Greetings,
Its me Tina, its been a long time since we last e mailed and Im real sorry for not keeping you all in the loop. Hope everything is going well and all...
This is a shout out to ask for any help that I can get, God really has blessed me with an opportunity to Study in the USA at Berklee College of Music in Boston, so I am grabbing hold on to this opportunity with both hands, because I know that God has made this available to me. However, Tuition fees for one year will cost me $46-50,000USD, with only 3 weeks to go til my semester starts in September I still have nothing, (there is a BIG LOOONG story that comes along with it) I haven't been able to raise enough to get there, my first semester costs $20,000, so here I am asking everyone that I know, who may be able to support me with what God has called me to do.Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and lay His life as a ransom for many, through creativity, music, my voice and my life, Im called to ecourage, empower, motivate, inspire and lay my life as a Ransom so that people have the ability, the freedom, the choice to live a purpose driven liven life and be equipped in life through faith in Jesus Christ. My prayer and hope is that one day I will be able to share my ups and my downs with people not to bring glory to myself, but to make Christ known in the lives of many, I don't want to be another face on the television, but I do want to be successful in life. If you are able to support me by your giving, even if its $2, evey cent is a seed planted in the Kingdom and though I may not be able to repay you in the flesh, I believe that God will reward you accordingly in Heaven. One thing though, please don't feel pressured or obliged to do anything, my heart is not to use God to get money, but with a sincere heart and passion for God and His people, I want to live my life according to the plan and purpose He has for me and be a testimony to those who are willing to listen. Thanks once again!.. I appreciate it heaps!
If there is anyone who would be interested in helping me get to Berklee please give them my e mail addy!. christina.fatu@gmail.com or fiabotts29@gmail.com
Thanks again for tuning in and keeping up with me
Many Blessing
Tina
Romans 8:28
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Let Go and Let God
WOW!!..I just want to share some lyrics with you, Im digging this song like crazy!!..but I've got a testimony!..
Sung by Dewayne Woods and PJ Morton - LET GO
Couldn't seem to fall alseep
There was so much on my mind
Searching for that peace
But the peace I could not find
So then I kneel down to pray
I was praying help me please
And He said you don't have to cry
Coz I'll supply all Your needs
As soon as I stop worrying, worrying how the story ends
I let go and I let God, let God have His way
Thats when things start happening
When I stop looking at back then
I let go and I let God, Let God have His way
So let Go and let God
WOW...I tell you...powerful words and to this very moment it speask volumes to me, because it reminds me to simply Let Go and Let God, at times its easier said than done, more often than not. Its like life, its so simple then things like dramaz, hating and all this gunk get in the way, emotions and all and it makes it complicated, we make life complicated...oh gosh!.
But on Thursday 30th July 2009 @ the Samani Pulepule Centre was 'RANSOM'
First thing I want to say is THANK YOU!!.
To God for making it a great success, for stirring, reminding, planting that seed, I was told that every cent is a seed planted, but that night, every word sung was a seed planted. I want to acknowledge my church Equippers Church for playing a huge part of this journey of mine, Gateway Church - Where the new journey began, Tokoroa AOG - Where my life began, Lifestyle - for being inspirations and writing phenomenal songs, ACDC - My old school...YAY, Levites - for unspeakable, indescribable skill..mind blowing, Edwina Thorne & Sung Jin - for inspiration, Isaac and the krew that jammed - Inspirational musically and spiritually hard out, The Disciples - HAHA these guys are amazing, amazing MC's dahaha in their own way, amazing voices and AMAZING boys!.Supporters: Manna Christian Bookstore and Sony for donating prizes to give away, Niu FM & 531pi for promoting my concert on the Radio (Nina you're awesome)!, Samoa Post (Ngaire) for disappearing when I asked everyone to go outside to have a photo, only to find her again later..LoL!...but for coming out, not knowing where you're going and what you're expecting. Im glad you came.
Im grateful and humbled at how AMAZING God is, how He turns your morning in to dancing, he turns your (my) sorrow in to joy, how when there is no way He makes a way, how He brings people in to your life who can back you up on making a change, making a difference, breaking that culture of conforming to being a statistic, like Kirk Franklins Son said on his Rebirth album or maybe it was the Fight for life Album, I REFUSE TO BE ANOTHER STATISTIC. I declare VICTORY in Christ over this South Auckland mentality and culture that some of us once settled for, I declare PROSPERITY in Christ over our young people, people of all ages to see as God sees, to respond to His call, to RISE up and take your position, to not settle for mediocrity, to press on and keep fighting the good fight, I will not let beat down, stepped on attitudes conquer, I will RISE in Christ Jesus, I will keep walking in His plan for my life, I will rejoice even when I don't feel like it, I know God is able to see me through any trial, any force that comes against me, He said If God is for me who is against me?. I stand on His promise to prosper us, to give us a hope and a future. He is doing it for me and if He does it for me He sure will do it for you!.
God Bless!.
Sung by Dewayne Woods and PJ Morton - LET GO
Couldn't seem to fall alseep
There was so much on my mind
Searching for that peace
But the peace I could not find
So then I kneel down to pray
I was praying help me please
And He said you don't have to cry
Coz I'll supply all Your needs
As soon as I stop worrying, worrying how the story ends
I let go and I let God, let God have His way
Thats when things start happening
When I stop looking at back then
I let go and I let God, Let God have His way
So let Go and let God
WOW...I tell you...powerful words and to this very moment it speask volumes to me, because it reminds me to simply Let Go and Let God, at times its easier said than done, more often than not. Its like life, its so simple then things like dramaz, hating and all this gunk get in the way, emotions and all and it makes it complicated, we make life complicated...oh gosh!.
But on Thursday 30th July 2009 @ the Samani Pulepule Centre was 'RANSOM'
First thing I want to say is THANK YOU!!.
To God for making it a great success, for stirring, reminding, planting that seed, I was told that every cent is a seed planted, but that night, every word sung was a seed planted. I want to acknowledge my church Equippers Church for playing a huge part of this journey of mine, Gateway Church - Where the new journey began, Tokoroa AOG - Where my life began, Lifestyle - for being inspirations and writing phenomenal songs, ACDC - My old school...YAY, Levites - for unspeakable, indescribable skill..mind blowing, Edwina Thorne & Sung Jin - for inspiration, Isaac and the krew that jammed - Inspirational musically and spiritually hard out, The Disciples - HAHA these guys are amazing, amazing MC's dahaha in their own way, amazing voices and AMAZING boys!.Supporters: Manna Christian Bookstore and Sony for donating prizes to give away, Niu FM & 531pi for promoting my concert on the Radio (Nina you're awesome)!, Samoa Post (Ngaire) for disappearing when I asked everyone to go outside to have a photo, only to find her again later..LoL!...but for coming out, not knowing where you're going and what you're expecting. Im glad you came.
Im grateful and humbled at how AMAZING God is, how He turns your morning in to dancing, he turns your (my) sorrow in to joy, how when there is no way He makes a way, how He brings people in to your life who can back you up on making a change, making a difference, breaking that culture of conforming to being a statistic, like Kirk Franklins Son said on his Rebirth album or maybe it was the Fight for life Album, I REFUSE TO BE ANOTHER STATISTIC. I declare VICTORY in Christ over this South Auckland mentality and culture that some of us once settled for, I declare PROSPERITY in Christ over our young people, people of all ages to see as God sees, to respond to His call, to RISE up and take your position, to not settle for mediocrity, to press on and keep fighting the good fight, I will not let beat down, stepped on attitudes conquer, I will RISE in Christ Jesus, I will keep walking in His plan for my life, I will rejoice even when I don't feel like it, I know God is able to see me through any trial, any force that comes against me, He said If God is for me who is against me?. I stand on His promise to prosper us, to give us a hope and a future. He is doing it for me and if He does it for me He sure will do it for you!.
God Bless!.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Up and Coming
Greetings again,
My last day working at Sony is TODAY!!...awww....thanks to EVERYONE at Sony who've helped me, put up with me and laughed with or at me..hehe
Over the next couple of weeks leading up to 'RANSOM' I will be hard out promoting my concert at local churches and in the community, so if you know of any family members who are keen to support my event, let them know about it and this website, and tell them to jump on board and ride this dream out!...its going to be AWESOME!.
Thanks again for being GREAT and supportive.
Awesome!
My last day working at Sony is TODAY!!...awww....thanks to EVERYONE at Sony who've helped me, put up with me and laughed with or at me..hehe
Over the next couple of weeks leading up to 'RANSOM' I will be hard out promoting my concert at local churches and in the community, so if you know of any family members who are keen to support my event, let them know about it and this website, and tell them to jump on board and ride this dream out!...its going to be AWESOME!.
Thanks again for being GREAT and supportive.
Awesome!
Whats New?
Hey Followers,
Well what is new?..not much really, just been planning, meeting, communicating and advertising, its been absolutely great but before we go in to about whats happening with me, I just want to put out there my friend Michelle Tiatia.
On Monday, Michelle flies out to Ethiopia to do something great there with families and communities, so she is also doing a fundraiser selling lasagne for $10 so if you would like to support her by purchasing some lasagne or 2 then drop me a line and I will hook you up.
I really want to thank you for following my website and tuning in to what is happening at the moment, your support is priceless and would never trade it for anything else, if some or most people who know me know that I have nothing to give back other than my utmost respect and appreciation - when you have this then you're pretty much a friend, because family gotta love me anyways..hehe! - no but really your support means so much, because you're not putting in to us/me who are going to places (meaning overseas) but you're partnering with people whose passion is to see HOPE restored, to see LIVES lived to the max and to see DREAMS come to pass, no amount of money can ever replace what you've decided to say yes to, even if it is $1 or anything small like that, you are part of what is going to explode and when you begin to see the fruit of your giving and your support, it would never replace the JOY that you feel in your heart knowing that you did something, so I really respect organisations like World Vision, Tear Fund, CCF and those alike that I don't know of, because your work is amazing, its not until you really get what its about, it may be a small amount, but the impact is MASSIVE. So thank you again for really not saying 'Yes' to us/me, but saying Yes to HOPE, JOY, LIVES, DREAMS and most importantly to God.
That is what I want to do with the skills, education and experience I will have while Im in Berklee, is something to give back to the community, to the people and be an inspiration with what I've got, I don't want to be another Michael Jackson (may his soul rest in peace), but the impact that he had on people through his music was phenomenal and that was nothing compared to the talent and gift that he carried with him, yes there maybe things that people have their opinions on about Michael Jackson, but he was definitely an inspiration to me because of his music and the way that he revolutionised music. Like James Brown said "He did James Brown but added Michael in to it". Though with all the support and generosity of people, that will be repaid in Heaven, I would just encourage those who have been supporting me, that my heart is to see peoples hearts restored and to make Christ known in their lives if not for the first time, then again and to not know Him for being God but to take Christ to a new level and experience what He can do, I tell yah, from experience Hes worth it, you won't find a greater love than the one that Christ gives you, you will have a purpose and a reason for living. I don't want to try and convince you to get to know God or condemn you at all, no way, all Im saying, is FROM EXPERIENCE myself, that God is the best thing that has happened to me, though I was brought up in a Christian home I didn't EXPERIENCE Gods love until 2004 and man, indescribable. Taste and See that the Lord is good. It may not be real to you yet, but it is to me because I'm living in it now! I experience everyday now. You do that and you too will experience the same thing I have. Theres no secret about it!.
Im extremely excited about 'RANSOM' coming up on the 30th July 2009, if you don't have any tickets, this concert is a concert you've go to watch, you cannot miss out, there are going to be top notch acts, amazing talent showcased to South Auckland.
If you want any tickets, please let me know ASAP!.
Sweet as
Thanks again!
You're amazing
Tina
Romans 8:28
Well what is new?..not much really, just been planning, meeting, communicating and advertising, its been absolutely great but before we go in to about whats happening with me, I just want to put out there my friend Michelle Tiatia.
On Monday, Michelle flies out to Ethiopia to do something great there with families and communities, so she is also doing a fundraiser selling lasagne for $10 so if you would like to support her by purchasing some lasagne or 2 then drop me a line and I will hook you up.
I really want to thank you for following my website and tuning in to what is happening at the moment, your support is priceless and would never trade it for anything else, if some or most people who know me know that I have nothing to give back other than my utmost respect and appreciation - when you have this then you're pretty much a friend, because family gotta love me anyways..hehe! - no but really your support means so much, because you're not putting in to us/me who are going to places (meaning overseas) but you're partnering with people whose passion is to see HOPE restored, to see LIVES lived to the max and to see DREAMS come to pass, no amount of money can ever replace what you've decided to say yes to, even if it is $1 or anything small like that, you are part of what is going to explode and when you begin to see the fruit of your giving and your support, it would never replace the JOY that you feel in your heart knowing that you did something, so I really respect organisations like World Vision, Tear Fund, CCF and those alike that I don't know of, because your work is amazing, its not until you really get what its about, it may be a small amount, but the impact is MASSIVE. So thank you again for really not saying 'Yes' to us/me, but saying Yes to HOPE, JOY, LIVES, DREAMS and most importantly to God.
That is what I want to do with the skills, education and experience I will have while Im in Berklee, is something to give back to the community, to the people and be an inspiration with what I've got, I don't want to be another Michael Jackson (may his soul rest in peace), but the impact that he had on people through his music was phenomenal and that was nothing compared to the talent and gift that he carried with him, yes there maybe things that people have their opinions on about Michael Jackson, but he was definitely an inspiration to me because of his music and the way that he revolutionised music. Like James Brown said "He did James Brown but added Michael in to it". Though with all the support and generosity of people, that will be repaid in Heaven, I would just encourage those who have been supporting me, that my heart is to see peoples hearts restored and to make Christ known in their lives if not for the first time, then again and to not know Him for being God but to take Christ to a new level and experience what He can do, I tell yah, from experience Hes worth it, you won't find a greater love than the one that Christ gives you, you will have a purpose and a reason for living. I don't want to try and convince you to get to know God or condemn you at all, no way, all Im saying, is FROM EXPERIENCE myself, that God is the best thing that has happened to me, though I was brought up in a Christian home I didn't EXPERIENCE Gods love until 2004 and man, indescribable. Taste and See that the Lord is good. It may not be real to you yet, but it is to me because I'm living in it now! I experience everyday now. You do that and you too will experience the same thing I have. Theres no secret about it!.
Im extremely excited about 'RANSOM' coming up on the 30th July 2009, if you don't have any tickets, this concert is a concert you've go to watch, you cannot miss out, there are going to be top notch acts, amazing talent showcased to South Auckland.
If you want any tickets, please let me know ASAP!.
Sweet as
Thanks again!
You're amazing
Tina
Romans 8:28
Saturday, July 4, 2009
From the beginning to now
Talofa Lava,
Ok...imagine this..
Wake up in the morning, what a beautiful morning it is, preparing for a new day, stepping in to a forever changing world, with eyes closed, you begin to feel the heat, the pressure, about to step out to a huge crowd of people, ready for change, ready to be inspired, ready to be an inspiration, water is gushing down like at Destiny's Child concert, the music rises up in you, rising the microphone to your mouth to begin singing and then you hear the kick pounding followed by a 'HURRY UP YOUR GONNA FINISH THE HOT WATER'..man that wasn't part of the plan...that wasn't on the script.hehe
For those who don't know who I am and what I'm about...my name is Tina (short for Christina) Fatu and yes, I was imaging myself in front of a huge crowd like Destiny's Child, but really it was only me and an audience of two NON LIVING things that is in the bathroom hehe, the water, heat and pressure is the hot water coming from the shower nozzle and the microphone is..embarrassed to say it but the secret must be revealed...is the toilet spray..if not that then its my dads Gillette shaving cream bottle hehe!.
I am the unexpected child, youngest of 3, brought up in an average Samoan home (the hidings is one of the many highlights now...not at the time though) and am honoured to say that my parents knew God, had a relationship with God and taught us about and how to love God too. Born in the Waikato Hospital, brought up in the small town of Tokoroa and now for 9 years am residing in Auckland, but soon...very soon, I'll be on my way to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachussetts, USA.
'Up above my head, I hear music in the air' - wherever you go, whatever you do, you'll listen to music, so I can say that music in one form or another has been apart of my life from when I came to be. I wasn't brought up listening to Aretha Franklin, Boys II Men, Jeniffer Holiday, ABBA, The BeeGees and all these cool cats, I was brought up listening to better songs titled 'Come to Sunday School', 'The devil is a sly old fox', 'I love You Lord' and the classics Suliveta Kurene & The Brothers, Victory Sound, The Sweet Messengers (I think) and to top it off Tokoroa Samoan AOG Band from back in the 90's 'til 99. In the Church is also where singing started, I remember it like it was yesterday, my sister was already in the church band, it was our turn to clean the church and I was waiting to see what my mum wanted me to do next. My objective in church back when I was younger like other kids, was to go outside to play. My old excuse was "Mum, I need to go.." because to get to the bathrooms at church you have to walk out of church in to the hall and at the back are the bathrooms and my mum got sick of me saying "Mum, can I go to the toilet?" and kept asking until she said "Yes..but hurry up, if you're not back in 5 mins I'm coming out" and because I couldn't just get a "Yes!" on its own, I had to give up on that plan and think of another one, so I turned to the babysitting role but my mum outsmart me (they just have that ability) and saw it as another scheme for me to go outside and play, so to keep me in church she pretty much told the band leader to put me in the band and I had to listen, because growing my Samoan family, if you even try and answer back something will come flying to you. This was at the age of about 11-12.
From my upbringing two things were concrete in my heart, 1. God and 2. Music, so at the age of about 14-15 I had an idea of what God wanted me to do with my life. At the time, all I knew was it had something to do with music, then as I grew older and actually began walking on my own with God, He began to unfold specific details of what He wanted me to do with life and how to achieve it. It took alot of learning, listening, submission and obedience in order for me to know more about this plan that He has and still it applies now. God got me excited with what He was telling me, so I craved Him, I needed to get to know Him more, for who He is, so I did and still am. From singing, I began to watch our church pianist play and she'd teach me how to play a song, the first song I ever played on a piano was 'Endless Love' from Luther Vandross, when I was 3rd Form at Tokoroa High School, I played and sung it at a mini-concert we had, the duet was with another girl (haha) and then not long after that my parents bought me my first Yamaha keyboard. Going through school, music became more than something I liked, it developed in to a passion, inside and outside of school I was involved musically with different community choirs and school choirs and bands. Once I completed Secondary School, I went on to study at Excel School of Performing arts in 2004.
Excel was the best year of my life spiritually and ok musically, but though I had already known that God is the source of everything that I do, it began to make sense how God and music fit. I realised that if I seek God with a sincere heart, He will give to me the desires of my heart, so with completing Excel, I came home and my mum said "Ok darling, thats enough study, go find us some money", so I did from 2005 til now I've been working and again, being there because Im required to be there and not because of serving in the music ministry, its because if I wasn't there, I wouldn't get paid which means that the bills won't get paid. I began complaining, wishing I wasn't where I was at, working for paying bills, I've always wanted to be in a job that I love more than money, wanting to do what I love to do, which is music. It got to a point where I started applying for jobs as a bum girl in a studio so that it can be a foot in, I didn't care if they didn't pay well, as long as I was doing something that was in line with what God planned for me and told me about. But then came to the realisation that if God said "I've place you above and not beneath" then I shouldn't have to go so low just to get a foot in and also I had to ask myself, am I seeking God?. So then God said 'USA' and I was like yeah boi!, Gospel Music in the US is like rugby in NZ, why not?, so I googled 'gospel courses' and the result that caught my eye was 'Gospel Summit Summer Programme' - Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA USA, then I googled 'gospel courses in NZ' and the first to show was Vision College and because I have no money, I googled 'FREE gospel courses in NZ' and to my surprise, Te Wananga o Aotearoa was holding a free gospel course at the Hamilton branch. Going back to school for me at that was going to cause a riot between my mum and I, but it was something that I wanted to do, but wasn't the right time. So I prayed about it and then forgot about it.
Come May 2008 I had just started a new job and my mum went on to be with the Lord, after all was said and done regarding her final service and all of that I didn't find comfort and peace in anyone except for God, no one was able cater to the empty need that was in me except for God, throughout the preparations for my mothers funeral, the plan that was put in place was ordered by God, He provided what we needed at the right time, that was when I actually experienced for the first time ever God making a way where there seems like no way in my family. So afterwards God reminded me that success isn't going to knock on your door and ask for you to let him in, you have to go out and get it, so I asked God what shall I do then?; that is when the Holy Spirit reminded me about Berklee. So I had to think about what I was doing, because I had never left home before, I got my passport in 2004 which was other than graduating from Excel, the bestest achievement out and the only country I had been to ever was Samoa, I had to think about all the things I'd be leaving behind, my family, my sister with the finances that she has to cater to, the consequences of me going which is money, I can't afford to go to a school like this, but I want to go to it and all just came down to 2 words, 'faith' and 'obedience' - so with those two words I applied and with that one decision to apply, I prayed and asked God to provide the finance to support my application, God paid for my admission fee and was invited to audition for a spot at Berklee, because Berklee don't come as far NZ yet with auditions I had to fly to Australia to audition and again God came through for me and got me to Sydney, Australia for the very first time, catered for so wonderfully, I was in awe of what God was doing. Once my audition was complete, I had to wait for 3 months and over that 3 month period, I had the peace that can only come from God in me, I wasn't worried, wasn't phased and when people asked about Berklee, I said I was going, not having been accepted yet. I realised that my own enemy is me and I will be at war, not physical war but a battle in my mind which controls the way I spoke about it, so luckily enough I started attending a new church Equippers Church in South Auckland, where I was connected with a bunch of ladies who desired the same as me, believed in the same thing I did and more importantly believed in my calling when I shared to them all the way up to 30 March 2009, I got home and opened up my e mail to find a message from Berklee which was titled 'Your Application', I opened it and the only words I saw was 'Congratulations' and 'accepted' then I felt like I won idol, couldn't speak, began to cry because I knew God was the reason why this all happened.
Now, $85,000NZD is how much it costs for a year at Berklee and programme I was accepted to is a 4 year degree programme which is a a Bachelor of Performance Degree Majoring in Vocals. With fundraising and a benefit concert happening on the 30th July 2009 I know that again God will provide a way for me. So from singing in the shower to now preparing to be learn, listen, submit and obey, God had given me an opportunity to tell my story to others through song and music in general, there really isn't anything that you can think of that God can do, He only wants the best for you, like me coming from where I've been, to now, where what was a part of my imagination is a reality, living the vision. You only limit by your faith, you really can make a change but it must start from home, it must start from us. *I know theres a God somewhere' and finally, God has called me to restore hearts and introduce Him to those who have known Him and who don't yet know Him, which I can sum up in one word - 'RANSOM. Mark 10:45 'For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many'
Ok...imagine this..
Wake up in the morning, what a beautiful morning it is, preparing for a new day, stepping in to a forever changing world, with eyes closed, you begin to feel the heat, the pressure, about to step out to a huge crowd of people, ready for change, ready to be inspired, ready to be an inspiration, water is gushing down like at Destiny's Child concert, the music rises up in you, rising the microphone to your mouth to begin singing and then you hear the kick pounding followed by a 'HURRY UP YOUR GONNA FINISH THE HOT WATER'..man that wasn't part of the plan...that wasn't on the script.hehe
For those who don't know who I am and what I'm about...my name is Tina (short for Christina) Fatu and yes, I was imaging myself in front of a huge crowd like Destiny's Child, but really it was only me and an audience of two NON LIVING things that is in the bathroom hehe, the water, heat and pressure is the hot water coming from the shower nozzle and the microphone is..embarrassed to say it but the secret must be revealed...is the toilet spray..if not that then its my dads Gillette shaving cream bottle hehe!.
I am the unexpected child, youngest of 3, brought up in an average Samoan home (the hidings is one of the many highlights now...not at the time though) and am honoured to say that my parents knew God, had a relationship with God and taught us about and how to love God too. Born in the Waikato Hospital, brought up in the small town of Tokoroa and now for 9 years am residing in Auckland, but soon...very soon, I'll be on my way to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachussetts, USA.
'Up above my head, I hear music in the air' - wherever you go, whatever you do, you'll listen to music, so I can say that music in one form or another has been apart of my life from when I came to be. I wasn't brought up listening to Aretha Franklin, Boys II Men, Jeniffer Holiday, ABBA, The BeeGees and all these cool cats, I was brought up listening to better songs titled 'Come to Sunday School', 'The devil is a sly old fox', 'I love You Lord' and the classics Suliveta Kurene & The Brothers, Victory Sound, The Sweet Messengers (I think) and to top it off Tokoroa Samoan AOG Band from back in the 90's 'til 99. In the Church is also where singing started, I remember it like it was yesterday, my sister was already in the church band, it was our turn to clean the church and I was waiting to see what my mum wanted me to do next. My objective in church back when I was younger like other kids, was to go outside to play. My old excuse was "Mum, I need to go.." because to get to the bathrooms at church you have to walk out of church in to the hall and at the back are the bathrooms and my mum got sick of me saying "Mum, can I go to the toilet?" and kept asking until she said "Yes..but hurry up, if you're not back in 5 mins I'm coming out" and because I couldn't just get a "Yes!" on its own, I had to give up on that plan and think of another one, so I turned to the babysitting role but my mum outsmart me (they just have that ability) and saw it as another scheme for me to go outside and play, so to keep me in church she pretty much told the band leader to put me in the band and I had to listen, because growing my Samoan family, if you even try and answer back something will come flying to you. This was at the age of about 11-12.
From my upbringing two things were concrete in my heart, 1. God and 2. Music, so at the age of about 14-15 I had an idea of what God wanted me to do with my life. At the time, all I knew was it had something to do with music, then as I grew older and actually began walking on my own with God, He began to unfold specific details of what He wanted me to do with life and how to achieve it. It took alot of learning, listening, submission and obedience in order for me to know more about this plan that He has and still it applies now. God got me excited with what He was telling me, so I craved Him, I needed to get to know Him more, for who He is, so I did and still am. From singing, I began to watch our church pianist play and she'd teach me how to play a song, the first song I ever played on a piano was 'Endless Love' from Luther Vandross, when I was 3rd Form at Tokoroa High School, I played and sung it at a mini-concert we had, the duet was with another girl (haha) and then not long after that my parents bought me my first Yamaha keyboard. Going through school, music became more than something I liked, it developed in to a passion, inside and outside of school I was involved musically with different community choirs and school choirs and bands. Once I completed Secondary School, I went on to study at Excel School of Performing arts in 2004.
Excel was the best year of my life spiritually and ok musically, but though I had already known that God is the source of everything that I do, it began to make sense how God and music fit. I realised that if I seek God with a sincere heart, He will give to me the desires of my heart, so with completing Excel, I came home and my mum said "Ok darling, thats enough study, go find us some money", so I did from 2005 til now I've been working and again, being there because Im required to be there and not because of serving in the music ministry, its because if I wasn't there, I wouldn't get paid which means that the bills won't get paid. I began complaining, wishing I wasn't where I was at, working for paying bills, I've always wanted to be in a job that I love more than money, wanting to do what I love to do, which is music. It got to a point where I started applying for jobs as a bum girl in a studio so that it can be a foot in, I didn't care if they didn't pay well, as long as I was doing something that was in line with what God planned for me and told me about. But then came to the realisation that if God said "I've place you above and not beneath" then I shouldn't have to go so low just to get a foot in and also I had to ask myself, am I seeking God?. So then God said 'USA' and I was like yeah boi!, Gospel Music in the US is like rugby in NZ, why not?, so I googled 'gospel courses' and the result that caught my eye was 'Gospel Summit Summer Programme' - Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA USA, then I googled 'gospel courses in NZ' and the first to show was Vision College and because I have no money, I googled 'FREE gospel courses in NZ' and to my surprise, Te Wananga o Aotearoa was holding a free gospel course at the Hamilton branch. Going back to school for me at that was going to cause a riot between my mum and I, but it was something that I wanted to do, but wasn't the right time. So I prayed about it and then forgot about it.
Come May 2008 I had just started a new job and my mum went on to be with the Lord, after all was said and done regarding her final service and all of that I didn't find comfort and peace in anyone except for God, no one was able cater to the empty need that was in me except for God, throughout the preparations for my mothers funeral, the plan that was put in place was ordered by God, He provided what we needed at the right time, that was when I actually experienced for the first time ever God making a way where there seems like no way in my family. So afterwards God reminded me that success isn't going to knock on your door and ask for you to let him in, you have to go out and get it, so I asked God what shall I do then?; that is when the Holy Spirit reminded me about Berklee. So I had to think about what I was doing, because I had never left home before, I got my passport in 2004 which was other than graduating from Excel, the bestest achievement out and the only country I had been to ever was Samoa, I had to think about all the things I'd be leaving behind, my family, my sister with the finances that she has to cater to, the consequences of me going which is money, I can't afford to go to a school like this, but I want to go to it and all just came down to 2 words, 'faith' and 'obedience' - so with those two words I applied and with that one decision to apply, I prayed and asked God to provide the finance to support my application, God paid for my admission fee and was invited to audition for a spot at Berklee, because Berklee don't come as far NZ yet with auditions I had to fly to Australia to audition and again God came through for me and got me to Sydney, Australia for the very first time, catered for so wonderfully, I was in awe of what God was doing. Once my audition was complete, I had to wait for 3 months and over that 3 month period, I had the peace that can only come from God in me, I wasn't worried, wasn't phased and when people asked about Berklee, I said I was going, not having been accepted yet. I realised that my own enemy is me and I will be at war, not physical war but a battle in my mind which controls the way I spoke about it, so luckily enough I started attending a new church Equippers Church in South Auckland, where I was connected with a bunch of ladies who desired the same as me, believed in the same thing I did and more importantly believed in my calling when I shared to them all the way up to 30 March 2009, I got home and opened up my e mail to find a message from Berklee which was titled 'Your Application', I opened it and the only words I saw was 'Congratulations' and 'accepted' then I felt like I won idol, couldn't speak, began to cry because I knew God was the reason why this all happened.
Now, $85,000NZD is how much it costs for a year at Berklee and programme I was accepted to is a 4 year degree programme which is a a Bachelor of Performance Degree Majoring in Vocals. With fundraising and a benefit concert happening on the 30th July 2009 I know that again God will provide a way for me. So from singing in the shower to now preparing to be learn, listen, submit and obey, God had given me an opportunity to tell my story to others through song and music in general, there really isn't anything that you can think of that God can do, He only wants the best for you, like me coming from where I've been, to now, where what was a part of my imagination is a reality, living the vision. You only limit by your faith, you really can make a change but it must start from home, it must start from us. *I know theres a God somewhere' and finally, God has called me to restore hearts and introduce Him to those who have known Him and who don't yet know Him, which I can sum up in one word - 'RANSOM. Mark 10:45 'For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many'
Friday, July 3, 2009
Aorere College Pics
Thanks for tuning in...
I was recently asked to speak at Aorere College in front of the Junior and Senior school, pretty much talking about having a positive attitude in the things that you do, overcoming the defeated mindset and not settling for mediocrity, living your dreams and vision is awesome, its great to not only think it but live it. Its awesome as!!..Keep on keeping on coz you really can MAKE IT, everything will be alright.
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So check out some pics that were taken at Aorere College, this was the very first time I stood on a stage during assembly....EVER.. change is coming..woo hoo!.
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Wednesday, July 1, 2009
PROJECT X SOUTH REHEARSAL
Hey Folks...
When??.. Tonight at 7.30pm
Where??.. 42a Lambie Dve, Manukau (Equippers Church)
What??.. PROJECT X
Come and watch some of our students from local schools get together and showcase what they have learnt while being involved in Project X..
Its going to be radical..
Come and check it out!!...
oh and it FREE!!..YAY
When??.. Tonight at 7.30pm
Where??.. 42a Lambie Dve, Manukau (Equippers Church)
What??.. PROJECT X
Come and watch some of our students from local schools get together and showcase what they have learnt while being involved in Project X..
Its going to be radical..
Come and check it out!!...
oh and it FREE!!..YAY
Sunday, June 28, 2009
AORERE COLLEGE
Hey again,
Had an awesome as time at Aorere College speaking and singing for both Junior and Senior schoools, they were off the chain, like CRAZY!!...twas great!..heheh
Thanks for tuning in and coming up...
Saturday 4th July, International Cafe & Concert...YAY
Had an awesome as time at Aorere College speaking and singing for both Junior and Senior schoools, they were off the chain, like CRAZY!!...twas great!..heheh
Thanks for tuning in and coming up...
Saturday 4th July, International Cafe & Concert...YAY
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
RMHC Mangere
Hello Hello Hello!!..
Thanks for tuning in, lastnight I played keys at this Ronald McDonald House Charity in Mangere, accompanying my cousin, theme of the night was pretty much culture, McDonalds reastaurants going head to head....twas great!..
Awesome!
Watch this space!..
Peace
Thanks for tuning in, lastnight I played keys at this Ronald McDonald House Charity in Mangere, accompanying my cousin, theme of the night was pretty much culture, McDonalds reastaurants going head to head....twas great!..
Awesome!
Watch this space!..
Peace
Friday, June 5, 2009
Womens Breakfast @ Butterfly Creek
Hello fellows and fellowesses..
hadd a fun as time mingling and taken awesome as pics of all the ladies, twas great food was great and we did an item...YAY go girls!!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Queens B'day in Whangarei!!...Hey!!
Hello Hello Hello..
Pretty much had heaps of fun in Whangarei, nice air, beautiful sun, amazing view and we stayed in an exquisite home!!...YAY....New Fav. song at the moment is from AVALON - Basics of Life!!....YAY!!...
Nice drive, pics should be up shortly!!..
Thanks for tuning in!!..
Peace
Pretty much had heaps of fun in Whangarei, nice air, beautiful sun, amazing view and we stayed in an exquisite home!!...YAY....New Fav. song at the moment is from AVALON - Basics of Life!!....YAY!!...
Nice drive, pics should be up shortly!!..
Thanks for tuning in!!..
Peace
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
THIS IS A REVOLUTION BABY
Revolution 2009
Hey yah followers,
I just got back from an awesome as 2 week tour with my Church-Equippers YAY!..the tour was nationwide. I joined on with doing the North Island, so we visited Wanganui, Wellington, Masterton, Turangi, Taupo, Hamilton, Auckland and Whangarei, madness I tell yah! MADNESS!!...
Check out the website if you can for pics, videos and more info
www.revolutiontour.co.nz
Hey yah followers,
I just got back from an awesome as 2 week tour with my Church-Equippers YAY!..the tour was nationwide. I joined on with doing the North Island, so we visited Wanganui, Wellington, Masterton, Turangi, Taupo, Hamilton, Auckland and Whangarei, madness I tell yah! MADNESS!!...
Check out the website if you can for pics, videos and more info
www.revolutiontour.co.nz
Monday, April 27, 2009
NZ Born@Berklee
My Berklee journey started about 3 years ago, after googling 'Gospel Courses' wanting to return to the books, asked my mum and she pulled the odd guilt trip on me saying "who will pay our bills" so I decided to work until late last year, when I decided, "success isn't going to come to me, I need to go to it", so took the biggest step of faith and applied.
Now, I'm on my way. To Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA.
Believing that God will supply my every need.
Welcome to the Adventure!
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