EXCLUSIVE: WITH MICHAEL W. SMITH
US based contemporary Christian musician and award winning artiste, Michael W. Smith’s five nation tour kick started in Colombo on Friday, 22nd of February at 6.30 p.m. at the Havelock Sports Club Grounds. Arriving here on Thursday 21st, Smith spoke to Daily Mirror for an exclusive interview.
A most humble and inspiring artiste, his enthusiasm and friendliness are bound to infect those around him as well. Smith’s easy going and down-to-earth attitude make his success story and walk with God a joy to listen to. Here are snippets from the interview. 1. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PERFORMING TO THE SRI LANKAN AUDIENCE? AND ON UNDERTAKING THE TOUR TO THIS PART OF THE WORLD? It’s good to be in your country. I know I’m not here by mistake. I’m here to do more than a concert. I experience and help people experience God in a fresh way. I feel energized. I love performing outside America. It’s a very beautiful place and the people are nice. You get many offers like this to perform on a daily basis, and you pray through the daily offers. This travelling around the world in 10 days is very special in my life. I deserved death but I got life. In the last 10 years I’ve been experiencing lots of favours. I thought I’ll take up the opportunity and travel. I am fortunate to be alive. I got a rescue. I am really thankful to be here. Maybe because I thought I’ll never get invited to this part of the world. Little do you imagine that every single person in every single corner has heard about you!
2. WAS THERE ANY PARTICULAR REASON/S BEHIND THE SONG SELECTION?
Everybody is a believer in this band. We love to play and proclaim the goodness of God. We do have a song list, but we do not stick to it and that’s the whole beauty of this band.
3. AS A CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSICIAN, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE LOCAL AND GLOBAL GOSPEL MUSIC SCENARIO MOVING SWIFTLY INTO THE CONTEMPORARY STYLE?
I think it’s great but it’s not for everybody. Some people are very traditional. And I don’t want to change that, I respect that. Then there are young people who just want to let it out, who tend to express everything. What all of us do ultimately is express our faith through music.
4. WHAT KIND OF A RECEPTION OR IMPACT ARE YOU EXPECTING FROM TOMORROW’S WORSHIP SESSION? WHAT IS YOUR PRAYER FOR TOMORROW EVENING? (WE ASKED HIM BEFORE THE SHOW!)
There is going to be an expected 3000+ audience tomorrow. I pray that we can have an experience tomorrow. One like we’ve never had before. An experience with God. I know that there will be people in the audience who have been oppressed, abused, lots of hurting people. And I am praying that it will all be healed. My prayer is that we can serve unto the nations. If my session can bring a revival that will be great! When you love God, you see God move in powerful ways. It’s not just about me.