What happens when God calls you to quit your job, sell what you have, and begin on a new journey making an album with Him?
… Let’s rewind.
Being the son of a Pastor, I’ve been playing music in the church since I was 3 years old. At 16, I studied music technology in Sixth Form and University but always felt that I wasn’t the best. Recording and producing my own music felt like an unachievable and distant dream.
After getting married, I continued to lead music in the church but outside of it, I was working as a salesman in a successful job. My wife and I had our own place, work provided me with new cars, and we could enjoy different luxuries. For years, I focused on working and spending time with the woman I love. Recording music was something that I no longer had the time or energy for.
Little did I know that God had other plans.
In February last year, God told me and my wife, Barbara to quit our jobs and give away what we had because He had something else planned for us. He didn’t tell us what but He did tell us where – California. So after prayer and confirmation, getting a three-month visa and tickets to LAX, we found ourselves living in LA. We found a local church and started to help with outreach, events, and anything else that was needed. He did a lot with us during our time there and used it to develop our character.
After the three months were up, we returned to England keen to know from God what was next. While we were waiting, I decided to reach out to a friend of mine who is a talented songwriter/musician about recording his song. I asked him if we could record ‘Faithful Friend’ in the church studio as I was a big fan of the song. Now that I had the time, I was happy to use some of my music tech knowledge to record a simple guitar track and video.
Once we released the song, I concluded that if God still hadn’t spoken about what to do, I will continue to make more music. Six years ago, I wrote ‘Hear My Devotion’ and I knew we had more songs. I called together the worship team and we wrote ‘Saved Me From Myself’. What was supposed to be a simple guitar recording was turning into a full production album.
The whole time, I was keeping an open mind in case God told me to get a job. I wanted to be obedient and as a married man, I felt the pressure to provide for my family.
Sometimes, I think of the Holy Spirit like a sat nav. When I am headed in the right direction, the sat nav doesn’t say anything. It’s only when I need to take a turn or go another way that I believe God will direct. So, I continued to make the album.
One year and ten incredible tracks later, the album Believe Again by Sunrise Worship has been released.
I now realise that God gave me an opportunity that I had never had before. I always wanted to record music but time and energy was always my excuse. During this time, God provided for us in unimaginable ways. While working on the album, He blessed my wife with an amazing job, we were able to pay rent and get a car.
Believe Again is an album from God to God.
All of the songs are different points of a journey walking with Christ. If your love is growing cold or if you are looking for love and hope – it’s for you. We hope that when people listen to it, they will experience God in the same way that we did.
I had every excuse but God created a way. I have now spent the past year without an income and every penny we earn goes straight back into promotion.
I don’t know what is next (maybe another album!), but what I do know is that I will continue to listen for His instruction and be obedient. There is no journey like a journey with God leading you.
“Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” – Matthew 19:26
Believe Again is available on all streaming platforms here. To keep up with the latest news and releases, please follow us on Instagram or visit our website.
By Gus Nunes