Ron Hutchcraft Ministries - A New Adventure

Only At the Surface

Putting out an album, a Christian album, was never in my plans. I grew up in a small town in central Wisconsin and I was not involved in music, nor was I involved in church. I had been a writer since I was little, but singing was just a hobby and church was something other people did. I knew about God, but it was always at the surface. My family would sometimes attend holiday services with friends or relatives, but for the most part, I didn't know about having a close, personal relationship with God.

Connected To God

That changed when I met my husband in college. One of the first conversations we had was about God. He led me to church, then to Bible information classes and eventually, to being confirmed at 22. That was the point where I really felt connected to God and started to see how much I was longing for that relationship. It also was the first time the Bible came to life for me, being able to insert myself into scripture. These weren't stories written for other people and Jesus wasn't a far-off religious figure. He was and is a real God, with a real truth that can make real changes in my life.

Life didn't stop moving at a fast pace. I had earned a journalism degree in 3 1/2 years and landed a job working in public relations. I headed off into a career that took me from Milwaukee, to Los Angeles and then to Minneapolis. I was busy and got caught up in the stresses of a new career. We would attend Sunday services, but we were going through the motions. We had moved back to the Midwest to be closer to our families. We got married and had our first child in 1999. I was blessed to be able to stay home, occasionally freelancing and keeping up with my writing through children's stories. I also dabbled in home-based businesses and volunteered at church and its Christian day school. Later, we added sons to our family, one in 2002 and another in 2004. I was really enjoying being involved and being a mom, but I still didn't feel I was using the depth of my talents. I felt like I lost a lot of what made me "me." I was doing all the things I thought I was supposed to do as a Christian and as a mom. I was checking off boxes on my make-believe to-do list, but I didn't feel fulfilled, even with a very full life.

God-Given Gifts

It wasn't until January of 2008 that I discovered what I believe God called me to do - to be a singer and songwriter. I had already made a career of writing and speaking and I was comfortable being in front of other people. I find it so interesting that God would give me such passion for those skills, knowing that eventually I would need them for this new adventure. I only needed to step out in faith to accept and use the gifts He had already given me.

Singing was a bigger step to take, but nothing is impossible with God. I sort of laughed at the possibility that I would be a singer, but as soon as I said, "OK, Lord, I'm ready" and discovered that's what I really wanted to do, my world changed. Songs, melodies, and opportunities started appearing. I've now found a joy that's overflowing and a deeper connection to God. Being a follower of Christ isn't about sitting still in your life and waiting for things to happen. It's about tasting and seeing that the Lord is good and faithful, living life thinking of Jesus, others, and then yourself (JOY), knowing that God has plans for each person, and knowing that even in the midst of struggles and the daily grind, He is there holding you up and giving you strength to continue. This is what I know to be true and this is what I share with others.

The first song I wrote was performed a capella at a women's shelter workshop. After that one performance, songs and melodies started to pour in. I felt exhilarated and in tune with what I thought God had planned for my life all along. I rearranged what I was saying "yes" to and took more of interest in Bible study, daily devotions, and prayer. I also began dreaming big dreams of getting the songs arranged and being able to perform them. I was writing songs like crazy. A Bible verse or a passage in a book would catch my attention and I figured that was God saying, "Pay attention. That's something I want you to tell others." I also started writing songs for organizations and events.

At that point, I really started to feel the impact of my songs and this gift I was given. I didn't just receive the ability to write and sing; it was within me all along. Then, God opened an even bigger door. I attended a Christian women's retreat, featuring a Christian singer/author and her friend who was a speaker/author. I took a chance and talked with the singer's long-time keyboardist. After hearing my story and a song, he offered to produce my album - God was opening another door. I went to Nashville five times to write, edit, and collaborate. I walked into a studio with gold records on the wall, depicting the success of some of my favorite artists. I looked around thinking, "What am I doing here?", but I dove in, believing God choreographed the events that got me there.

I've now begun traveling, sharing my music and my testimony wherever I can through a ministry my husband and I started. Our mission and confidence comes from 1 Peter 4:10 which states, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." These are gifts that God created me with and it's my responsibility and privilege to use them for His will. I can't imagine doing anything else. I want to encourage others to do the same. I've seen just how big God's plans are for me and I'm excited to see what He'll do next through this ministry. I've had an amazing opportunity to share my faith with people. When I quote scripture, like Jeremiah 29:11 , "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord," or Psalm 37:4 , "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart," people know I mean it because I've experienced it first-hand.

M.K., 35