A Night of Hope and Healing: From the inside
There is no doubt that every artist in the arena felt called to be there. The list was amazing. Building429 was just one band in a HUGE lineup of artists who decided to go and do whatever we could to try to bring some light into extreme darkness. We were told when it was over that 75,000 people had watched the livestream along side the 10,000 people in the arena. The Lord’s will was done… that much was obvious as the night went on.
What wasn’t so obvious??? What were we supposed to say? What would be too much, and what would be too little? Backstage there was a sense of togetherness. We were all confident that God would show up, but no one knew exactly how. I remember when we found out that we were going to be the first band on. 10,000 people still mourning the loss of such precious lives only a month after the tragedy…. How would they respond? How should we approach it?
There were pretty much no sound checks at all that day. It was a line check… “can you hear the click track and a little bit of everything??? Good… moving on”. Michael got there just in time for us to play “We Won’t Be Shaken” our brand new song 1 time and then sound check was done. We literally rehearsed it in the dressing room the rest of the day preparing for the first time that we would share a song that we felt was meant for the night.
Numerous conversations throughout the day with our friends left us somewhat confident, but to be honest everyone was shaking in their boots (even the big, BIG dogs were obviously tense). We prayed a lot, asked for a lot of advice… and then there we were side stage watching Max Lucado and the Mayor of the City pray for the Lords will to be done. That was the longest prayer of my life… listening intently to the words of his prayer…. Lost in thought and in my own prayer that God would use me.
Were we nervous???? I admit it… I’m never nervous… but I was literally quoting the lines to “We Won’t Be Shaken” over and over again in my head until the second that we were announced. Which then posed another problem… what were the words to “Listen to the Sound”? That’s right after all these years… when we were about to play a song called “We won’t be shaken” we were all shaking to our core.
Funny the way that God works though. We think we have to have the answers…. But that’s where we mess up. It’s not about planning the perfect sermon it’s about getting out of the way and allowing Him to move. “Seek and you will find, Knock and the door will be opened” that was my biggest prayer for an area that is deeply non-religious. “Lord let them have open hearts…. Let them be willing to knock tonight”
I know it was no mistake that we were the first on…. It was God’s design for me to feel small and insignificant. It was God’s design for us to lead the charge…. He knew that our first show of 2013 needed to be about HIM…. And it was. Was it perfect… nope…. But it didn’t have to be.
Our 3 songs were literally a blur…. It was over as fast as it started. All I remember was that the first 2.5 minutes of “Listen to the Sound” were really intense and then we hit “Amazing Grace” and the room lifted… the lyrics started penetrating hearts and the whole room seemed to relax a little. Where I Belong was AMAZING and then came the song we’d never played in a concert or rehearsal hall together. Psalm 62:2 on our hearts, we just went for it. It felt huge, and when we walked off the stage we knew we had accomplished something…. we opened the gates and the spirit came walking through.
BTW, I’m told some of the artists didn’t sound that good online…. Give them all a break. All of us were just trying to keep it together out there… the emotions we all felt were unbelievably intense. I tend to tow the tough guy line…. But when we walked off the stage I was in tears…. And I know that everyone else fought that same knot in their throat all night.
That said… don’t ever doubt your ability to be a vessel that God uses even in the darkest moments of another persons life. Just remember that we are told to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto our own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your path straight” Proverbs 3:5-6.
Maybe you don’t understand, but you can trust. Maybe your afraid to sit and cry with the broken hearted, but you can submit to his will. It’s not about you….. your answers, or your thoughts…. His are so much higher than ours….. so TRUST HIM and be what He’s called you to be. His Hands and Feet.
We’ll never forget that night as long as we live… we hope and pray that the effects are lingering still. For those of you who joined us online, we honestly wish you could’ve been in the room. For Newtown, CT our prayers continue and though we still don’t have all the answers… we know the one who does. Stand firm in your faith…. Fight for what is right and true… Never lay down, never give up…. Our God will have the final victory. Our battle cry is this:
Psalm 62:2
The Lord is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress and I will NEVER BE SHAKEN.
This world has nothing for me
This life is not my own
I know you go before me
And I am not alone
The mountain rises higher
The way seems so unclear
I know that you go with me
I will never fear
I will trust in you
Whatever will come our way
Through fire or pouring rain
We wont be shaken
Whatever tomorrow brings
Together we’ll rise and sing
We won’t be shaken
You know my every longing
You’ve heard my every prayer
You’ve held me in my weakness
You were always there
So I’ll stand in full surrender
It’s your way and not my own
My mind is set on nothing less
Than you and you alone
I will not be moved
Whatever will come our way
Through fire or pouring rain
We wont be shaken
Whatever tomorrow brings
Together we’ll rise and sing
We won’t be shaken
We will trust in you
We will not be moved
We will trust in you
And we won’t be shaken
Blessings,
Jroy
Thank you and the band for sharing your your time and talents, gifted you by God, Jason. What I just read in this blog is exactly what we in the crowd saw… to the letter. A lot of emotion was expressed on the faces of all of those who performed and we were right there with you. God was in control and all of you let Him lead the way. God’s hope and healing filled the entire arena. I will never forget this night either.
I’m hoping that you and the band have plans to come back to Faith Christian Center in Seekonk, MA again sometime this year. – You may know of this already, but keep Jeff Wall of Lighthouse Events in your prayers as he’s having or has had open heart surgery recently.
Abundant blessings be upon you and the band for 2013. Can’t wait to hear the new album. The new song you revealed last night was truly amazing.
I was not there to feel the spirit move but I felt it watching online. You all did a beautiful job representing Christ and showing His love and the hope we have in Him. It was just so amazing to see the love and determination of that town to pull through this tragedy as they were worshiping and praising with the music. As I watched it I was praying for all of the artist involved, it had to be very difficult for you and I was believing that many would give their lives to Christ through this concert. Thank you so much for using your wonderful talents for Christ. You are making a difference for the Kingdom and you do represent Jesus so beautifully.
Dear Jason,
Awesome blog, thanks for sharing your heart with us. I love how real and honest you are. I love the words to your new song, I am looking forward to hear your new music. I wasn’t able to hear the livestream due to my job but you were in my prayers while you all were on stage doing ministry. I am really looking forward to see you guys live here in Edmonton at the worship conference. Your songs have blessed me in my life especially when I was down in the dumps. There are days that I still struggle with why I am here, I wish I knew what God’s will is for my life. I beleive that God has brought the job I am at now at the right time when I really needed a job. I am one of the supervisors at a coffee shop, I am not a born leader. I have awesome co-workers who have helped me and my boss is good to me as well. He has been very patient with me. I love you guys, you have a special place in my heart. God bless you and your family.
Jason, I could feel the presence of God right in my room even as I watched online. I wish I could have been there personally, too, but I was absolutely there in spirit, and what an honor that was… Reading this post has stirred up the emotions again. I know each and every one of you were such a blessing to these people. “We Won’t Be Shaken” echoed a new sound of hope that I have never heard before. Last night changed my life and I believe I found hope and healing in my own heart, too.
Reality hit harder than a ton of bricks…why does this stuff happen?? Why are innocent lives taken? Why children? I am at a loss of words to say, even having lost a loved one so recently… My heart is broken for these people. As it was said, we can’t move on from this, but we can move forward with hope. We have not forgotten nor will we ever forget.
My heart goes out to all of them…on behalf of Newtown and all of the people impacted, thank you for being a part of that night of hope and healing. God used you to bring hope and healing into my life time and time again. You are truly God-sent. It brings great joy to my heart to see Him orchestrate healing through your music to others who are hurting. Thank you.
You’re right. I could feel the Lord’s presence. I watched online and when Louie Giglio spoke I was mesmerized! The families that have suffered this unspeakable tragedy yes have a way to go in healing but I pray that because of God’s blessing on last nights performances they’re healing has begun. I thank God for ALL that took part in last nights event. I believe that it wasn’t just the families of the children lost touched. Lives were touched just by being there or watching online. Thank all of you for loving Him and following where God leads you.
There are no words to describe what I witnessed last night as I watched the Night of Hope & Healing through live streaming. I was moved beyond words and it was the most beautiful and heartfelt testimony to the love and healing power of our Heavenly Father that I have ever seen.
There was such a oneness portrayed by all the artists and speakers and feeling their desire to serve our Heavenly Father in bringing healing and hope to all those who watched was a once in a lifetime experience. Last night will stay with me forever and I know for many it was a life changing experience. Building 429 has always touched my heart in so many ways; but it is their desire to serve and be Christ like with a deep commitment and sincerity that always shines forth every time I have had the privilege to watch them perform.
It is not often that one gets to experience an event such as what occurred last night; we have all longed to feel His presence in the midst of this tragedy and His presence was never more apparent than it was last night. I am sure the heart of our Heavenly Father was deeply touched by what occurred in Connecticut last night. What a beautiful opening our Lord provided through Building 429, it was an amazing night!
Let us all remember and strive to be instruments in bringing hope and comfort to all those who suffer loss and are in pain. It is my deepest prayer that during times of loss in my life I will not be shaken and my faith will endure; I have no doubt that I will revisit this night often should comfort and courage be needed! God Bless all of you!
Always in my prayers,
Debbie
Thanks Jason. This touched me. I thank you for sharing the inside of what you do and how much you guys love the lord. You don’t have to sing to inspire people.
Hey Jason, I missed you guys performing (sorry), but had been praying all day for the very same things. When something like that happens, there really are no words to say. Nothing any human can do to make it “better”. Your personality is more of a “fixer” – here’s the problem, let’s figure out how to make it go away. But you can’t, no one but God can. That trust is difficult, but God is teaching in these moments. I am so proud of all of you (road crew included) for going up there and doing what you do best. You will never know how lives were impacted that night until you get to Heaven. We were able to start watching when TobyMac was on his last song, and from there on things sounded fine. There were some tech issues, but it did not seem to be the artists fault. Maybe my hearing was affected due to the tears streaming down my face! Anyway, thank you for sharing your heart in this blog, thank you for all you do to point people to the True Healer and see you soon. Hugs from NC!
Jason
I’ve read your post twice now and I don’t even really know how to respond other than thank you for doing what God has called you to do. It is evident where your heart is and God sees that! Don’t ever change!
I was able to catch We Won’t Be Shaken(amazing song btw!) and then most of the rest of the event via live stream. It was very powerful & the holy spirit filled that place. My heart has been so heavy since the shootings. Like most, I have a hard time wrapping my head and thoughts around what happened and what that community is going through. It hit me pretty hard…not only being a mom, I am a kindergarten teacher…I still just can’t even imagine. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about the what ifs or how I would protect my babies(students) if such a thing would happen! Thing is, you don’t think about it, you just DO it! This could happen any where, any time!
So again, thank you for doing what you do…it is clear that God is using you and the guys as a vessel for his kingdom and not just as a band, but as faithful servants! Be blessed and you and the guys are always in my prayers! 2013…We Won’t Be Shaken! 🙂
Many blessings,
Felicia
Son. Thank you son I so needed this it touched my heart so much thanks again for allowing God to use you. Th
Crying AGAIN as I read your blog & others comments. It was truly an amazing moment where God revealed His Almighty Power & LOVE to all. It was a night I will never forget-such a Huge impact for His Kingdom! Praise Him that through your music you are bringing so many hurting hearts to Him!! May He continue to bless you & your band as His vessel to glorify Him!! Thank you so much for your pure compassionate hearts!
Y’all did a wonderful job of bring comfort to the people of Newtown. It should have been on every tv station instead of the garbage that is on. I have seen you at a small country church and at a very large venue but none impressed me more than how all the groups got together for this night of hope and healing.
Glad you guys allow God to always take control when you’re on stage and off. He will never fail you. That had to really be an emotional night for all of you. I pray for you and the band daily and I know God is answering my prayers.
I was one of the 10,000 and brought with me a family directly involved with the Sandy Hook tragedy. Four children, two directly involved. All though the sound of base drum reminded them of the shooting (not just you but all the sings that used the base drum that night – please don’t read that as a neg just a reality) their favorite song was “we won’t be shaken”. My friend is not a believer [yet :-)] and trying to restore her family, she has since downloaded your songs for the kids to listen to. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your sacrifice and willingness to be used by God. Well done good and faithful servant. The road ahead will be long but God is enough as Marybeth do beautifully shared. God bless and again thank you! Don’t listen to the neg comments. Your hearts showed thru and it sounded wonderful to all those who were there and that’s all that counts! 😉
Awesome blog as always. Thank you for all you do for His Kingdom. Your honesty is always so inspiring!My heart goes out to all the families effected. God bless you and all the other artists for going and letting The Lord use you to bring hope & healing!I too continue to pray for you guys!
Maria
To echo Jason on the audio we had about 15 – 30 minutes with each group to make sure the audio was good in the room as well as on the webcast. If we did not get it resolved at that time we tried during the broadcast. I am so thankful for the artists that came up and the humble hearts that all of them showed us. The production manager said it correctly – this was not from the hands of man – it was God who put these puzzle pieces together. God Bless Building 429 and the rest of the artists that came to CT.
Jason –
I, like my Brother Byron Campbell above, were there as part of the video and web cast production team.
I would like to personally thank you and the rest of Building 429 for helping to raise the spirits of a community and region in so much pain because of the horrific tragedy more than a month ago.
Our hearts will filled by the words and performances of all the artists. And believe me when I say, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house that night.
(my wife went through an entire box of tissues)
Perhaps things didn’t go the way YOU wanted them to, but the went EXACTLY the way The Lord wanted them to.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for writing and sharing the perspective of the artists that were there. We all sat there, not knowing what to expect, but the room was as love-filled as I have ever felt. It has been hard for me to explain to anyone who wasn’t there. My non-Christian friends think I am just speaking like a Christian. But it wasn’t about being a Christian or not. Many non-Christians in the room were blown away as well. It was about compassion for those who were heartbroken beyond explanation. You could see in your faces, how difficult it was to be up there, trying to sing a song, or say something profound. Your words were perfect. Your humbleness was evident. Your love was all about Jesus, and HE will heal the broken hearted. Tuesday night was an experience that I will never forget and probably never feel again, but I am so blessed to have been there and witnessed true hope and healing.
Thank you Alan for your kind words… It was definitely a love filled room. We were so blessed to be there.
I was there (actually managed to somehow be in the front row)…your hearts and emotions were so evident. The new song was AWESOME and it (as well as the others) definitely set a tone & opened everything up for the night. And to answer your hope…yes, it is still lingering!!! :o)
I was able to watch online and it was an amazing, powerful, spirit-filled concert. The love of God and the focus on Christ was seen so clearly. I loved it and wish I could watch it again and share it with friends who need to see it. Thank you so much for letting God work through you.