Show me the way to Amarillo - I just couldn't get it out of my head all day long. I just kept on thinking what it would have been like if the children had been with us on this one - I think they would have driven us all mad singing that all day. We'd been to Amarillo a couple of years ago and as I remember had a great time. Our good friend Matt Redman was with us on that occasion but this time we were the only Brits. We arrived in early on Sunday morning and it was one of those days that we couldn't load in till after the
multiple morning meetings had ended. On these occasions my curiosity always get the better of me, and rather than spending the time sitting on the bus surfing the internet from the free WIFI that the church was amply transmitting I snuck into the back of the church to check out the vibe. All was great but also a constant reminder of how different sometimes the US and UK church culture is.

After finally setting up we had the briefest of soundchecks, a plate of Cajun pasta and a great time with the several hundred that showed up. This last week has been a great time for us all but I have to admit that my mind has often wandered from the job in hand to the fast approaching family holidays that we are all about to embark on. I'm off to Switzerland for some fine scenery, cheese and yodelling followed by a week with Stu G and family in France - I can't wait-see you all in September...................

A bit over a week ago I was at a coffee shop, fairly bored and un-amused with my coffee cup, glancing through some of my newspaper options, hoping something would draw me in. My eyes landed on a front cover of one with the following words: “Interview with Delirious”. A bit surprising because it was your standard run-of-the-mill local Oklahoma City paper, but even more surprising because as I read the interview, I found out that Delirious was going to be playing in Bethany at the end of the week (10 minute drive from my house)!

Before I get too far into the story, let me introduce myself. My name is Joel Limpic and I’m from California, currently living in a furnace oven also known as Oklahoma City (that’s a different story for a different day). What’s my connection to Delirious? Basically, ever since the Cutting Edge days, God has used their music in my life to stir and encourage me, and I’ve also gotten the privilege of spending a bit of time with them here and there over the years.

Alright, back to my exciting story. Once I heard Delirious was going to be in town, I called my brother who still lives in California and occasionally runs the Delirious merch table when they’re in the US… To my “double surprise”, I found out he was also going to be out with them in Oklahoma City! At this point, my heart was bursting with joy and big smiles because some of my favorite people in the world were going to be in one place and I got to be there with them…

Well, Saturday came quickly… I picked up my brother early in the morning, right off the tour bus for a quick soccer game. Jon (P-Bass player extraordinaire) decided not to come with us or even attempt to redeem his country’s loss in the World Cup. Maybe Jon was the smarter one out of the two of us, because while playing, I pulled a muscle in my leg so bad I wanted to cry (OK, I think I actually did cry, but only a tear or two max). By the time we got back to the venue, a whole new world was up and running there, and sound check was in full effect. My brother and I headed up to the front lobby to set up the merch booth with the help of our new “Tulsan”
friends Travis and Jerome. Job accomplished, and soon after, the doors were open and crowds were streaming in (more like casually strolling), taking their seats, ready, anticipating… As the lights dimmed, the boys took the stage.

They started off with a new version of “Love Falls Down”. I’ll admit right off the bat, I’m not the best with song titles or names but do know some things. I know that hope was planted in my heart as they played and a I joined their songs and prayers. I was reminded that God is indeed the Miracle Maker, the One who finds us when we’ve been walking down a dark path of discouragement and confusion for 38 years and somehow hears us and heals us. A clear picture of that hope were the candles lit on the stage. Martin talked about how each candle represented a prayer of need for the band members. A father recently diagnosed with cancer. A daughter who was sick. It’s so easy to forget that we’re all in this together, and that being on or off a stage doesn’t exclude anyone from the “human factor”. We all are hurting in our own ways and know hurting people around us that need miracles, that need hope in a broken down world. Would God give us the grace to allow hope to continue to burn in our hearts and remind those around us that the darkness will not overcome the light!

I also know that my faith grew as we prayed together. Faith that no matter how messed up we can be, God is still up to his business of raising a generation and building a kingdom whose heart is after his heart. Faith that Jesus is still in love with his bride and just as committed as he ever was to her. Faith that we’re linking arms with the cloud of witnesses who have run before us and joining the same story they were a part of. Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jacob, and Paul. Echoing similar prayers they did, wrestling with the same God and same life. For the encore, they sang “Here I Am Send Me” much more as a call to action than a “we’re here from the UK to pump you up and make you feel really good and happy but then go home and not be changed”. The whole evening was a clear call to go and be the church. To go and love people like only Jesus would. To reach out with hands of compassion to the hurting around you. For that call and reminder, I really am grateful for Delirious and their friendship. Can’t wait till the next time our paths cross!

"Are you excited about the show, Peter?" People kept asking me that since my little independent band, "Spoken Groove," was playing in the afternoon before the Delirious? concert. I answered evasively. Four years of playing shows when you don't know what the turnout will be like has taught me not to get my hopes up. I didn't have big expectations for the number of people who would watch us play outside in the Texas heat 2 hours before the show,
but I was excited that I'd get in to see Delirious? and maybe say hi, since I'd met a couple of them last year in England.

This is a strange place. Tree of Life church looks like a circus tent with two large converted Sonic restaurants in front of it. It's less than an hour from Austin to New Braunfels, but I feel like I've entered into another world, which is fine since that's where Delirious? is from. We enter the massive parking lot, trying to figure out which airplane hangar like entrance will give us access to the outdoor stage where we're supposed to set up. When we do find the right one, there's "Alive," the worship band who's supposed to play before us getting things ready in the hot, afternoon breeze with no one else in sight.

5:00 comes. It's the time when the outdoor festival is supposed to kick off. maybe 5 people are there in addition to the band. "Alive" starts playing, and the crowd swells to about 20 by the time they finish. We do a spontaneous song together at the end of their set about "people driving from near and far, 'cause they've come to see Delirious." Martin Smith would be proud, I think. I make a joke about the 4,000 people there but tell the crowd that I'm actually because we're playing for 20 people, not 5. Sometimes it's all about having a thankful perspective.

When our set ends, I'm soaking wet with sweat. There were a few times when the wind gusts blew the needles of our dj, Casey, right off the records forcing us to adapt more than normal to make songs work. But I was happy that now I got to relax and watch what I had come to see. I went over to our merchandise table and sold a couple cd's. I even signed a poster for a kid named Sean who didn't get to see us play outside. Pretty soon the promoter of the whole thing was leading me down a corridor to a lineup where the guys from Delirious? were supposed to come shake our hands.

"You want a poster for them to sign?" this radio girl kept asking me. "No, that's okay," I said nicely. "Are you sure?" she tries again. "Yeah, I'm cool." I said back, still nicely, but a little more firmly than before. "Man, I hope they remember me," I thought.

The band comes out, and I see a big smile of recognition across Stu G's face as he sees me. He gives me a big hug and tells me some of our songs come up on his Itunes every now and then. I spot Jon Thatcher, and he comes over to say hi and gives me a hug. Unfortunately that was right when Stewart, the drummer, was trying to shake my hand. He acts offended, and we joke about it. It's funny. The bassist in any band usually gets the least attention. When Tim, the keyboardist, comes over I had to ask his name. Dang it!

After they take some photos with some other people, Jon walks out with me to our table to get one of our new cd's. "I've got a few minutes before the show," he says, "and I can get away with walking out there." He's right. A couple of friends of mine who had missed our performance but were there to see Delirious? came up to me with him standing right there, and they didn't say a word. We laughed about it together and talked about getting to visit when I was in England in a couple weeks. Then he asked me to write this blog, swapped cd's with me, and got back to preparing for the show. I briefly saw Martin backstage doing vocal exercises to his Ipod, and asked him if it helped him. "Yeah, it has. Well it's all about breathing isn't it?" he said. I'll have to get some vocal exercises.

Pretty soon the moment had arrived. Delirious? was announced, and the crowd went wild. They started by playing "Fires Burn." It was a little lower key than I had expected, but pretty soon Martin had pulled off what looked like his first guitar solo from his own reaction, and Stu G had played a Texas style solo for us. People were dancing and screaming. They weren't as crazy as some festivals I've seen, but that was okay. I was dancing like I love to do at all the chances I got and praying for the presence of God to
come.

He did. It's awesome when the show stops being about the band on the stage and starts becoming all about the King who really deserves all our praise. Martin read some quotations about how we're free from the old life. He encouraged those without fathers, those with broken dreams, those in a tough place. As the music of "Miracle Maker" soared, I stood still and listened to God speak His affirmation and hope to me. They transitioned into "History Maker," and my brother told me we had to go, since it was time to get his 7 month old daughter, Rosemarie, home. She had fallen asleep in the
concert with these big blue headphones protecting her cute, little baby ears.

On the way home, I was happy. It had been a great day. We played for a few people. I got to hang out a bit with some heroes of mine who are hopefully becoming friends. Most of all, I sensed God speaking how much He loves us, and how He's raising up an army to shine His light throughout our cities. Do it, Jesus.

Mother nature was in the front row of tonight's concert, in fact she was a little early and brought chaos to the ironically named "rock the desert" festival.

I am writing this from the safety of our tour bus as lightning flashes and the rain lashes. What a week, I returned home from the czech republic on saturday to be greeted by a thunder storm which disrupted my daughters 3rd birthday party. Five minutes into the party I get a call from one of my best friends telling me 'I might need your help'. Otis P Funkmeyer the king of cool and the master of the understatement, his house had been struck by lightning and was calling from one of the four fire engines attending the scene. I went straight over to sit with him looking for words as we watch smoke pour from the roof as all his worldly possessions are subjected to fire, smoke and water. It's times like these when God suddenly pulls focus on you life, bringing into the foreground what is important.

Tonight a concert that had been seven years in the waiting did not happen, our faithful crew wrestled with the elements in defence of our road worn backline, fifteen thousand people were sadly scattered by the storm but I am left sitting here counting my blessings and enjoying a great light show.

What a great day! First of all, it was a pleasant surprise when I found out our friends were once again coming to our “neck of the woods” (as we say in Texas) and I was actually home myself – what a miracle! It got even better when I found out Stu G would be in early for a round of golf (always up for some frustration fellowship). My golf score aside, it was great to hit a few on a beautiful Texas day. Then to cap off a wonderful time, we took our family and ministry team (about 15 of us) to rock it out with the boys that evening (OK, I mean listen to them rock it out!).
 
Before the gig started, my wife and I met in one of the church nurseries for prayer with the boys and our friends Dale and Jean Gentry. Four of the five guys had just flown in from the UK (I know that feeling ALL too well!). Dale began our prayer time and saw some incredible things for the band. My first prayer was for strength for these guys to do what they do for God again tonight, and for safety and protection over their families while they are away on this trip (I know when I am away that is always on my mind). Then I felt the Holy Spirit speaking about the miraculous, and a faith for new miracles was sort of “dropped” into the atmosphere. I know the guys have seen the supernatural many times, but why not believe for even more? Enough with the sermons, but I really felt that angels were coming to minister to people that night.
 
I have seen the guys many times on both sides of the pond, but it never gets old. With missions being my life, the whole message of Mission Bell and the cry to “Send Me!” was amazing. The video and light show was second to none, and I especially loved the video bit to History Maker – great touch! I am such a sucker for that song – it gets me every time. As always, I could feel the tangible presence of God. I believe those angels did come that night, and I’m sure thousands of people walked out of that building differently than they came in – including me!
Keep it up guys!
 
Your preaching, golfing, friend,
Duane White
 
PS – In case you’re wondering, yes, Stu G is a great golfer!

Olympic Stadium, Berlin, Germany

“We could be Heroes just for one day”

Classic words from one of the best songs of the 20th century, which didn’t even make it in the top twenty when it was released!! David Bowie wrote “Heroes” while recording in Berlin. Today, we were in Berlin for Calling all Nations. A journey which started 9 years ago at Wembley Stadium when 5 young(er) lads were invited by Noel Richards to be a part of the Champion of the World event.

9 years on with hundreds of gigs, air miles and amazing experiences under our belts, It was great to be part of global gathering, a day spent meeting up with friends that we don’t see enough of the rest of the year, And we felt like we redeemed our shaky, but memorable performance at the home of British football. About 20 000 people enjoyed the day in the stadium with the sun beating down and the sound of worship reaching skywards. Berlin is a very emotive and historical place, the scene of last weeks world cup final and many other events which have shaped European history. Today was no less historical. Thanks Noel! May the journey continue.

Well, to say that everyone was waiting for Delirious to come to Latvia was an understatement... and until the very end, people were waiting (literally) for Delirious to come!  But the word on the street is, it was worth the wait!!!!
 
This was the first time Delirious came to Latvia.  They left a big impression.  It was an awesome concert. No doubt, God was present.  The crowd was totally into it. It was a worshipful atmosphere...and the music and show definitely grabbed your attention.
 
OK, so the concert was supposed to start at 20.00. Good thing there was a warm up band, cause Delirious flew in at 20.30... and by the time they got outta the airport, drove to the concert hall and set up equipment...it was 22.00.  But they put on a show.  It was full on...in every way!  Went on to near midnight.
 
I was amazed at how many people sang along to so many of the songs...  You wouldnt know that just 15 years ago, this was a nation occupied by a communist regime.  Latvians love to sing---it seems almost the guys felt that and gave it their all...  Thanks!
 
It was a special night, and for Latvia...very special to have Delirious come...it means more than you will ever know!  The hockey stuff was a great touch.  There was an impact and there still is a buzz on the streets.
 
Yeah, we're waiting for next time...yeah, there's gotta be a next time!

Lifest, Oshkosh, WI.

Today is July 6th, always a big day in the Delirious? Camp as it means Stu G, Ian Cattle and myself are a year older. Yes it's birthday time on the road once more! Blokes in general are not good at birthdays, but today we made an effort swapping cards and gifts, from Jon the new Johnny Cash record, from Stew an i-tunes voucher and Stu G a pair St Georges cross cuff links that he bought in faith for me that England would reach the final of the world cup. Alas it wasn't to be but we were determined to celebrate
anyhow even though the strangest birthday ever lay ahead.

7.00am wake up in Sydney , Australia, turn tv on to find out France have beaten Portugal, missed the whole thing but pleased for Zidane and obviously extremely sorry for Ronaldo poor chap. The only consolation for the dear boy is that he has 'Christian' in his name which should help him a little on the great day of judgement. 7.30 hear Tim vigourously showering, shaving and then ironing his shirt with a hand towel round his waist and no glasses on, beautiful. 8.00am both go down for breakfast, hash browns, beans, toast etc, all good but body telling me it's time for hot chocolate and bedtime (Sydney 9 hrs ahead). 9.30 am meet famous preacher Rheinhard Bonnke for coffee, an amazing guy, jokes about the fact I stole the line "Paint the town red with the blood of Jesus" from one of his talks. Agrees to settle on the steps as to avoid public legal battle and papparazzi attention (def joking at this point). We commiserate together about both our teams losing
in the football but because he is much more spiritual than us says "Come on boys it's just a game" I secretly disagree and feel a patriotic tear well up from my jet lagged body. We talk of doing something together next year in England and say our goodbyes, an amazing man of God.

10.00am get bags and head to the airport, fly to Los Angeles and bizzarley land at 9.00am the same day, wow this is gonna be a long birthday we all joked. 11.00am phone home to hear my kids singing 'happy birthday' down the telephone. 12.00am board flight to Chicago, 7.00pm get luggage and get on tour bus all hungry and ready for a big meal. 9.00pm find mexican restaurant, so hungry we eat all the salsa and chips in the house, trying desperately to stay awake. Midnight get to bed and bus begins drive to Oshkosh in Wisconsin. Joke that today lasted 41 hrs, the longest birthday ever.

Oh by the way the gig was great too.

photography © hutch

There’s a buzz in the air and even more in my heart, the expectation is overwhelming and the excitement rises within. Delirious? are in Sydney, my home for now – a slick beach side city where the sun never stops shining and the flat whites continue to get better. ……………………………I pause as my mind gets lost in reminiscent memories of old.

My heart feels excited because they are family, because they are friends of old who will bring a piece of home with them. My heart is always uplifted when they are around, they carry something special, a fresh zeal that is infectious, the English humour that we so miss but most of all that sense of knowing your heart and understanding your thoughts before you even have time to open your mouth, people that we’ve shared history with, my brother and great friend, I love them all.

The immense crowds gathered at the Hillsong Conference to celebrate their 20th anniversary, a mammoth event hosting 50, 000 people based at the Acer Arena formerly known as the Sydney Superdome. The Aussie's are ‘pumped’ that Delirious? have graced them with their presence to show them what’s cool but not only that ,people have traveled from far places around the world to join in a song of praise and unity.

The crowds were buzzing, a cloud of great expectancy covered the auditorium. A huge cheer spread like a Mexican wave at a football match flowed as Delirious? were introduced. They got the party started with ‘Here I am Send Me’…… and rolled out all the classics that we’ve come to know and love over the years. ‘Paint the town red’ rocked the house with its complimenting visuals, ‘Christ the solid rock’ rang true, ‘Our God reigns’ cut deep with its honest lyrics and rising sound ‘Miracle maker’ brought us to our knees in an intimate moment and the anthem ic tunes of ‘History maker’ resounded hope and so aptly marked 20 incredible years of Hillsong Conference.

Here I stand, holding my baby girl with her baby headphones on to block out the deafening sound, we scan the immense crowds… such a buzz in the air, its electrifying! There’s a sea of people lost in God’s presence, these guys still have that special something, there’s always a song with that radical edge to challenge our mediocre Christianity and fire us up to a higher place with God. As I take it all in, I get lost in it all, its emotional. I’m so proud of Martin and the boys for running with the dream, I’m taken to a deeper level with God, passion is stirred, all my senses feel saturated. My heart is burning, my dreams are awakening, my soul is re-energising, my spirit is soaring – there’s a fire spreading and a new vision for the future. I hear the sound of the fatherless crying out, chains are falling off, I see weary hearts being strengthened, broken hearts of all ages finding hope and joining with a song of
triumphant freedom, wow – its awesome, incredible! I just want to throw myself down in an abandoned dance ………………… my heart is forever dancing…