David Yanez

Monday, March 30, 2015

MWTR-Guests Jeff Strueker & Andrew Erwin


Andy Erwin visits Midwatch to talk about his movie October Baby.

Jon & Andrew Erwin are a directing team that focus on developing and producing unique stories of redemption, faith, and triumph of the human spirit. The duo began their career as teenagers in their hometown of Birmingham, AL, working as camera operators for ESPN. Local games at the university of Alabama soon became a full time career as sports cameramen. The brothers eventually worked on everything from college football, the NBA, NFL, and the X Games. In 2002, the team began their own video production company and began to venture into commercials, documentaries and music videos. They found their greatest success in the world of music, directing videos and producing concerts and television programs for platinum artists like Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Switchfoot, Skillet, Montgomery Gentry, and many others. Jon and Andrew won Music Video Of The Year at the GMA Dove Awards three years consecutively, as well as receiving a total of eleven nominations. They also have produced and directed several feature length documentaries including the multi-award winning 9/11 story, The Cross and the Towers, as well as the International dramatic short film series, God Provides. In 2010 the brothers shifted their focus full time to feature films. Their debut feature, October Baby, a coming of age drama, was released by Samuel Goldwyn and Provident Films and debuted theatrically in the top ten. They are currently working on their new feature comedy, Moms' Night Out, set for release in 2014.

 

Jeff Strueker

Chaplain (Major) Jeff Struecker is a decorated member of the United States Army’s most elite fighting corps whose personal experiences in Mogadishu, Somalia, were written about in the New York Times bestseller and major motion picture Black Hawk Down. In thirteen years of active duty, he also fought in Operation Just Cause in Panama and Operation Iris Gold in Kuwait. As a chaplain Jeff has done multiple tours in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He uses his personal story of survival on the battlefield to tell others how they, too, can be prepared for any circumstances life may bring.

Jeff's new book-Hide and Seek

Amelia Lennon no longer wears a uniform or carries a weapon. An Army trained Foreign Affairs Officer, she’s negotiating a dispute with the Kyrgyzstan government that threatens to leave the U.S. without an airbase in that region. She traded her gun for the power of words, but now she needs both.

While following her government contact – Jildiz Oskonbaeva, the lawyer daughter of Kyrgyzstan’s president – Amelia witnesses an attempt to abduct her. She manages to prevent the kidnapping, but now the two women are on the run in a city that’s erupting into chaos.

Master Sergeant J.J. Bartley is the Special Operations team leader tasked to rescue Amelia and Jildiz. With two new members in his unit – one with a secret that could endanger everyone’s life – J.J. must soldier his unit through crazed mobs intent on overthrowing the government. Back home, his pregnant wife is misinformed that her husband and the team have been killed. But before this is over, Bartley will find out that’s the least of his problems.

 


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MWTR-Guest Michael Landon Jr. & Peggy Sue Wells


Michael Landon Jr. talks about his new book Traces of Mercy.

Michael Landon Jr.  Producer/Writer/Director

Michael Landon Jr., son of the late television legend, Michael Landon, has been in the film business for over 25 years.  Educated at USC and a Directing Fellow graduate of the American Film Institute, he has worked in just about every capacity of the moviemaking process including film loader, 1st and 2nd assistant cameraman, stedicam operator, Director of Photography, apprentice film editor, production assistant, and actor. He has developed and/or produced, directed and written screenplays for Fox, CBS, NBC, Disney, Sony, Lifetime,  and Hallmark.

Traces of Mercy

At the war’s end, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Waking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy and wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past. But then a handsome stranger arrives, who may hold the key to everything she has forgotten. What he knows could devastate her future, and even end her life. Written by two proven storytellers, Traces of Mercy is perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction, prairie-based tales, or just a good romance.

Peggy Sue Wells

Writing with the empathy of someone who has seen and survived divorce, PeggySue Wells offers a practical and encouraging resource for the newly divorced woman. With inspiring Scripture passages, light humor, and sage advice, Rediscovering Your Happily Ever After gives vital steps to reestablish emotional and spiritual health—and nurture children at the same time.


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MWTR-Mike Norris and Freddy Washington


  • Mike Norris visits Midwatch to talk about his new movie I am Gabriel.
  • Mike Norris is the son of actor and karate champion Chuck Norris. His brother is director Eric Norris and his uncle is producer Aaron Norris.

     

  • I am Gabriel
  • An unforgiving sun, a parched earth, and a failed economy have left a small Texas town desolate. For ten years Promise, Texas has known nothing but one curse after another. It's barren, broken, and dying, leaving a town full of despair. When a couple finds a boy walking along a dusty road, alone in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but a mat tucked under his arm, they pick him up in hopes of helping him. What they don't realize is that he has come to help them and the residents of Promise. No one knows who he is or where he came from. Some think he's an answer to prayer. Others think he's a runaway or a false prophet. And the only thing this boy will say about himself is that he's here to help. The town's sheriff, Brody, is determined to uncover the truth. But Brody has his own problems trying to hold a dying town together. Miracle after miracle takes place and the residents of Promise embrace the boy. But when the beloved town doctor dies, it is time for the truth to be revealed. The boy pleads with Brody in front of the whole town to believe that he's come to help, not to hurt anyone. Finally, with his back against the wall the boy reveals his true identity.


  • Freddy Washington, Jr.
  • The thing about getting to know Freddy Washington is that you immediately want to share him with other people.
     
    Freddy's unique brand of emotional, thought-provoking, Christian music is the sort of music that pulls you in immediately, and listening to it isn’t much different from having Freddy sitting in your living room and telling you what’s on his mind.
     
    A native of New Jersey, Freddy has had a heart for service from a young age. In fact, it was serving in his father’s music ministry that inspired him to venture into the music realm himself. Although he's currently standing on his musical debut, he’s no stranger to the music industry. He garnered Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award nominations for production with artists Da'Truth and Gospel newcomer Melinda Watts. His musical blend is a beautiful reflection of his influences, legendary musicians like Andrae Crouch, Phil Collins, Kirk Franklin, Bruce Hornsby and Michael W. Smith. While traveling internationally as a sought out preacher and musical clinician, he achieved immense success as a writer and producer.
     
    Freddy has a passion for leading Christians in worship and after years of being faithful to his parents ministry and while writing and producing for others, he knew it was time to create something that reflected this burning desire. What he's created is The Jesus Record, a full-length double disc album that makes the most of what he's learned and turned it into something that resonates with the sound of Freddy’s heart for God. When asked why he created The Jesus Record with such intentional focus, Freddy says reverently “It’s about the perfect love, peace and hope that is the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s the greatest story of redemption and salvation that the world will ever know."

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Monday, March 23, 2015

MWTR-Guests Shirley W. Mitchell & Grammy Artists Phil Keaggy


Phil Keaggy is perhaps one of the most admired guitarists in music today. His fans range from those who aspire just to be able to play Keaggy's mistakes, to professional musicians who have been strongly influenced by his style. And in between are those who don't play guitar, yet find solace in his beautifully penned lyrics and memorable melodies.

Phil's solo career has spanned more than 30 years, and has included over 50 solo albums, both vocal and instrumental, as well as 8 releases with his band, Glass Harp. One of the most sought after studio guitarists, Phil also continues to sell out concerts all over the United States, with his ever-changing style, ranging from rock-and-roll to fully orchestrated instrumental compositions.


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MWTR-Guests Mosaic


In 2009, Mosaic became a full-time ministry.

“We realized that, in order to be good stewards of this calling, we would need to commit all of our time to writing, recording our music and organizing our ministry in order to get this thing off the ground,” says Jonathan Martin.

After five busy months, Mosaic released their first original album, As Long as it is Day, in May of 2009. After hitting the road in June, God unfolded their route as invitations to minister came – from Chicago to Florida to California – and the group has been traveling and ministering nationally ever since.

“Mosaic is willing to go wherever God opens a door,” says Molly. “We just long to serve with our music, whether that is sharing concerts of our original songs, joining a church for worship on Sundays, or playing at a specialized event like a women’s conference or a youth camp.”

Mosaic enjoys sharing music in all types of settings. From large to small groups, or from older to younger audiences, this desire to encourage and edify others with the truth of God’s Word remains our foundation.


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MWTR-Guest Cheri Keaggy


If the eyes are the windows of the soul, than perhaps music is the door to the heart.  The melody and lyrics speak the truth, treasure, and tragedy that lie within.  Sometimes the music is gentle, a light tapping on the shoulder.  Other times, it’s more direct, with power and conviction.  Much like life, there are themes of exuberant celebration, quiet introspection, searing anguish, and humble gratitude.  But, when the music is especially sweet, it comes like soothing balm to the weary soul, renewing the mind, refreshing the spirit, and rendering the heart forever changed.  If music is the door to the heart, then there’s no secret to Whom Cheri Keaggy’s heart belongs.

Beginning as a worship leader at a small church in Southern California, Cheri has ministered through music and testimony for twenty years.  Her debut album, Child of the Father, was released to rave reviews in 1994 earning her a Dove Award nomination for New Artist of the Year.  Eight albums, nine Number One songs, three Dove Award nominations and a Dove Award win later, Cheri Keaggy is recognized as a mainstay in the adult contemporary and inspirational genres, and songs like “There is Joy in the Lord’ and “In Remembrance of Me” are sung in churches worldwide.  Likewise, the songs she’s written for her children have made her a favorite at women’s events.

Often with her Bible and journal close at hand, Cheri takes a teachable approach to life, looking for the lesson in every experience.  “If God can use our challenges and heartaches to build character that makes us more effective for the Kingdom, then that’s what I want.  He can use me however He sees fit.”

With songs penned following the end of her nearly twenty-three year marriage to her high school sweetheart, Cheri’s eighth release, SO I CAN TELL, is perhaps her most vulnerable recording to date.  Like a modern day psalmist, her lyrics express grief, loneliness, and God’s comfort in “There Will Be One Day”, “When You Were Jesus to Me”, and “Hello, God.”  She echoes the apostle Paul in the memorable piano ballad, “To Live is Christ” and celebrates Christ’s provision in the ukulele-based tune, “Air, Food, and Water.”


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MWTR-Guest Julie Elias


In a rather unconventional road to Christian music, new artist Julie Elias has had to learn and adapt to a new field pretty quickly. “I feel like I got a Masters’ degree worth of information in the first two years, everything was so new! I hear of a lot of worship leaders and Christian artists who have wanted to do it their whole lives. Even though I grew up singing in church with our praise team, it was never something I pictured doing with my life. Never.”

Julie’s path included a passion for musical theatre, film and acting which took her to the hustle-and-bustle of Hollywood. Appearing regularly on shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “CSI:NY” and even in films with the megastars like Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts made for some great experiences but left her empty in the long term. “Once the initial excitement wore off, I realized that acting alone was not making me feel significant. Since a little girl, I wanted to do something with my life that really impacted others and this wasn’t it for me. I prayed to God that He would open doors that would reveal His master plan for my life, so obviously clear that even a stubborn 20-something like me couldn’t ignore them. And He did. Almost immediately.”


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MWTR-Guests Miss America USA 2011 Teresa Scanlan & Petra's John Schlitt


When Teresa Scanlan was crowned Miss America 2011 she became the youngest woman to wear the crown in over 70 years and the very first Miss Nebraska to become Miss America. Teresa is the daughter of Mark and Janie Scanlan and is from Gering, Nebraska. As the middle child of seven, Teresa was homeschooled through her junior year of high school and then graduated a year early from Scottsbluff High School in 2010. 


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Wednesday, March 18, 2015

MWTR-Guest John Schlitt


John Schlitt officially joined Petra in 1986, bringing with him his amazing vocal range and abilities that made him a legend with Head East. Except this time, his mind was no longer blown on drugs and alcohol – he was clean, focused, and armed with a powerful message: God made us to be winners - Jesus Christ is alive and through Him we are to be victorious in His perfect plan for us. 

And that’s how it’s been with John ever since. Twenty years later and four Grammy awards on his shelf, sixteen Petra albums, one II Guys from Petra album, and four solo albums recorded - millions of which have sold all over the world - John is a man who lives for Jesus and makes no bones about his faith. 

"The only thing I can do is be the best Christian artist I can be, to be the boldest Christian artist I can be,” he says. "I will always be able to look anyone in the face who wants to sit and say 'So you're a Christian?' and I'll say 'You darn right I am; just listen to my music, listen to what I have to say, listen to the interviews.' There's no doubt about where I stand." 

While John is arguably one of the most powerful vocalists around, his mightiest cry is the cry of his heart. Whether onstage or up close and personal, John’s voice is one of a truly changed soul. And his music is and always will be a reflection of God’s love and redeeming power.


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MWTR-Guests Jonathan Cahn & Nonie Darwish


Before its end as a nation, there appeared in ancient Israel nine specific warnings and omens of national destruction – These same nine Harbingers are now manifesting in America with profound ramifications for America’s future and end-time prophecy.

Hidden in an ancient biblical prophecy from Isaiah, the mysteries revealed in The Harbinger are so precise that they foretell recent American events down to the exact days… the 3,000-year-old mystery that revealed the exact date of the stock market collapse of 2008… the ancient prophecy that was proclaimed from the floor of the US Senate and then came true…and more. The revelations are so specific that even the most hardened skeptic will find it hard to put down. Though it sounds like the plot of a Hollywood thriller – IT’S REAL.

The prophetic mysteries are factual but revealed through a riveting narrative the reader will find hard to put down. The Harbinger opens with the appearance of a man burdened with a message he has received from a mysterious figure called The Prophet. The Prophet has given him nine seals, each containing a message about America s future. As he tells of his encounters with the Prophet, from a skyscraper in New York City, to a rural mountaintop, to Capitol Hill, to Ground Zero, the mystery behind each seal is revealed. As the story unfolds, each revelation becomes another piece in a larger and larger puzzle, the ramifications of which are, even now, altering the course of America and the world.


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MWTR-Guest BeBe Winans & Suzanne Fisher


A virtual album of BeBe Winans' treasured memories of his friend and "sister," Whitney Houston. 

In the years between the first time BeBe Winans and Whitney Houston met in 1985, to the day he delivered the tribute that touched a watching nation at Houston's funeral, a deep and unique friendship bloomed and thrived. They considered each other family in the truest sense of the word. 

Now this very personal collection of remembrances offers us a seat at the table during Whitney's most unguarded moments. Here we see her in all her quirky, passionate, fiercely loyal glory though the eyes of her "brother", BeBe.

For most of her public life, Whitney Houston was a mystery. In The Whitney I Knew, Winans has given us a wonderful gift---the gift of understanding. From profoundly moving personal moments to eye-opening accounts of triumph to the heartbreaking realities that led to her ultimate defeat, the untold stories are intimately woven throughout this book---along with online video links to behind-the-scenes moments, highlights of her career, and never-before-seen video of Whitney. Also included is an extensive photo section from BeBe's personal collection.


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MWTR-Guest Reinhard Bonnke


Reinhard Bonnke visits today's Midwatch. World Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke visits Midwatch with the Rev. Talking about coming to America and his new book Raising the Dead.


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MWTR-Guest Marilyn Hickey


Marilyn Hickey Ministries is a bridge builder for people of all cultures and religious backgrounds, including Muslims and Muslim countries.

Because the suffering of mankind from poverty, violence, racism, and deficiency is counteractive to the philosophy of a bridge, Marilyn Hickey Ministries is predominately focused on positively affecting negative circumstances in countries across the globe. At the heart of the organization lies the desire to connect people of all cultures, backgrounds, and religious beliefs with understanding, education, and humanitarian acts in order to benefit mankind.

Marilyn and Sarah’s passion to share God’s great love and truth often lead them to difficult places, including Muslim nations and lands oppressed by communism, cruel dictators, poverty, disaster, and disease. Marilyn has been working with various political, religious and ethnic groups in Pakistan for over 16 years building bridges of friendship and cooperation with all religions and races of the Muslim, Hindu, and Christian faith. Her recent, sixth-trip turned out to be one of the most successful in Marilyn’s 40-plus year history of international ministry.


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