God is a good God and He certainly hears and answers prayer.

I just returned from one incredible Festival with Franklin Graham and team in Budapest Hungary. The churches were united, the prayer covering was in place and people were standing in faith waiting for a mighty move of God. God heard all our prayers and as a result 2,727 people gave their hearts to Jesus. Can I get an Amen

My first visit to Hungary was in 1988 with Dr Ed Thompson and the Judson College choir. At that time Hungary was a communist nation. I remember Dr Ed talking to us about what we could say. He knew saying the wrong thing could have resulted in us being arrested.

Hungary has seen many dark days but this weekend the light of Jesus brightened the nation and many lives were transformed.

Looking over the beautiful Danube River is incredible even though it reminds us of all the atrocities that took place there. There is a memorial of shoes that dot the bank of the river. This memorial honors the memory of the Jews who were killed during world war 2. They were ordered to take off their shoes and shot at the edge of the water so they could fall in the river. Only Jesus can change the heart of man to make sure this never happens again.

After years of being under communist rule freedom finally came in 1989.

Music History
Hungary has a rich musical history and some of the finest musicians in the world. At the Festival we were blessed to have a 1200 voice choir and a 50 piece orchestra. They were simply incredible.

Franz Liszt the incredible pianist and composer was born here. All pianist will tell you Liszt is one of the most difficult composers to play. I can give testimony. On my graduate recital at Northern Illinois University I played his Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6 By God’s grace I survived truly one of the most difficult pieces I have played. I was also able to visit the Liszt museum. They allowed me to play one of the pianos which was quite a treat for me.

Prayer Request
The Hungarian constitution was recently rewritten as a result there is a new definition as to what constitutes a church. This new law has affected many churches. I ministered in one such church and the Pastor had to lay off the majority of his staff. He told me of the hardships they are facing as a result of this new law and they would be grateful for all our prayers.

Please also keep guitarist Dennis Agajanian (a member of the team) in your prayers. He fell at the hotel and severed his fourth vertebra. He had surgery and we give God thanks for a successful surgery. He will have to remain for another week or so.

Future Plans
We are making plans to return next year. We are also planning concerts for Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Finland, Austria and Romania. In Serbia and Croatia the healing process from the recent wars is still on going. With God’s help we plan to use music as a vehicle to be a part of this process. We know the ultimate healer is Jesus so we want to point people to Jesus. Please keep this in your prayers.

Videos
Here are a few video clips from the Festival. This first video is my favorite this is what it’s all about.

Thanks for all your prayers they are making a difference.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-iur99Rtd8[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYw6cXshtRg[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEwbvrYsDLY[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjlhRCdCg6M[/youtube]

A son of Brown’s Town, St Ann, Huntley Brown left Jamaica in 1984, but returns home every year for vacation. His parents, Myrtle and Alpheus Brown still reside in the Garden Parish, as does his 104-year-old grandmother. They are all members of Brown’s Town Baptist Church.

As a Jamaican who keeps a close watch on activities in his homeland, Brown told Flair he is making plans to institute a music programme in every school in the island.

“Music is a powerful force that can be used to transform the nation, so with God’s help such a programme will be a success,” he said.

To implement it, he is honoured to be working with David and Becky Vankoevering. Bob Moog invented the first keyboard and he and David Vankoevering took it to the world. He is also working with Hands Across Jamaica and the Organisation For Strategic Development in Jamaica to implement this programme.

It is so great when everyone can benefit from significant trailblazers. Ambassador at large Huntley Brown is a pastor, lecturer and pianist for Ruth Graham Ministries. Additionally, his music ministry has taken him worldwide and he has performed in Austria, Canada, the Caribbean, China, England, France, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St Vincent, Slovakia, Switzerland and Wales. This outstanding leader is a regular crusade performer with the Billy Graham Association that, over many years, has been supported by this ministry.

Jamaica born, Brown first learned to play the piano from his father, who also played the accordion. His electrifying playing earned him the top Caribbean Gospel Instrument Award and he was appointed the 2009 Musical Ambassador for a television station in Seoul Korea. In 2010, he was inducted into the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame and is the youngest to receive this honour in the music arena.

When asked what motivated him to become a leader, he responded, “I wanted to make a difference because I was troubled by the leadership vacuum I saw. As leaders it’s important that our words and actions match. Leadership means responsibility. This means we have a responsibility to lead with integrity and not only by reputation. We can’t be saying one thing and doing another. As the saying goes, reputation is based on what others think of you, but character is who you are when no one is looking.”

The greatest service

Brown’s views are somewhat similar when it comes to service and entrepreneurship. He strongly believes, “There is no greater service than helping others. Performing service to the community presents us with a wonderful opportunity to give back.” He is of the view that persons who have more, such as a business of their own, are in a better position to give back to the less fortunate. “Having your own business means you are the boss, you set your schedule and based on your actions, you determine if your business succeeds or fails.” According to Brown, financial freedom is vital to any society. Without it, many communities descend into violence and chaos. Additionally, it is one of the essential elements for community success, because when people are gainfully employed they have no need to resort to criminal activity.

But what does Brown consider to be the secret to his success as a leader? “As a leader I attribute my success to God. I try to consult and rely on God for all my decisions.” He also added that his favourite verse from the Bible is Proverbs 3 verse 6: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path.”

As you can see using the ‘What What What Approach’ – What you do with what you have determines what you become Pastor Huntley Brown has used his great ability to play the piano to influence the world in a positive way. This talented and gifted crusader’s humanitarian traits contribute significantly to improving quality of life, and he is also an inspiration to everyone worldwide.

Elaine Grant-Bryan is an empowerment speaker, 2010-11 Georgia Counsellor of the Year, District V1 LSS alumni council member, recipient of the Atlanta Mayor’s Phoenix Award and Governor’s Commendation for contributions to educational & civic leadership. Send feedback and questions to elaine@elainebryan.com.

As we navigate through 2011, let’s continue to adopt valuable tips from successful leaders and entrepreneurs in our daily lives. It has already been established that one of the best ways to learn is from the mistakes of others and from the examples of great people.

Here are some of my personal tips for the new year:

1. Improve yourself by developing your God-given talents.
2. As you achieve success, pay it forward by assisting someone to achieve their goals.
3. Financial freedom is attainable by taking small steps.

Article provided courtesy of The Gleaner Publication – Jamaica

I was privileged to be the pianist for Franklin Graham’s recent National Festival in Latvia.  Often I’ll mention traveling to this  wonderful country and people will say, “Where is Latvia?”  Latvia is in the Baltics and a part of the former Soviet Union.  God is doing a mighty work there, and it was truly a privilege seeing lives transformed by the power of the gospel.

Latvia used to be a very dark place, but now the freedom only found in the gospel of Jesus Christ has come, and the light of that same gospel has started to shine through. For over 50 years, Latvia was occupied by the Soviet Union, but in the 1990′s, freedom came.  Even though their country was now free physically, believers there knew that true freedom can only be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  As a result they have been praying for a mighty move of God’s spirit, and they showed up by the thousands for the Festival.

Being a part of this ministry is truly an honor.  With Michael W. Smith, Dennis Ajaganian, John and Annie Barbour, musicians from all over Europe, and a full orchestra and choir almost one thousand strong, the people were in for a taste of heaven.  Scripture says that God inhabits the praise of his people, and His presence was very evident.

As the saying goes, music opens up the heart and the Word fills it.  The people’s hearts were opened up by the music, and their hearts were transformed by the life-changing message presented by Franklin Graham.

All aspects of the Festival are incredible, but there are no words to describe the altar call.  This is my favorite part of the evening.  Just before the end of the sermon, I start playing the invitation hymn “Just As I Am” very quietly, and Franklin gives the altar call.  Very soon the choir joins in and we wait for people to respond.

First there is a trickle, and then, before you know it, the altar is full.  As if that weren’t enough, I get even more excited when Franklin says,

“I am asking everyone to take a step forward to make room for the others who are still coming to give their hearts to Jesus.”

Wow!  What a scene this is, people of all ages with tears streaming down their faces giving their hearts to Jesus in a formerly communist country.

A few years ago if we had decided to have this kind of meeting, all of us would have started a prison ministry . . . and we would have been the inmates.  Praise God!  What a difference a few years make.  As a result of the Festival over 3000 people dedicated their lives to the Lord.  Decision magazine has reported incredible stories of lives being transformed, and you can read more at http://www.billygraham.org/articlepage.asp?articleid=6363.

We are called to evangelize the world,  and I am honored to be able to serve God in this capacity as a musical ambassador.  We can’t take these opportunities lightly.  I asked one of the singers from another visiting country about a crusade in his country, but he said the government won’t allow groups to hold this kind of meeting right now.  Please continue to pray for Europe that all nations will be open to receive the gospel. God bless you richly.

Blessings,

Rev Huntley Brown, Annette, Natalie, Natasha, Nicole & Nadia

I was saddened to hear about the home going of my friend Dr Howard O Jones. Unfortunately I was not able to make his memorial service because I was on tour in Korea.

Growing up in Jamaica, our parents made us listen to Christian radio programs. One such program was the hour of freedom with Dr Howard Jones. I was fascinated listening to his program and also reading his book.

Dr Jones’ story paralleled mine. He was a musician who gave it all up to preach full time for Jesus. Reading his story impacted my life and gave me extra courage to follow his example later in life.

In 1989 my friend Wayland Richards invited me to play special music in chapel at St Paul Bible College (now Crown College) in Minnesota. At the time Wayland was the student body President. By divine coincidence Dr Jones was the speaker for the morning. I was thrilled to meet him, a person I looked up to as a role model and listened to so frequently on the radio. Following chapel he asked if I had any recordings I said no. He then asked for a recording of the chapel service and took it to the Billy Graham headquarters so they could hear me.

A few days later I got a call from BGEA headquarters and they wanted more information. Soon I met with a representative and was invited to become one of the musicians in the crusades. I will forever be indebted to Dr Jones for his introduction to the BGEA which has become one of the highlights of my life.

Dr Jones not only became a dear friend, he was one of my prayer partners and advisor. He did nothing without prayer. I remember once at a crusade we had serious spiritual opposition. At the time I was reading one of Frank Perettis books on spiritual warfare. In the book the angels were saying words to the effect “We want to act on behalf of the people but the prayer cover is not in place“. That intrigued me and I mentioned that to Dr Jones. He agreed so we decided to pray multiple times each day. Praise God He heard our prayers and many souls were won for the kingdom. I remember seeing all the people come to Jesus and Doc and I looked at each other from the platform. Our look said to God be the glory. Prayer definitely changes things.

Doc insisted I called him Howard because of our friendship but I could not do it. I had too much respect for him. I know this is not a big deal for most people but I just could not do it.

I was invited to his home where I spent a weekend enjoying his wife Wanda’s cooking, meeting his family and playing a concert at his church. At the concert Doc asked me to do a martial arts demonstration for the young people. I guess he felt safe with me around with my martial arts skills I was happy to and we had a great time at the concert.

Billy Graham sent this statement which was read at Doc’s funeral.

“Howard Jones was one of my best friends. He did more for race relations among evangelicals than any other person of his generation. Howard was a deeply spiritual person, and I loved him in Christ. “I look forward to the day when we shall be reunited in heaven before the One to Whom Howard gave his life and ministry in service. I send my prayers and love to each of his children, grandchildren and extended family,”

You can read more here BGEA: Remembering the Legacy of Howard O. Jones

Ed Gilbreth former Judson University Grad (like me) worked with Doc on his book Gospel Trailblazer. You can find copies of this book on line. Ed wrote a perspective you can read here. Remembering Dr. Howard Jones « Reconciliation Blog

Dr Jones retired a few years ago but we would still talk and as always we had a time of prayer before we ended our conversation. I will always be indebted to Dr Jones for his friendship and for introducing me to the BGEA. Doc you will be missed.

Rev Huntley Brown
International Concert Pianist

2112 West Galena Blvd

Suite A 285
Aurora IL 60506
U. S. A
Phone 630 907 0537

Bill went to be with the Lord February 23rd. He was one of the finest trombonist the world has known. He will be missed.

Just before Bill died, his daughter Marcia called George Beverly Shea to sing for him. George is 101 years old and is Billy Grahams soloist. While George was singing Bill went home to be with the Lord. What a way to go.

Greg Wheatley of Moody Radio did a segment on this. You can listen that interview here.The portion about Bill is in the first hour and starts at 20 minutes into the broadcast.

Moody Radio | Programs | Prime Time America | February 25, 2010

Here is an interview with Bill conducted by Doug Yeo bass trombonist for the Boston Symphony. For those in Illinois, Doug’s daughter is Linda who played trombone in the orchestra for us last year at the concert for Covenant Christian School.

An Interview with Bill Pearce

Here is a link to Bill’s website from night sounds. I know many of you have been blessed by his ministry over the years. You can send a note of condolence here just click on the listener comments link. God bless you richly please keep the Pearce family in your prayers.

Nightsounds with Bill Pearce – Easy Listening for Hard Times

Blessings,
Huntley Brown
International Concert Pianist

Huntley has been appointed as the musical ambassador for CTS Christian TV Station in Seoul Korea. This will involve him making a few trips there each year spreading the gospel throughout the country and promoting the TV station.

Huntley will also be inducted into the Fox Valley Arts Hall Of Fame along with seven others later this year. To God be all the glory. Here is a link to the newspaper article.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk4wZrsQT3g[/youtube]

Jim is the one who has taken the picture for many of my CD covers. You can visit Jim’s website at Jim Whitmer Photography God bless you richly.

Blessings,
Huntley Brown
International Concert Pianist

Here are two links you can view of the trips to Korea and Hong Kong.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXJRUNxgMME[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYIMnoDojZk[/youtube]

Trip To Angola State Prison
This past weekend was another highlight trip. A life changing trip. I know this is a lengthy update but I wanted everyone to get a perspective on this amazing trip.

I was privileged to minister at Angola State Prison in Louisiana with Ruth Graham and Friends team. This visit will stay with me a long time. I am trying to find words to sum up the experience but they are difficult to come by. It’s safe to say as a team we will never be the same.

For years my friends Manny Mills and Jim Whitmer have been telling me you need to visit Angola. Now I understand what they were talking about. I would have said this was the trip of a lifetime but I won’t because I plan to return often and bring along friends as well. The food was incredible. Big Lou has got to be one of the best cooks on the planet:)

Angola Stats

• Angola State Prison sits on an 18 thousand acre estate outside Baton Rouge Louisiana. Its the size of Manhattan Island in New York
• The closest town is 20 miles away and its surrounded by the Mississippi river and a lake full of alligators and snakes.
• There are over five thousand inmates
• One out of every two inmates is a murderer.
• 95 % are serving life sentences for crimes that would make all of us shake.
• 90 % of the inmates at Angola will die there.
• 8 out of 10 inmates never get a visitor (We are going to change this)
• Inmates are paid 4 cents an hour unless they are trustee’s then they are paid 20 cents an hour.

Past History
In the past Angola was known as the bloodiest, most brutal prison in America.

Inmate Nolan has been there 34 years and shared a past story. One inmate got angry with another inmate, got a knife and killed the person before their eyes. He also showed us his scars where another inmate stabbed him. He was very candid with us and told us he retaliated and stabbed the other inmate too. That was life at Angola a few years ago before the new Warden arrived.

Warden Burl Cain
Warden Cain arrived at Angola 14 years ago and brought Jesus with him. As he told us some prisons have a faith based dorm which is fine but he did not want that.

He wanted a faith based prison so he implemented his God strategy.

As a result Angola has become the safest prison in America. They have five churches on the grounds, a Bible school, a radio station and thousands of inmates who are now Christians.

The inmates love for Jesus is very evident and this is a place of hope.

Majority of these inmates will never leave Angola alive, but they still have hope. As they told me without Jesus there is no hope.

A Visit To Death Row
I got a chance to visit death row and was able to talk with a few of the inmates. I was also privileged to pray with an inmate named Lucky. (He said I know you won’t forget my name) Lucky is 34 years old and has been on death row about 15 years. The death row inmates are by themselves in their cells 23 hours a day. This means they have a lot of time to seek God and to reflect on their crimes.

Just before I left death row the first inmate I met wanted to talk some more. We had a long conversation and I was very impressed with his understanding of scripture. He would have talked for the whole day if I let him but we had to leave. After I left Chaplain Rob told me the inmate I was talking to was Derick Lee the serial killer from New Orleans. Derick had tortured, raped and killed 9 women that the authorities know of. He is now facing the death penalty and even he was speaking of hope.

I had mixed emotions because all the inmates like Derick on death row had committed horrible crimes. They were paying the penalty for their actions but I know they are still God’s children. Before I left we shook hands and it was almost a surreal experience knowing I shook hands with many killers including a serial killer.

The Execution Chamber.
Visiting this chamber is not for the faint of heart. Before entering we visited the room where the inmates will eat their last meal. In this room are two incredible paintings done by one inmate. One depicts the chariot taking Elijah to heaven and the other of Daniel with no fear in the Lions den.

We then visited the execution chamber to see the bed the convicted lies on. This is a very tough place to see first hand. I left with a sense of urgency to tell young people to stay out of trouble and to do the right thing. That’s the message the inmates would like all the young people to know too.

Warden Cain has become a father to these inmates and they look to him even in their moment of death. Warden Cain told us about Antonio who asked him to hold his hands while he was being executed and he did.

These men had done some unspeakable crimes but if God can forgive them we can too. Its important to note here, there is a difference between forgiveness and consequences and Warden Cain understands this clearly.

In the midst of this serious subject Warden Cain shared a funny story. One inmate’s last words were ” tell my lawyer he is fired”. Even in death he had a sense of humor.

Louisiana Correctional Institute For Women (LCIW)
Saturday morning we ministered at the LCIW prison. This was another incredible experience. Seeing women of all races praising God even though incarcerated will stay with me a long time. The trip normally takes over an hour to get there from Angola but with a police escort and flashing lights we made it in record time. The officers were driving like they were Jamaicans . I am sure my friends prayer life improved as a result of the ride over

Hope
I left Angola with hope. One of my daughters asked me Dad how can someone have hope in prison? I told her they do because they have encountered the true and living God. He is a God of hope who forgives them regardless of the crime they have committed. As one inmate has said the day you give up hope is the day you begin to die.

Even though the inmates know they have been forgiven by God, they understand their past behavior carries consequences. As the saying goes you make your choices but you don’t pick the consequences.

What has happened at Angola is nothing short of a miracle. The inmates taught me there is no hopeless situation. If they can have hope facing a life sentence and the death penalty, then we can have hope to face whatever trials we are facing.

Jesus Christ has made a difference in the lives of our brothers at Angola and he can make a difference in all our lives.

God bless you richly thanks for all your prayers . Please keep Warden Cain and all our brothers at Angola in your prayers. I will keep you posted on future trips.

Final Note Of Interest
The coffin Mrs Graham was buried in was built by one of the inmates here. He also built one for Dr Billy Graham which we hope he won’t need for a long time.

Blessings,
Huntley Brown
International Concert Pianist

All Nations Praise

Praise – what a wonderful word! Add the words all nations, and you can see an incredible collage of people from all tribes, tongues, and languages praising God…which is exactly what God wants us to do!

Order your copy of Huntley’s latest album, “All Nations Praise” today!