It is with great fondness that I remember the first time I heard Mary-Anne sing. I was 18 years old – as was she – and together with a group of about 12 young people we travelled throughout South Africa in what we called an ‘Acts Team’. There was no set plan, no pre-arranged meetings – just a bunch of adventurous young people with a BIG message burning in their hearts. There are so many amazing stories/testimonies of how God revealed Himself to so many people through these outreaches, but that is not what I want to focus on here.
Some of the most special times were listening, worshipping and simply enjoying the Father’s presence. I never knew there were songs that could so accurately express the heart of God toward us, and our response toward Him.
Through the years I have continued to enjoy these songs, and new songs, but with a growing sense of frustration that so few others were able to enjoy them. When you find something of value, the greatest joy is sharing it with those you love. We (Mary-Anne and I) knew that the day would come when these songs would be published … but never knew it would take this long – 18 years!
Mary-Anne’s been saving money for a long time and a couple of months before our trip to SA, she started contacting recording studio’s to organise the recording. A couple of weeks before the trip everything fell through – the studio was no longer available and the whole deal was off.
We went ahead with the trip and enjoyed two marvellous weeks in Hermanus and Cape Town. We were just about to leave for East London and only had one day free – a Thursday, before our planned departure. Our friend, Francois Du Toit, suddenly picked up the phone to see what can be arranged. He was referred to a Producer, Tony Drake, that was described as one of the best – and because of that the likelihood of us getting any of his time was highly unlikely. We phoned … he was fully booked … except for one day … Thursday.
So began a series of events that I can only describe as God bringing together the right people at the right time to accomplish what we could never have done ourselves.
I have so enjoyed the ministry, the words, the quality music contained on this CD, over the past three weeks – I know you will too.
Within the next two weeks the CD will be published on iTunes and other digital download sites. The manufacturing of the physical CD’s will begin this week. I will keep you posted regarding where they can be purchased. If you want to pre-order, please email Mary-Anne with your order: maryanne.rabe@gmail.com.
You can find the lyrics and song intros by clicking this link.
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Hi Andre and Mary-Anne,
I was blessed by reading the stories of inspiration behind your songs. I’ve heard many sermons on why or how God created man, but your little ‘parable’ of a tree bearing fruit when it contains an abundance of life in itself really nailed it for me. We are his fruit! It’s amazing that you’ve been walking in this light since 1988!
Keep well and stay in touch.
mt
Thanks Matthys!
So nice to hear from you!
So awesome to know, we’re not the product of our own efforts – or our good or bad upbringing, but the fruit of His desire and His love!
…now in the ages to come, we can discover the incomparable riches of His love expressed in His kindness toward us in Christ(Eph2:7)
Eph 3:18 you’ll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights!
Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
God can do anything, you know–far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
(the Message)
How are things going with you – what are you up to? Would love to hear how all your movie plans are going?
Blessings!
Mary-Anne
Mary-Anne,
Thanks for your reply. I’m still in JHB. Movie plans are plenty but at the moment nothing’s moving forward. We’re developing a few new ideas… So, we’ll see. Hopefully I’ll have more (and better) news next time ’round.
mt