Lauren Sweeney sings at Liberty University
This past year, Lauren Sweeney, a Liberty University student with a heart for the persecuted connected with me. This sweet sister in Christ relayed her support for the work VOP is doing and felt it was a necessary ministry. Lauren shared that Christians needed to know what their brothers and sisters are going through around the world. She also expressed how they needed to gather together and pray for the persecuted.
Lauren was able to hear Naghmeh Abedini, Pastor Saeed’s wife speak and share Saeed’s story at Liberty in a convocation service. Lauren told me that it touched the hearts of so many students that day. And now she continues to do what she can to raise awareness of the crisis through social media.
I was encouraged hearing how our young people are concerned and will raise their VOICE for the persecuted. That they will cause hearts to care, stir others to action and most importantly—encourage prayer for our persecuted family.
I have prayed for Lauren. That the Lord will give her vision of the purposes He has for her, that she excels in her walk with the Lord, and that many will be touched by His Light that they see reflecting from her. I’m happy to say these prayers are being answered. Lauren is a special young lady, God’s girl. And He has given her a special talent as a worship leader, the gift of music and a beautiful voice!
Lauren met Kyle Smith at Liberty University in 2011. Both having hearts for worship and music, they began writing together almost immediately. Seeing others come to know the Lord through music, the songs began to come as they wrote together. And they realized they had something special together.
Kyle and Lauren
They have been blessed by the opportunity to lead worship on Campus Band at Liberty University. On this team, they help lead worship for the student body in convocation in front of 10,000+ students (3 times a week), as well as leading the Campus Church Service at Thomas Road Baptist Church in front of 3,000+ students once a week.
The two recently got engaged and have plans to get married in 2015.
“We are very excited about a lifetime of ministry together and cannot wait to take another step down that road!”
The first song they wrote together, ‘You Hold Me’ was featured on the latest Liberty Campus Band album.
“To even have the song on the album amazed us because it began just in a room with our voices and a piano, never thinking that anyone would ever hear it. We’ve had the opportunity to watch the Lord use that song in the last two years in ways we never imagined, and it only confirms in us that this is what we were created to do, to write songs for the body of Christ and lead others in worshiping Him.”
“With these positions, we’ve been able to witness all that God has been doing in the lives of so many students here on this campus.”
“We feel a calling to do this together. Through our relationship, we have prayed for many specific things about our ministry together, and feel that this is the next step for it!”
Their dream is to record an album of songs that God has laid on their hearts. And now they feel that God has finally brought the songs they’re supposed to share, and that He has brought the right people into their lives to be involved in this project. They‘ve grown a lot over the last few years. God has been preparing them to write and record their own music with hopes that it will help lead people to His throne.
Their biggest challenge— raising the funds for the project.
Raising money for an album is tough. It’s even tougher when you’re in college and planning for a wedding. We want to create something that speaks to people. We want something that creates an outlet for people to experience the life-changing love of our Savior. In order to do this we’re counting on our friends and loved one’s to help make it possible. God is providing us with opportunities to worship with people all along the east coast and we’d love to have a product that they can take home with them to share. More than anything, we covet your prayers for this project and our ministry. Prayer is powerful and we know that this can’t be successful without God’s provision.
They’ll be headed to Nashville, Tennessee to record about half of this project. The other half of the tracking will be done in Lynchburg, VA.
“Through our producers, we have access to some of the most talented musicians and the most reputable studios for tracking. We are so excited for the opportunity to work with some of these musicians. We want to strive for excellence. We want to glorify God with our efforts and we’re prepared to work tirelessly to create something that will be great. We would love to have your help!”
Their goal is to raise $7,500 which will cover the costs of the entire project. This will cover the needs to produce a 3 song EP. However, if they exceed their goal, they will be able to release more songs and add them to the EP.
“We have more songs that we want to share, but need the funds to make this happen!”
Voice of the Persecuted is happy to share in support of Lauren and Kyle’s mission to worship the Lord. Please consider helping this special couple with a God given talent to praise Him! May the Lord continue to bless and guide their path!
To learn more, support, or hear more music by Lauren’s band, follow the ‘Back This Project’ button below. And please feel free to SHARE this article in support!
By Lois Kanalos, Founder
VOICE OF THE PERSECUTED 