God Must Love Drummers - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

God Must Love Drummers

by Steve Martin

“David, ceremonially dressed in priest's linen, danced with great abandon before God.” (2 Samuel 6:14 THE MESSAGE)

Drummers fascinate me. They beat on those skins. They bang on the cymbals. They give it all with such passion. Even as King David danced with great abandon before God, I know drummers who have given it their all, also in worship.

God must love drummers.

Laurie and I have led bands through two decades - in churches, conferences, and in public places outside of the church walls. Whether it was leading the Steve Martin & The Raiders band back in 2002 (did you get that CD? Well, no one else did either!), the Ahava Love Band from 2011-2013 (we did get some recordings with these great guys) or the worship teams with All Nations Church (1994-2001), Cornerstone Fellowship (2002-2004) or Antioch International Church on occasion (2011-2013), one thing I really appreciated were our drummers.

I remember all well, for each one had a special style. Combined with their joy and commitment to keep the foundation of the music going steady, the sound they generated would fill the place. Often during the set I would look back from my position in the front, give them a big smile of encouragement, and continue leading, along with them, the listeners and participants into the presence of the good Lord.

The list is long. Ron Bowen from Rock Hill, SC has probably played the most hours with us. Beginning with All Nations Church in 1998 or so, he was on the team for the Friday night all praise and prayer times we called The Watch of the Lord, with Mahesh and Bonnie Chavda. We’d lead worship from 10 pm until 6 am for years. Ron would be one of those banging on the drums. 

Ron Bowen on the drums

Steve Martin & The Raiders - 2002

When we started the Raiders, Ron was our drummer. Who was the drummer for Ahava Love Band? Ron Bowen of course. His heart for the Lord was contagious, and I loved seeing his big grin from behind the glass in the corner, filling the room with his joy and zeal for the Lord.

Steve, Laurie, Wane Daroux on bass...

and Ron Bowen on drums!

(both photos) 

Gilbert Crespo, All Nations Church, now playing in person for the Lord Jesus in heaven, was a perfectionist. His Caribbean flair just added immensely to his renditions. When we had guest worship leaders at our Mahesh Chavda Ministries conferences from 1995-2001, Gilbert was the drummer of choice. He recorded several CDs with Robert Stearns of Eagles Wing, and others.

Brian Cockfield of Cornerstone Fellowship, a mature drummer in his late 40s, seemed to always have this real seriousness about him. All knew it was coming from a firm love for the Lord. James DeVito, also at Cornerstone at the time we were, was a young guy with big aspirations. But getting him there on time was a challenge we helped him work through, because the Lord had His hand on James.

Matt Wyns of Antioch International Church was another favorite of mine. He had that particular look while playing, occasionally sharing a smile which you might catch coming out of the corner of his mouth, that let you know this was good stuff. I like Matt.

Savannah (I knew her mostly as Jill before she changed her name) could keep the rhythm with the best of them. Her Caribbean heritage also added greatly to her style.

When Laurie and I go to our home church of MorningStar in Fort Mill, SC every Sunday and for conferences, my heart is so blessed to see the young kids give it their all on the drums. Their passion for the Lord is so contagious, as I see them play with boldness and immense strength. For hours on end I think, some of them could go on and on and on. Little energizer bunnies.

You know why I believe the Lord loves drummers so much? Because as hard as His heart beats for the nations, I can see His expression of that love come through them as they share their talent and skill with the church body. Whether it is playing a soft, gentle love song, or a steady, warring anthem, these men, women and kids come to play their finest for the King.

Be it a little drummer boy or a mature man, full of wisdom and sensitivity to the moving of the Holy Spirit in their movements, God is so blessed by their expression of love for Him.

Keep on drumming guys! You serve the great King of kings, Commander of the Armies of Heaven, and soon returning Messiah, full of glory and song.

You have truly been a joy to team with, and now a joy to watch and worship alongside, for the glory of the Lord God of Israel.

Thank you my friends,

Steve Martin

Founder

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Ahava Love Letter #123   “God Must Love Drummers”   Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (02.23.14) Sunday at 5:00 am in Charlotte, NC).

All previous editions of Now Think On This & Ahava Love Letters can be found on this Blog, and our newest website: Now Think On This & Ahava Love Letters