Showing newest posts with label Needs. Show older posts

My previous thoughts of getting a tow dolly for 1500 bucks were only partially accurate. It is, indeed, possible. However, such a dolly is not rated for the 6000 lbs that will be towed (Dodge Durango is not a small vehicle). We do believe that we can tow the Durango "4 wheels down" provided we get a towbar (about a thousand dollars), and this looked excellent until we realized that we would need a braking system, which is considerably more.

So, for now, we are going to drive the Durango up to the SF bay area for the next month's meetings and pray for the funds to buy a towbar and brake system. We will leave the motorcycle in San Dimas to be sold as partial funding, but we will need another 1500 to pay for the brake system. We will update as we have more information!

As always, thanks for your prayers!

We are so glad to report that God has provided a sound system for us, and we have been able to use it in a few meetings already. God enabled us to purchase a Bose L1 system that is amazingly compact and sounds fantastic. Here is a picture of the entire system next to one of my guitars:

That is all there is; speakers, amp, mixer, microphones, and cables! If you have ever used a traditional setup, you will appreciate the compactness of this system, and to top it off, it sounds great. It can be set up, tuned to the room, and ready to go in less than a half hour (that isn't rushing either).

Any way, the best part is how it sounds. One comment a few weeks ago was, "It sounds like you, only louder." That is exactly what we want; everyone should be able to hear clearly and without the distracting ear-splitting volumes that can happen if you sit in the wrong place under normal PA speakers.

While we still need a few minor items, we are thankful that God has provided in this way for our ministry!

Well, we are continuing to work toward getting everything together, and there is so much to do! However, God continues to supply, so we are pressing onward. One of the things that we have to do is determine what type of sound system to bring along. We really have three choices:

1. We can simply use the sound systems that are already present
2. We can get a traditional sound-reinforcement system (PA)
3. We can get a self-contained compact system

There are pros and cons for each option. The first case is certainly the cheapest. However, it is not uncommon for churches to have the wrong types of microphones for cello, and many aren't really equipped to handle acoustic guitar either. Because of the nature of our music, it is also important to be able to obtain the right sound (clean acoustic), and most systems are not designed to make this a simple proposition. Even where it is possible, it is time-consuming to accomplish, and on top of this, it becomes problematic to leave the balance of the musical elements to a sound engineer that hasn't worked with us before.

The second option is definitely better, but it requires speakers, stands, amplifier, mixer, and other miscellaneous equipment (on top of the base system in the link). With our instruments alone, we already have quite a few items to carry and manage. On top of this, these systems do not automatically sound as good as built in systems that are tuned for the building. In order to get a portable system to work properly, it takes a surprising amount of time, trouble, and additional equipment (and expense).

The third option is the easiest and most compact option, but there is only one company making anything like them. As a result they are slightly more expensive than the second option. However, they are considerably easier to set up (10 minutes as opposed to hours), and they sound far better for acoustic music like ours. This is the option that we are praying God will supply. If you are interested in knowing more about this system, you can read about it here.

Many of you who are praying for us have asked about specific needs that we have, so this page will be an ongoing list of needs and prayer requests. Be sure to check back to see God's answers to your prayers for us, and when God provides, we will share that with you and cross off those needs here!

CD Production Costs / Duplication (should cost around 2500 dollars)
Replacing Tom's Cracked Guitar

Motorhome bunks - March 20 Praise the Lord!!!
Sound System - May 19 Praise the Lord!!!
Kid's School
Keyboard, (we ended up getting a good price on an inexpensive Casio so that our oldest could continue his lessons)
Microphones for live sound - June 19 Praise the Lord!!!
Travel Expenses to Illinois (Special thanks to the Southeast Valley Baptist Church in Gilbert, AZ)
Refrigerator and Propane system repair