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

Album Launch at CG

The launch will be held at Ilford Cineworld, Essex.

The launch will be at both morning services – 9.30am and 11.30am.

Their Special guests include Graham Kendrick, Mark Beswick, Noel Robinson & Muiywa.

For more information please visit City Gates Christian Centre web-page

This is an Amazing place in China! We have just received these rare pictures and wanted to show you the spectacular beauty of this region in China. So much of the beauty of God’s creation can be seen!

Rare pictures from Yunnan, China

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What a privilege it was to deliver six seminars and a workshop, developing these musicians & singers and helping to prepare them for Mission throughout the Chinese-speaking nations. It was great to work with my favourite translator, Sherri Chan! What an amazing woman of God. The host, Alex Wong and his wife Wendy are now the local MOMH coordinator. They are two very gifted individuals with a passion for excellence.

From the first seminar, I knew this was going to be a significant week! The hunger and passion of my brothers and sisters here in Hong Kong drew everything out of me. I perceive there is a great sense of major ‘re-positioning’ taking place within many organisations within the Chinese nation. (This is possibly also true for other nations).

During one of the evenings, MOMH led a presentation evening at a theatre-type venue! An hour before the start of the meeting, a queue had already gathered outside the building. What an awesome evening as we saw many young lives worshipping and recommitting their lives to Jesus! It was great to also work alongside Pastor Andrew, a very special leader in the Chinese church! During one of the other free evenings we all made a visit to his ministry’s (Kingdom Ministry) new facility. Awesome!

For the final day of the training week, I witnessed a continuation of breakthrough in lives as we embarked upon the spontaneous singing of various Psalms and the release of prophetic singing and playing! This has been a great week for my Chinese brothers and sisters as well as myself. We laughed, cried and had so much fun together!

MOMH training retreat

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Finally, the new album from Beracah Music International is available for download! This is a free album with songs recorded by Steve & Velveta Thompson, all songs written by the couple over the last 10 years. One of the songs, ‘Increase in me’ written with our good friend, Andy Mitchell over 12 years ago.

As you listen, please pray for our brothers and sisters in China!

‘….. the Living Waters CD is amazing. It brings tears to my eyes and moves me to fall to my knees. I really like track 2, Saviour Redeemer. In addition, I like tracks 5-8. This is a blessing from above indeed! Be encouraged that this music will touch lives and lead people into praise …. ‘ says Darian

‘ … God bless Israel!!! and what a wonderful new year present for china at this time. When I read your post that you were giving free downloads and that folks would pray for China, I immediately thought of the woman who broke the very expensive perfume over Jesus, he said she done a beautiful thing. You hear Christians asking for money all the time these days and I know there is a place for it but it is a wonderful thing to see someone giving something to the Lord, God richly bless you and Steve … ‘ says David Gillis

These are some of the beautiful emails we received after the launch of the new album in Israel on 13th February 2010. This is the emphasis of Beracah Music International…. sowing into the nations.

We had our pre-Album launch in Jerusalem at the Chinese Christian Conference (Hosted by MOMH) February 2010. This was significant for the launch to be in the Holy Land and unbeknown to us… The Chinese New Year!!!

‘Beracah’ is Hebrew for blessing; ideal place for Beracah Mission to be releasing our first Worship Album – Israel. Steve heard from God that this year was ‘The year of new beginnings’ …God’s timing is awesome! The release of our first seed into China landed right in the centre the Chinese New Year! In Israel!! This is going to be an awesome year of harvest as we have sown our first fruit in Israel for China! Timing is everything…God’s timing…our Kairos time!

Watch this space! God rewards obedience and faithfulness. We are so excited to continue serving the nations with excellence!

Ps 2:8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.

Pictures From CD Launch in Israel

Please fill in your name and email address and we will send you an email informing you that the album is ready for order (limited amount of CDs will be available in the UK). We will also send you regular updates on Beracah Mission.

The favour of God continues to increase as we see the doors in Asia opening up.

From the very first rehearsal with the ‘Melody of My Heart’ singers, we were off to a great start! We met for rehearsal at the largest church in Hong Kong – the initial worship time before we even started rehearsals was ‘off the charts’! Though feeling very jet-lagged, we were amazed at the amount of energy we all had!

Then came the meal time – oh yes – I love working in China!

By the time the ‘Fire Conference – Hong Kong’ started we were all ready to lead the 10,000 people in worship. The opening night was timed to the second! ‘Absolutely awesome’ is all I can say! To see so many believers from ‘all over china’ worshiping together was an experience never to be forgotten!

Then Reinhard Bonke brought the word – what a blessing to the Chinese people! Throughout the entire conference he brought a timely word, over and over again! From session to session the people streamed into the auditorium early in order to get a good seat. The hunger of the people was unbelievable, but God never disappointed. During one of the session Pastor Daniel (Reinhard Bonke’s ‘spiritual son’) spoke and had the CFaN team pray over the entire congregation! Yes all 10,000 of them! This has to be the longest ‘altar ministry time’ we have ever experienced!

What an amazing time! After the family and the British musicians returned to the UK I stayed on to teach at a worship conference – organised for some of the delegates that were at the Fire Conference!

Pictures taken at the Fire Conference ‘09

Velveta singing at Fire Conference ‘09 in Hong Kong

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Clip from the opening night

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Today was a day of going back over all the songs and making final changes!

As we listen to ‘Increase in me’ I have this intense feeling that I should add a prayer for China and all the nations – that the Glory of God would cover the earth bringing salvation!

So, I got Vel on Skype – she has been ‘present’ on Skype everyday listening and watching as Tom and I work! Throughout the entire week, and now, Tom was so encouraging guiding me through various takes of the prayer! As I pray, I could sense the presence of God so stronge! Yes Lord, it is all about great salvation!

To top the day, Tom wires up and mic the Hammond organ! I needed to record organ on ‘Your Name is glorious’. Just before recording the organ, my good friends and host, Brett & Cindy called in to say our final goodbyes – don’t like goodbyes – just ’see you later’.

What a wonderful couple, God has great plans for them!

As I finished the recording – two takes – gave Tom the biggest hug, then my really good Chinese friend, Alan Lin, whisked me off to the airport!

Mission accomplished – I can hear the theme tune in my head!

Tom will now finish off the mix and mastering – but I know I have left our album in good hands!

Anyhow, today was a special treat as Pastor Paul & Francy along with some other Chinese friends, David & Pamela Cho showed up at the studio! They arrived bringing good tidings – good ‘ole chinese food! Yum yum! As we ate we looked over the land (picture beneath) where Tom’s studio is located!

Today was so awesome as I invited them to join hands and we prayed together ….. time stood still…. Oh yes, we are in a studio and we have an album to mix! Wow! God is great! There was a sense of God stamping His aproval on the album! May we never leave God out of anything we do!

After my wonderful friends left, we continued with the mix! Today has been brilliant! We got everything done!

Final day tomorrow!