After fifteen years of scaring and pain in my hand, a visit to the doctor took care of it in forty minutes.  How much more could Christ do with a lifetime of pain and scaring in our lives?  Thanks for reading.

This past weekend Anthony was able to do something that few artists have had the opportunity to do. He sang his new rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” preceding an address by former President George W. Bush, as well as Super Bowl winning Coach Tony Dungy. See what Coach Dungy had to say about Anthony’s performance below:

“Having been a coach in the National Football League for 28 years, I have seen many National Anthems performed.  I recently heard Anthony Evans do a rendition that was unique and inspiring.  I would put it right up there with Whitney Houston’s and Jennifer Hudson’s, done at Super Bowls in Tampa, as one of the most stirring that I have heard.”     Tony Dungy

Host: Dewey Friedel

Guests:
Melba Moore
Michael Chitwood
Jeannette Bayardelle
Jamal Harrison Bryant

Music: Anthony Evans Jr.

I’m taking the next few days to get back to the basics and thank God for all he has done and continues to do in my life and I’m encouraging you do to the same. What are you thankful for this summer?

We are currently booking Anthony’s second Christmas Tour “What Christmas Means 2010″. Last year Anthony’s tour received rave reviews!! If your a leader in your church, and you want to see Anthony at your church give us a call and we’ll try to make it happen!

BOOKING INQUIRIES

By Joy Allmond

GROWING UP EVANS
“Growing up in the home of Tony and Lois Evans was an amazing experience. I had a mom and dad, who not only stayed together, but they cared so much about me. In this day and age, having all that is such a rare thing.”

He was also raised to be close to his siblings. “Our parents raised us to love on each other and to be close. We appreciate each other,” said Evans. One of them is popular Bible teacher/speaker Priscilla Shirer, Founder of Going Beyond Ministries. He travels with her as the worship leader at her Going Beyond (LifeWay) events. “I love the dynamic I have with her. She can look at me in a particular way and I know what to do. It is really a gift to be able to minister with her like that.”

A DEFINING MOMENT
When asked if he was the stereotypical preacher’s kid, Evans said he had his moments, but they were mostly internal. “When I was 25, I had somewhat of a breakdown. I was a performer on stage – and in my relationships. This was my dynamic with the Lord, and my approach to life. I realized I couldn’t do this anymore.”

“I was always overwhelmed and tired to the point where I almost quit singing. That is when I stopped being an ‘artist’ and became a worship leader. I got to the point where all I could do was worship, and that’s what God wanted from me in the first place. He doesn’t want me to be slick and cool and hip. He wants me to live in worship.”

AN AUTHENTIC WORSHIP LEADER
These days, Evans’ approach to worship is authentic. He wants to engage people in transparent worship. “I want there to be truth between my lips and the listeners’ ears. I’m going to be authentic with my audience.”

He recalls one particular night on stage when he told the audience that he didn’t want to be there. “I made a decision to worship that night anyway. I was honest about how I felt, but stood upon the truth that He’s going to finish what He started in me. That ended up being my most connected night in ministry.”

Today, he stands on truth rather than feelings. “My dad once told me that feelings do not have intellect. My feelings will follow my feet.”

AT THE COVE
On July 17, during this Evening at the Cove event, the audience can expect this same authenticity as he focuses on songs from his three latest albums. “I want to feel connected with my audience – and feel like we’re friends by the time we leave the room. It will be a night full of worship, stories, and original songs that come from those stories. Ultimately, I want to connect people to the truths of God’s Word through music.”

*Anthony will hold his concert at the end of his father’s seminar, Returning to the Cross (July 15-17). Come two days early and do both!

I’ve had a busy past few months and I can’t say thank you enough for all of you who have come out to experience worship with us! I’m honored to take on this new dynamic and can’t wait to see where the Lord takes us.

In the past month or so God has been teaching me that He can resurrect “dead” situations. For a long time my heart has felt like stone. I could hardly engage in worship. I was at a point of almost giving up in the area of ever totally and completely “feeling” again. Over the past month God has revealed to me that the condition He allowed my heart to remain in for a while was preparation for me truly appreciating when He decided to say “yes” . He showed me that the delay for healing coupled with the time I spent praying and waiting for Him to answer was critical to my faith walk. The only regret I have is that I didn’t always see this time as Him preparing me for his answer. I only saw it as “God isn’t answering me”. I look back at the moments when I said “He’s not answering”, the times when I gave up and I truly regret not taking full advantage of “the waiting”, the moments of trusting and understanding that my Father is going to answer like He said He would.

In what ways can you maximize “the waiting” and prepare yourself for His answer??

Tell us your story right here,

Let’s talk soon,
AE

So, Here’s the update. I’m on the road re-evaluating and making sure that I’m in the center of what I’m called to do. I was working in my yard yesterday and as I planted some new stuff and moved some things around the Lord spoke to me and said… “Anthony, if you want new growth you’ve got to get on your knees and get your hands dirty.” That moved me and made me realize that I’ve been wanting “new growth” in my life but I’ve not been willing to get dirty in the process. Growth in my life has always come with me getting a little (or a lot) messy, dirty and uncomfortable. I’ve been able to reap the benefits of planting the new only after I’ve allowed myself to get on my knees and dig deep into the issues at hand. In what area is God asking you to get on your knees, dig deeper and get your spiritual hands dirty? Is He asking you to sacrifice financially, spend more time with Him, seek recovery or is he wanting you to forgive that person that is unforgivable? Whatever he is asking believe me it’s worth getting on your knees, digging because after you dig and get dirty new life and growth happens. The amazing thing is that a lot of times that growth ends up being beautiful to someone who passes by, it bears fruit, or it provides shade so someone can come and get refuge from the “heat” of their life.

In what ways is God asking you to get on you knees and dig so you can experience “new growth”?? Leave those comments here. You don’t even have to leave your name. Let’s just pray for and support each other. You never know, you may be getting your hands dirty by leaving your story here but that sacrifice might just be beautiful to someone who passes by.

We’ll talk soon,

AE