Occasionally you meet someone and you think, "I don't know what God has planned for them, but it is something big." A few years ago I actually met "2 someones" and I still believe God has great things planned for them.
When I met Elissa and Becca it was a VERY HOT, HUMID day in Atlanta. Their band the Sonflowerz (yes with a "z") were one the many bands for a huge outdoor summer concert Atlanta Fest. There were multiple stages and literally too many bands playing over a three-day period for me even to count or remember. My friend Pam and I arrived right before the Sonflowerz were to play, along with my middle school daughter and her friend. We watched as Elissa and Becca shifted from talking with fans to the stage.
From the first strum of the guitar, it was obvious these girls had a passion for leading others in worship. They were more than concert artists. Although I didn't know any of their songs at the time, I was drawn in by the honesty of their lyrics. After about an hour I knew I loved them. However, even better than their music, were the pure hearts for ministry I saw in them as they greeted all their old and new fans alike after the set. We just kind of hung back and watched them talk and pray for those who wanted to spend time with them or thank them for their music.
My daughter and her friend joined in and took their turn meeting the Sonflowerz face-to-face. It is so amazing how one meeting can make such an impression on a middle school girl. Elissa and Becca became role-models for two middle school girls that they've never seen in person since that one meeting.
Since that terribly hot, summer day in Atlanta we've had the Sonflowerz as worship leaders and break-out speakers for You & Your Girl events with Vicki Courtney. And I am so excited that this year they will also be leading worship for the Girls' Ministry Forum at LifeWay in Nashville on Friday, February 25 and Saturday, February 26.
If I could tell you anything about the Sonflowerz, Elissa and Becca are the real deal from A to Z. The two young women I met several years ago are still the same. They have the same passion for God. They have the same passion for sharing Jesus through their music and leading others in worship. They have the same hearts for ministry to others - the girls and moms at You & Your Girl events, the children they sponsor through Compassion, or those they meet along the way. They are Christ-followers on and off stage.
I don't know what your plans are this year in your Girls' Ministry. I don't know whether you will be attending the Girls' Ministry Forum or a You & Your Girl event. I don't know if your church is hosting the You & Your Girl Simulcast at your church on April 9 where the Sonflowerz will be the worship band. However, one thing I do know is that the Sonflowerz are two amazing sisters who love Jesus. If you are looking for some incredible role-models and worship leaders who are worth introducing to the girls in your ministry, stop and check out the Sonflowerz. True to their band's name, they will guide the girls in your ministry to focus on the Son, Jesus, just like a real sunflower always turns and leans toward the sun.
Let me know if you've ever heard the Sonflowerz! Are you already familiar with their music?
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