DAVID BUSH:CHANGE THE WORLD
Typically, a man with a wife and four boys to take care of, who lands an executive job for a prestigious ice cream company, figures he’s got it made. Normally, that man would not suddenly chuck it all to pursue a precarious career in music. But David Bush is anything but typical.
“This has not been a short journey,” says David. “I feel a little like Moses in that God had to postpone many of my heart’s desires and ambitions in order to teach me things that I could later give away to others. I had to learn that the staff in my hand – my success, my family, my talents and dreams – they all really belong to God, not me. And He would utilize them on His schedule, not mine.”
With his third CD entitled CHANGE THE WORLD-- produced by John Andrew Schreiner (Fernando Ortega, Crystal Lewis, Carman)--David takes on the critics who must have thought he was crazy six years ago when he set out on this tenuous journey of full-time ministry which has included pastoring, leading worship, and now, touring as a concert artist. In the first verse and chorus of the title song, David writes:
“You should be looking out for yourself”, she said
Checking her make-up
“You keep tryin’ to put a band-aid around a world
Determined to breakup”
“Swimming against a tide of misery
Destined to live a life of futility”
Chorus
Maybe you’re right…maybe I’m trying to change the world
Into something better
Wasting my time
Singing a song that won’t be heard
“You know I did have some people in my life who thought I was nuts,” says David. “But I also received tremendous support from the people who knew me best. And ultimately, I just felt like God was opening doors of opportunity to me, and I just followed what, I still believe, was His leading.”
Indeed, it would be hard to argue with his success thus far. Just last year, ChristianMusicToday.com called David one of “ten independent artists you should know,” and David was named “runner up” in the Gospel Music Association’s national song competition and asked to perform as a finalist in the Worship category at another GMA event. Three of David’s previous radio singles garnered airplay at over 160 radio stations, including XM Satellite Radio. The first song released from CHANGE THE WORLD entitled "I Will Sing" was added to nearly 300 stations across the US and Canada and landed on Christian Radio Weekly’s “Top 100 Songs of 2005” list. His follow-up single, “I Want to Know You More” has made the national “Top 20” charts for both Radio and Records and Christian Radio Weekly.
Christianity Today’s Nashville-based music critic recently gave CHANGE THE WORLD 3 ½ stars and a “buy” recommendation. In addition to a national concert ministry, he has even shared the stage with notable artists such as Avalon, Todd Agnew, Rhonda Gunn, River and Overflow.
So what has made this ex-ice cream executive from Iowa so quickly noticed by the public? The answer may lie in David’s atypical openness. “I try to be vulnerable with my life as much as I can, believing that my honesty is going to be more helpful to people than pretending that everything’s always great. Everybody knows it isn’t, so why not be truthful about it? I think men especially are longing for a safe place to share their struggles, but until they find that place, they are masters at keeping up appearances.”
David’s openness is apparent in songs such as “Jealous Love,” where he talks about the inward struggles of being a Godly father:
I’ve got four boys lookin’ for daddy’s love
My best intentions aren’t good enough
My choices lead to a legacy, A daily tale of priorities
Nothing’s hidden from the eyes that follow me
David also tackles the issue of sexual purity/integrity in marriage in a song called “Stand Up And Fight,” co-written with Every Man’s Battle author Fred Stoeker. The song was originally written for a compilation CD to correspond with the book Every Young Man’s Battle.
“What guy in the church wants to say they’ve struggled with pornography, or that their marriage isn’t what it should be, or that their relationship with their kids isn’t good, or that they feel like a failure in providing for their families or in their relationship with God?” asks David. “Most men are part of a large contingent of ‘walking wounded’ who are trying to keep it together. Most figure it’s better to appear strong than to be honest. Maybe by addressing some of these issues in my music, I can help men understand the necessity of accountability and candor with other brothers in Christ, and inspire them to view ‘success’ in life from God’s point of view.”
CHANGE THE WORLD is a rallying call to men and women alike to believe they can make a difference at whatever stage in life they find themselves. With songs such as “The Pearl Of Great Price,” “My Life Is An Offering,” and the CD’s first radio single, “I Will Sing,” David professes an unquenchable thirst for God, and a willingness to be used for His Kingdom, regardless of the personal cost. For David, these are not just songs he has written and recorded, but these are principles he is living.
David has recently partnered with International Cooperating Ministries (ICM) to build churches in India where only 3% of the population is Christian. Two churches have been fully funded, and David is now sponsoring a third church. So far, ICM’s efforts have led to 788 churches being built in India, as well as churches built in other under-developed countries. The organization hopes to eventually have nearly 5,000 congregations established, impacting nearly half a million lives. David is committed to the cause of ICM, and believes this is a practical way to ensure the Gospel is present and alive in a region of the world that is desperate to hear it.
When he’s not on the road, David also serves as the worship leader and “artist in residence” at Third Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa, a growing congregation of over 2,500. And here again, David’s unique relationship with his church is not the norm. The church views David’s ministry as an extension of their own, and they partner with him, not only spiritually, but financially to help his music ministry grow.
Ultimately, David gives credit to his wife and kids for being his backbone of support and encouragement as he has taken the leap into full-time ministry. “My wife is such a Godly woman who not only prays for me, but she also encourages me through the inevitable disappointments and reminds me of my calling when I feel like a hypocrite or a failure.” David is also trying to involve his young sons in the ministry as they get older. “Hopefully they will see a passion for God’s Kingdom that is tempered with a realization that God’s first calling on my life is for me to minister to my family.”
With so many commitments in his new-found career, David wisely accepts the need for accountability in his life. “There was a particular time in my life,” David admits, “when my reputation and my character were two different things. But I found liberation in the fact that when sin is exposed, it loses its power. I think many Christian leaders and role models believe that covering up their struggles and inconsistencies is the only choice they have. But that’s a Satanic lie. Like the song I wrote with Fred [Stoeker] says, I want to be the man ‘that mercy found.’ I want to be the man that God desires me to be. Moses was one man and he changed an entire nation. But he was faithful in the desert first. I hope I’ve learned that lesson.”
For interviews, please contact: bookings@davidbush.com
Hi Mr. D! Thanks for the add my friend. Thought I'd let you know that "I Want To Know You More" was a perfect addition to my profile after my morning blog! God is so good...isn't He?! Glad to know the Guacamole' will continue to call you back to our little neck o' the woods from time to time! Take brother...Blessings, B :-)
Thanks for your music today. I needed to hear everyone of those songs. Going through a really rough time now. The words encouraged me and reminded me God is in control when I feel my life is out of control.
Thanks for stopping by my page!!! I appreciate it and hopefully you liked the songs...let me know. I'm glad to have you as a friend...thanks for the add!!! I enjoyed listening to your music!!! Got to support the Iowa Musicians!!!!
Thanks for coming & playing @ the Cup o' Joy on Sat. night. Your music really ministered to me & i'm so thankful i got the chance to see you & the band play!
haha, I did not know you were apart of this crazy world of myspace! I am excited for the three concerts this weekend, your band sounds great!!!!
Hopefully the rain will bring in lot's of families!!!!
Have a great day!!
Thanks for the oppurtunity to be back out in Iowa ministering!!
jaime
Thanks so much for adding us, David! This Festival is FREE & we're looking for a few more volunteers if u know someone in our area. God bless you & have a great weekend!
MOUNTAIN OF PRAISE Festival team
www.myspace.com/MountainofPraise
Have a great Easter, David! Drop by and say hi when u can. I hear your music aLOT on WPFF here in WI. God bless you and stay strong,
Rosanna
*new site* www.rosannafiorazo.com
"Don't you know? Haven't you heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. HE will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom." Isaiah 40:28
How are you doing i just wanted to let you know our new album is out and doing great. Please show your support and stop bye and check it out. Thanks GOD Bless all of yall.
