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Hi my name is James (I spin under Elijah D or Elijah Divine) and I mix Uplifting and Progressive Trance, but I'm not here to promote my music.
I recently found this forum through Google and am very excited that I did. I've been called by God to do much of what it looks like many of you are already trying to do. I can feel that there is definitely a movement that is happening.
My history is extensive with the Rave scene (which I eventually left due to drug issues and people issues).
I was atheist while I was a raver, and throughout my childhood as well. I was into Extacy, LSD, Pot, Special K, Speed, Mushrooms... you name it I probably did it. My life style became so about the drugs, it was my life... but it all started with an intention to go to a rave for the music, drug free. It was at the rave that I accepted my first hit of Extacy... I'd smoked pot before that, but it was nothing like this. This path led me down a road of depression and hatred of myself and those around me that where worried. I plumetted to the point of near sucide. I had to change, I left the rave scene and all that came with it, blaming it as a whole for where I was at in my life... but it was never the music that did this to me, it was MY CHOICE to do the drugs... but that was what was accepted and the normal thing to do.
I've since accepted Christ (Baptized on 7/7/07 - hehe cool date) and abandoned my music creation for years because of such the bad experiences I had with the scene... but I've always loved Trance, Happy Hardcore, DnB, and House. It has been 6 years since I left the rave scene. I've gotten married, started a family, and focused on God.
About two years ago the Lord put on my heart to make Christian trance, but my equipment was just to old and was not working out. I actually fought with myself on this, because (even though I am fully Christian and like the worship music much of the trance is remixed from) much of it sounded pretty cheesy and didn't have the true trance feeling behind it. After many attempts at making something, I had to give up. I've prayed since then that if this is Gods will that he show it to me and make it very clear. In the last month he did. Gear has been just coming together out of no where.... stuff that I never thought I'd ever have, I now have. Ok, so here is what I've been called by God to do... I'm sure you are all on the same page from what I've read. The Christian trance in my area (Rialto, California) as far as events go, they are virtually non-existent. The couple I seem appear to be more Christian's trying to be ravers and Christian's trying to spin Christian only made trance music. This shoves the stuff down peoples throat, and as you can imagine... the events are just a couple hundred people (most already Christian and have found God). This is not productive and does not serve the purpose that I feel Jesus would be trying to achieve. I want to throw a real Rave and a real church (there are a few in this area I have in mind to try), with real DJs spinning real Trance. Here is where this is different then a Rave... the trance will be all uplifting and Christian trance. The messages should be subtle but direct. At some point in the night we have an MC/Preacher do the MCing.. At some point in the night he would invite people to a special area of the event to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Rather then Christians making dance music for other Christians to hear, I want to blur the lines (like Switchfoot, Lifehouse, or The Fray do with Rock). Then, instead of an Christian event being thrown like a rave (and ravers would call these people posers... and probably never go)... I'd like to throw a rave like a Christian party. I want to make it so close to the real think, you just can't tell. I've seen a lot of stuff out of Ziggybeats that is inline with what I envision. I know if this is done right, it will bring many Ravers to Christ. They seek the primal feel of the music, but feel empty without the drugs.... I believe God can fill this void in their hearts. At the very least, this even will make them think and fellowship with people that love the same music but normally would never feel comfortable talking about God at an event like this. This will leave anyone coming for the drugs, feeling a little out of place and needing to fill a void that already exists heavy in their life (i know this from personal experience)... if they leave, they leave knowing they are leaving because they need the drugs, not because the music sucks and isn't authentic... they would rationalize this as just a bunch of posers and lose the whole message... it is about the music, not the drugs.
Here is what will not be tolerated at these events:
-Drug Use / Alcohol / being out of it and obviously on drugs
-Drug references in songs or sexual references in songs (subtle can be re-messaged if spun right)
-A lack of God at the event (both visual and in the heart of the music)
-A lack of a minister to help people come to Christ (if they choose - otherwise enjoy the good vibes and come again... we love you)
I know this sound impossible and crazy, trust me... I've had this fight with myself. In the face of ridicule and humiliation both by the Church and the rave scene, I know I have to do this... I've been called.
Here is what I ask, if you think you have anything to offer... even if you don't think you do, but you've read this message for whatever reason, please pray for this movement. Pray to God and ask him your place,
if any, in this. Listen to him, and if you need to contact me. I don't have enough posts to put my e-mail here... but I'm sure you'll find me.
FELLOW CHRISTIANS:
I can't do this without a fellowship of real Djs, Promoters, Lighting Professionals, and (of course) party goers that understand what a real Rave should/would look like. I can't do this would you.
CHURCHES:
I am also seeking Church support for this movement. Youth Ministries would be likely, because the next generation of kids are absolutely listening and loving trance. This is pushing them to raves which pushes them to drugs - it has to stop. Simply thinking because the music sounds like pagan drums, it is pagan and wrong to God... that is just not right. Rock had this classification for a long time, and now look at all the christian rock... many just call themselves "Rock" or "Alternative". We have to open our minds up and love everyone and everything that give glory to God... to me, that is everything I do with him in my mind and his opinion and way in my heart.
If you'd like to talk to me more, I'd love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading and God Bless.![]()