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December 12, 2012

Artist Spotlight: Paul Klein

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December 12, 2012

Yesterday our friend Paul Klein released his latest single "I'll be Home for Christmas" on iTunes. To download this or other songs by Paul CLICK HERE. We recently caught up with Paul to discuss music, dreams, and life:

Q: Tell us about your last release: In addition to this Christmas single, I released a worship record titled "Heart and Soul" on iTunes September 25th of this year. I started writing for the project in January and went into the studio in May.

Q: Where do you find your inspiration? I find inspiration in almost everything. But, I try not to stop at just being inspired. Once something inspires me, I HAVE to figure out what it is specifically about that certain song, photograph, or moment in time that triggers that inspiration. If I can answer that question and then transfer that information into my own art, I can [hopefully] pass on that inspiration to someone else.

Q: What advice would you give someone who is aspiring to step out and follow their dreams? Start! If starting isn't the hardest part, then staying the course is. Your dreams are going to lead you down a path of inevitable discouragement, doubt, and frustration. You will finally come face to face with the defining question - "how bad do I want it?" Your answer to that question correlates directly to the fulfillment of your dreams.

Q: What has been the most challenging part of pursuing a career in music? As an independent artist, the main challenge I am [currently] facing is getting my music heard by people outside my circle of personal friendship/relationship. But, before exposure, the challenge was, and is still, the quality of my songwriting and production - a challenge that I look forward to embracing for as long as I live. And, after exposure, it will be financial sustainability. The challenges are never ending.

Q: What do you do to press on during challenging times? During challenging times, I think it's natural [although not beneficial] to look at the "success" others are having and begin to compare yourself to them. Don't do that! I can't think of anything more unproductive. You have 24 hours every day to become a better YOU. Tomorrow, your goal is to be better than you are today.

Q: If you were to describe "your dreams coming true" what would it look like? I want to play music around the world with my best friends. I can't think of anything better than doing what I love, with the ones I love, for the One I love. That's cheesy, but it's seriously all I want.

Q: What would be your "Dream Collaboration"? I'd love to write a song with Marty Sampson. I don't know if this counts as a "collaboration," but I'd love to have a 10 minute conversation with John Mayer.

Q: What do you use as creative stimuli? Being active outdoors does wonders for my creativity and productivity.

Q: Any recommended reads? I really need to read more. "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon is an excellent book.

Q: What band is currently most played on your iPod? Paper Route's most recent record "The Peace of Wild Things" is mint.

Q: Most treasured possession? Sadly, my laptop is really, really valuable to me. Every idea of mine is stored somewhere on that hard drive.

Q: Is there a scripture you would leave with readers to encourage them? James 1:2-4 seems to be quite relevant to our topic of discussion. "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."

Connect with Paul twitter and instagram name: @pauljasonklein facebook music page: www.facebook.com/paulkleinmusic website: www.paulkleinmusic.com

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December 11, 2012

ARTICLES & INSPIRATION

Alumni Spotlight: Jonathan Adams

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December 11, 2012

ARTICLES & INSPIRATION

Check out this week’s edition of Alumni Spotlight, where we catch up with previous interns and staff to see what they’ve been up to. This week we talk with children's minister Jonathan Adams (or as our son affectionately refers to him: Big Jon). Jonathan interned with Go for two years graduating the program in 2011. In 2012 he joined us on staff working in our missions department. Jonathan is one of the most passionate people we know and he is an inspiration to many! We thought it appropriate to make this post today as he celebrates his birthday.

Tell us about what your life looks like right now? Right now i am the Children's minister at Kirk of the Hills in Tulsa, Ok. Loving every moment of it. Im also still doing multiple short term missions trips every year.

Where was your last international adventure? Mongolia

Tell us about what you did there? Had the opportunity to do large VBS's for provinces in the Dornigobi Dessert and various other evangelism projects.

What was the most challenging part of your adventure? Not being around my friends that i have traveled the world with for over 3 years.

What was the most impactful moment of your trip? Seeing hundreds of kids coming to Christ.

What’s the one thing you wish you had brought with you on the trip? SHORTS! I was told it was going to be freezing, so i didnt even think to bring any shorts, and when we got to the dessert it got pretty warm during the day. haha

How did you raise the money for your trip? I was blessed! The church paid for me. So thankful for that.

What advice would you give to someone who is wanting to take a step towards their dreams? Stay passionate at what you love, because when you have passion you have purpose and where there is purpose there is always achievement. Stay humbled by the gift's God has given you and use them to serve his kingdom.

What countries have you visited? Jamaica, Panama 3 times, El Salvador, Haiti 2 times, Cambodia 2 times, Thailand, Hong Kong, Seoul Korea, Mongolia, South Africa

What do you love most about traveling? Experiencing the uncertain, the unknown territory.

Do you have a favorite country? If so, what is it that you like about it? Hard to ever say a favorite but i do have a big heart for Haiti. There is just so much need there, and i just have such a desire to bring hope to that nation, that they will rise again.

Do you have a current project or adventure on the horizon? If so what is it? Yes i am planning a outreach in Haiti with Victory Compassion and other strong leaders in the Tulsa area to hopefully pull off a massive crusade type ministry for children/adults in July of 2013.

What’s the most important life lesson you’ve learned since leaving Go? That nothing is impossible. Always be willing to learn and improve. Stretch yourself beyond comfort, to be the change that you want to see in the world.

Where do you find your inspiration? Through God's Love, Grace, Mercy, Compassion, and Favor that he has given us all.

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November 15, 2012

ARTICLES & INSPIRATION

Then & Now: Lauren Palomares

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November 15, 2012

ARTICLES & INSPIRATION

We are pleased to introduce a new blog series on Go International.tv called Then & Now. In each edition of Then & Now we will hear directly from alumni of the Go Internship to learn how they have taken their experience at Go and applied it in their current life. In this first edition it is only appropriate that we start with our very first intern, Lauren Palomares.

Lauren began interning at Go long before she was Mrs. Palomares, in fact she was a 17 year old high school senior who interned with us before we even had an official program. She would go on to become a Go Intern, Go Apprentice, and eventually worked on staff with us for three years as the director of short term missions. It has been our honor to watch her grow over the years, and we have truly enjoyed our many adventures together around the globe!

Then & Now: Life Lessons From Go Internship by Lauren Palomares

The five years I spent at Go International were some of the most fun and impactful of my life. During my time there, I spent two years as an intern and three as a staff member coordinating the summer mission trips. It was a completely unforgettable experience and I am often amazed at all that I learned and was able to be a part of while I was there.

Last October, I moved to Orlando to marry the love of my life and start our journey in a new city. Since being here, I’ve taken a job at Marilyn Monroe Spas, a start up company that plans to launch new spa concepts in the USA as well as internationally. The company was started by a couple of well known names in business, and to be honest, I was a little unsure of where I would find my place in it. I didn’t have any training in spas specifically, other than of course the occasional pampering!

As I began my journey in this new job, I realized that my training at Go International did not only equip me with the skills to plan mission trips, but also how to start things in general. Sitting in our preliminary meetings around the boardroom table with executives much older than myself, I felt totally comfortable and couldn’t help but think “This reminds me so much of Go!” I am amazed at how many professional skills I developed by being a part of the organization. While working at Go I learned graphic design, computer programs, creative thinking, and what it takes to coordinate and complete a project. I daily apply these skills along with the life experiences I gained during my time at Go International to my new job. Since starting at Marilyn Monroe Spas in May, I’ve found my niche working with our design team to create the look and feel of the spas, as well as being a part of the marketing and brainstorming meetings.

I am very thankful that Greg and Christa spent so much time teaching me one-on-one while allowing me to manage projects and learn from experience. They truly empowered and equipped me to do anything I set my mind to. One of my favorite quotes that Greg always said was “The difference between people who do big things in life and those who don’t is that they actually go out and do them.” This has always challenged me to not settle for mediocrity, but to be intentional about chasing and achieving my dreams.

Be sure to check out the fashion blog by Go Alumni, Lauren Palomares and Lindsey Clark, at coasttocoastchallenge.wordpress.com