Hope Hyperbarics: Refresh, Renew, Revive

I began writing music at the age of twelve. I was a church musician for over 20 years, until my stroke in January 1999, which left me paralyzed on my right side. Now no longer able to play piano, organ, and keyboard, I now enjoy writing music exclusively. I especially enjoy giving well known hymns new melody lines that I feel better conveys the message of the words. I have always heard music in words, and feel that hymns come more alive when the music supports the message of the text. I believe music can both promote and be worship, as well as minister to people's souls.You can learn more by visiting my website at www.NewHeartMusic.net.

I studied piano as a child and continued studying piano and pipe organ at the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music. I received a BA in Biblical Studies and Christian Education from Wheaton College, and a MA from Wheaton Graduate School in the area of Christian Leadership, concentrating in Christian Ministries, Interpersonal Communications, and Missions with an Hispanic emphasis.

I have also served churches as Lay Pastor, Worship Director, Choir Director, Director of Missions and Outreach, organist, pianist, keyboardist, and teacher. Most recently, I have served in the music ministry and sang in the choir for over 10 years, and still sing with the choir on a seasonal basis at Salem First Church of the Nazarene. I currently serve as a Member-at-Large Emeritus and Dean of the Salem, Oregon Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

In addition to my musical pursuits, I co-lead a Stroke Survivors & Caregivers Support Group through the Salem Hospital; serve on the Disability Services Advisory Council of Northwest Seniors & Disability Services in Salem, Oregon; and am a member of the Home-bound Visitation Ministry Team at Salem First Church of the Nazarene.

I have been married to my one and only wife and caregiver, Sharon, since August 2, 1980. She is a very talented pianist, flautist, and sings a strong alto. She also owns two businesses: "Sharon's Sweep 'n' Shine," specializing in deep-cleaning and housekeeping, and "Evergreen Enterprises Unlimited," which is an international distribution company for XanGo (TM) Mangosteen Products, all of which have many decades of solid medical and scientific laboratory research findings supporting the healthful benefits of the mangosteen behind them: XanGo Mangosteen Juice; XanGo 3SIXTY5 in separate formulations for men and women; XanGo Glimpse Intuitive Skin Care line for both men and women; XanGo Eleviv; and XanGo Mangosteen Pericarp Oil. Stay tuned for other products/category creators as they are introduced by following her website at www.MyMangosteen.com/swerd.

Together, the Lord has blessed Sharon and me with four children: 2 boys (Shawn Nathan and Steve Andrew) and 2 girls (Sarah Marie and Shanna Ruth), and 4 grandchildren (Zackery Michael, Nathan Corban, Corban Daniel, and Alisha Whitney - all of whom belong to Shawn and Christena). Sarah's husband is Lewis Reinhardt. Sharon and I are very proud of each of our kids. They each are so very talented and serve our Lord Jesus Christ.