Hello Friends,
Sorry for the delay in getting this brief statement out. As we say around the nb camp, “I’ve been flat out like a lizard drinking.” It’s been a busy time helping the lads with this transition, while at the same time finishing up the recording and mixing of the new CD in order to make the May 5th release date.
As you know, I have come to a decision that it is time to stop. I want to thank you for your prayers and encouragement! We have had many people write and call asking about my well-being. Thank you for your concern! I am happy to let you know that I am not dying of some sickness or disease, nor am I in some sort of moral or spiritual crisis (Glory To God!). There has been no band bust-up or punch-out! All is well! (Although now that I think of it, I did accidentally render Duncan unconscious one time in a play fight minutes before a concert!).
For me, the decision is that after traveling many thousands of miles across land and sea for over 22 years, along with needing to constantly keep writing and reach production deadlines–let alone feed my dog, It was time for something to give, and my booking agent and his GPS drew the short straw!
What are my plans you ask? Well, at the moment, they are to encourage the lads in this here “passing of the baton” to Michael, as well as to continue songwriting, and most importantly, for Summer and I to continue doing what we are all called to do–that is reach the people that come across our path with the Love and Spirit of Jesus.
I want to thank YOU! For you have always welcomed me, from the early days of criss-crossing the USA in a beat-up, old dodge van, to traveling in trains, planes, ferries, ships, (and of course the occasional motorbike) into some of the most amazing places on this planet! Let me think: Morocco, Israel, Asia, UK, Europe, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Russia and Uganda just to name a few. Seeing your faces and hearing you sing has blessed me. Again, many thanks!
Now, I need to ask you a favor. Please do the same for my friend, Michael Tait. Welcome him. Michael is a statesman in our industry, and he is who I have picked to carry on what I started as a teenager.
newsboys is more than a band to me. It is a group of people: men and women, husbands and wives, sons and daughters pooling together their gifts and talents, making many sacrifices, and believing that together we are all making a difference in telling the good news of the saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ to our generation. I am happy to say that this has not changed.
I will continue on with the band as friend, songwriter, cheerleader, and prayer partner.
Please enjoy the new CD, In The Hands of God. We poured our souls into it. I sang at the top of my lungs! It is for you!
Love and Peace,
Peter Furler
March 2009
