In a society where talking about God is quickly becoming a thing of the past, Maria Long brings a different approach. She is up front about what she believes and will share with anyone who asks. Her lyrics are personal and vulnerable about her experiences and struggles with God. They are clear because Maria never wants people to be mistaken about where she stands. “Christ is everything to me!” she states. She views her music ministry as more than just an opportunity to perform the songs that God has given her. She believes that God has given her these musical talents to speak out on issues that are affecting teens today like: suicide, sex, drugs, and lack of purpose. Through powerful testimonies and sharing the stories behind her songs, Maria gives her audience a meaningful experience that they can all relate with, and challenges them to STANDOUT for God.
Music has always been a huge influence in Maria’s life. During her childhood years her parents were in a traveling singing group and toured all over the US. At age 2 Maria wrote her first song. She has performed on countless stages for many church events and programs. Her passion for making music that speaks to the heart came early in her life when she accepted Christ as her personal Savior at age 12. In high school Maria traveled around Texas as a singing recruiter. Then when she attended SWAU in Texas she traveled to youth conferences, retreats, high schools, camps, campmeetings, and churches all over the U.S. sharing God and music with many teens her age. In her Junior year in college, she decided to become a student missionary on a tiny island called Yap. She taught 6th and 7th grades that year and found a new passion for her life in addition to music. It was there that she made the decision to become a teacher.
After getting her degree in Elementary Education, Maria became a teacher and found her career very fulfilling. During her time as a teacher, in addition to teaching a full load, she also taught guitar and choir for grades K-10, and still found time to write and perform Christian music throughout Arkansas and Texas. After three years in Arkansas, God led her into a public high school ministry position for Andrews University in Michigan. Maria spent her time traveling and performing throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. She also established “The Basement”, a weekly public high school ministry in Berrien Springs and then began to train and mentor teens in starting their own ministries. After being told by teens over and over that she needed to make a CD and that her music meant so much to them, she realized that God was telling her to move forward with her music ministry.
Maria recorded her debut album Here With Me in the summer of 2006 and released it October 14, 2006 at the Attic Christian Rock Club in Hot Springs, Arkansas. For this album, she found her songwriting inspiration in various places. Some of her songs originated with time that she spent with God in His Word. Others were written through personal struggles she was dealing with. “In Love” was a song that came when Maria was just overwhelmed by God and His Amazing presence. “Here With Me” and “Inside” were written because of experiences that she has had ministering to teens from “The Basement” who were struggling.
It is this kind of personal touch that is the trademark of Maria’s music and ministry. Through Myspace.com, she ministers to hundreds of teens and answers questions of those who are having difficult times or are simply seeking someone who cares to give spiritual advice. Maria Long has a bright future ahead of her. She says often, “God is blessing me faster than I can give Him credit.” God is opening many doors for Maria’s music, her life, and ministry and as long as He continues to open them she will step through…
Sorry you didn't have a good time. Whenever you get that info will be great, no pressure no worries :) Have fun in Cali or I hope you're having fun in Cali
hey.maria.how r u? remember to call me as soon as u r online.i mean,tell me as soon as u r not so busy.im sooo excited about that lyrics.u see,i jused to think that's just a disaster.lol
yesterday, it was reading in the epistle of tiago on the faith without workmanships, persebi how much vocês it has pleased the God. because? because vocês they are the people who had not imported themselves with that the world only spoke had had faith enough to be successful. God blesses
Hey! I know, it's been forever! Things are crazy! Thank you so much - I hope to get "Wait" out pretty soon and my EP is going to iTunes really soon, so I'll keep you posted! How is all of your stuff going?! We need to get together sometime. Your new pics are amazing. Hope that you're doing great! Love to you!
I'll make sure to be on the look out for more good songs then! lol, I added some of your songs today to my iPod, do you plan on coming back to mass. anytime soon?
Hey Maria! I haven't talk to you in a long time. I see things are going well for you. Do you still need a guitar player? hey i just release my first single in itunes check it out the ep will follow hopefully this fall. let me know what u think...... Fer
Hi Maria, I do know that GOD loves me and you are right!! You should submit your music to Arkansas Internet Radio www.arkansasinternetradio.com I am apart of this broadcast and there are other christian artist on already. Think about it, Arkansas needs to hear you!
Hey girl! I am doing awesome! How are you!?!? I can't wait till we get to praise our Jesus together again! I am so grateful to have met you in person. You are an amazing, beautiful, talented woman of God! :) I listen to "Who You Are" everyday on the way to work! That song is so amazing....what are the chords?? I would love to play it in church sometime! TTYS !! GLAD WE'RE FINALLY FRIENDS....LOL!!!
lol ill be done in like 5.5 more years i got 7 months down going on 8 so a little less than that. im replying to both of ur comment in one by the way. yeah ill tell u when i go for christmas even though they havent given us the dates yet but i will. and i guess i o shoot gotta go they just mustered us bye love ya
For most of us life passes like a dream, Revealing only what is on our minds. Inside the prison of the self we see Each object as a shadow on our wall. Nothingness awaits, as sure as night. Did I not have you, dear friend, I might, Shadow on a shade, not be at all. How much we need a word beyond our sea: In love and laughter, thoughts of different kinds, Perhaps, with luck, unraveling a seam.
hey maria hope your still doing great with ur music. miss u tons maybe our schedules will be on the same track one of these days i get like 2 weeks for christmas i think so itd be nice to see u n ryan then and i havent seen fonz in forever either. well hope all is well love u God bless :)
I just love you! Thank you for thinking of me. I was in yet another car wreck.....still not my fault! Doing well, and give thanks for God and the strength He gives me. Hope all is well for you guys!
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