When I was younger growing up in church, I would hear people share their testimony on stage. They would start off by sharing how they were in the world, some would say they did drugs or alcohol or other sinful things they were involved in and how Jesus saved and delivered them. I thought that was really powerful and it is. However, for me growing up in the church and not being the world, I thought “what kind of testimony would I have, I don’t think I would have a testimony.”
One day I told my dad that I wouldn’t have a testimony because I’ve never done anything like that or gone out into the world. But I remember what he said to me that was so impactful. My dad told me that the greatest testimony is when someone doesn’t go out into the world and wilds out but stays in the church and lives passionately for the Lord. That’s what I have tried to live for is staying in the church living passionately for the Lord. That will be my testimony!
As a Pastors’ kid, I’ve heard a lot of statistics stating that PK’s can be the worse kids in the church or they aren’t serving the Lord. I can understand the pressures or how the enemy can attack the pastors’ family. However, I have decided to dismiss that lie and stay in church and serve God with my whole life.
One of my favorite scriptures is Psalms 27:4 “One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.” Honestly I really appreciate my father for sharing that with me about my testimony, it gave me such a new perspective on life and how I should live mine. My father has always helped me, encouraged me, and supported me in all aspects of my life. He is the one that has given me the opportunity to do ministry and use my gifts and talents for the Lord.
Since the age of 12 I have been swimming in ministry. I was given the opportunity to have my own Children’s Christian TV Show, minister to children in our Outreach Ministry, and have had the opportunity to do music and release an album that I helped produce. Through all of this I have had to keep my relationship with Jesus strong. For me, music is such a big part of my life and it definitely reflects in my relationship with Christ. I will not sell my gift and talents that God gave to me the world!
I love to take time and really worship Jesus with passion and zeal. This is something that I really want my generation to grab a hold of is to have a heart of worship towards the Lord. I just released an album titled “Overflow” and while writing it I really tried to capture the spirit of worship in all the songs and in every genre.
The entire album was about encouraging young people to let praise and worship overflow out of them. In Psalms 119:171-175 (NIV) 171 May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. 172 May my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commands are righteous. 173 May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. 174 I long for your salvation, Lord, and your law gives me delight. 175 Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me”, this is the scripture that the album was based off of.
Since I’ve been producing albums, all my music is free to download and I give away free CD’s so my generation will have every opportunity to hear my music, be ministered to by music so they can live out-loud for Jesus!
I encourage my generation to live out-loud for Jesus and not be ashamed. I believe that God has called me to be a voice to my generation to speak out and be bold about His message. I believe it’s time for young people to turn their hearts from the world and to go before God on bended knees and worship Him with their whole heart, soul, mind, and body. Now is the time for my generation to overflow!
Madison Reyes is 17 years old and has grown up in the church under her parents Luis and Tricia Reyes, Senior Pastors of The New Church Of Joy in Waukegan, IL. Madison ministers through her TV Show “The Maddie Rey Show” and produces Music Albums under “Maddie Rey”. Her music is available at www.maddierey.com and Reverbnation. All of her music is free to download. Madison travels around the Nation being a voice to the younger generation through her music and ministry.