Email: Emmie Hix

My journey so far
Volume #1

It would be a lie to say that things here have not been, well, different than what I am used to. And yet, none of this feels strange or out of place. On the contrary, I feel very much at home.

I live with five wonderful young adults. Although we are all learning, of course, we seem to have a grip on our faith, and it’s really great for me to be with so many people that have taken the step to put God first in their life. Learning to live with six people in a three-bedroom house is an adventure! It is a fun one though, so I’m happy to be a part of it.

I get to do a lot of the cooking for the house, which I love, but if I chose not to cook dinner one evening, someone else steps up—or we use the copious amounts of leftovers that fill our refrigerator.

My work is going quite well. I am, in many ways, the staff person for Miami Music Ministries, and yes, I meant it when I said “the” staff person. My boss, Richard, is the boss. But Richard does not take a salary. His work is done without pay. MMM (as we affectionately refer to the music ministry) is a non-profit organization that functions by grants, donations, offering from churches, and the very minimal profit we receive from playing gigs. Richard loves what he does so much that he does it without pay. Richard has enough saved up from when he worked in the big-music industry (he has won two grammys!) that he is really able to focus his life on where God is calling him. He is truly a man of God and a wonderful influence for me. I am encouraged by how he attempts to only move where God leads, and not where he himself wants to go.

I play a few different roles at MMM. My main title is “Director of the Community Music School.” MMM runs a music school for anyone who has the need or the desire to learn. We teach music, of course, but this semester, we have begun to teach theatre! I teach this class. We are trying to start art classes in January. Every student is required to take a theory class, along with their practical learning. Music school students take music theory and theatre students take theatre theory and history.

MMM operates two bands, “Drive” (youth) and “Toolbox” (everyone else). These bands travel around, play for our church and other events, and many of the members are products of the music school.

Another of my tasks centers on the Lighthouse. Let me tell you: This church is incredible. Saturday evenings, after music school and band rehearsals, the Lighthouse begins. At six o’clock, dinner, which is cooked by a volunteer, kicks things off. It is usually delicious. Worship service begins at seven o’clock. A few upbeat songs to get us excited, announcements (I get to do this every week), more music, a prayer, more music, Scripture, music, message, music, Communion if we are having it that week, more music, end. As you can probably tell, there is quite a bit of music. The music, however, is incredible. These musicians are trained well and are all very excited about praising God and using the talents God has granted them to glorify the Lord. The worship is often very moving and I absolutely love it.

As with any church, though, there are responsibilities. I handle finding volunteers, setting up, helping clean, finding speakers for the message, and more. I really enjoy it.

The last large role I play is “manager.”  I say this with a wink and a smile. When the bands (usually Drive) go on tour, I get to go along and act as the manager. Richard usually has music-related things going on and doesn’t want to deal with the business aspect of touring, so he brings me along so he can spend time with the kids and handle CD sales, touring information, and more. I also help set up gigs for the bands throughout the year.

I’m quite busy, but it’s so worth it! I’m teaching drama and helping people of all ages grow in the arts. I’m involved in a church here that I love (I’m still working on finding a Sunday morning church I really feel attached to).

I do miss people I am apart from a lot, but I really feel that I am called to be here. I am so grateful to each and every one of you for the blessings you have given me and all the generosity you have shared. Because of your help, I’m following where God leads and loving every minute of it. I realize my participation in this ministry is a privilege, and I seek to live up to that every day.

Thanks for taking the time to read about my journey so far.

In Christ,

Emmie