Moving from Connecticut to New York, I noticed something right away: there wasn’t much Christian music in the area. That began to change when Pastor Patty introduced me to Trevor Finley. He and his band came to play at our church a couple of times, and through those visits, we started talking about music and what could be possible in the North Country.
One day, Trevor asked if I knew anyone who might be willing to come up and share their music. I immediately thought of someone from the Danbury Coffee House, Dave Pettigrew. He stood out to me as someone who would truly fit and connect with people here. But I wondered. Would he even want to come?
Then I realized, I already knew the answer would be no if I didn’t ask.
So I reached out.
To my surprise, Dave said yes.
At that time, Dave was in a season of transition, preparing to leave his job and step fully into music ministry. Not only did he come once, but he also kept coming back. Through his willingness and heart for worship, something began to grow in the North Country.
That growth eventually became Up North Worship, led by Trevor Finley, a vision that had been on his heart. And Dave played a meaningful role in helping build and shape what it has become today.
From there, I moved to Florida a couple of years ago with a desire in my heart to continue this same kind of ministry. I had seen God’s hand so clearly through it, especially at camp, and I knew this wasn’t something to leave behind.
When I arrived, Vero Beach Alliance Church welcomed this vision with open arms. It was such a confirmation that God was still moving and opening doors.
Then something amazing happened.
To my surprise, Dave Pettigrew is now coming here too. The connections that were once just introductions have now become friendships, and those friends are coming alongside as well. What started as a simple step of faith has continued to grow, and it’s been such a huge blessing to witness.
One day, while planning an event here in the complex, I met Yvonne.
That’s when Yvonne Mason came into the picture.
With her deep love for veterans, she was putting together a special event to honor them. Dave Pettigrew was coming to play, including a powerful full version of “There Is Hope.” Matthew Jones was also preparing to sing a special song for the veterans.
I had made copies of that song to drop off with Yvonne, and that simple moment turned into something much bigger.
That day, we began talking, really talking. Sharing life, stories, and the things God had been doing. She asked me if I journaled, and then asked if she could see some of my writing. So I shared.
After reading it, she looked at me and said something I wasn’t expecting:“You need to share this.” “What are you waiting for?”
Then she said, “Do you know what I do for a living? I’m a publisher, and you need to give this to me. It’s ready.”
I wasn’t so sure.
But with a little ok lot of, pushing and pulling (and a lot of encouragement 😊) Yvonne convinced me to step forward. And as I did, something incredible happened: people began connecting with the words. Lives were being touched in a positive way.
And in those moments, God met me even more.
Many times at 3 a.m., I would wake up with words on my heart that needed to be written down. So much of the inspiration came through devotionals and studies, including ones by Dave Pettigrew, who graciously gave me permission to build from them and share forward.
What started as journaling became something more. Something God was clearly breathing on.
And now, this year, I’ve been invited back to be part of Up North Worship, not just attending, but with a table to share what God has done.
What’s so incredible is how this is all coming full circle this year.
As Firm Foundations and Faithful Bridges is being released, the very place that helped shape so much of this journey, the camp, is facing ice jams and rising waters, damaging parts of the grounds.
But even in that, there’s something deeper God is showing.
The foundations were never in the buildings…
They were never in the camp itself.
The foundation has always been in God.
And while things around us may shake, shift, or even break, what is built on Him still stands.
This moment isn’t just a challenge, it’s a reminder.
A reminder that God is still faithful.
Still present.
Still building.
And maybe, just maybe, this is part of the story too.
Midnight Publishing 