andi oakes

What's up and coming for the autumn...

It's autumn again and the schedule is looking pretty full.

Arise

Arise kicks off again on Sunday the 6th September and Andi will be leading the worship on the first night back in the Jethro Center in Lurgan, Co.Armagh - and it's looking like an exciting season all round for the Arise team, with the arrival of Geoff Wilson, the new minister for the Parish of Shankhill. This season's focus is "The Jesus centred life". You can check out more at the Arise website @ www.ariselurgan.org.

Concerts

There are concert dates currently being looked at, as well as some dates that have already been confirmed such as:

Sept 19th - Pure Joy in he Riverside Theatre in Coleraine, Co. Antrim with Chapter 7

Oct 24th - If my people with Crown Jesus ministries in Londonderry - venue to be confirmed.

Gallery We will be launching the new online Gallery within the next few weeks where you will be able to view and buy original artwork by Andi. After a break of nearly four years, Andi has been returning to painting, working on new pieces which we will be able to make availible for viewing very soon.

US Ministry tour

Andi's first US ministry tour will take place later in the year in November, when he will be visiting Nashville, Tennessee. Watch out for more info on where and when to find Andi.

Encounter Wales took place at Folly Farm, Pembrokeshire's indoor Fun Fair

Over 600 people gathered at this years Encounter Wales event in Pembrokeshire on June the 9th. Began by the Baptist Youth of Pembrokeshire in 2008, the event has already grown to become one of the "must attend" highlights of the Church calendar in South Western Wales.Joined by band members from NGM in Bristol and Nexus in Coventry, Andi led the worship for the event, performed tracks from his new CD Close to me and spoke to the enthusiastic crowd squeezed into the main auditorium.

It was an inspiring sight to see so many families attending such a fun filled event, with people being given glow sticks and bubbles on their way in to the theatre, making for a wonderfully lively and colourful atmosphere.

As Andi led worship and shared his life changing experience of discovering God's love in his own walk of faith, through song and what he said, many were visibly moved - both young and old. It became a night of gtreat freedom for many of those who attended, as Andi shared the overwhelming nature of God's love for the world through Jesus Christ.

Testimonies have been pouring in from many who were present, sharing how they had felt so much better for being a part of the evening and by hearing what Andi had to say.

Andi followed up the event by spending the day with Bethesda Baptist Church in Neyland, on Sunday the 10th, where he again led the church in worship and spoke at both the morning and evening services.

New single release

The second single release from Andi's New album, Close to me, is now available - so listen out for it on a radio station near you.

You can also watch the Music Video right here on Andi's website. It was shot in the Town Hall of Andi's home town of Lurgan, in Northern Irelan; a venue which had all the right character and ambience to accompany such a moving song.

The video was shot and produced by ilovepinatas, the media company set up by a friend of Andi who is also, interestingly, called Andi. Those who are involved and attend the Arise ministry in Lurgan will be familiar with Andi Mac's artistic creations and we predict a great future for him. So watch this space.

The video is dedicated to Andi's Dad, who passed away early in Feb 2006 after being diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer - a devastating loss for all their family. In the footage you will see a photogragh which shows Andi as a baby being lifted up by his Dad; a picture that Andi didn't know existed until he discovered it a short time after his Dad's death.

Not perfect

Testimonies are beginning to come in from many people who have been deeply moved and encouraged by "Not perfect", and many of the other songs from the new album. Here’s a quick sample of some of the things that people are saying:

I’ve just listened to “Not perfect”…thank you for that lovely, real, accepting song that allows me to be very, very not perfect but still accepted.