Kirk Franklin heading to OKC
It’s official: Gospel recording artist Kirk Franklin is bringing his “Fight of Our Life Health Tour” to Oklahoma City on Nov. 22. 
Franklin’s concert will be at 6 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church, 1700 NE 7. The concert is free and will feature guest appearances by local Gospel artist Sean Johnson and Wings of Harmony, a performing arts ensemble.
The tour is in partnership with the American Heart Assocation’s Power to End Stroke initiative. Franklin performed in concert in Tulsa over the summer. An Oklahoma City concert was planned, but officials were working with Franklin’s busy schedule and trying to find an Oklahoma City location to host the event. Many people had been asking me if a date had been set for the Oklahoma City concert so I’m glad that I can finally give them some facts.
I just saw Franklin perform at the 2009 Woman Thou Art Loosed Conference at Bishop T.D. Jake’s church The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas. He was, as usual, outstanding. As part of the upcoming health tour, the Grammy Award-winning artist will encourage concert-goers to pledge to take control of their health, reduce their risk of stroke and learn the warning signs of stroke.
Save the date.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Hillsong United coming to big screen
Hillsong United is to make its big screen debut on Nov. 4 with “Hillsong United: We’re All in This Together,” a special hosted live from Australia.
The special will include the contemporary worship group’s live performance from their home church in Sydney and conclude with the debut of their documentary “The I Heart Revolution: We’re All in This Together.”
Filmed over two years, the documentary follows the band as they learn about the stories of people facing injustice and hardships around the world.
“It’s a story made up of many stories, told by many voices, no individual voice any more or any less important than any other, yet every voice working together to ultimately tell the ONE story — a story that involves everyone,” Joel Houston, Hillsong United member, said in a news release.
He called the special “part documentary, part apologetic, part call to action.”
The one-night-only special will be shown in 440 movie theaters nationwide, including Cinemark Tinseltown, 6601 Martin Luther King, and AMC Quail Springs Mall 24, 2501 W Memorial Road, in Oklahoma City. The show at both theaters starts at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Seeing Sandi
The Sandi Patty and Friends concert was the first time I got hear Sandi sing in person and it was delightful.
I have interviewed Sandi several times over the years and listened to her music, of course.
But it was great to see and hear her in person Tuesday night at Crossings Community Church.
The best part of the evening was that it served as a benefit for White Fields boys home. Sandi and her friends Anita Renfroe, the Tabors and Miss America 2009 Katie Stam made it so pleasant that I heard many people say they could have stayed to hear more.
What struck me the most was Sandi’s obvious rapport with all her guests, from the folks in the audience to the friends she had invited to entertain us.
She sang some of her songs that the crowd has deemed favorites over the years and a medley of Southern Gospel classics had everyone singing and up on their feet at the end.
My favorite song was “The Prayer” which Sandi sang with her husband Don Peslis. I found myself hoping that they would sing it. I’d heard them sing the song for the first time at the 10th anniversary of the Murrah Building bombing several years ago. They did not disappoint on Thursday.
All in all it was such a worthwhile evening. I entered the sanctuary tired from a long day and left knowing that the heaviness that had beset me had been lifted — all with a little help and music from Sandi and her friends.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Ryan’s legacy
Covering religion and spirituality means that I’m often surrounded by uplifting stories that touch my heart.
Such is the case of the story of Ryan McAfee, 19, (pictured below) the young man who was killed in a car accident earlier this year.
Ryan’s story, chronicled in today’s Oklahoman, is one that blends life and death and faith and hope all in one.
Kellye Medley, a family friend of the McAfees, said organizers of tonight’s Matthew West concert expect between 2,500 and 3,000 people to show up for the event.![Ryan_McAfee_-_2009-2-233x300[1]](http://blog.newsok.com/religionandvalues/files/2009/10/Ryan_McAfee_-_2009-2-233x3001.jpg "Ryan_McAfee_-_2009-2-233x300[1]")
Matthew West heard about Ryan McAfee after West’s song “The Motions” was played at the young man’s funeral. The McAfee family had learned that Ryan McAfee had posted the lyrics to the song on his last posting on his Facebook wall.
West was so interested in Ryan’s story that he’s kicking off his multi-city tour in Ryan’s hometown of McAlester tonight and Lance McAfee, 22, Ryan’s brother, will be going on tour with West to share his brother’s story with thousands of West’s fans.
“I get to encourage brothers and sisters, Christians and non-Christians alike,” Lance McAfee told me. “I get to tell them that we’re here to serve Christ and to serve others by giving our all today.”
The McAfee family said they were especially pleased that even in death, Ryan touched people and helped guide them to the Lord. His mother, Linda McAfee said about 15 young people gave their lives to Christ during an altar call at the youth’s funeral.
Ryan’s father, Danny McAfee said young people have come up to him to tell him that Ryan led them to the Lord.
“He inspired people,” Danny McAfee said.
The Rev. Kevin Meridth is the family’s pastor at Second Baptist Church in McAlester.
He said he was not surprised that so much has happened as a result of the faith-filled life that Ryan McAfee led and his last Facebook posting.
He said the youth was a “young man of great character and integrity.”
Meridth said he preached the eulogy at McAfee’s funeral and was thrilled when young people responded to the altar call that was suggested by the family.
“From a pastor’s standpoint, he (Ryan) lived his life in such a way that his testimony preached his own funeral.”
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Concert alert: Avalon and Selah
Just got word that contemporary Christian groups Avalon (pictured below) and Selah are to perform in concert Oct. 9 at Victory Church, 4300 N MacArthur.
There’s incentive to get your tickets in advance: Tickets are $20 in advance and $40 the day of the show.
Avalon’s release “Reborn” is in stores now. Selah has a new release marking their 10th anniversary, “You Deliver Me.”
The concert is in conjunction with Victory’s Beautiful Women Conference.
More information about the concert will be featured soon in The Oklahoman.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Israel Houghton at inauguration
Contemporary Christian recording artist Israel Houghton is set to perform at the 2009 Heroes Red, White and Blue Inaugural Ball at the Warner Theatre on Tuesday in Washington, D.C.
I recently interviewed Houghton, who will be performing in concert 7 p.m. Feb. 4 at the SpiritBank Event Center in Tulsa on the “Hello Love” tour with Chris Tomlin.
Houghton was excited about performing at the inaugural ball and said he planned to sing his song “The Power of One” from his upcoming album of the same name. The compilation is set for release on March 24.
Houghton is best known for his songs like “Friend of God” and “Say So.” He is the worship leader at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston.
Others performing at the Heroes Ball include Gospel recording artists Donnie McClurkin and Bebe and CeCe Winans.
Look for my story on Houghton in a future edition of The Oklahoman. And for ticket information to the Tulsa concert, click here: Hello Love.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
On TV: Wynonna sings gospel
Country music star Wynonna will make her Gospel Music Channel debut on “Front Row Live” Saturday.The show also will be aired on Monday on the cable network ( Cox Cable channel 178) .
Front Row Live is Gospel Music Channel’s original series featuring powerhouse artists hosting their own performances while sharing their musical inspirations.According to the network, Wynonna is currently in the studio preparing for an early 2009 CD release.Wynonna showcases her vocal talents with a set-list that features some of her biggest hits and her favorite inspirational tunes, including “What The World Needs Now,” “The Other Side,” “Heaven Help Me,” “It’s The Messiah,” “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “I Can Only Imagine,” “I Hear You Knockin’,” “Till I Get It Right,” “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Love Can Build A Bridge” and “No One Else on Earth.”
Upcoming Front Row Live concerts include the Newsboys on Oct. 25 and NewWorldson on Nov. 1.
For complete Gospel Music Channel programming, visit http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com/schedule.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Third Day “building” momentum
Momentum is building for the upcoming Third Day concert set for Sunday at the Ford Center.
That’s not the only thing under construction, so to speak.
The popular contemporary Christian band’s “Music Builds” tour is helping to fund Habitat for Humanity homes in the communities where the group’s concerts are performed.
Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the tour cities will be the beneficiaries of a portion of the funds raised during the tour as part of Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity and Live Nation, in partnership with Third Day and the other groups.
Artists on tour with Grammy award-winning Third Day include Robert Randolph and The Family Band and another perennial favorite, Jars of Clay.
Ticket prices for the Oklahoma City Music Builds concert are: $59.50, $39.50 and $29.50. Group discounts are available.
Tickets are available at the Ford Center Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.LiveNation.com. To charge by phone, call 235-8288.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Faithful Five: Weekend Events
Here’s my “faithful five” — five events going on in the faith community this weekend, Sept. 26-28. If what you read below intrigues you, go check it out for yourself: 1. Through the fire. Catch a showing of the feature film “Fireproof” premiering todayat your local theater. Actor Kirk Cameron, best known from the TV sitcom “Growing Pains” and the faith-themed film “Left Behind,” stars as a firefighter whose marriage is restored through faith. The movie is showing at a variety of metro theaters, including Tinseltown, Interstate 44 and Martin L. King Ave.; Spotlight 14, 1100 N. Interstate in Norman; Harkins Bricktown 16, Reno and Mickey Mantle Dr.; AMC Quail Springs Theater, Quail Springs Mall; and Warren Theatre, 1000 S Telephone Road in Moore.
2. Walking for a cause. Oklahoma Christian University will host its annual Walk for Honduras Sunday on the campus, 2501 E Memorial Road. A lunch will be held at 12:30 p.m., followed by the walk at 1:30 p.m. Walkers make a donation for mission efforts in 
Honduras. For more information about the mission organization, go online to http://predisan.org.
3. Sing a song. The folks at Del City First Church of the Nazarene have helped put together a night on song at Del City High School. Ivan Parker (pictured at right) and David’s Song will perform in concert at 6:30 p.m. Saturdayat the school, 1900 S Sunnylane in Del City. tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for the balcony. For more information, call 677-2330.
4. Marching to the beat … Unity Center of Tulsa has offered ongoing Spirit Drumming Sunday sessions since Aug. 17. Bring your own drum, rattle or other instrument or use of the drums and percussion instruments provided by the facilitator at this week’s class set for 6 p.m. Sunday at the center, 1830 S Boston Ave. For more information, call (918) 582-6624.
5. Tell the truth. The Truth Project simulcast will be offered at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Mid-America Christian University, 3500 SW 119. It’s not too late to sign up. For more information, call 691-3800.
Bonus: Not your average vegetable garden. Larry the Cucumber and all his friends are coming to you live in “God Made You Special Live!” featuring Veggie Tales. The veggie special will be offered twice, once at 3 p.m. and at 7 p.m. Mondayat First Southern Baptist Church of Del City, 6400 S Sooner Road. For ticket information, call (800) 965-9324 or go online to www.itickets.com.
Thirst quenching … in more ways than one
Fans of contemporary Christian recording artist Robbie Seay have a chance to quench their thirst for his music and quench someone else’s thirst for good, clean water.
A portion of the proceeds from Seay’s upcoming concert set for 7 p.m. Friday at Crossings Community Church will benefit Water4, a nonprofit organization established by several Crossings members.
Water4 supplies water to underpriviledged countries.
So the mission-minded can pay the $7 ticket price to see Seay in concert (along with Chris Taylor and Alli Rogers) and help someone in need at the same time.
For more information, visit www.crossingsokc.org.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
