How to Pray

When people ask me how they can pray for me I often start a list with FSM’s needs for upcoming outreaches in another culture, equipment that needs replacing, finances, or tell a story about a team member and their needs. Now, as I think about it, I usually start my list from the “outside, in”… listing external concerns and leaving the personal things until last. So as I take a look inward I think I will ask for a different list to be considered. Start this list from the inside out. Ultimately, to be honest, I desire to be connected… scratch that… I am connected! But I want the kind of relationship that He wants for Him and me.  You know, a free and open relationship. The authentic kind where there is a free flow back and forth of conversation together. I want to be listening and attentive to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, and to learn that spiritual rhythm that begins when we are led by Him to act or speak. I need wisdom to lead some of the most beautifully gifted and humble people I’ve ever met, and to equip them, give them what they need to thrive in their relationships with each other and with their Creator-God, and to do the work to which they are called. So, for wisdom, grace, and strength as I gladly lead and serve.

Geoff’s Thoughts

Moments. When I look back over my life thus far it is clear that there were times when I had what I call “a moment”. These are specific stoppages in time when something very significant and life altering occurred. Where and when a new perspective or vision or mission began to take shape in my soul. One such time was when I was 14 years old. I had spent some time alone in my room reading my Bible, worshipping, talking with God. I asked Him questions that had to do with my particular road ahead. “Where do you want me to go?” What do you want me to do?” *“Who do you want me to be?”  It was silent for a while. I didn’t say a word. I stood up and looked out my window where I could see a large part of my home city’s lights. Then it happened. These words seemed to simultaneously come from deep in my soul, and, like someone was whispering in my ear. They were clear and tender and kind. “Geoff, for every light that you see, there is a lost soul, someone I love very much. I want you to go and tell them that I love them.” I was trembling. I knew I was not alone in my room. I had never felt so much love. It was like I was completely enveloped in it. I began to weep as my heart felt heavy with the love for every “light” my eyes could see.

 

That was a moment for me. A time when I believe in my own small teenager heart I connected with my Creator-God. It was intimate and vulnerable, personal and selfless. And it’s the moment when my personal life’s mission began to take shape and grow. I’m grateful for that moment too. His “mission” for me wasn’t born out of shame and guilt or some sense of duty. It began with love. Heartbreaking, joyous and hope-filled passion for restored connection with Him. It was like He was sharing a piece of His heart with me, something commonly done and normal among friends. I was convinced then, and still am, that every living soul on this beautiful planet was made for this conversation, this relationship.

 

This has been the mission of my life ever since. It is the heart and soul behind everything we do here at Full Sail Ministries. We get to put God’s heart for the world on display. His “I love you” is shared with arms wide open. Anyone… everyone… gets to have their moment.

 

*(Actually, come to think of it, He’s been answering the “who” question ever since. But that’s a whole other story).

Bio

Geoff was born and raised in Newfoundland, an island off the east coast of Canada known for its art, unique culture, wind-swept rugged shoreline and gregarious people. He loves his homeland. One of his favorite things to do as a young teenager was to find a rock on a beach to sit on, watch the ocean, be quiet, and have talks with God.  It was during one of these times when He got the impression, deep in his soul, that he was to leave his home and those he loved, and to follow God’s leading to share His love with the world. He loved music. He felt compelled to go. So he left for California in 1981 to join the music and mission’s organization, Celebrant Singers, where he spent 18 years participating in and eventually leading outreaches to some 43 countries around the world. In 1999, he ended his tenure there as Director of Development, and became the President of Tulare County Outreach, Inc. and co-founded Full Sail Ministries, a mission of TCO, Inc. Its mission, to “display God’s heart through the arts”, takes place through live events and concerts, Oasis Day Retreats, Current for Women events as well as sending teams of artists overseas in a variety of International Outreaches. He has led teams of musicians in outreaches to Canada, Thailand, India, Qatar and Albania. He has also been involved in the production of several feature films such as Mercy Streets (producer), Time Changer (co-producer), SIX (co-producer), Frank Peretti’s The Visitation (co-producer), and was Executive Producer of Karen Kingsbury’s Like Dandelion Dust, theatrically released in 2009.

 

He is the sixth of seven sons, raised by two loving parents who were his role models and confidantes. Growing up, the Ludlow family home was filled with love and a whole lot of laughter. However, he has learned to trust and to lean on God through many difficult seasons of life. The sudden death of his oldest brother in 2004, the near loss of his wife Jill in 2012, and the death of his mother in 2015 were all times of heart-ache, trial and loss, and yet he speaks freely of the ways God has met and sustained him during those times, restoring perspective and hope and the belief that very good days are still ahead for he and his family. He lives in Visalia, California with his wife Jill and their four children.

 Videos of Geoff