we plan for the next FW recording, ICC have made a request that we stop making the FW songs freely available, as they feel that it detracts from selling CD’s, and songbooks/sheet music. They also suggest that with CD sales down in general, in the secular and christian “markets”, making the songs and albums available on iTunes is a better approach than making them available for free.

In other words, if you wanted to get hold of one of our songs in future, you may need to pay 79p (or 99 cents) for the song, and maybe £1.49 for the sheet music. My worry is that while some people may be happy to pay that, and so support the FW ministry (which I stress again is a non-profit ministry), and also support ICC who are themselves a charitable company, others may be put off and not get to hear or use the songs.

So, before making a decision on their request, I wanted to get some feedback from visitors to this site, and if you have a moment to send me an email with your frank thoughts, comments and suggestions on this tricky subject, then I would be very grateful.

Thank you!
Mike

We’re just back from a really good week with the Ichthus Bible Week, “Revive”, where we were leading the children’s work for the 5 to 10 age group. A fuller report will be coming soon, but in the meanwhile, here is a picture of the amazing team we were working with - stars one and all!

For anyone who aspires to write songs for children, and to lead all-age worship, there is one trail-blazing pioneer in the UK who towers above all others, and that is Ishmael. I have met him on a number of occasions, and had the privilege of playing keys and bass for him on a number of his visits to Ichthus in years gone by. I check his website from time to time, for news of what he is up to, and have followed with great interest his recent ordination into the Anglican church in Chichester.

So, logging on to his site today, I was devastated to read the news that he has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. There is no doubt that because of the impact Ishmael has had on countless thousands of people in the UK and the world over, there will be countless thousands praying for him, so I simply encourage you to join with them in prayer.

Visit www.ishmael.org.uk for news and updates.

We received a request from the promotion company for Sportrelief to add a link to the video for this year’s charity single.

I remember hearing Leona’s single “Bleeding in love” on the radio last year, without knowing who she was (I didn’t watch Pop Idol!) and was struck by the strength & beauty of her voice, and the power of the song itself, and I wondered about her beliefs at the time.

So, when the request came in to link to her single, I was curious, and discovered that the song chosen as the Sportrelief single is based on the most downloaded poem on the web - “Footprints in the sand”, and the video contains images of Africa, which is always on my heart and mind, so I am really pleased to link to the video, and warmly invite you to check it out for yourself.

View the video on Leona Lewis’ site here

Jan 12 was a wonderful day when FW Writer and colleague (and the designer of this website), Chris Juby, got married to Hannah Brown.

I love weddings, and this was a brilliant one - full of life, joy, hope, colour, warmth, and two people clearly head over heels in love. Marvelous.

Many congratulations to Chris & Hannah, and every blessing and happiness for the future.

I have been involved with charity CCI for a couple of years now, primarily in the context of hosting their website through Solidrock where I am involved as a Director. CCI does a great work, linking conference centres, holiday organisations, youth and children’s ministries, and so on, through their association and network, and so I was delighted to be invited to lead the worship for their conference. Held at the Pioneer Centre in the beautiful (if somewhat wet) Shropshire countryside, it was a great 3 days.

In the UK, where church attendance has been in decline over recent decades, many people, especially young people, come to faith through holidays, conferences, outdoor activities, and other similar events, so the work CCI does is a vital and valuable part of keeping the gospel alive and relevant in our nation.

Old friend (well, not that old), Ian King, who was pastor of our home church, Ichthus Downham, for many years, and a key encourager for me in getting the FW series of songs and recordings off the ground, has been associate pastor for the past several years at Vineyard, Loughton. Wes Sutton, the founder of the church and senior pastor, has recently accepted a new role working with Steve Chalke and church.co.uk, so on 6 Jan, there was a “handover” service at Vineyard. We were invited to go for the morning to lead a celebration for the children while the main service was happening, which was great fun.

Many congratulations to Ian and Chris King on their new appointment, and to Wes and Mary in their exciting new role too.

Well, 2008 is here, and the chance to dream and make plans. We were hoping for snow in London today, but in vain. I love snow - I’m due to visit Moscow at the end of the month, so perhaps should be careful what I wish for!

We spent New Year’s Eve in central London, visiting the Star Wars exhibition (OK OK - sad or cool depending on your point of view), seeing a film and then watching the fireworks over the London Eye, which get better every year. Still not quite up to Sydney’s standard perhaps, but getting there…

The month starts with a Roadshow visit on Jan 6 to Vineyard Loughton, where our friend Ian King is taking over as senior pastor from FW Writer and friend Wes Sutton, who is moving on to lead church.co.uk

The following weekend is one we are really looking forward to, where FW Writer and friend Chris Juby is marrying the wonderful Hannah Brown

Then it’s on to lead worship at the CCI conference which I greatly enjoyed last year.

Whatever your hopes and dreams are we pray that 2008 will be an exciting and fulfilling year for you.

I’m writing this on Christmas Eve before nipping out to the High Street - I’m a last minute person by nature, and although for once I’ve managed to get most of Sue’s presents, it wouldn’t be Christmas for me without a last dash round the shops!

It’s been a busy year, with a mix of business, holiday and ministry trips to the US (3 times), Egypt, Russia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Switzerland, France and Germany, so I am looking forward to a few quiet days at home, and I’m feeling very sorry for everyone who has got caught up in the travel chaos here in the UK, caused by fog. I was up at 4am to give friends a lift to Stanstead after their Heathrow flight to Frankfurt was cancelled yesterday.

We’ve really enjoyed our church programme this Christmas - we took the now traditional “Christmas Lorry” round the streets of Catford, and our Carol Service was packed yesterday - we are hoping for the chance to find a new venue to meet in 2008!

Our 2 older children, who are at Uni, will be home for Christmas, and all my family are coming to our house on the 27th for a gathering, which we are looking forward to.

Whatever you are doing this Christmas, whether you are able to be with family and friends, or if you are on your own, we pray that the God of all hope will be with you this Christmas and into 2008.

You can buy “Trust” now in the FW shop, or if you are in NZ or Aus, directly from David at www.davidlylemorris.com/blog