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Emily Wheelock

Emily is a young writer and author from Waverly, Iowa. Emily is a member at First Baptist Church- Waverly where she serves on the church's Praise Team, in the nursery, and in the children's ministry. Her goal is to bring as many people to Jesus as possible while reminding them they are loved. Emily also has a goal to empower women by reminding them they are beautiful. Despite her struggle with depression and anxiety over the years, Emily has managed to stay positive and spread the love and mercy God has given us.

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TAYA Gets Real On The Sweetness Of God

by Emily Wheelock
written by Emily Wheelock

On the latest episode of the podcast Trevor Talks, Taya Gaukrodger (Hillsong United) gave listeners an intimate look at her personal process in creating her debut solo album TAYA. That process took place during the pandemic, the early years of Taya’s marriage and the sweetness of God woven through all of it.

God’s Kindness

“I just see God’s kindness in spite of our own decisions and our own humanity,” Taya says. “God has a sweet sense of humor, but also a lovely way of reminding us through circumstances and details that He’s detail-oriented as well.”
That detail-oriented sovereignty moved Taya through successful cowrites with Lindsey Sweat and the project’s producer Jon Guerra. It led to apartment writing sessions and constant encouragement from her Hillsong family and her husband, Ben Gaukrodger. Now, Taya’s able to see divine intentionality even in the timing of the album, which has released as her church family is hurting.

“God’s hand is moving things around, and moving people around and situations, even in spite of certain things. Even in the timing of this being released while the most devastating news within our church family has also been released,” she vulnerably shares. “There’s so many things where I’m like, God, I don’t understand this. And yet, at the same time, I experienced His grace. I’m receiving text messages saying, ‘hey, where there was heavy news released today, I’m grateful for a song of joy that actually talks about leaning not on my own understanding, but in all my ways, trusting and acknowledging God, knowing He will make my path straight.”

Trust in God

That holy trust is expressed on songs like “For All My Life” and “Getaway,” both of which Taya breaks down in detail throughout her conversation on Trevor Talks. Every lyric is an anchor to the soul-soothing goodness of God. “We have the Prince of Peace, the one who works deeply and tenderly and says ‘I’m an ever present help in your time of trouble,’” Taya concludes. “He says, ‘come to me. I can show you how to do this. I’m not going to promise you a perfect life, but my promise is that I am with you.’”

As part of the Hillsong family, Taya Gaukrodger has given voice to some of the most recognizable worship anthems of our generation— including Oceans (Where Feet May Fail), Touch The Sky, Captain & Even When It Hurts (Praise Song). Her solo album TAYA is available to purchase and stream at taya.lnk.to/tayaTP. You can listen to the full episode of Trevor Talks on Spotify, Apple Music and Google Podcasts.

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Noble Poets Releases ‘The Flaw’ EP

by Emily Wheelock
written by Emily Wheelock

Northern California duo, NOBLE POETS, came together to shine a light on the darker side of life.  Jevon ‘ODW’ Barnes and Caleb May are bringing an honest, earnest brand of Hip Hop, derived from real life to real fans of the genre.  The duo’s EP – THE FLAW – is available today.  This will be the first of 2 EPs released of their (per Soundsphere magazine) “cool Alternative Hip Hop.”

The EP

The three previously-released singles (“Never Fit In” / “Humpty Dumpty” / “Xans”) will be included on the EP and had epic music videos inspired by Barnes’ real life experiences with domestic violence, addiction and living on the streets.  He also brings his daughter’s POV of his addiction to light through “Xans.”  Barnes’ son, Nolan, plays him in the “Never Fit In” video and his eldest daughter, Mekenzie, is played by his youngest, Adelyne in “Xans.”

He brings forth his story in order to help others see that it is ok to seek help dealing with all manner of trauma.  “His story is jaw dropping and inspiring… you’re going to be hearing a LOT about Jevon Barnes,” says Recovery Today Magazine. 

Discovery

Discovered by Brian ‘Head’ Welch of KORN, NOBLE POETS brings something fresh to the scene.  “I met Jevon around 2012 and it didn’t take long to realize how much we had in common. Years ago, after hearing some of his demos, I noticed right away there was something appealing about Jevon’s flow and how he opened himself up so completely with his lyrics,” Welch explains.  “No flash, no pretense, just REAL life and real suffering laid out, in order to connect with others.  With the addition of Caleb, the missing ingredient was discovered and the formation of Noble Poets was the logical next step. I really believe Noble Poets put something together that goes deeper that just music and will affect their fans in a profound way.”

 

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Relent
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Relent Releases Gut-wrenching Music Video Portraying The Evil Of Human Trafficking

by Emily Wheelock
written by Emily Wheelock
Nu-metal band, Relent has released a brand new music video for their song “Heavy,” a cinematic piece portraying the evil of human trafficking. The video, which was directed by Joel Burris, debuts today on Knotfest.

‘Heavy’p

“There are honestly no words for the emptiness this specific issue leaves for those affected by it,” Relent’s frontman Miggy Sanchez explains. “‘Heavy’ does its best to not only tell a story, but to rip the mask off the disgusting business of sex trafficking while bringing healing to those In need.”
The video itself is story-driven, following a harrowing narrative of a young woman who is trapped in the horrific cycle of sex trafficking. Although it’s the story of one individual, it represents countless individuals across the world whose stories are shrouded in silence. Given the kind of content depicted, viewers with trauma histories are advised to use their discretion and have support available before choosing to watch the music video.
In order to offer an action step for viewers, Relent is partnering with Run Against Traffic, a nonprofit focused on empowering ordinary individuals to support survivors of human trafficking in their healing process. Run Against Traffic has been growing its influence through partnership with emerging social media platform Pyvott, which also partners with HeartSupport. Brian “Head” Welch has been a vocal advocate for the nonprofit as well.

Run Against Traffic

Run Against Traffic was founded by Tommy Green of Sleeping Giant. “When I first heard the song heavy by Relent, I was blown away by the truth of it,” Tommy shares. “I could hear and feel the pain of someone who’s been directly connected to the suffering of human trafficking. I consider it a deep honor to be given the opportunity to partner with a true story, one that carries extraordinary weight. Human trafficking is heavy, and this song is heavy. I think it’s the sound of a real survivor that needs to be heard and championed.”
This unflinching approach to hard topics sits at the core of the album Heavy as a whole. “It’s a story of trauma. It’s a story of tribulation. It’s a story of therapy. Heavy is the album that says ‘I’m going to walk with you through all of that,’” Miggy says.
This theme of meeting people in the heart of their pain has spawned the singles “Danger” and “Ghost,” both of which have made a charting impact over the past year. It’s drawn listeners into a deep level of connection, resulting in a sold-out release show in the band’s hometown of San Antonio, Texas, in addition to other appearances across the country.
“Heavy” promises to be a continuation of this connection. As Miggy envisions, “Once people hear this song, they are hopefully going to be open to talking about things that they usually don’t want to talk about.”
Get involved with supporting survivors of human trafficking at irunagainsttraffic.com. You can watch the video now on Knotfest. You can find out more about Relent at relentband.com, or by finding them on Facebook and Instagram.
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overcoming Bipolar disorder
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Worship Leader Releases ‘Heroic Disgrace’ Detailing His Journey with Bipolar Disorder

by Emily Wheelock
written by Emily Wheelock

Worship leader Scott Box’s first book, Heroic Disgrace, details his journey through bipolar disorder and how it taught him to live out worship rather than just leading it. Box’s first-hand experience offers hope for anyone whose life has been impacted by mental illness.

Scott had been a successful worship leader for 25 years, externally proclaiming the love of God. Internally, his world was in chaos, consumed by the sick thought patterns of bipolar disorder. 

Jesus does.

“I was desperate,” Box freely admits. “That desperation could have driven me in one of two directions: it could have driven me to end it all or into friendship with Jesus and hope. It became hope bound up in desperation. That’s what Jesus does.”

Ultimately, that desperate hopefulness drove him to lay down vocational worship leading in order to pursue wholeness. Box’s recovery became a way of living out the resurrection in his own life. 

“Jesus’s heroism is not the world’s kind, where people crush others,” Box writes in Heroic Disgrace. “The heroism that Jesus modeled was the opposite. He propped up the weak and the broken. Jesus came to serve not to be served. That type of heroism gave meaning to my pain and helped me make sense of my life.”

“I am proof.”

Accepting that heroic role led Box into wholeness, even through the ongoing realities of living with bipolar disorder. 

“The Great Hero, Jesus Christ, makes healthy what He does not heal. I am proof,” Box earnestly shares. “Health is always an option, even when healing is not God’s plan. There is always hope.”

The book’s forward was written by Brian “Head” Welch, Grammy-award-winning guitarist, co-founder of nu-metal icon Korn, and Box’s cousin. 

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Articles

John Cooper Of Skillet Calls For “Jesus Revolution” At Winter Jam 2022

by Emily Wheelock
written by Emily Wheelock

Des Moines, IA– Christian Rock Band, Skillet, headlined Winter Jam this year, 2022, and it was lit, figuratively and literally. The band is best known for their song “Monster,” “Feel Invincible,” and “Hero.” Skillet brought the show to a close after performances from rapper KB, Tauren Wells, Megan Duke, New Song, Bayside Worship, I AM THEY, Colton Dixon, Abby Robertson, and star of the Netflix movie A Week Away, Kevin Quinn, as well as speaker Shane Pruitt.

Skillet, whom I had never seen in concert until now, left concert-goers in excitement as they literally “rocked out.” They brought pyrotechnics and moving stage parts. As someone afraid of heights, I applaud the band for their lack of fear and great courage.

Cooper’s Message

During their performance, John Cooper told goers that “Fear is a liar.” Cooper’s message of not living in fear encouraged us to trust in God after many accepted Jesus as their Savior during Shaune Pruitt’s message. Cooper also advised them not to listen to celebrities as many of them “lie” to their followers.

Cooper stated, “Every single day, every one of you, every one of us in here tonight, we are being lied to. Every time you open social media, you are being lied to. Every time you listen to that favorite celebrity, you are probably being lied to.” Cooper continued, “Let me tell you, all you young people, the world you are growing up in, every single day, you are being lied to.” As the audience listened and cheered at Cooper’s message, he mentioned the “do what you want to do and be what you wanna be” message of celebrities and influencers and pointed out that it is pulling you away from God and Christianity and Jesus. He even stated that this message was not only coming from the world but also coming from people who were once Christians. “They believe that they found a third way,” Cooper stated, “They believe that you can still be about Jesus, it’s just don’t be about the Bible. And I’m here to tell you tonight there is no such thing as separating Jesus Christ from His Word!”

Jesus is the only way

Cooper posed the question (paraphrased), “If they are so happy, why are they constantly getting divorced, moving from relationship to relationship and bed to bed, self-harming, in addiction, and why are they always committing suicide?”

Cooper mentioned that they are “telling you how to live when their lives are on a pathway to destruction and hell” To which I responded in my head because they don’t know Jesus, which was something that Cooper alluded to. Cooper even went as far as comparing them to a football team that keeps losing over and over and over again and then they brag about what they did. He encouraged goers to tell these people that “you are not listening to them anymore.”

“There is no such thing as freedom outside of Jesus Christ,” Cooper stated, “Jesus died to set you free from the slavery of sin. Jesus Christ came so that we might have life.” Cooper went on to call out Progressive Christianity stating that he has “declared war” against it and called for a “Jesus Revolution.”

 

Listen to Skillet’s brand new album Dominion on Spotify and Apple Music

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ArticlesMusic

Noble Poets Releases Second Single

by Emily Wheelock
written by Emily Wheelock

Northern California duo, Noble Poets, continues to bring their honest, earnest brand of Hip-Hop to an ever-growing audience. Jevon ‘ODW’ Barnes and Caleb May are proud to present their second single ‘Humpty Dumpty.”

The Story Behind The Song

The video for the new sing continues to narrative started by the previous single, “Never Fit In”. Both videos were inspired by Barnes’ real-life experiences with domestic violence, addiction, and living on the streets.  He brings forth his story in order to help see that it is okay to seek help dealing with all manner of trauma.

“When my life seemed lost with nowhere to go, I found hope,” says Jevon of the inspirational behind the video series. “When everything unraveled and I was alone in the dark I figured out there was a light to be found. I wanted to share that light with others- I want to show them through the narrative in my videos.” As it is important to Noble Poets to provide info for those seeking help, the end of the video tags two amazing organizations, The Jed Foundation and MusiCares, through whom fans can find understanding and help.

More From Noble Poets

This is the second single from Noble Poets’ forthcoming album, The Beautiful Flaw. The reception to Jevon’s story has been overwhelmingly positive, with the keypress like Recovery Today, The Rockman Power House, and Knotfest/Talk Toomey Podcast, among others supporting his message.

 

Follow Noble Poets on Twitch, Instagram, Twiter, TikTok, and Facebook, with the handle @noblepoetsmusic.

Noble Poets - Humpty Dumpty (Official Video)

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Articles

Sonya Hunter Releases New Book “Unsurvivable”

by Emily Wheelock
written by Emily Wheelock
Sonya Hunter has launched her debut book Unsurvivable, which encourages readers to look for the rainbow through their darkest storms.
“My passion is for this book to give someone going through a trial in their own life hope,” Sonya Hunter shares. “You just have to get through today. Technically, tomorrow doesn’t exist yet. No matter how dark the storm, always look for the rainbow around you; it’ll point you to the sunshine.”

Wrecked

Sonya Hunter is deeply equipped by personal experience to speak into life’s storms. At 29 years old, she was a stay-at-home mom, married to her supportive husband, Kris, with whom she had two sweet young sons. In the span of a heartbeat, a car wreck left Sonya widowed, bereft of one son, while her remaining son fought for his life in the ICU. In the wreckage of the life she’d hoped for, Sonya was driven to discover desperate trust in the life God was creating for her.
“I remember thinking, ‘I have to survive this,’” Sonya Hunter recalls. Unsurvivable details how Sonya and her son Conner survived the unsurvivable, one prayer at a time. The experience forged an ironclad faith for their family. Sonya says, “Miracles do happen, even if you’re being told that there is no hope. Faith over Fear!”
For Sonya and Conner, that miracle has taken the form of a totally new family built with Sonya’s second husband, and the countless lives impacted and changed by their story. Despite ongoing medical challenges, all of it has been worth it to Sonya. “Conner is the glue that gave me a reason to live and hope,” Sonya says.

Not Alone

Although their story is unique and powerful, Sonya also recognizes that she’s not alone. “Everyone will face storms in their lives. They may be big or they may be small,” the author acknowledges. “Through my storms, I have learned that the only way to get through them is by keeping Christ at the center of the storm.”

Sonya is the first to admit that although she doesn’t have all the answers, what she
does have is hope. “Do I understand why He doesn’t answer all my prayers the way I want? I don’t. But if I let Him handle it, there’s beauty that can come from the unsurvivable,” she concludes.

Get the book!

You can find Unsurvivable now on Amazon, and learn more at unsurvivablebook.com. Keep up with Sonya and Conner’s journey on Facebook and Instagram.
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The Whosoevers’ Ryan Ries – Kill The Noise

by Emily Wheelock
written by Emily Wheelock

Ryan Ries, co-founder of The Whosoevers movement, has released his latest book Kill The Noise: Finding Meaning Above the Madness.

“My hope for Kill The Noise is that through reading it people will be motivated to find God and discover their true purpose in life,” Ries shared. “I created a devotional that goes along with the book, which provides an easy way to start engaging in scripture or dive back into it.”

Ryan’s book, Kill The Noise, identifies the reality that we are surrounded by noise— from social media, the entertainment industry, drugs, pornography, and many other things. because of these distractions, it can be nearly impossible to hear God’s voice. Throughout the book, Ries shares his own story of overcoming the chaos in his life, even when it seemed impossible.

Ryan Ries has brought the Kill The Noise message to successful events across the country in 2021. It stands alongside recent Whosoevers video productions such as The Whosoevers: Full Send Tour that is continuing to cement their role as one of the most powerful gospel-centered media voices of this generation.

“God is making big things happen. Between the book release, documentaries, and MEGA TOUR, so many people are getting to hear the message of finding purpose in their lives,” Ries says. “There is a collective noise created by social media, the entertainment industry and so many other desires that distract us from God. It is time for us to kill that noise.”

Along with the book, Ries has written a supplemental seven-day devotional, which is available through the respected Bible app YouVersion. Also titled Kill The Noise, the devotional series dives further into the topics addressed in the book, including forgiveness, faithfulness, temptation, and hope. 

Kill The Noise is available at killthenoisebook.com, and Ries can be booked for your next event at thewhosoevers.com/booking.

Ryan Ries co-founded The Whosoevers with P.O.D.’s Sonny Sandoval in 2009, intending to reach the music and skating communities they loved with the purposeful message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Since then, The Whosoevers has become a movement of healing that has reached thousands of young people for Christ. In addition to his work as a sought-after speaker with The Whosoevers, Ries is the host of the popular radio show and podcast The Ryan Ries Show. In 2020, he also launched Custom Branded, as well as a new footwear, and apparel company.

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The Protest Releases Ferocious EP

by Emily Wheelock
written by Emily Wheelock

Rock mainstay, The Protest, has released a ferocious new project with their Death Stare EP, an adrenaline-laced collection of six fight songs. The EP, which is the band’s first multi-track project in three years, is available now.

Death Stare was produced by Mitchell Ray Marlow (Papa Roach, Starset, In This Moment) and is releasing in partnership with Rockfest Records. It includes the raucous summer single “Show Up to the Showdown,” and last year’s purpose-centered “Greater.” Each of the other four previously unheard songs echoes that same determination.

“Life can be terrifying, especially lately,” the band admits. “When we realize we have been given the strength inside to face obstacles, it’s so empowering. Our courage can inspire others and be a light.”

The aggressive determination to face both internal and external opposition head-on elevates the track “Paper Tigers” to a fever pitch, an extravagantly riff-laden clap back at our demons. “The Mountain” acknowledges the challenge of staying the course through the inevitable weariness that weighs us down after years of being in the fight, while “Hell to Hold” rounds it out by telling the simple truth: it’s all worth it.

The Protest has released a new line of merch to accompany Death Stare, including special edition trading cards. The merch package is available through Rockfest Records’ online store. “There are so many exciting things going in our world,” The Protest concludes. “We thrive live and are so blessed to be playing again. We can’t wait to share these new tunes!”

The Protest is Joshua Bramlett (vocals), Jarob Bramlett (drums), Adam Sadler (guitar), and TJ Colwell (guitar). You can find out more about the band by finding them on Spotify, Apple Music, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Sanctus Real Kicks off Country Fair in Small Town Waverly, Iowa

by Emily Wheelock
written by Emily Wheelock

July 25th, 20201 marked another year of Revibe Waverly, a small Christian music festival full of fun, inflatables, food, and music. Revibe Waverly was set to kick off the Bremer County Fair that night starting at five pm. 

The first Revibe was in September of 2014. The Christian music festival began when various churches in the small town came together. They wanted to put together a music festival that would impact not only locally but globally, and bring God, the Father glory.

The Waverly Worship Team 

Waverly Worship Team

The night began as the Waverly Worship Team took the stage, opening up for speaker Eric Samuel Timm. The team, shadowing how Revibe began, consisted of Jenni Hoins (vocals), Dawn Sundberg (vocals), Jackson Toma (bass guitar), Cameron Toma (drums), Lisa Gasch (keys), and two former classmates of mine, Cooper Scholten (electric guitar), and Jake Epley (acoustic guitar/vocals).

A question posed by Sanctus Real singer, Dustin Lolli, really made me think, and I decided to ask Jake Epley, who had performed at Revibe years prior with his band Redeeming Rebels and was now performing with the Waverly Worship Team, that question. 

What would you tell the church? 

“I would say remember the gospel,” Jake said, “the good news of God is what He’s done. I would encourage the church to continue to trust Jesus Christ alone for salvation. We are saved by His grace through the gift of faith He has given us. Through what He has done, dying on the cross -in our place, for our sin- so that we could be reconciled in relationship to our Father in heaven, and as we are filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live and love like Jesus, God is faithful to keep us to the end.” Jake went on to encourage believers to share the gospel and the good news with others. “Love God and the people He’s placed around you. Be full of grace and truth.” 

Eric Samuel Timm

The night continued with a message of love from the speaker, Eric Samuel Timm. Eric is also an artist and he began his message by painting a picture of Jesus as a soundtrack played.

 

Eric Samuel Timm

For over 19 years, the Minnesota-based Christian speaker, Bible teacher, live artist painter, public school motivational speaker, and aspiring author has brought hope to more than 3 million in 36 different countries.  

His message of love and unity was heard by a sea of people from all walks of life, different churches and beliefs, from all over, in lawn chairs, some standing, and some sitting in bleachers and on the ground, at the Bremer County Fairgrounds. Eric’s message brought hope to the crowd for better days and encouraged them to love like Jesus.

Sanctus Real

To end the night, Christian rock band Sanctus Real took the stage. The band was first formed in 1996 in Toledo, Ohio. The band today, consisted of Dustin Lolli, Chris Rohmann, and Mark Graalman. 

Sanctus Real

As the group sang hit after hit, a group gathered around the stage to worship. A friend of mine, Jesse, and I put ourselves among the group right up in the front. Jesse managed to make himself a part of the band’s “dance team” as a small group did as Dustin Lolli instructed, the shimmy. 

Dustin Lolli said as the band prepared a worship song, that he wanted everyone to worship God, not the band, emphasizing that they are not on “another level” just because they are on a stage. 

“The kingdom is a kingdom of worth,” Dustin said, “It’s about lifting our Creator high.”

As I said previously, Dustin posed the question, while retelling a story that involved someone asking him this question, what would you tell the church or Christians, if you tell them one thing? 

“Through pandemics and wars,” Dustin said, “perfect love eliminates fear. The same God who calmed the storm is here tonight. His presence is the kingdom of heaven. This could be the perfect opportunity to shine the light in all the right places. We do have a God that never changes.”

Ending the Night

All in all, the Bremer County Fair kick-off went great. This is a needed experience for the Christian community. The turnout was incredible as Iowa really showed the passion and power we have when we all unite together for the glory of God. In Iowa, a majority of concerts performed by large artists from a wide range of genres, are held in our bigger cities like Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Des Moines. Expanding to smaller towns, even if it’s just a county fair kick-off is a great idea, and starting music festivals would not only bring in crowds from the surrounding areas but also from surrounding states. 

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