Play Chase Music

What do get when you combine thousands of fired up students and youth workers, 7 passionate musicians from 12Stone Church, a host of dynamic speakers and last but not least the presence of the living God? Spontaneous Combustion? A shift in the time space continuum? Both of those answers are close but the real answer is Love Mercy Charlotte.

Love Mercy Charlotte was one of four regional youth events put on by the Wesleyan Church. The theme of the event was based upon Micah 6:8 and students were challenged with this statement: To live out our Faith on a daily basis is to: Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with our God. Seven members of the 12Stone worship team (Miriam Ahkuoi, Dustin Ahkuoi, Emerson St Pierre, Nathan Cooley, Nick Kirk, Connor Way and Matt Utterback) had the awesome privilege of leading worship for this three day event in Charlotte, NC. It was an incredible sight to see these students lifting their voices and hands to God, making commitments to follow his leading and giving selflessly to those in need. Over $45,000.00 was raised collectively amongst all 4 events to help dig fresh water wells in Mozambique through the ministry of World Hope International.

~Dustin

Here are a few pics from the event:

Recently Pastor Kevin and several of the leaders at 12Stone Church felt a God prompt to honor and serve single mothers during the Christmas Holiday. This included hosting an event specifically for single moms and their kids. In keeping with the heart of this prompt the Playchase songwriters were given the opportunity to write a song about the sermon topics for the Christmas Kindle series or a song specifically for single mothers. This is the story of a song that emerged from that songwriting session…

Sometimes I approach songwriting with a melody in my mind already and then find the chords to go around it. Sometimes I will have written lyrics and then attempt to give them life through melody. On this particular songwriting session I sat down at the piano with nothing but a chunk of free time. One of the opportunities we had was to write a song for single mothers. As I pondered this topic I thought to myself “I was raised in a two parent home so I didn’t witness it firsthand…plus I’m a guy so I have no chance of knowing what being a mom is like…much less a single mother.” Nevertheless I still felt a God press to give it a shot. As I started tinkering on the piano the words “Late at night and the starry sky is filled up with wishes” came out of my mouth. Instantly my heart was struck with a sense of longing…which led me to my inspiration.

Miriam and I have a longtime good friend that through a series of unfortunate circumstances is raising a child all by herself. In the midst of running a home she is going to classes to get her masters degree while working as a teacher in the mornings. She has a beautiful little girl that is full of life and joy. In spending some time with her I have witnessed someone who has truly made the best of her situation. She loves her daughter and showers her with kisses, sings songs with her, fixes her meals, puts her to bed and the list goes on. She is a single mom who is strong and filled to the brim with love. Yet in all of her strength there is still a sense of longing and being forgotten. In the midst of her joy there is struggle. It is tough enough to raise a child without a husband but after watching her I am convinced that being a single mom is one of the toughest jobs around.

So…out of a random lyrical line and inspiration from a dear friend came “Story of Grace.” As soon as I finished writing it knew I wanted it to have a gentle, compassionate vibe so I enlisted the vocal services of Ms. Valerie Miller. Valerie really brought a warm and heartfelt sound to the lyrics. Nick Kirk, our resident producer extraordinaire added his magical touch to the production. Our heart as Playchase songwriters is to add value to others through the power of song. Whether you are a single mom or someone who has been impacted by a single mother…we hope this song encourages and blesses you.

Much Love,
Dustin

To download the song for free go here.