Heather's Vision for Meant For More '08

This past summer I read: Authentic Beauty by Leslie Ludy. After reading this excellent book I had this vision of putting together a conference for the young women of my community. A conference that would focus on being set-apart for God, purity, a deeper walk with the Lord, and desiring what God wanted for their life.

I see so many young girls who look to the world's standard to dictate what they wear, what they say, how they act, how they date, and how they find worth. Looking to God could radically shift a young women's perspective of herself, her God and her purpose in life.

I had the whole thing planned in my mind. I wanted to get area churches to support this, for young women of this area to come and be encouraged and uplifted!

I remember telling my husband about this vision and telling him what I could see happening. I envisioned a main speaker, worship, break-out sessions and end with a concert. God was at work in my heart and in the heart of my friend, Anne McClane!

In March of 2007 Anne and my lives crossed paths. We became friends and to be honest we don't know how this topic came up. But we realized that we had the same vision for a girls conference. Not only did Anne have the vision, but she had begun planning an event.

My heart soared! God was showing me/us that this is what He wanted us to plan. I am very excited to see what God has in mind and what He plans on doing with this conference.

Meant For More '08 comes from two women who have a deep desire to see young women of our community realize that they are meant for so much more!

Who Are the Sonflowerz?

www.sonflowerz.com

Since 1999,The Sonflowerz has traveled throughout the U.S. and U.K. with their original modern worship music. Led by guitarist, lead vocalist, and songwriter, Elissa Leander and sister Becca Leander (vocals/bass/keyboard/guitar), The Sonflowerz music ministry was born in their hometown of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Performing at various venues across the Rocky Mountain region, The Sonflowerz quickly became noticed in the local music scene. The act’s first album,You Remain and single, Crazy Love, were released in 2002. Their sophomore effort,Alive In You, was released in 2005.

With a vision to reach the U.S. and beyond, The Sonflowerz have toured the U.K. 4 times, and this past summer their single Move Me climbed tonumber four on the European Christian Music Chart this past summer, above other songs by major label acts such as Stephen Curtis Chapman, Kutless, and Audio Adrenaline. Elissa and Becca, who are both half British, have brought their music to British public schools, churches, festivals and conferences in the U.K. “We especially love reaching out to students in England, talking with them and answering questions about our faith,” says Becca. “Each European tour we do, we’ll take some days off to sightsee, and really experience the culture there.”

The Sonflowerz have shared the stage with artists and ministry leaders such as Nigel James (Third Day’s on-road Pastor), author and speaker Lisa Bevere, BarlowGirl, Phil Wickham, Jeremy Camp, Waterdeep, Steve, Kutless, and Foolish Things. “We have loved getting to know The Sonflowerz over the years,” says Alyssa Barlow of BarlowGirl. “We are excited to watch them make an impact on the world.”

This past summer, The Sonflowerz won first place in the Vocal Duo competition and later were judged Best Over-All Vocal Group at the 33rd annual GMA Music in the Rockies. Various magazines and publications featured the band after their win, including CCM Magazine, which listed The Sonflowerz as one of the top artists on their community website, myCCM.org.

“Because of our musical growth over the last few years, we are excited to take our music to a new level with a third full-length album,” says Elissa. The new album by The Sonflowerz will release in March 2008, produced by Dove Award-winning producer-songwriter Don Koch. “When I first met The Sonflowerz, I was taken back by how transparent their hearts are,” Koch added. “I could easily see Christ in them. Their passion for family, for ministry, and their love for singing come shining through. But there is more. They are really talented. It is an honor and privilege to be working with them.”

The new CD will feature lead vocals and acoustic guitar by Elissa, bass and background vocals by Becca, and instrumentation by some of Nashville’s top session players. The album will be distributed through the distribution channels of Indie Extreme, the independent label management firm that administers Sonflower Records.

“My greatest joy for this next CD is that I am given the opportunity once again to write and sing about the impression God has made on my life,” Elissa added. “These songs convey the gratitude of being loved by God and the desire to share that love with the world.” Taking with them the message of Christ, The Sonflowerz will tour in 2008 across U.S. and Europe to lead worship and perform concerts at various events and conferences.

Don Koch adds, “It’s going to be amazing to watch how God uses these two sisters from Colorado Springs.”