Mission Notes | Christian Music Blog » Announcements & Discussion

MATS – Delivering Cars for Ministry Since 1977

Jason Bean — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:50:09 +0000

I wanted to let you all know of an amazing service I came across recently that helps find cars at great prices for ministries and people in the ministry.

The name of the organization is MATS and their mission is to provide affordable and reliable transportation to ministries and their staff. They’ve been fulfilling this mission since 1977. They have been great to work with and I really can’t explain what they do any better than what their website says.

Since 1977, MATS has assisted thousands of ministries and their staff in finding transportation, including but not limited to:

Mission organizations and their staff

Churches and their staff

Para-church ministries and their staff

Humanitarian organizations and their staff

Schools, Counselors, and Teachers

Colleges & Universities and their staff

Missionaries

Our Service

The staff at MATS has over 100 years of combined experience in the automobile business and a unique desire to serve those in Christian ministry and education. We are aware of how limited ministry resources can be and we want to help you be a better steward of those resources when purchasing a vehicle for your organization or family. Whether you are located in the United States or Internationally, MATS has the ability to provide the right vehicle for your needs at a significant cost savings from the retail market.

If you’re in ministry and looking for a vehicle, or know a ministry that needs some help with transportation needs, give these folks a call and see what they can do for you. Visit their website at www.mats.org

Matt Hammitt of Sanctus Real Inspired by His New Son

Jason Bean — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:52:31 +0000

I came across an interesting article the other day that was in the main stream press. It was a story about Matt Hammitt, lead singer of Sanctus Real, and the recent challenges he and his wife experienced this past year with the birth of their son, Bowen. After they found out they were pregnant, the doctor’s gave them very severe news about the health of their son in the fetus. He had a congenital heart defect and didn’t have a very good prognosis.

Hammitt and his wife, Sarah, knew something was wrong minutes after finding out during an ultrasound in April 2010 that their third child would be a boy, following two girls. They saw the sorrow on their doctor’s face even before she spoke.

Doctors later confirmed the baby had a rare congenital heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which causes the left side of the heart to be severely underdeveloped. For five months, the couple contemplated all of the possible procedures and treatments while weighing the odds of what could go wrong.

Their baby would face multiple surgeries and an uncertain future at best.

They also didn’t know how to deal with a flood of emotions — the anger, the doubt, the feeling of being alone. Hammitt, 32, decided he needed to tell God how he was feeling, so he started writing songs about their journey.

I think I take the health of my children for granted far too many times. I stress about their “challenges” I face through the day and they’re all normal challenges. How would I have the strength for real battles for my kids if they experienced severe health problems and hurdles.

Reading the story makes me want to hear some of the songs Matt was inspired to write. One of the great parts of the story was that the nurses would play his music for their whole wing after visiting hours were over to soothe all the children, not just Matt’s.

You should read the entire article: Unborn Son’s Struggle Inspires Christian Singer

Katy Perry (Hudson) Has a Christian Album?

Jason Bean — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:58:35 +0000

Did you know that Katy Perry, yeah that one, released a Christian album 10 years ago? Yep, she sure did and PluggedIn Online interviewed her.

Now, 10 years later, Bob Waliszewski is revisiting his interview and asking questions about the changes he sees from then until now and what we think.

What do you think about the change? Did you know Katy released a Christian album? Do you have it?

Where Are the Real Christians on TV

Jason Bean — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:37:28 +0000

I recently read an article on PluggedIn.com that was an interview with Dean Batali, who works as a writer in Hollywood. Dean is a Christian and gets into some interesting answers on why the views of Christians and Christianity we see on TV aren’t what we’d consider correct.

I’d encourage you to go read the article, “Faith, Film and … Dean Batali”, and then come back here and let me know what you thought.

What’s your opinion of how Christians and Christianity are portrayed on television? What else are you looking for? Should we expect anything different? Is the Christian life imitating art or is art imitating how it sees our Christian life?

A Call to Ragamuffins

William Lehman — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:20:10 +0000

If you haven’t heard, there is a group trying to put together a feature-length movie about the life of Rich Mullins. They are working on getting funding now to move to the next step. Check out the video below to find out more about the project and donate to make it a reality. The video below is a preview trailer. The man speaking is Brennan Manning, author of “The Ragamuffin Gospel”.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Go help make it a reality!

Submit Your Concert Photos

Jason Bean — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:51:44 +0000

It’s that time of year again. Christian music festivals like Ichthus are already underway with plenty more on the calendar. You’re bound to grab some great photos from all those concerts you’re attending and we’d love to see them.

Now you can easily share your fun photos, share that photo opp of you with your favorite Christian singer and group and share it with all your friends.

Just use our Reader Photos page to upload your concert photos and tell us a little about your experience.

When’s the Last Time You Said F____ You!

Jason Bean — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 01:14:44 +0000

My brother shared this video on Facebook earlier. Having spent my life in the church, I can tell you I’ve never heard this kind of preaching from the pulpit. I did hear a great message today, but it didn’t have quite this kind of punch.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Are you offended now? Or are you challenged?

Kings Domain Summer Project

Jason Bean — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:43:59 +0000

I’m not sure how many of you out there are college students and looking for a summer ministry opportunity, but if you are or if you know someone who is, check out the new website just launched.

King’s Domain Summer Project at www.kdsummerproject.org

“King’s Domain Summer Project is a partnership between King’s Domain and Campus Crusade for Christ to offer a summer project unlike any other experience; not only will you participate in doing ministry but you will benefit from intentional personal development which will prepare you for a lifetime of ministry.”

Check them out and visit their website to learn more.

Thrice – “Come All You Weary”

Jason Bean — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 14:41:59 +0000

I wasn’t familiar with this group, and a past professor of mine just shared this video on his Facebook page. The band is called Thrice. They’re not a “Christian” band, but have some really nice lyrics with some Christian themed overtones for sure.

You can visit the Thrice band website and follow Thrice on Twitter.

Me likey!

This Week’s Tweets for 2010-03-21

Jason Bean — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

@6stringhero Yeah, my fault.Got you confused with another person. If you ever do though, let me know! =) in reply to 6stringhero #