Driftwood Diaries

Oh, yah - it’s UKE time!!!  My friend and producer, Pete Dawson talked me into playing the ukulele live right after the Seabright release, and it’s been a big hit ever since.  For years now, I’ve drug that thing everywhere, from Hawaii to Sri Lanka, D.C. to Decatur, and broken it 3 times!  My amazing endorsement comes from a long time friend; Michael Upton at Kala Ukes shown here by his sweet ride…

He hooked me up with 2 beautiful new ukes to replace the old, glued one, and I am feelin’ the aloha!

I got to tour the offices a bit and take some pictures.  Here’s a few rare ones in production and a shipment getting ready…

Also, just witnessed maybe the first-ever BASS ukuleles.  The strings are rubber.  It is acoustic/electric, plugs in and sounds like an awesome bass guitar!!!  Crazy!

All in all, a huge thanks to Michael and Kala for such great instruments and generous support of my music.  They are great people.  When I met Mike he was making these in his bedroom, and now it’s an international, mega business…with the same heart and soul.  Rock on, bro!!!!

WE HAD AN INCREDIBLE TIME IN ECUADOR!  
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support!

My parents graciously watched our four children as Heidi and I embarked on the adventure of the summer.  We hit the ground running - arriving into Guayaquil around midnight and wandering the airport with no cell numbers, contacts, names, or pick-up information (totally my fault - and NOT a good husbandly move!).  Luckily, before intense marriage therapy was required, our awesome host, Kirk Smith, finally pulled up.

The week was a blur of concert ministry, chapel services, radio interviews, and visiting families in need.  Heidi’s camera captured some of it in the picture strip above; the big concert Friday night (2,500 people and my sweet backing band :), a big city in massive poverty, bright young faces with fragile futures, the family we’re partnering with - providing a school scholarship for the 7 year old in front, make-shift radio, hundreds of autographs and new friendships, and a lasting passion to do MORE.

So, we’ve accepted an invitation from LACC to help raise more scholarships. There are over 3,500 students that attend the awesome Christian school we partnered with. We were able to experience it first-hand and see what amazing work is going on; kids literally being rescued from poverty, a top-notch education in an environment of joy, and the presentation of real hope through the message of Jesus. I have a stack of about a hundred kids awaiting the chance for a scholarship to attend the school, and just $32 a month is all it takes. All transactions go through LACC, and they’ll guide you in corresponding with your student and any other questions you may have. Would you consider making this a part of your ministry giving? Shoot me an email, and I can help you right NOW to connect with a child in need and make a lasting difference. Thanks for considering joining us!

Say THAT five times fast!!!

Farrah Fox has been invited to lead worship on the FAMILY STAGE at 3:25 this Saturday, July 25th at Fishfest. She’ll be making her national stage debut, joining MercyMe, Jars of Clay, Phil Wickham, Jana Alayra, and others. She’ll be backed by a rockin’ band of youth kids.  You don’t want to miss this!!!

We’d love to see you there!

Visit this WEBSITE for tickets and information-

GREETINGS :: FRIENDS, FAMILY, SUPPORTERS

It’s been three years since you’ve heard from us in an official
fundraising capacity, as God has been leading us through an intense
journey of learning to trust HIM as our Provider. It’s been challenging
and rewarding in so many ways, and we now feel released to make
you aware of and invite you into the journey like never before.

Giving is an act of worship. He doesn’t need our money, but
surrendering it is a chance for us to practice radical generosity and to
show God with our actions how much He means to us. It’s not lip service.
It’s a practice of putting our trust in Him over everything else – even money. We have an incredible opportunity right now to walk this out together. Would you take a step with us?

We’re headed to Guayaquil, Ecuador on July 6 for outreach concerts, chapel services, and the opportunity to help raise scholarships for impoverished children to attend Christian school through Latin America ChildCare. An estimated 20 million children under the age of 15 don’t go to school there because they have to work to help keep their families alive. God’s used this ministry to transform thousands of futures - to rewrite a child’s life story and turn hopelessness into dreams. We are praying to raise $3,000 to cover the expense of this trip and the ministry events. Would you help send us?
52 weeks a year (for 16 years now!) you can find me ministering somewhere, sharing the amazing truth of God’s love in a creative, compelling way. Recently, I’ve experienced extreme favor and
connection again with teenagers, leading students in a “God Party” of sorts – an interactive worship experience within the context of celebration that is resonating deeply and touching hearts. There’s an article about it on my website. It’s a fresh move of the Spirit, and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part! Would you consider partnering with us in this endeavor on a consistent basis, maybe adding us to your monthly missionary support - or per event? If we could raise $2,000 a month, it would literally propel me around the world, sustaining multiple events and the accompanying expenses. These concerts end with several students on the stage, in the band – their faces beaming with joy and pride while they play along as part of the team (often for the first time ever), leading their peers in worship and celebration. It changes them. It changes me. Supporting this ministry makes an eternal difference in the world.

What part will you play?

PLEASE CONSIDER HITTING US UP AT THE PAYPAL BUTTON ON THIS SITE, PURCHASING A FEW CDs, OR WRITING ME AN EMAIL TO RECEIVE INFO ABOUT USING YOUR CREDIT CARD OR SENDING A CHECK.  THANKS AGAIN!

Have You Thrown a Party Lately?

By Justin Fox

The truth is; Christians don’t really know how to party. Our culture, our generation, and generations to come need to relearn the fine art of celebration - and nothing is worth celebrating more than God’s goodness, faithfulness, and love for us. Sure, we sing about celebration, we talk about it in sermons, but rarely do any of us actually experience it in our church gatherings. For example, many of the songs we sing reference “dancing”, but how many of us really dance. Be honest.

So, I propose instead of thinking of your next special gathering as “putting on an event”, or “planning out a service”, why don’t you instead THROW A PARTY? Set it up just like a party. Hang streamers, and balloons. Pass out party-poppers and candy. Pour the punch, dim the lights, rent a popcorn machine, hang a disco-ball. You get the picture. Personally, I have felt God calling and nudging me in this direction, and I’m excited to see where it leads.

When I look at the Old Testament and read God’s first instructions to His people about festivals and feast days, it seems as if we’ve missed something. God loves a celebration and I think many of us could benefit from a fresh approach like this.

What would a Christ-centered party look like? What would you actually do? Well, as I have experimented with this lately I’ve discovered a few things that work really well. We like to keep the idea of celebration connected to the Biblical context of worship, but still maintain room for individual creativity. So, take these as suggestions, but be sure to put your creative fingerprints on this and help shape it and mold it for your community.

Ideas For Your Next Celebration:

The plan is to have a band or an individual on stage to play and provide the music during the party. Everything you do needs to be thought out in advance and designed to make sure everyone participates and has a great time.

WORSHIP THROUGH COMMUNITY - 10 min.

Starts with an extended time of unstructured “hanging out”. Music playing, punch flowing, treats out, and no chairs. Let students talk with one other. I recommend serving food first. (Have you ever gone to a party where they save the food for last?)

WORSHIP THROUGH THANKSGIVING - 15 min.

Gather students together and officially welcome them to the party. Get things jumping with 2 or 3 fun, upbeat songs of thanksgiving (original if possible). Then have them seated (on the floor, or have them grab a chair and race back). Encourage them to share with each other in small groups of three or four about the things that they are thankful for. Transition out of that with a few more fun songs. Keep audience participation high and your sense of humor sharp.

WORSHIP THROUGH PETITION - 10 min.

You can’t authentically celebrate without addressing and dealing with the struggles, hardships, and challenges of life. When things are tough and we don’t know where to turn, we turn to God. This is an act of worship.

Have students pray for one another. Maybe in silence, maybe all together out loud, maybe one-on-one, but give them an opportunity to minister to one another.

WORSHIP THROUGH GIVING - 5 min.

A great place for an offering, but make it meaningful and maintain a worshipful atmosphere. We don’t give because God needs it – we give to sacrifice something precious to us as an act of worship.

WORSHIP THROUGH OBEDIENCE - 10 min.

Transition from this prayer time with a call and a challenge to follow God and His ways, even when times are hard. If another song is sung here, it might be fitting to have students stand when they feel led as an act of saying they want to follow God with their whole life.

WORSHIP THROUGH CELEBRATION - 10 min.

With the kids still standing, lead them in thanking God for His grace and strength to obey Him – that it’s not about us, but all about Him, and transition into an up-beat congregational song. In between this and your last song, consider challenging your students to really dance as an act of worship and celebration. One idea that I’ve tried is playing a “dance party medley” from my iPod with songs like the Macarena, the Chicken Dance, and YMCA. It’s a sure-fire way to make sure everyone is dancing and having fun.

WORSHIP THROUGH PARTICIPATION – 10 min.

At the very end, invite several students to join the band up front (or be the “band”), playing random, funny instruments like a small accordion, shaker, cowbell!, ukulele, etc. Get the rest of the crowd involved in some way, cheering for the kids on stage or trying to out-shout one another if possible - anything other than just singing along. Pass out confetti and Party-Poppers and when you give them the signal have them shoot them off to end the song.

PARTY CHECK LIST:

- Streamers, balloons, candy, punch, lights, hot dog machine, popcorn, disco-ball…etc, etc!

- Party-Poppers (1 for each person in your group)

- Any small, rare, silly instruments you have lying around?

- “Party Mix” of songs for before and after the live music and planned activities

- Set seating for audience in a casual, random way in sort of a semi-circle if possible (not too “churchy”)

To close things off create a playlist on your iPod or burn a CD with a selection of party songs like “Celebration” from Kool and the Gang or something to keep the party atmosphere going as closing words or announcements are made.

**

I’ve already lead 3 or 4 of these events and the response has been overwhelming!  I’d be honored to party with you - find out about booking by clicking HERE

Anyone out there near the Denver, CO area???

Some really cool friends of mine are putting together a fun show in Greeley this May.  You should make a night of it if you’re nearby!  It’d be great to see you there!!!

OOOOHHHH, CAAANNNNAAADDDAAAA!

I made it! I’m here in another country…across the river. Today started awesome with a lively Christian school chapel concert at 10am. They were actually shouting for CDs by song 3! That’s never happened…and it’s the one gig that Samme told me NOT to bring any CDs!  The Chinese food was really good, though.

I picked up the borrowed car, and it’s a beauty; a soulfully vintage ‘95 Ford Aspire. The speedometer doesn’t work so I can go as fast as I want! Oh yah, and here’s the promised picture…2 words;

MOTORIZED SURFBOARD!!!

This thing is sitting in a NY garage on the Lake Ontario coast, and Louie will fire it up for you - It’s ready to roll!!!

I crossed into Canada this afternoon, stopped to catch a glimpse of the Niagara Falls, and headed to lasagna with a friend I haven’t seen in…gulp…25 years! Our families lived in Bangkok, Thailand together. He’s now a worship leader here and was able to sneak me into the youth gathering. Here’s the rundown; Canadian audiences are quite reserved - I misplaced my capo somewhere - my voice took a dive in the middle of the show - I nursed some tea afterward - inhaled some steam - and…well…it was kind of a challenging night.  I’m thankful for my friend’s warm hospitality, his capo, his family’s generous support, and the comfy bed that’s calling my name!  How cool to have a friend like that; a brother in Christ, reunited from around the world!

I pray God used my feeble ramblings somehow in the lives of teenagers today. I pray my voice recovers for tomorrow. If you’re the prayin’ type, keep me in mind…

Yaaaahhhh, what a day! It started with the ‘ol free hotel breakfast, but it went down well, and I had some good solitude with God with Psalm 41 as the soundtrack…”You never fail to stand me tall in your presence so I can look you in the eye” (v. 12 - The Message). I am so thankful for God’s faithfulness and nearness, especially on these solo trips. I hit the hotel gym and then got to work on the concert scheduling, a little web maintenance, and writing and returning emails.

Samme’s mom had to have stress-tests at the hospital, so he’s there with her and I’m on my own for lunch. I decide to walk a few blocks through the bright, blinding, bitter cold. I am the ONLY person outside. No one else is walking…anywhere! There are no sidewalks. Anyway, I survive lunch, work some more back at the hotel, get through #10 on Blender’s new song list, watch all the U2 Letterman performances on YouTube, and get picked up for the service tonight; Oasis Christian Fellowship’s Tuesday night Bible study. Samme is back. His mom is doing better. Everyone shares prayer requests. After prayer, Samme introduces me with the same introduction he gave me 10 years ago at GMA week in Nashville; “If you just got here…you’re just in time…for Justin Fox!” It was a flashback in the best way. It’s so great hanging out with Samme again! His Tuesday night group is a warm, responsive, welcoming crowd, and I had an amazing time worshiping with them, sharing my songs and singing together. It felt like a big living-room. I was honored to be a part. Afterward, I was blown away by everyone’s generosity at the “tent” table (Samme called the merchandise “tents”…like, along with the apostle Paul, I’m a tent-maker and these CDs, DVDs, shirts, beanies, etc…are my tents…so he encouraged everyone to check out all my camping items…I LOVE IT!!!). I even met a guy; Lou, who decided to let me borrow his car this week, so I wouldn’t have to rent one (”forgettaboutit” he said)! He also has a motorized surfboard…for reals…I will see it tomorrow and try to take a picture.

—dinner with the team at Uno’s and hoping to get rest for my early chapel service tomorrow morning, the drive into Canada, and another evening concert…

Day 2 down!

The band and I tried to hold it together last Sunday morning at The Outlet [ROCKHARBOR's Junior High gathering] but it was impossible as my 12 year old took us all to SCHOOL with her rockin’ chops and killer voice!  The last time she joined me on stage in Richmond, VA they all chanted “Hannah! Montanna!” and she, of course, signed way more posters than me…

I’m so proud of her!!!  Here’s a few more pics of this historic paring.  I can’t wait for the next time!

CALLING ALL SONGWRITERS!!!!

I’ve had an amazing time writing, recording, publishing, and sharing my songs these last 15 years, and thankful for the privilege of recording 10 albums (and working on the next!). Last summer, I was invited to teach a few seminars at Mt. Hermon’s Songwriter Retreat, and it sparked a passion in me for inspiring and guiding other creative folks, so…..

I am holding my first-ever:

SONGWRITERS INTENSIVE!

SATURDAY, MAY 16 :: 9AM - 1PM

Halecrest Club, Costa Mesa, CA

It is limited to ten people so that we can give lots of attention to individual song critiques. The cost is $75 and should be paid in advance to secure your spot.

Topics:
Lyrics
Melodies
Song Critiques
Collaboration
Publishing Relationships

Starbucks coffee and Heidi’s Famous Scones are included!
You can pay by check, credit card or PayPal at www.justinfox.com. Please let me know your interest as soon as possible.  Sign-ups are first come, first served.

Checks to:
Justin Fox Ministries
3007 Donnybrook Ln.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

or call me at 949-294-7039 to use your credit card over the phone

I’m really excited about this opportunity to encourage and equip other writers!
Thanks for considering being a part!