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Firm Foundations 2007 - Connect

Artists & Speakers

Yet again Firm Foundations had a high calibre of Artists and Speakers in 2007 who shared their talents over the weekend to bring everyone closer to God and help us Connect with him and others around us.

For more information on Artists that have appeared in previous years check the previous festivals page.

Bands

The Hope Revolution Tour bought three bands to play for us at Firm Foundations i 2007 - The Band with No Name, LZ7 and Blush Uk.

The Band with No Name

thebandwithnoname was launched by Innervation in March 2002. Over the last four years they have toured extensively across the UK , Europe and more recently the USA . Hundreds of thousands of young people across the globe have now heard thebandwithnoname's no nonsense presentation of the Christian message.

thebandwithnoname are Chip K, Straff, J and Leon and it would be hard to find a group of guys more passionate about God and the gospel. thebandwithnoname's live performance is unrivalled in terms of energy and creativity and no matter whether they are performing in a school, church, theatre, prison, nightclub or even the Royal Albert Hall, they always go down a storm.

Website: www.thebandwithnoname.com

LZ7

Since finishing performing as a member of the hugely successful band “The Tribe”, Lindz West is still as passionate as ever to see young people’s lives changed by the power of the gospel. So now Lindz is fronting an awesome line up called LZ7.

Tight lyrics, infectious energy, a freerunner, a DJ and four vocalists mean that LZ7 deliver a live experience and atmosphere like no other. With an explosive combination of rock/ hip hop and tough street beats, LZ7 is continuing The Tribe’s vision of taking the message of Jesus to the masses whilst recruiting and training radical young evangelists through Genetik -The Tribe Academy.

Blush UK

Blush uk are three girls with an attitude… an attitude to see thousands of people reached with the good news of Jesus Christ through their music! Despite a top selling debut album, ‘Sunshine’, and the release of their new EP ‘Ear Candy’, the girls remain firmly committed to the high schools of Manchester and the recruiting and training of radical young evangelists through Genetik - The Tribe Academy. With an urban pop sound similar to the likes of Girls Aloud, Pussy Cat Dolls, Pink and Sugababes, Nic, Lucy, and Jess bring a mixture of energetic dance performance and edgy pop melodies that you don’t want to miss! Their kooky new image is relating to their audience like never before. These girls have played the Royal Albert Hall, The NEC, Manchester Apollo and many more top hot venues. This year they will be hitting the festivals such as, Soul Survivor, Spring Harvest, Frenzy and Grapevine. You can also catch them on RMusic TV and God TV.

Website: www.blushuk.com

My Spoon

Christian rock band My Spoon and Firm Foundations favourites are back this year. We asked vocalist and guitarist John OB:

Have you been to Firm Foundations before? If so, when?
FF was the first festival My Spoon ever played at - I believe it was four years ago on corner stage. Since then we've released two EPs and an album. We've been playing two to three gigs every week for the past two years, but we always make time to come back to FF because we really appreciate all the support our fans at FF have given us!

Why is this year's Hope 2008 theme important to you? My Spoon have already played at various Hope 08 events around the UK this year already. It's been really inspiring for us as a band seeing so many different churches, festivals and Christian organisations catching hold of the same vision and just doing something in their communities to show them the hope that Jesus is to this world!

What food couldn't you live without?
Yellow snow - man that stuff is tasty.

In your opinion, what's the greatest film ever made?
Our favourite band film is Cool as Ice, starring the musical genius and respected actor that is Vanilla Ice Ice baby!

Website: www.passthespoon.com

KJC

King Jehoshaphat's Camel is the Boys' Brigades central worship group. They are a group of young people from the Brigade who have a passion for God and are gifted in the areas of Music, Drama, PA or Public Speaking.

Website: www.kjc.org.uk

Magnus

A group of former FF goers, which in Latin means magnify, will lead the evening celebrations. The music group is Pete Hopper, Barry Griffiths, Jason Rowles, Tim Rosier, Ed and Jo Dring, all former members of the Firm Foundations Worship Team. This group first played for us on the Fringe Stage at Firm Foundations a few years back before leading morning worship only 3 years ago. Now having had a break from Firm Foundations while concentrating on leading worship in their own churches we welcomed them back in 2007. They will lead worship in the evenings in 2008.

Speakers

Andy Frost

Andy is a surf-loving speaker who works for Share Jesus International. He is passionate about seeing how the Church can reconnect with society and culture.

When and where did you become a Christian?
I was 18 when I sorted my life out with God whilst working on a youth camp in America.

What are you most looking forward to about Firm Foundations?
Seeing 'connections' made as people experience something fresh of God.

Where was your last holiday?
A cracking surf trip in Portugal with good grub and great waves.

What was the last film you watched at the cinema?
Hot Fuzz - comical genius.

Website: www.sharejesusinternational.com

Jo Wells

When and where did you become a Christian?
Skegness! 6 yrs ago when I was 19.

What's the best thing about being a Christian?
Living in reality that's so much more exciting than anything Hollywood could come up with.

Where was your last holiday?
Portugual, in February, chasing some winter sun.

What's your earliest childhood memory?
Singing silly nursery rhymes at playschool.

Which four people would be your ideal dinner guests?
Jesus, George Bush, Russell Brand, Madonna. At least it would be interesting!

What is your favourite type of sweet or chocolate bar?
Terry's Chocolate Orange. It's just so good!

Website: www.sharejesusinternational.com

Dennis Pethers

Dennis is the founder and general director of Viz-A-Viz Ministries.
He has a relevant and down-to-earth style of communicating God's word and speaks at events all over the UK and many other parts of the world.

www.vizaviz.org.uk

Carl Belcher

Ground Level's Carl Belcher will be speaking at Firm Foundations.

When and where did you become a Christian?
I became a Christian in 1993 at the age of 20 during my first visit to a church in Grimsby.

What are you most looking forward to about Firm Foundations?
Meeting new people, making some new friends and seeing God changing lives.

Who was the last person to send you a text message?
My mate Dale who co-ordinates our young people's mission programme.

What is your favourite type of sweet or chocolate bar?
The really fizzy sweets you get at the cinema or a large bar of Galaxy.

Website: www.groundlevel.org.uk

Tony Anthony

Tony will be sharing his amazing life story at Firm Foundations, which his book Taming The Tiger is based on. He was a three-times Kung Fu World Champion but, following personal tragedy, he began to use his skills for illegal means getting caught up in a world of violence, destruction and death. Eventually incarcerated in prison in Cyprus, Tony hit rock bottom - until he discovered the love of Jesus.

When and where did you become a Christian?
I became a Christian on the 3rd May 1990 in Nicosia Central Prison in Cyprus where I was serving a three-year prison sentence.

What are you most looking forward to about Firm Foundations?
I am looking forward to sharing the Gospel with everyone in the most clear and simple way they have ever heard.

What CD are you currently listening to?
Signature by Moya Brennen.

Who was the last person to send you a text message?
My co-author Angela Little.

Steve Price: Gospel Illusionist

Steve is a full-time professional illusionist and a member of The Magic Circle who uses tricks and illusions to present a Gospel message.
He's been performing tricks and illusions since he was nine-years-old and, since being challenged in a sermon to use his gifts for God, he's been performing his unique mix of comedy and magic to entertain and present a Christian message.

Website: www.stevepriceillusions.co.uk

Shell Perris

Shell is a Christian author who used to be in girl band tbc.

When and where did you become a Christian?
At the age of 15 I was diagnosed with an eating disorder called Anorexia Nervosa. I was six and a half stone and had been told that I had only two months to live. During this time a youth worker at my school kept on telling me that God loved me. So I sat on my bed and I said, "Alright God, if you love me as much as you say you love me then why don't you come here and help me?" Nothing dramatic happened but I sensed God's love for me so powerfully. Ever since then I have been a Christian living for Jesus!

What are you most looking forward to about Firm Foundations?
Meeting new people and having loads of fun. I'm just praying it's not too muddy!

What CD are you currently listening to?
Take That - Greatest Hits!

What is your favourite type of sweet or chocolate bar?
Oooh, that's a tough one. I'm going to say Cadbury's Cream Egg but all chocolate is good.

Tough Talk

Ex-drug abusers, ex-bouncers, ex-debt collectors and ex-violent men are all part of Tough Talk.
The group, from the East End of London, have let God into their lives and turned their backs on their past. Now they tour the country talking about their experiences with the hope of helping others as they share the message of Jesus - and demonstrating the sport they're all involved with - powerlifting.

Website: www.tough-talk.com

Andrew Oakley

Andrew will be running IGNITE at this year's Firm Foundations.

When and where did you become a Christian?
July 2003 made a big difference in my faith - I was in Brazil on a study trip with BB's International Team as part of the Un:covered project. People's attitudes and the situations we were in were a once in a lifetime experience.

What are you most looking forward to about Firm Foundations?
The challenge of setting up and running IGNITE, and meeting friends throughout BB and GB.

What was the last film you watched at the cinema or on DVD?
Casino Royale on DVD.

Where was your last holiday?
Tanzania in Africa on a camping safari.

Simon Dean

Simon is Events Manager for Girls Brigade and has been attending FF for a number of years now.

When and where did you become a Christian?
I have always gone to church, but having left for a while I returned to my faith whilst at a Delirious? concert that took place in Lincoln just over 3 years ago.

What's the best thing about being a Christian?
Knowing that there's someone always there with you in everything you do, supporting you, loving you and looking out for you.

What are you most looking forward to about Firm Foundations?
A great weekend and reuniting with people.

What's your earliest childhood memory?
Playing Cricket with a beach ball in the Lounge with my Mum and Dad

Which four people would be your ideal dinner guests?
Nelson Mandela, Chris Moyles, Martin Smith and any one of the 'Friends' or all of them if they count as one

Who was the last person to send you a text message?
My best friend, telling me where I needed to be the next day!!! It's like having a PA!!

Workshop Leaders

Christians In Sport

Christians in Sport is a missionary organisation with a vision to see Christians in every sports club, representing Christ and building the Church. They run sports at Firm Foundations which in the past have included football and more.

Website: www.christiansinsport.org.uk

Ian Lancaster

Ian is a Team Leader for Youth with Christians in Sport. His main sport is football having previously played professionally.

Where and when did you become a Christian?
In February 2000 - after a process of six months wrestling with it. I knelt down by the side of my bed on a Saturday evening and recognised who Jesus was and what he had done for me on the cross - that was the clincher!

What are you most looking forward to about Firm Foundations?
The good friendships that are made - I'm still in touch with a load of guys from last year. That's quality!

What's your earliest childhood memory?
Splitting my head open on a lamppost! I got a kick out of flying down the hill on my stabilised bike with my eyes closed. It was such a buzz but I never did it again after meeting that lamppost.

What CD are you currently listening to?
A bit of old school 'crowded house'