AUGUST 2007 - AUSTRALIAN GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL/HONG KONG ROUNDUP

 

Hey guys,

We’ve been amazed at the awesome things God has been doing across this nation and the nations of the world! The Planetshakers Band have been super busy this month, AGMF was fantastic thousands were moved as God’s presence filled the huge amphitheatre, and we totally believe a nation was changed as God touched hearts and stirred a new passion in thousands at the Youth Alpha Conference in Hong Kong.

 

 

Check out what the Planetshakers Band were up to in April!

 

 

AUSTRALIAN GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL – TOOWOOMBA: APRIL 6 – 8

On Easter Weekend the band headed up to the sunshine state for the annual Australian Gospel Music Festival, where 30,000 people flocked from all over the nation over the Easter Long Weekend to attend a phenomenal event driven by faith and community.

 

 

God showed up in more ways than one, the entire crowd stood amazed as the heavens opened and showered everyone with rain. That didn’t stop you guys from giving God praise!

 

 

"What an amazing vibe... thousands of people milling amongst stalls, food stands and bands. A carnival atmosphere, where circus-style tents all over Queens Park in Toowoomba were filled with the latest sounds of Christian music from around the globe.

Once again the Planetshakers Band had the privilege of leading a crowd of around three thousand 'festival-goers' into some awe-inspiring praise and worship. A cloud of mist and light rain filled the open-aired arena as the Planetshakers band opened their set with the very appropriate 'Rain Down' worship song. Crowds of people of all ages joined in worship, rain or no rain; arms lifted and voices raised in anthems such as 'Jesus Beautiful Saviour' and other songs of praise.

Other parts of the tour included interviews with radio and media personnel, where members of the band shared about some of the incredible things that God deo  on tours, in our church and across the globe.

It rocked. Thanks to all you guys who came along. See you again soon!!!"

Natalie Ruiz
Planetshakers Band

 

 

HONG KONG TOUR – YOUTH ALPHA CONFERENCE: APRIL 10 – 13

Onto another aeroplane, this time Planetshakers Band checked into the international terminal – Hong Kong bound. Anticipation filled the air as we prepared to take God’s word to inspire and shake one of Asia’s most phenomenal cities.

 

 

Here’s a little insight of what went on in Hong Kong:

Tuesday 10 April
6:30am
We all meet at the airport looking a little sleep deprived. All good, plan to sleep on the plane J Check in band equipment and pray for the best – all clear! Boarding passes and passports ready…

 

5:30pm (HK Time)
Touch down. Change our watches. Welcome to Hong Kong!

 

 

Wednesday 11 April
11:00am
Meet at the venue for sound-check and rehearsal with Soul Survivor’s Tim Hughes…Cantonese singers prepare to join Tim Hughes in leading worship.

 

4:00pm
Head back to hotel to freshen up for opening of the Youth Alpha Conference. The taxi takes us (at an exceedingly high speed!) through the busy Hong Kong streets. Hundreds of diverse buildings reaching to the sky, washing hanging from windows billboards covered in lights - we are amazed at the number of skyscrapers and apartments in this city. It’s hard to believe that Hong Kong Island’s population is more than that of the whole of Victoria!

 

7:30pm
Prayer session in the band room and God is there. We head downstairs to a packed house, thousands of young people expectant for God to move, and we’re ready – God is in this place!

 

11:30pm
Tim Hughes rocked it tonight, Ps Neil (and an awesome translator!) preached a fantastic message that impacted everyone. We are so blessed by the encouragement and enthusiasm of everyone, after album signings and lots of photos we grab some “local cuisine” – ciao sui bao, ho mai!!!) before attempting to get some sleep! I think they liked our Mandarin vocals… J

 

 

Thursday 12 April
8:00am
Meet in hotel lobby and head to venue for morning praise and worship session.

 

10:00am
We’re back in the band room with Tim Hughes – great morning session. Those guys are passionate! Ok now everyone needs to focus…where should we go for shopping?!

 

10:30pm
Well the conference has ended with a bang! The Planetshakers Band and Tim Hughes all shared the stage to finish the night with phenomenal praise! Ok…now it’s time for pack down…

 

12:45am
This view from the Peak STUNNING. What an incredible city. We are all gob-smacked in amazement as we stare across a sea of city lights reaching as far as our eyes can see, high-rise apartment - through each window a different story to tell, colourful neon signs, ferries and ships lit up in Victoria Harbour, and the cameras begin to click. God’s Spirit hovers over this gateway city and we are in awe of what He’s has done in this place in such a short time. Time for bed now!

 

 

7:00am
And here we are again. Back at Hong Kong International Airport. We check in, grab our boarding passes and passports and we’re off. In just 9 hours we’ll be home. What an honour and a privilege it has been to see a nation impacted and changed by the almighty power and presence of God. Joy gin Hong Kong!

 

So keep your ears and eyes open as the Planetshakers Band head off again soon. Keep us updated on how you’re doing, we love hearing from you!

Stir it up…

Nat Ruiz & Nat Box