Songwriting review from industry professionals at Mt. Hermon August, 2008
Joy Williams, Reggie Coats, Mia Fields (songwriter for Hillsong), etc...
"So Amazed" by Denise Bridges & Tina Parrott.
"Two of the singer songwriters that I love are Rita Springer and Laura Woodley-and this song reminds me so much of them. It's a great balance of embracing some structure, whilst not losing the prophetic edge and keeping a kind of spontaneous song feel about it. I like that it stays true to the theme lyrically. Well done."
CHILD OF MERCY NOMINATED FOR "Artist of the year"
Keith Mohr/Founder of Indieheaven
Momentum Awards
San Jose, CA January 3, 2008 – IndieHeaven.com, the leading organization supporting Independent artists in Christian music, is pleased to announce that Child of Mercy has been nominated as “Artist of the year" in the 3rd annual "Momentum Awards". This prestigious award will be handed out at the upcoming IndieHeaven CIA Summit2008 conference March 29, 2008.
“The music and writing style of Indieheaven artist Child of Mercy has proven to be something that moves people with lyrics and themes that cut right to the heart." As contemporary Christian artists they are passionate about revealing God’s love and mercy through music and testimony.
ISC International Songwriting Competition
Dear Denise,
We are pleased to inform you that the song "You Are," entered into the Gospel/Christian category, has advanced to the next round of judging for the 2006 International Songwriting Competition. Please read all of the information below thoroughly.
Congratulations on this achievement. With over 14,000 songs entered into ISC 2006, making it this far along in the competition is a great accomplishment and a testament to your songwriting talent. This is the only round of judging before the semi-finals.
Best wishes for a healthy and successful New Year.
"You Are" SONG OF THE YEAR MONTHLY FINALIST
King Cat Music Songwriting Contest
Congratulations Child of Mercy! Your song titled "You Are" has now made it to the first round of the top five songs for the month of December of the 2007 King Cat Music Songwriting Contest! Your family and friends can vote for your song by going to www.kingcatmusic.com., click on
"Vote Here", then click on "December" and follow the instructions. They have until February 14th, 2008 to vote. Hope the best for your song!
God bless,
Carolyn Bolinger
King Cat Music Songwriter Coordinator
Quickstar Productions
Brenden Bosmans
Hi,
I heard you song, "Narrow Road" and I am very impressed with it. We are currently working on a benefit compilation CD titled “United By Grace”. It will feature like sounding Christian artists from the Maryland scene. I believe that your song would be a perfect fit on this project and I would be honored to have you take part.
Brenden Bosmans
Quickstar Productions
www.quickstarproduction.com
Roo Records
Daniel James/National Recording Artist "Music to live by" compilation Cd
Hey guys
Loved it!! Thanks for submitting, we are honored to have you be a part of the project!
|
Dave Matas/Single Adult Ministries at Cornerstone Fellowship, Livermore Ca. January 14, 2011
I just have to say, you will be blessed beyond measure and your church, ministry, group will be changed when you have Child Of Mercy share and play for you. They are the face of Jesus! Youth groups will be rocked by them, churches will worship!
Pastor Ron Scadina/SCR Television/Outreach Pastor, June 2010
Dear Fellow Pastor, Santa Cruz County has been impacted by Denise Bridges and her heart and gratitude for Jesus.
In the last year, Denise and her worship team have partnered with Santa Cruz Revival. Denise participated with passion as we hosted several outdoor evangelistic crusades in Capitola on Resurrection Sunday and Father's day.
Her team has also been featured on our weekly TV show where she shared from her heart the saving grace and mercy of our Lord and savior,Jesus Christ, and the direct impact He has had in rescuing and reshaping her life.
As a Pastor, who has led 17 outdoor concert/crusades in the last three years, I can say her transformed life, her open and transparent story have touched the lost and motivated many to turn to Jesus for healing.(The GREAT Physician)
In His service,
Ron Scadina/Senior Pastor of Santa Cruz Revival 408-672-4742
Steve Jones/Worship Pastor of Los Gatos Christian Church July 19, 2007
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Steve Jones, and I am the Pastor of Worship and Creative Arts at Los Gatos Christian Church in Los Gatos, California. I am responsible for the music at LGCC, and I give direction or oversight to many choirs and small groups, including Child of Mercy.
My purpose in writing is to recommend Child of Mercy and its leader, Denise Bridges, for future recordings and ministry performances outside LGCC.
I’ve observed this group in many settings:
--Presenting original material in Sunday services;
--Leading worship at Celebrate Recovery and at LGCC;
--Doing evangelistic concerts at the County Fair and other venues;
--And rehearsing and recording a custom album.
And I can attest that they have been very effective in each of these situations. Response to Child of Mercy’s music has been extremely positive—for these reasons:
1. Denise, along with the group, has a deep burden for the lost, born out of her own experiences as a long-time seeker. She displays this burden through her ongoing ministry to our youth drama group, Sword, as well as her writing for Child of Mercy. Her commitment for evangelism is obvious in her original scripts as well as her song lyrics.
2. Child of Mercy is committed to ministry rather than performance. Their Mission Statement makes it clear that the group seeks to deliver a life-changing message, not to give performances…to lead its listeners into revival, not to entertain.
3. The songs of Child of Mercy are appealing and marketable. People of all ages enjoy the songs written by Denise and the group, featuring tuneful melodies and honest, heartfelt lyrics.
4. The sound of Child of Mercy is fresh, yet comfortable. This group doesn’t sound like a knock-off of any other band, yet Denise’s vocals and Tim’s guitar lines and energetic arrangements have a ring of familiarity about them.
In my opinion, Child of Mercy deserves success in ministry because their attitudes are right and their motives pure. And they deserve commercial success because of their talent and willingness to work hard at their craft.
I urge you to consider Child of Mercy for recordings, concerts, and worship leading opportunities. I would be happy to give further information on request. Thank you.
Steve Jones, Pastor of Worship and Creative Arts
16845 Hicks Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032
|
Scott Burgess/R&R at Peninsula Bible Church 2009
I had the pleasure of watching you yesterday @ the PBC church in Palo Alto. I've been struggling w/addictions for over 30 years, this last year though the worst. Your song broken pieces and your prayer after that song truly moved me, darn near enough to tears that I had to leave shortly after so as not to embarrass myself...Thank You, you've moved what I had surly thought was a dead soul...perhaps there is hope for me, now. Warmest Regards, Scott
Joseph D Hinol/NEW LIFE CHURCH in Alamo 2010
This is from the father of the young woman I introduced to Denise after CR tonight. Thank you all for coming to New Life Church in Alamo. Last night my wife and I stayed up until 5am this morning. Our Daughter had run away from home and had finally come back. We were a family in serious crisis and I was wondering if Jesus still loved my family as it seemed we had lost our connection to our daughter and my wife is a firm Believer in Jesus Christ. ...Why would Jesus allow this to happen? When Denise gave her testimony, I really felt like Jesus wanted me to get her and my daughter connected. What a blessing! Not only was God able to use Denise to minister to my daughter, but also gave our daughter a friend, a positive influence in her life that knows how to relate to our daughter and share Gods love with her. The people in this band ARE THE REAL DEAL! They really are ministers first and great musicians second. May Jesus REALLY BLESS YOU ALL SO MUCH!! Jesus was right on time when he sent Child of Mercy to Alamo tonight. THANK YOU THANK YOU THAK YOU for being willing vessels allowing the Holy Spirit to use you. I know my family has a lot of hard work and healing ahead, but tonight my beautiful daughter is sleeping in her own bed. THANK YOU JESUS FOR ANSWERING OUR PRAYERS.
Dave Hopkins (Pastor of Shoreline Community Church, Monterey)
Thank you guys (child of mercy) for your outstanding worship this evening! and most of all thank you for your truly transparent inspiring testimony of hope. I will be praying for your Lovely family, your powerful ministry and I look forward to crossing paths again soon!
Joey Coray, Worship Pastor Crossroads Bible Church
Hey Denise... It was really good to have you! We’ve had a few people come in a lead worship that kinda left a celebrity taste in our mouth, but you all were so humble and down to earth. It was a breath of fresh air to have such real people come in and minister. It was great getting to know you all. I look forward to having you back. Thanks, Joey = )
Douglas Campbell/Pastor of Recovery at New Song Church Church, Oceanside, Ca.
It was awesome to have you guys sing in our Celebrate Recovery Night. Everyone enjoyed the music and your awesome testimony. You inspired us. God is so great. He is going to use you guys in a mighty way to reach out more people to know God. We look forward in having you guys again. I pray that God will stretch you more in having Faith in Him. God bless you and your ministry.
Angie Noel Machen/Community Alliance church Richmond, Ca.
You know every year, I tend to focus on the numbers for our events. But what I forget is ….As long as one life is changed it is worth all the work and preparation. This year there was several lives changed!!
A big thank to you and your group! Love you Sister!!
John Todd/Venture Christian Church 2010
Denise, Russ and the rest of Child of Mercy: This was by far one of the best worship services at Venture for some time. Thanks for allowing the Lord to work through you to bless us.
Venture Christian Church/Los Gatos, Ca.
Enjoying some wonderful worship by Child of Mercy right now! :) Thanks guys!”
Heidi/Koinonia Koffeehouse 2008
"You and your band put on a really good performance last night. Pretty amazing...you seemed to be
having so much fun up there, happy and free. I would love to see you put out a single on "Broken Pieces", I'm sure it would touch a lot of real Christians who have been down that path. Yours and Bree's music/songs that are written from personal life experiences are powerful. Thank you for risking and sharing who you are.
David Maynard/Koinonia Koffeehouse 2008
I was so amazed last night listening to Child Of Mercy. I was very impressed and proud of Russell, he has taken his bass playing to the next level and has awesome tone. Russell still has his cool signature bass slides and has incorporated new cool riffs that fit the songs perfectly. Denise, you are a powerful soul that sings with intense passion that made alot of jaws drop with some of your original, sweet heavenly sounding melodies. I loved all your melodies but my favorite was the melodies you did in the duet, lay your hands on me. Anyone that see's Child Of Mercy will not be disappointed. The songs would fit perfectly while watching a video of the sun rising, water falls, Mountains covered with snow and all of Gods creations. It was great how you and Russell spent time with everyone before and after the show and were so nice to everyone.
Kevin Dattolico/Family Community Church
I bought your CD about a month ago at the FCC Recovery Night and I think the music is fabulous! I enjoy it more and more each time I play it! I thank the lord for such awesome Christian music groups such as yours! Thank you all for lifting me up with your joyful songs of praise and worship to our Lord and Savior Jesus.
Stefany Amber Nordin/Family Community Church
Great job last night! You were on fire!! It was some of the best I've heard from you!!! Your music truly touched me last night. you have truly been given such a gift from God.
Allion Mansfield
You and your band were awesome! looking forward to Spirit west coast and thanks for the testimony touching and God Bless!!!
Rick Simek/Crossroads Bible Church
Truly tremendous time last Friday! Between the music and your truly tragic, yet hope-filled, testimony; God truly WAS glorified! Thanks again for coming.
Yasha Truxton
Hey Denise, I’m listing to your cd right now, so far I love it, your songs are amazing!
God bless!
Linda M Bernal/Susanville, Ca.
Your song Broken Pieces so touched my heart!! Our God is so good to us!! and you are one of his blessings! God Bless you, Linda {Susanville Celebrate Recovery}Thank you!
Barbara Beilin-Rhoads/Susanville, Ca.
Denise was AWESOME last night~ excited my daughter gets to hear her testimony today!”
Mary Olds
Your band is awesome I love what you stand for!!!!
Rachel Laughton
Denise!!!! Your interview was amazing! You were so elegant and natural. I loved "seeing" your heart and hearing your testimony of what God has done in your life. I'm SO SO SO proud of you sister. It's GOD's testimony....He will do it all through your willing heart. You are the real thing! I love you.
Chay Travis Leonardo
woooooo hoooooooo sweet story! congrats and it’s great to see your hard work is being shown around the world! You are letting God do amazing things in your life and it’s so cool to see.”
David Maynard
Wow! Powerful! You’re probably the most passionate person I ever met in my life. It’s manifested in your music, testimony, the love you have for Jesus, family, friends, etc.. Congrats for finding your calling and excelling at it.
Judy Birmingham
Denise, it was wonderful to hear your story. I had not heard it before. God Bless you for having the courage to tell so many people on TV.
Tiffany Cabrera/Venture Christian Church
Hey Denise and crew. What a blessing to have u guys lead our worship at Venture last weekend. I guess I’m your newest fan. The kids enjoy your music too. What an amazing story you have. More of us need to "let it go" and let God work in our lives. Thank you for sharing your gift. Much love.
Suzanne Lorente
Hi Denise, I'm so proud of you! What a wonderful video on CBN. You have such a great story to tell, and you have done it so well. God bless you!
Megan Reedy Viskovich/Venture Christian Church, Los Gatos, Ca.
Wow!! You did an amazing job sharing your story Denise. So transparent and so moving - LOVED it!!!!
Doug Wilmerton/City Team San Jose, Ca.
Saw you guys at CityTeam last night, Awesome!!! Denise thank you for that amazing testimony. Very powerful how God has worked and continues to work in your life.
Thanks!
Chris Gillooly/Cd review
Band has great chemistry! A friend of mine purchased this cd for me and I'm glad she did. I found the songs on this cd inspirational and the band blends beautifully with each other. Hopefully, I'll get to see them live! An overall wonderful cd and if you need an emotional lift buy it! Next best thing from going to church.
Leilani Orate/Cd review
Simply put? AMAZING!! When I first got the CD, I anxiously ripped the plastic cover off and popped it in my CD player. The first song, "You Are" is a wonderfully upbeat song with catchy lyrics and it compels you to tap your feet to its beat. My favorite, "Narrow Road", is haunting and brought back memories of the struggles of my life and moved me to tears. This CD is AMAZING and INSPIRATIONAL. I have already bought several CD's to ship off to my friends. THis CD has made me BELIEVE again.
|
