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Dear Ministry Friend,
As I reflect on this year, I am amazed by what Christian Music Preservation has been able to accomplish. We’ve cataloged over 50,000 tracks and shared some of them through over 1.5 million listening sessions, reaching more than 15 million impressions across the web. Yet, in the midst of all these achievements, I found myself asking: Do I still have the passion to continue this music ministry work?
I recently came across a post from Susan, a Christian artist, who shared her feelings about music: "Music doesn’t live inside me anymore." She was deeply vulnerable in expressing how losing both of her parents in the past two years had taken a toll on her. Similarly, Sandy, a Christian radio host, opened up on social media, saying, "Being really honest, listening to Christmas music was making me feel sad. It kept reminding me of all we’ve lost and the past," as she faced the reality of her mom now in a nursing home. I totally could relate to both of them.
For my wife, Mayda, and me, 2024 has been a challenging year. The loss of my dad just a few years ago, followed by the passing of our Pastor in March, my mother-in-law in April, and my mom just a few weeks ago after a long battle with dementia—each of these losses weigh heavily on my heart. To be completely transparent, I wondered if music could live inside me anymore.
At first, Susan's words shocked and deeply saddened me, but as I read further, I was encouraged by what she shared next. In the midst of her grief, she turned to God and prayed, "God, I need to hear from you." She opened her eyes to find the words in the book Jesus Calling right in front of her that read: “REST IN THE DEEP ASSURANCE of My unfailing Love. Let your body, mind, and spirit relax in My Presence. Release into My care anything that is troubling you so that you can focus your full attention on Me.” The reminder of God’s constant love and care brought peace to her heart.
Sandy, too, concluded her post with encouragement, writing, "I realized that if I’m going to survive the holidays, I’ve got to get grounded in the real ‘reason for the season.’ The birth of Jesus. The Light of the World came to give us that peace and purpose we’re all looking for. This Christmas season, if you cry, bring Him your tears. Bring Him your broken heart. He understands. Let Jesus be the celebration; the true Reason for the Season. Together, we will find true joy".
Just a few days later, while watching a devotion on my Bible app, Craig Groeschel spoke about Isaiah 40:3 and said, "God called Moses to the burning bush in the wilderness. God spoke to Elijah through a gentle whisper in the wilderness. God gave Jesus the strength to overcome the temptation of the devil in the wilderness, and John the Baptist preached repentance and prepared the way of the Lord in the wilderness. Why? Because God often does His greatest work in the wilderness."
All three individuals reminded me that God’s love carries us through both the highs and lows of life. Inspired, I decided to do something different that evening. I slipped on my Bluetooth headsets, hopped on my bike, and pedaled to embrace the evening. The sky was painted with shades of pink, purple, and orange, the clouds swirling like a masterpiece only God could create. With the cool breeze on my face as the Christmas music filled my ears, each note intertwining with the peacefulness and beauty of that evening, it felt as if the world itself was proclaiming the birth of a newborn King. In that moment, I knew—the music still lives inside me, and also for others who have the promise of Heaven through Jesus--the music will always live.
Are you walking through the pain of losing a loved one, navigating the heartache of a broken relationship, dealing with the stress of job loss, or struggling with health challenges? Though it may feel overwhelming, remember that God's promises are steadfast, and He is with you, especially in those times of wilderness. I encourage you to immerse yourself in the music that God has inspired. Put on some headphones, take a walk, or ride your bike, and let the words of encouragement woven through the music uplift your spirit. Allow Him to speak to your heart, painting a picture of His endless love and reminding you that He is your strength, your refuge, and your peace.
"A voice of one calling in the wilderness "prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’ Isaiah 40:3
You have been faithful helping us meet our needs to this day and we are so very thankful! As we approach the end of this year, our ministry is facing a critical need to meet a financial deadline for Music Royalty Licensing (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and SOUNDEXCHANGE) and Streaming fees for 2025, due by JANUARY 1st. The good news is, we have just $3,878 remaining to fulfil the grant match designated for this area provided by a generous friend of the ministry. Will you help us continue preserving and distributing the most powerful music in the world—music that touches lives and brings people closer to Christ? Together, we can continue making an eternal impact!
In His Love and Service, Ron and Mayda Maxwell
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