Winds of Hope, Winds of Healing is a unique project of music and outreach with a goal of raising funds to benefit mental health, pastoral counseling services and professional chaplaincy in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast area in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The project has been initiated by several individuals and organizations whose talents, resources and connections have come together in remarkable ways. Collectively, the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA), Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have played an intricate part in the kick-off of Winds of Hope, Winds of Healing. Secular and corporate entities, individual churches and musicians from around the country, sound and recording professionals from Nashville, and well-known and new artists have joined together in this organic effort. The birth of this project continues to illustrate the power of many in an effort to raise substantial funds for storm-ravaged victims.
“Even after more than two and a half years survivors of Hurricane Katrina continue to live with uncertainty and enormous stress … children particularly continue to exhibit high stress levels and continued need for mental health services,” said Ken Thompson, M.D., medical director of the Center for Mental Health Services, a program of SAMHSA.
The Project
The project’s first phase is the creation of a promotional film developed by Michael Waldon, a Washington, D.C., area television producer. The film, in the form of a music video, will be released at the end of March 2008. It features segments of original music, footage and photography spotlighting life in the wake of Katrina. The promotional film can be downloaded on the project’s website, currently under construction. For any donation, the four narrative songs, recorded at East Iris Studios in Nashville, can be downloaded in their entirety. The film and original music promotes the awareness of the persistent mental health concerns in the Gulf region. With the launch of Winds of Hope, Winds of Healing there is an immediate opportunity to support ongoing mental health care efforts. Additionally, the promotional film kicks off a fundraiser for a CD of known and up-and-coming artists whose music tells the story of chaos to hope. All proceeds from the sale of this CD will go directly to the project’s recipients.
Winds of Hope, Winds of Healing is currently booking fundraising opportunities across the country, kicking off its tour at the RamsHead Live!, a large music and theater venue in Baltimore, Md. The Winds of Hope band will open for a contemporary music artist (TBA) in the 1,500-seat theater. The 30-minute performance is narrative set to music, explaining need, response and ways to help in the Winds of Hope, Winds of Healing. Later the group will perform at PHEWA’s reception at the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in June 2008. This gathering recognizes the outstanding ministries of justice throughout the PC(USA) and honors their outreach to and inclusion of marginalized communities. It is anticipated that similar fundraisers will continue nationwide through 2010.
“Those of us involved in Winds of Hope, Winds of Healing have felt privileged to be a part of this exciting and inspirational effort. There have consistently been such energy and enthusiasm from people who otherwise would not have had a reason to work together … a real combination of talent, hope and cooperation!” remarks the Rev. Douglas Ronsheim, executive director of AAPC and PASPM Leadership Team member. While the project expects to utilize local talent as it tours, the core group of musicians are invested because of personal and communal ties to the needs of the New Orleans/Gulf Coast area.
Musician and producer Chris Donohue rehearses in the studio. Photo courtesy of Winds of Hope, Winds of Healing.
“New Orleans was my beloved home for three years and to me the city will forever hold tremendous spiritual and creative significance. I was, therefore, honored to be a part of the Winds of Hope recording session. The wounds of our Gulf Coast are still open, and my desire is that this project will inspire listeners to seek out ways they themselves can participate in the region's healing and resurrection,” said musician/producer Chris Donohue.
Raising the Volume
Chris Roberts, from the group One Flew South, took time from preparation for the release of their first CD in the United Kingdom and the United States to be involved in the project’s Nashville recording.
Winds of Hope’s lead female vocalist, Tamara Batarseh, is the executive director of Love In A Big World, a Nashville-based program of music, education and intervention enabling school communities to promote strong character and inspire hope in children. Tamara has recorded two albums and performed live for thousands of kids. Her original song, “If I Cry,” was written for New Orleans’ children.
Singer Andrew Lincoln records vocal tracks in the studio. Photo courtesy of Winds of Hope, Winds of Healing.
Lead male vocalist Andrew Lincoln is a singer/songwriter and junior at Furman University. He has performed in community and professional theater in the Annapolis/Baltimore, Md., area and toured with Furman Singers and the Boston Pops. “Start Over” expresses the overwhelming struggle with hopelessness of the Katrina survivors who have had to begin life again.
“I think that God will always find ways to deliver hope and motivation to people. This is a promise that ensures our prosperity. However, in situations like this, it can seem almost impossible for people to find this kind of motivation and hope, and I think if anything can help to find it, it’s going to be music,” he says.
Singer/conductor Ben Moore, in referencing Psalm 9:11, says, “It is a command to sing God’s praises, and I believe that singing invokes God’s presence. Singing praises enables us to experience God.”
The Washington Post reported at the end of 2007 that 65 percent of New Orleans’ pre-Katrina inhabitants had returned to the area. Listening to “Displaced Americans,” written by Bobby McDowell of Florida’s BoCats, offers a window into the emotions of many who have still not been able to return to their homes.
Please Join Us
This project has been an experience of building community among strangers, the connectional church beyond the church. While thousands of mission projects across the country have provided efforts to rebuild communities and get people back into their homes, Winds of Hope, Winds of Healing is seeking to reconstruct spirit and hope in the lives of those who cannot find the help they need.
by the Rev. Nancy Lincoln-Reynolds, Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, Maryland
Order Tickets
Come and hear the original music being composed to raise awareness of the persistent mental health concerns in the Gulf Coast region. Winds of Hope, Winds of Healing will perform at the 218th General Assembly PHEWA Awards and Music Celebration from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. on June 23, 2008, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, California. Order tickets online or download a ticket order form. Tickets will also be available at the General Assembly registration area in San Jose.
Video
Watch this short video below, highlighting the work of Winds of Hope, Winds of Healing.
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Tickets will also be available at the General Assembly registration area in San Jose.
