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| Logo designed by my daughter, Ashley Wynn Urias |
Yesterday, June 26, I began this post but could not finish. I had so much to say, and really didn't want to belabor the subject and (dare I say it?) bore the readers. But I am just saying thanks to everyone - all the musicians and prayer warriors who helped fulfill the dream of one man, 15 years ago. Yesterday would have been Bro Wynn's 60th birthday.
Revived! Music Ministries was conceived in the heart of my late husband around 1998. It was the inevitable solution to a challenge I was facing as Music Director at the small church we attended. We needed an adult singing group. Anybody who has experience as a "Minister of Music" in any church, knows the woes of trying to get "special music" lined up from month to month. At the time, I was more than comfortable directing the children's choir and using the regular, faithful soloists and groups on a rotating basis. I also had no problem calling upon my own family - including Bro Wynn, to fill in the gap when someone else backed out at the last minute. (It's such a blessing when there is musical talent in your family!)
I resisted the suggestion to start a singing group. Working with adults and all they can bring was not appealing to me in the least. However, in the end, I gave in. And we invited some singers over to our home to present this new idea for a group. That was the spring of 1999. A year later, we had about 16 members and our debut concert.
The name, Revive, was voted in. Our group's Chaplain, Elder Mickey, suggested the change in spelling from Revive to Revived - as a testimony of who and what we are, by the power of God's Holy Spirit, and through His Son, Jesus Christ. (And I added the exclamation point to emphasize the POWER and our extreme joy!) We went to the Scriptures for Biblical foundation to underscore and remind us of the promises of God - the very fuel and anointing of our new ministry:
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For this is what the high and exalted One says—
He who lives forever, whose name is holy:
"I live in a high and holy place,
but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." Isaiah 57:15
We all identified with this Word. Revived! was a family affair, and it became an in-reach as well as an outreach ministry. Over the years, we were blessed by many individuals who shared their gifts with us. Some relocated to other areas of the country, and overseas, and there were others who, sadly, passed away.
In October of 2010, our first and only CD was released (cover photo pictured above). It had been Bro Wynn's dream and pet project. He had worked tirelessly, fitting rehearsals and recording sessions into his already busy schedule - ensuring that the musicians and the studio were paid - the whole nine. We had spent the summer and fall of 2009 in the recording studio, with an initial release date of spring, 2010. But that was brought to an abrupt halt when he was hit by a drunk driver in March- and passed way two months later. The album was complete, and immediately became a posthumous tribute to our fearless leader. It was all I could do to stay on task - with the single thought: "Bro Wynn would want you to finish this project. Gird up your loins, girl!" God is able. With the help of praying folks who loved our ministry, and every single member of Revived!, the mission was accomplished. The music ministry produced another avenue for its message to reach souls beyond prison ministries and guest appearances at churches and concerts. There is a limited number of CDs left - many of them our members purchased to bless others as gifts.
Today, I want to thank all of the singing and non-singing members of Revived!; and honor the precious memory of the ones no longer with us:
Jean Wynn Garavito - Soprano, Alto
Harold Smith - Keyboards, Arranger
Bro RL Wynn - Co-founder - Tenor, Baritone
Neida Langhorn - Soprano
Vera Davis - Soprano
Revived! Music Ministries has been able to bestow financial blessings upon individuals and families in need, through the generous support of others throughout the years, and the dues we paid monthly for the cause. And although we no longer exist physically as a singing entity, Revived! lives on in the hearts of our 30+ singers and instrumentalists!
Finally, because we believe in the second coming - we know we shall be reunited with our beloved ones - if we stay on the battlefield for our Lord! By God's grace and Power - I plan to join hands and sing together again the songs of Zion, around the Throne of God! I just can't miss out on the unspeakable joy God has in store for us, that will never end!
My prayer is today - that YOU plan to be there, too!
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