The “Seeds For Change” Launch Event
Sunday the 20th June was a more electrifying morning, than most at City Gates Christian Centre in Ilford. Music Directors, Steve and Velveta Thompson officially launched their “Seeds for Change – China” album: ‘LIVING WATERS’ – and what a fantastic morning it was!
The Choir, consisting of both the Main and Youth Choir’s, were on form as they led us in the songs Steve and Vel had written, with purpose. The focus was not so much on what had been accomplished through the production of this album, but on the Mission-Vision to support the Church in China.
And together we celebrated!! There’s nothing so special as to celebrate with people you have walked a journey with, and as a member of the Worship Team, I have seen the way God uses this gorgeous couple. Many close friends have witnessed first-hand the finishing touches on the lives of all involved in the album… not just of the songs, some of whom were able to be at the Ilford Cinema, where Church is held, from within the UK’s Christian Music scene – and helped to sing songs from the album.
First to wave his hands and praise the Lord was singer/song-writer/Worship Leader Mark Beswick who shared with us his joy at the album: “The time I spent working on this album was truly inspiring. As we recorded these songs there was a strong presence of the Holy Spirit and a sense these songs, which Steve and Vel have written, was destined to transform lives and atmospheres for God.”
Noel Robinson, who had hosted a Worship Conference in Birmingham, the two days leading up to the launch event, had made his way early in the morning to ensure he was able to be a part of this special event. Along with Carol Riley, close friend of Steve and Vel, he led us in what is, in my opinion, one of the greatest worship songs of the moment, “Your Name Is Glorious” – the heart of worship changed, as we harmonised with heaven, in looking to “The Lion, The Lamb, Son of God”!
Noel said, “It takes special people, with real prophetic insight, to hear the heart of God concerning God’s people; Steve and Vel Thompson are such people. This project is truly inspirational, God trusts people who are faithful to the call in their lives. For God to trust the plight of the Underground Church in China, to these gifted people, is a privilege and an honour.”
It was clear to see a thread weaving through the songs; a desire to see people draw closer to God, learning what He has purposed His people for, in these days. Songs like “Increase in Me”, is already gathering pace as an anthem around the world, among a generation desparate to be all God created them for.
Suddenly, a sound could be heard above the Praise of the people, as Raul D’Oliviera blew the Shofar, the noise resonating around our hearts as it echoed around the room. When the call goes out, the spiritual realm is moved, and there was a sense of something happening around us as the notes of the Ram’s Horn reverberated around the auditorium.
Graham Kendrick sang a song he had written many years ago, which summed up the heart of the album, and included the words: “That the Lamb who was slain, Might receive the reward, Might receive the reward, of His suffering.” How awesome to recognise each saved life, through the “Living Waters” album is the reward of Jesus’ suffering.
Graham shared with us his observation of this special project: “Steve and Velveta have a heart to serve the nations. It became a pattern that after many of our trips together, Steve would return, training musicians and producing albums, investing in people generously and often sacrificially. This beautiful album, gifted to a nation, is yet another jewel in a crown cast in worship at the feet of the Saviour they love.”
We were also joined by Premier Radio Presenter and Worship Leader Muyiwa who was particularly touched by the Title track of the album, ‘Living Waters’. The Church caught the vision as we prayed God’s “Living Waters Flow” from His Throne Room to His people, and as Muyiwa said, “As a Worship Leader and a radio presenter, I hear and sing lots of songs… The album’s Title Track ‘“Living Waters’ Flow’ had me on my knees and in tears before God” Our God truly is a “God of Miracles, who is ready to demonstrate His power to anyone who is prepared to allow His Spirit to move through their hands and feet.
Steve and Vel have never held back from stepping out into the arena, especially where God’s heart is concerned for the Chinese Community. The Seeds for Change project has cost them– and yet still they keep giving. Against the flow of normal album sales, Steve and Velveta flowed with God’s call for the album to be distributed free of charge, with all donations being sown by Steve & Vel, to further the work into the Chinese Church.
So as we left the morning service singing new songs, we were able to pick up our copy of the album, with the knowledge that even though we couldn’t all personally go to China, we could all help our brothers and sisters and as the Living Waters flow, God would use us to bring His healing rivers to our nations.
Written by Steph Cottam
