|
V
Providing
an online resource for Christian and religious studies |
V
Composing
and performing praise music to inspire people to walk in the ways of The Lord |
|
V
Teaching
seminars, workshops and classes |
V
Available
for ministerial and pastoral services, revival meetings and worship services |
|
V
Striving
to offer music education, bible study and physical fitness training to
underprivileged children from San Diego County. While other ministries send
money to Africa, Asia and Mexico, I prefer to keep our money here at home. We
have many of our own people who would benefit from a “summer camp” where they
would receive free music lessons along with bible lessons and a healthy
fitness and lifestyle program. Click here for more
information. |
|
I'll try to post occasional messages
which will help you understand how to be a better Christian and why that is
important to you. Unfortunately, I don't have enough time to post a Message
every day, but I'll try to post as many as I can and as often as I can, and
will archive all previous messages so you can go back and read your favorites.
|
Click to make a selection: THIS WEEK’S MESSAGE (Updated Sept 16, 2010) |
|
News
as of June 8, 2011
I
finally finished recording my praise / worship CD, “For The
Faithful.” I have been planning this since 2007 and working on it since 2008.
The CD features four original songs: “The Merciful Plea,” “Salvation,” “High
Time In My Life,” and “The Full Armor Of God.” The
other eight songs are “”Somebody Touched Me,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “How
Great Thou Art,” “Just A Closer Walk With Thee,” “The Lily Of The Valley,”
“Softly And Tenderly,” “I’ll Fly Away,” and “Why Me Lord.” The feeling is sort
of “old country & western” with a few bluegrass songs. I’m sorry to say to
my old friends at the San Diego Rescue Mission that the song you remember me
by, “Soap. Soup and Salvation,” did not make it on to the CD because it is too
different of a song from the others, but I still plan to put that on one of my
upcoming CDs which will contain original country, blues and folk rock songs.
The “For The Faithful” CD was recorded at the “Audio
Barn” studio and was mastered by Jim Burnett at “The Upper Room” studio in
Santee, CA. If you know any church, bible study organization or recovery house
that is interested in having me do a show to promote the CD, please contact me
and I will be glad to set this up any time between now and the end of the year.
God bless you all for being so patient, and I hope you like what you hear. I
also just finished an instrumental jazz guitar CD titles “Will Play Jazz For Food.”
Both
CDs (as well as my previous recordings) are available on my web site in the "Store". Let me
know what you think! Also, remember to keep checking my performance calendar to see
where I’ll be performing. Come to one of my shows, and remember to say hi!
Also
in the news is the sad fact that I decided to retire from my Christian country
rock band “Rightside.” I have been having some health
problems lately, but I can manage and enjoy normal health as long as I don’t
take on too much work. As much as I enjoyed working with the band, it was
taking up more time from my schedule than I was able to offer. The band
recently “downsized” by dropping three singers, one of which also played the
Yamaha keyboard. It was the big sound that the band achieved with all the
original members that attracted me to join up with them, so I must honestly say
that I started to lose interest when the band decided to go on as a smaller
combo. I have always been a fan of a big vocal harmony sound. The new band
features Linda Lee Burnett on lead vocal with unison backing vocals by Julie Magers. Both girls do an excellent job, and the
instrumental musicians are far above average, but the sound is not what I was
used to, so I decided to use my limited time to pursue other projects. You can
keep up with my musical career at my musician
web site.
News
as of July 7, 2010
The
new year so far has been good for personal spiritual
growth as I continue to study to improve my ministry efforts. Our Christian
country gospel rock band, Rightside, is making an
effort to reach out to more venues than before in an effort to reach more
people with our music and to continue our giving of time, talent and financial
support through Gospel Review Ministries. Our new CD, “Living on the Rightside,” was released May 22, 2010 and is
available from our website RightsideBand.com. I
am also continuing work on my solo praise CD, “For the Faithful,” which will
consist of original songs as well as old favorites. I hope to have this
completed by Fall 2010.
I
haven’t given up completely on my efforts to start a summer camp which will
bring free music and bible lessons to both children and adults. I am continuing
to collect musical instruments and supplies. Please contact me if you have any
unused instrument you would like to donate. Until my plans come full circle, in
the meantime I am working with Gospel Review Ministries on the possibility of
presenting one or more gospel music festivals at a local rural campground or
similar location. The two or three day events would include music, vocal and instrumental
workshops, ministry and fellowship.
I
am also working on several books for publication. The first book will be a
self-help book which will contain valuable information based partly on biblical
principles. The book is designed to help people improve the quality of their
life, reduce stress, set and follow goals and improve personal and career
relationships. There is a section for teenagers seeking help and understanding
with the many problems faced by this age group. I hope to be able to find and
agent and a publisher that will create a name for me as a writer so that I may
write follow-up books that will explain why it important to put your faith in
God and follow the teachings of Jesus. I am getting more and more concerned
about the growing number of people that don’t believe in God, do not follow a
Christian religion, and even speak out against God and Christians trying to
bring ridicule and uncertainty on religious beliefs. If these people would put
as much effort into supporting Christianity instead of condemning it, our
population would be much better for it and we would begin to see positive
change in the world.
After
four years of writing my blog “Guitar Wisdom,” it is almost ready to compile
into a book as well. The Guitar Wisdom blog contains articles of interest to
guitar players and students, performers and music teachers.
My
other goal for 2010 is to contact as many other ministries as possible and
become acquainted with their staff and their beliefs and platforms so that I
may work together with them for the common good. As more and more ministers
unite to support issues, I plan to be “in the loop” and will contribute what I
can to support a good cause and to help spread the “Good News.” If you are
reading this and would like to share comments, ideas, web sites, information,
articles or anything at all, or if you just want to say “hi” (I’d love to hear
from you!), please contact me at tom@tomsmerk.com.
News
as of December 4, 2009
This Christmas season has me joining the popular local gospel group “Rightside
Until then,
don’t forget to live your life according to the Bible, and keep the faith!
