CTI Music Ministry

Hello friends, family, and ministry supporters!

Its been a while since I wrote a blog but I am back to share with you all my journey with CTI this year. 

I finally arrived in the tiny town of Willmar, MN on Friday, August 7th. Its about an hr or so outside of Minneapolis. Willmar is the epitome of a small, farm town, and I have been totally placed outside of my comfort zone.   I actually thought I was being kidnapped, seemed like something out of a horror film (maybe I just have watched too many). But I have to admit I have found a lot of peace here. 

The first few days were nothing but restful. My host parents are Kristen (classical pianist) and Nick Castiglione (classical guitarist and Drummer); a lovely couple, young multi-talented, youth educators. We had a wonderful day out on the lake. (pictures below) I stay here with my housemate, David, from CA who is also the drummer for my full-time team. There are 8 full timers, including myself.

Roxanne Huber -Sewickley, Pennsylvania - Sound Tech

Matthew Celeste - Bellevue, Pennsylvania - Guitar

David Albers - Bakersfield, CA - Drums

Samuel Iun - Stouffville, Ontario, CANADA - Bass Guitar

Elisa Tung - Markham, Ontario, CANADA - Keys

Kirsten Kennedy - Chicago, Illinois - Vocals

Keilah Quimby - Ogden, Utah - Vocals 

Bradley Banks - Youngstown, Ohio - Vocals

Our band is called 14:21 (our team is named after passages in Acts (i.e. Acts 14:21-22). I've gotten to know him and the rest of the full timers pretty well this past week, and I'm very eager to go on this journey with them. Click here: CTI WELCOME VIDEO

We began training this past Monday-Friday at 8Am till about 8:30pm, so for the next few weeks, I'll be pretty busy. Not only is the rep. challenging but it's pushing me vocally, spiritually and physically. I am becoming a better all around vocalist and performer. Our leadership siminars are amazing. We are learning the correct way to minister to the lost by first understanding our personal needs for Jesus. Then effectively using our life experiences to build a bridge to the gospel of Jesus Christ by sharing those needs. 

After 3 weeks of training, we'll begin our "training tour" which will last two weeks (locations TBA). On this tour, we'll be accompanied by a staff member. After this short tour, we'll return to Minnesota for about a week to refresh, and then I'll head to Hong Kong for three weeks with 14:21!!! I'm very excited to experience China and I pray that I'll keep you all in the loop, even in the midst of a hectic schedule if not during I absolutely will when I return.

After we get back in October, we'll tour for several weeks, on East Coast so hopefully I'll get to see some of you! Then we'll get a Christmas break for about 2 weeks. Then We will held West and North to Canada.

I'm really looking forward to this journey, but please, please PLEASE keep me in your prayers. Please pray:

• Against insecurity. I'm surrounded by a ton of talented individuals and it's really easy to feel like I'm not good enough.
• For authentic community. Being around the same 7 people for weeks on end will be a struggle. Pray that we can learn each other and LOVE and tolerate each other despite the challenges. Those of you that know me well know I need a little extra prayer in this regard lol.
• For our ministry. I pray that we do our ministry effectively so that people can experience The Lord like they never have before. I pray for the continuous opening of minds, hearts, and eyes. 
• For fundraising. I'm currently at about 25% of my budget, so please continue to pray that I stay encouraged and continue to be bold when reaching out to people for support. 

As always, if you'd still like to donate to the my year or if you know of anyone who may be interested in being a part of this journey, please let me know!! You can Give Click Here!

In His Name, 

Bradley Banks