Broken Walls in Alaska

Sunset over Alaska

Broken Walls recently travelled to Alaska to visit the villages of Wasilla, Homer and Seldovia.  The team consisted of Jonathan Maracle, Mark Wolff, Vladimir Plotnikov, Reign Pagaran and Bill Pagaran.  The first night, they played at The Haven, near Anchorage.  Jonathan shared on the importance of family and it really touched hearts.  The team did a school assembly in Homer the next day which was well received.  The principal said that out of 400 students, Bill picked the perfect student for the $20.00 illustration.

On Saturday, they ministered at The Refuge in Homer.  Jonathan shared that it was really great to see so many old friends that they have made over the years.  Lots of people came through while they were practicing and that was really cool.  They did the Carry the Cure 'Committed to Life' program that they normally do in  school assemblies but augmented it a bit.  Bill shares: "There is a need for this message to come to the church in a real way."

The next morning, Bill shared at The Church on the Rock, Homer, while Jonathan shared at East Gate Fellowship, also in Homer.  Here is a note from Scott Smith, YWAM concerning Jonathan's time at East Gate. "What a tremendous honor it was to have Jonathan Maracle share his heart with us today at East Gate Fellowship.  His mastery of both music and story-telling created an environment where our hearts yearned for our Father.  We cried, laughed and then celebrated in the great work of Yeshua.  Thank you, my friend for coming to our house of worship and sharing your life with us.  You are always welcome."

On February 5th, Jonathan shared: "We arrived in the village of Seldovia.  We did an elementary school music workshop in the morning, and in the afternoon, Bill did a drum workshop with some older students while I did a flute workshop with some others.  In the evening, we did a community concert in the Chapel.  Because we have been to Seldovia before, we were able to reconnect with old friends.  This community really loves flute music and many of the young people have their own flutes and play often.  Brian, a local flute player has worked with the young people and it looks to me as if this is a wonderful way to bridge the age gap."

Bill shares: "Thank you Crystal Kashevarof Collier, Laurel Hilts, Ariel Anahonak and SVT for having Carry the Cure and Broken Walls in Seldovia.  What an honor it was to have the opportunity to speak to, encourage and share our gifts with the beautiful people of Seldovia.  I enjoyed the enthusiasm of the youth in our clinics and the favor and fellowship of the adults.  I'm looking forward to partnering more with you in the future.  Beautiful people, wonderful time and an awesome future."

Jonathan and Bill with elders and leaders in Seldovia

Broken Walls in Alaska

Dear Friends:

At present, Broken Walls are in Alaska, visiting a few communities.  The above picture is of the sky over Homer, Alaska that Jonathan took as he was flying in to meet up with the rest of the team.  They will be doing school assemblies, concerts and church services.  

Bill, Jonathan and the team did a concert at The Refuge in Homer.  Jonathan shared about the importance of family and this really touched some hearts.  

The next morning, Sunday, February 3rd, Jonathan spoke at East Gate Fellowship in Homer while Bill spoke at Church on the Rock-Homer.  Jonathan shares: "I had an amazing time sharing the new songs that I have been writing and the need for us as lovers of Jesus to truly tap in to the gift we've been given by our Creator."  

Scott Smith, YWAM shares: "What a tremendous honour it was to have Jonathan Maracle share his heart with us today at East Gate Fellowship.  His mastery of both music and story-telling created an environment where our hearts yearned for our Father.  We cried, laughed and then celebrated in the great work of Yeshua.  Thank you, my friend, for coming to our house of worship and sharing your life and talents with us. You are always welcome."

They have another week of ministry scheduled before Jonathan flies home again.  

Jonathan in Hawaii, 2013

The above picture is of the Flags of the Nations, YWAM in Kona, Hawaii. Jonathan just returned from a few days visit.  He travelled there on the 3rd of January to accompany his second son, Jesse to the University of the Nations.  He also spent a few days ministering to the beautiful Hawaiian people while he had the opportunity to be there.  He ministered at an evening service at Hilo Missionary Church on the 4th and and at Kalapana, an Indigenous Hawaiian community on the following evening.  At Kalapana, he shared a vision of hope and love to the people through new songs that he had written since the last time he was there.  After he finished playing, a group of Hawaiian people began to play in response.  They played some really beautiful songs and several of the ladies danced.  The culture is rich.

Jonathan had a great time over the few days he was there meeting leaders and building new friendships.  Just before he left the island, he ministered for the first year students at the University of the Nations where Jesse is studying.  It was a powerful time.  These students had never heard worship First Nations style!  Jonathan also shared from his heart with the main topic being forgiveness. Some deep offences were broken.  Jonathan felt that it was an honour to be there, to be able to share his gifts and to be a part of YWAM, Kona.  It is so exciting to see so many young people eager to learn how to be world-changers.

Jonathan is hoping to travel back to Hawaii with the whole Broken Walls team in the near future.

Poster for Fundraiser

Fundraiser for Linda Maracle, widow of Rev. Ross Maracle

     Jonathan, who has recently returned from a tour of Arizona and California, will be the featured performer at a fundraising benefit concert in the Toronto area to help his sister-in-law, Linda after the tragic loss of her husband and Jonathan's brother, Ross.  Jonathan will be performing songs from his upcoming solo album (on social justice) to be released in 2013, as well as songs from Broken Walls his full time band.

     Please come out and enjoy the evening.  There will be native food and crafts for sale, and a silent auction.   This event will be at Bayview Glen Missionary Alliance Church, 300 Steeles Avenue East, Thornhill from 6:00pm to 8:30pm.

Jonathan recently returned from a speaking engagement at the True North Conference  hosted by Redleaf Ministries in Kelowna, BC.  His son, David accompanied him. It was a powerful time.  He made many new friends and rekindled old relationships.  People were truly on board as he shared about building relationships and understanding our First Nations people.  Some really wonderful words were spoken over both David and Jonathan and they are looking forward to what the future holds.

Tomorrow, the members of Broken Walls are flying to California for a few days working among the young people of California and Arizona.  We look forward to a good report of their time there.

Broken Walls has dates available during the months of December, January and February.  If you would like them to come to your area, please contact the office at office@brokenwalls.com to make arrangements.  We would love to hear from you.

Broken Walls at LifeLight, Worthing, SD

     On Labour Day Weekend, Broken Walls had an amazing time at LifeLight for the second year in a row.  This free-admission Christian music festival has attendance of up to 300,000 people and Broken Walls was blessed to be asked to return for this year.  They played on both the Main Stage and the Triple Shot Cafe which is a joy and a privilege since most artists don't get to play twice during one weekend.  Dancers were able to join them from Virginia, Pine Ridge and Oklahoma.  It was a great time of dancing and message in song.  The dancers got the people up to join them and there were many great comments.  There were many who really loved the worship.

     The next day, Broken Walls ministered at an event at McKennan Park in Sioux Falls.  This event was to bring awareness of the many services within the community to help with the many needs of those who are struggling both spiritually and financially.  There was a great turnout and many joined in the dancing.  To read a newspaper article concerning this event, go to http://m.argusleader.com/voices/article?a=2012309040013&f=710

     Broken Walls will finish up the tour in Wagner and White Clay / Pine Ridge reservation with school assemblies and more community concerts.  We look forward to a wonderful report concerning all of these events and we hope that there is a great turnout.