The 
2008
What made the News this morning in Finland...
So far, over 80,000 tickets were sold in less than 3 hours, to the Madonna Concert coming. Now for other countries that might not seem much, but in a country of a little more than 5 million, that is hugh.
We have such great christian bands in Finland and now more than ever, we should equally support them, encourage them. Madonna has enough money to manage each gospel band here with still enough left over to feed her kids. But how many christian bands are suffering here, for lack of financial support, etc.? I have met many gifted singers and bands here, that tell me the same story over and over for over 20 years now: no support, financially, or otherwise in general. No encouragement from their youth leaders, youth pastors, etc. Told to "get a normal job and stop dreaming", etc...
I know many believers that ran quickly themselves to get Madonna tickets, yet when I ask them when were they last at a christian concert in Finland, usually they say they cannot remember when... Even when a gospel concert is often in their own cities, many believers do not attend. When I ask why? They usually tell me that: the sound is bad.... Bad lighting, bad publicity, or, so little publicity that the concert was not even heard about until after the event, etc...
We have the resources in Finland to do great gospel concerts, but often the organisations and churches will not go outside their own area, to get financial support from such organisations as: ESEK in Helsinki, Svenska Kulturfonden, etc, that DO support, financially, "live" performances, dvd productions etc. These financial cultural support organisations have helped me with every cd I have ever done in Finland.
But many christian churches and organisations will not even contact these places and only continue to say to the christian artists here that: "We do not have the money" or: "It can't be done in Finland". And that is such a lie from the devil for the Word says that: "all things are possible to them that believe..." It is true that we may not, ourselves, at the moment of the idea, have the cash resources at hand, but when there is a will, then there is always a way. Nothing is too hard for Christ!
The question is always a matter of belief and faith in the One we say we trust. Often we overlook that WE HAVE TO WORK HARD likewise. Nothing worthwhile comes easy. But when many see that there is more behind a concert than just nice fun and all that, they back down from doing the prayer, the preparation and all that is involved to make an event successful. When I say: "successful" I do not mean per se for us, but for the cause of Christ...
Why are secular artists so popular, rich, world famous? Well we know who is behind them in general, not saying all secular artists, are non-believers, for I know and have friends, many who are loving and serving the Lord in the secular world. So please do not misunderstand! But what I mean to say is that the secular world is organised! They use whatever means necessary to achieve their goals. They have good management teams behind them and they have plans set up... They "weigh the costs" for each event.
Believe it or not, these are christian principles that even the world uses to succeed. The question is not whether we have great christian talent in Finland, for we do. And the list is long and growing praise God. But the question is really are we using all the means available to us, as believers, to announce, to proclaim, to advance the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in our country?
80,000 ticket sold in less than 3 hours for Madonna's: "Sweet and Sticky" Concert in Finland. How many more should be sold to advance the Word of the Living God here?
I often say that: The Gospel is free, but concerts, books, cds, dvds, television and radio productions are not." And we forget, that God is not poor! We need money to function in this world and the Lord knows these things! He is our Jehovah-Jirah. We may not have any cash on us, but He is our Father and He says to ask and He will, in His own time and way, provide for His own. I am a witness.
Ask! And it SHALL BE GIVEN! But we have to ask in Faith believing and doubt not. And then we have to work hard. (And sadly, that is the part where many back away...)
Let's promote Gospel music in our country! For we are not ashamed of the Gospel and we want people to know about Jesus, to have an opportunity to know Him personally, as Saviour and Lord while there is still time.
The harvest is ripe, but the laborers? We have a few dedicated ones, but there is always room for one more!
The world knows who Madonna is.
But it would be better off knowing the King of kings. He's the Man to keep our eyes on!
Hälsningar/Terveisin/Greetings!
"Risto-Kalle" (Christian-Charles) de Plicque
Angel House International Missions Ministries
Finland
February 2009
