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…
Hey Maria... I just love that northwestern corner of the state, the fishing is oustanding, and the air is clean! Keep up the great work, because the sky is the limit. Stop by any time, because I'm always interested in new friend's lives and current projects.
“There's more, much more, to Christmas Than candlelight and cheer; It's the spirit of sweet friendship That brightens all year. It's thoughtfulness and kindness, It's hope reborn again, For peace, for understanding, And for goodwill to men!” I wish you a merry Christmas and happy new-year!!
The essence of your beauty, a smile upon your face. Beauty understanding, and truth in your grace.
A happiness inside, some times hidden away. Those days not all is well, but more in gentle truth to tell.
One moment of time, another in your eyes. Some of tears, others in grief, to be loved and gifted relief.
Your God, your Heavenly Father, gifts, truth and happiness. This was all of you, a wonder to seek, the mountain, the summit, and peak All in admiration, as if distance was never the hurdle to climb.
Hi Maria! Awww, kool :) I'm glad ya got it! & the Hannah Christmas card..u deserve :) I about fell over laughing when I found it & it had ta go to the person who makes me laugh and blesses me so w/both humor and music, like Miley does. May God bless & keep you on your travels this Holy Day season, buddy. Abrazo, Tom Johnson
you NEED to check out my Graphic Designer if you want Professional, Award Winning, Affordable Graphic Design...ASK FOR HIS HOLIDAY SPECIALS...he also does special package deals We Also Do Music Videos and Commercials Like This One DO YOU HAVE A HOT SINGLE THAT NEED'S RADIO PLAY or DO YOU NEED MORE FANS or HAVE A SHOW THAT NEEDS PROMOTED?!!!
Hola, Maria! Howz yoo? I'm fine. pray for me..i hurt my short rib on my right side..owwie! Also..seems Jennifer Knapp is bak? Kool! I bet in no small way to yer prayers, bud :) I know they have made a difference in my life and for tht I cannot thank you enough. yer mi gran hermana en JesuCristo!
...btw, can ya move up the Demoines, IA show a few..months? :) ^_^ [^-^]
Online Now!
