It has been a while. Since we returned from Sweden we have had a chance to spend time at home and relax. Our main therapy form while off the road is to work on old cars. We have really got things happening at the garage and we are excited the 1973 Saab 96 (V4) that is getting many looks. I should say that at least six of ten people look at least twice when it comes rolling. There are not many of these left and it is a unique looking car. The youth and the foreigners does not necessary know if it is a car or a submarine. It is going to be a great billboard for Jesus.
To work with my hands is something I love. It is something that has come later on in life and these last three years we have restored and sold around 10 cars to raise fuplnds for our ministry. Most of the cars cheap cars but still we have managed to get a small profit so we can do what God has called us to do. The best thing is that when I am working with grinding or welding rust something shuts down in my brain. This means that I am relaxing and while working I get to hear from God in a way that I can’t explain. That is why I call it therapy or even church to hang out at the garage.
New songs
I have also had time to write some new material that are going to be released on a new single; ”The Dream of America” this fall. These songs are necessary not ”christian” songs but I pray and hope they will gain a platform from where to share my testimony of how Jesus came to my rescue on my deathbed 11,5 years ago.
Bassist
When I got saved I heard that I should cut the ties with all my old friends. I did not really like the concept and sad but true I also became very black and white for a while. I love Jesus and I love my old friends. I can not see anywhere in the Bible where it says that I can’t play some good ol’ rock and roll with my old friends. Something that I did not know if I was missing or not.
We have done two gigs in two weeks with our old band, The Rubbish Brothers and it has been fun. First gig was with former Royals and Wigwam member Mikko Rintanen. We played at the local bar that used to be my living room for many years. This is where I spent every evening while my children were small and would have needed me at home. Something I can’t change but definitely take back now. It was a great night and the people who knew me back then could rejoice with me that I have been sober and clean for 11,5 years with Jesus help. What a great place to share the good news at.
Last Friday our only local music store organised a jam night at Doo Bop Club here in Vasa as they have moved to new facilities. The Rubbish Brothers entered the stage again as houseband and we got to play together with probably one of the best guitarist in Finland, Ben Granfelt. Ben is known from bands as Wishbone Ash, Gringos Locos, Guitar Slingers and Leningrad Cowboys. It was another great night where I got to play bass again. I also got to meet people I haven’t met in years. Many of them could never have imagined that I would survive back in the days when I was in bad shape. The rest of them did not believe I was going to stay sober. Another great place to show that God is able!
The coming months
We have had an extremely hot summer. They say it is the hottest summer in 260 years! I do not complain. It is like Florida in the winter time. What I could have used is air conditioning but we survived :)
We are planning our next trip to the USA now and we have dates lined up. We are minimising the church visits as the people in the churches are already saved. Something just tells me that we should not preach to the choir. Our next trip will be with focus on the youth, people with alcohol and drug related problems, prisons and events. We want to reach those who really are in need.
We need your help! We have a 6000€ budget for the time. We are going to be away from home from October 17th until December 4th. It will be a challenge but we trust that God is talking to peoples hearts and that we will managed to fulfil our fundraiser before end of September. YOU can be part of this! Check out our fundraiser on Facebook!
There are so many great things going on. We are going to tell more as soon as we know more but we are living in extremely interesting times. Jesus is coming back soon and we want all to be prepared for the great ride to heaven. In the video you see the highlights from the gigs here in Vasa, Finland.
God Bless You All!
Pontus J. Back
