New Creation
Encouragement for the Everyday Christian

Featuring the Music of
Mike Westendorf, Chris Driesbach, WendySue, Michael Armstrong, Susan Ann and Stephen Bautista

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Cover photograph by Greg Fairow

There's more to Christian music than what you hear on the radio. In fact, some of the best songs written that you've never heard, are sung in the local coffee shops, small concert gatherings and camp fire surroundings around the country. About 4 months ago, I asked these 5 artists to join me in a special CD project in an effort to share a few of the songs and particularly the ministries that are active across the country. This compilation CD was meant to bring a sample of the excellence in independent Christian music, but more specifically, to bring these songs together to give the listener an encouragement as we live out the life of an Every Day Christian. We hope these songs and these artists will be an encouragement to you as you live out your time of Grace in the hands of Jesus. - Mike

Check out more about these artists
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Michael Armstrong
One listen to Michael Armstrong's debut album "Loved" (Pine Mountain Music) and you'll understand why this release has made its way into the charts and hearts of Christian music fans everywhere. The title of this album rightly is named "Loved" because its whole purpose is to bring focus and honor to God alone. Loved intends to bring its listener to heartfelt praise, and perhaps relent the sometimes cold heart that can callus one's life and faith. As one sits back for a listen, Michael's sensitive lyrics and comforting music overwhelm with both peace and joy. Loved is a journey. A journey with Jesus and His love; and it's a theme that runs throughout the "Loved" CD. Certainly it is a vigorous proclamation of Christ and a welcomed title among Christian music's rising stars.

_ Visit Michael Armstrong's Website

Susan Ann
Susan Ann is a Christian singer and songwriter living in southwestern Minnesota, along with her family. Susan Ann attended Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. She taught in Lutheran elementary schools in River Falls and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before sharing God's word in Christian songs. She has completed three recordings of original songs and favorite hymns: "Heart of a Child", "Ageless Love" and "The Life Collection". These original songs range from lullabies to upbeat country rhythm. Her firm Christian faith, coupled with her mellow voice and beautiful arrangements, help her deliver God's message in a most enjoyable fashion. “Heart of a Child” and “Ageless Love” are available on compact disc. Susan Ann has been a guest soloist at numerous churches, ladies groups, national conventions, and many other organizations. Her music has been played on local Christian radio in Minnesota as well as on several other stations throughout the country. Susan often sings with her daughter, Ellen. They love to sing about Christ and the work He's done for all people. Their songs reflect that love. "I see each person's life as being a gift from God," Susan said. "I want my listeners to understand their value in God's eyes. God sees us as His children through Jesus. Now we can trust Him, at any age, for salvation with the heart of a child."

_ Visit Susan Ann's Website

Stephen Bautista
In a world where many Christians feel the pressure to put up a perfect front, one man is openly sharing a life story that parallels that of the Biblical prodigal son. This singer/songwriter is on the journey of a lifetime as he seeks to share his unique insights about the Christian walk in the form of his music. Bautista is not new to the music performance scene. Over the years he has performed at venues in Wisconsin, California, and Nevada. With the release of his new CD, Bautista has begun expanding his performance schedule and locations to reach more people with the straightforward truths of his message. "If I can reach just one lost soul for Christ or encourage a fellow believer who may be struggling," Bautista said, "then this whole journey has been worth it."Bautista and his wife, Christy, home school their five children in Pahrump, Nevada. He is currently writing music for his second album.

_ Visit Stephen Bautista's Website

Wendysue Fluegge
Wendysue Fluegge is a contemporary Christian singer, songwriter, pianist, and guitarist from Milwaukee, WI. She is a down-to-earth performer with an out-of-this-world message. Though her lovely classically-trained voice, professional instrumentation, and engaging story-teller style, she encourages listeners in their faith and daily living. Since 1996, she has recorded four CDs and performed in over 20 states. She continues an active ministry, making 30-40 appearances each year, and is wife and mother of two. Her love for Jesus shines in her excitement to share Him through her songs and in her Everyday Christianity.

_ Visit Wendy Sue's Website
To buy CD's directly from Wendy Sue - please follow this link.

Chris Driesbach
Chris has been the musician at Crown of Life Evangelical Lutheran Church (WELS) in New Orleans from 2000 to just after hurricane Katrina. He’s played music professionally in casinos, hotels and clubs on the west coast from Arizona to Alaska. A former atheist, Chris became a Lutheran and a Christian at the same time in 1995 while performing in Anchorage, Alaska. His church was almost destroyed when flooding caused by the hurricane put 4 and a half feet of muddy sea water in the church buildings. But God’s love has poured over Crown of Life through the overwhelming kindness of individuals, churches and the Wisconsin Synod as the church and members’ homes have been beautifully restored. Chris has long had the dream of a career as a Christian music, and began a “Thank You” tour in June of 2006 singing original songs about his church, the storm and mostly about Jesus’ loving sacrifice for sinful humanity. As of March 2008, he’s performed over 250 concerts in 29 states and has recorded two cds entitled “After the Storm” and “Movin’ On” both available at nph.net. Chris says, “My main goal as a songwriter and performer is to touch hearts that are hardened as mine once was. I believe that Jesus is the only medicine for the real pain of being human. I love the work that God has given me to do and my prayer is that he’ll let me continue it for the rest of my life!” Chris’ musical styles encompass a wide range from country to rock to reggae to folk but the message is always Jesus. He’s currently writing music for his next cd: an album of Christian music for kids.

_ Visit Chris Driesbach's Website

Mike Westendorf
Possessing the characteristic of a storyteller, weaved with the acoustic essence of this gifted musician, Mike Westendorf, singer/songwriter and weatherman extraordinaire, brings a refreshing quality to the stage. With lyrical portrayals that come alive through his songs, Mike Westendorf reveals a tale through music. “Mike's faith shines through his heartfelt lyrics and his sensitive, genuine delivery. Each song is arranged in a way that enhances the message…” says Cheryl Berdan of Spring Creek Church, Brookfield, WI. Audiences of every age and generation have been impacted and changed through his performances, each leaving with something they hadn’t come with. An answer to something they were pondering, or the realization of a question they didn’t even know they were asking. With the national release of his latest project, CLIMB THE MOUNTAIN, along with great radio success from the current single of the same name, Mike Westendorf has melded his years of experience in the media with his gift of music. What has come forth is a unique portrayal of songs that have a storyline attached. Mike has performed in a myriad of venues and he has a heart for the church and sharing the story of God’s Grace.

_ Visit Mike Westendorf's Website