Date: 30 October 1996
To: RichMailList
Subject: [RichMailList 90a]: Re: Gainesville, FL 10/25 review

Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 10:29:15
From: Jennifer Sivyer
Subject:  [RichMailList 90]: Gainesville, FL 10/25 - Reply

Well, it appears that Chris beat me to the punch on the report of the Rich
Mullins concert in Gainesville!  I have been swamped with work since the weekend
and haven't gotten the chance to write up my review.  Now's my chance!

Let me just say, "ditto" to what Chris said, along with a little bit more...

The concert hall was a small gymnasuim, chairs sat in straight rows of about 15
across and 20 or so back with a center aisle.  Most people were already seated
when I arrived, a few still standing around chatting with friends.  The stage was
lit dimly and revealed a standard, black grand piano, several guitars and a
hammer dulcimer.  It was like a shop window display of acoustics.

Out stepped Rich and Mitch...a great duo, I must say!  I had seen Rich play to a
large crowd in Birmingham last year and this was so different from the
movie-theatre style, crowd-filled auditorium we had been in.  It was small,
intimate and friendly.  I could actually see the whites of their eyes!

The concert was a total praise and worship experience.  From "Hold Me Jesus" to
"I Am Ready for the Storm," (preceeded by the story Chris retold of the Irish
sweaters.  How beautiful a story that was!) to "Sometimes Step by Step."  Most of
the songs were old favorites that Rich said he sometimes grew tired of, but added
that hearing us sing the songs with him made it all worthwhile.

I had never heard Mitch play before, but when Rich turned the stage over to him,
he sang from his soul with fresh, image-filled lyrics that spoke of God, who is
love.  One of my favorite lines from one of his more upbeat songs was, I'll  be
"sittin' in heaven in an easy chair, drinkin' lemonade...in the presence of
Love." (something to that effect).  It was great!

All in all the atmosphere was like a youth retreat on a mountainside, all of us
sitting by a blazing fire, logs popping, faces glowing, singing with guitars and
hearts and voices,  songs of praise to the Lord.

Our God is an AWESOME God.

~Jen