Transforming Today's World Magazine Volume 3 Issue 4 | Page 32

At last, in October 2006, Ray was unexpectedly approached by the owner of Jenschke’s Furniture Store, a long-time business just off Main St., at 109 N. Llano. Ms. Jenschke was interested in selling the 10,000 sq. ft. building. ‘The Lord seemed to be moving: but were we ready?’ Well, I guess we were! The building was purchased, and passed City Council for a special use permit, allowing a live music theater in the Historical District in Downtown Fredericksburg! Investors stepped forward and financing was secured, in November-December 2006. Meanwhile in Granbury, life-changing, faith-testing, decisions were made by Russ and Wendy, Carey and Dena, Cass, Linda, T.J. and his wife Lisa, to re-locate to Fredericksburg. They were joined by lighting director, Burney Adair and his wife, and costume designer Marta (who also helped raise the Hearn kids for seven years). Then in January 2007, we made the public announcement of our move to Fredericksburg, and by April, had sold our homes in Granbury, packed up the van and the kids: Faith and Marty Hearn, Jordan and Jackson Dyer, Dylan and Tori Smith, and headed for Fredericksburg, with Steven Curtis Chapman’s song ringing in our ears: “Saddle up your horses, we’ve got a trail to blaze, Through the wild blue yonder of God’s amazing grace, Let ’s follow our leader into the glorious unknown, This is the life like no other, whoa ,whoa, This is the great adventure.” As of June 2007, our seven performers from Granbury, were joined onstage at The Rockbox Theater, by drummer Jacob Longoria, and bass player Mark Austin, who also plays guitar, mandolin, and fiddle. Meanwhile in Grandbury, in 2006, I was running short on faith. I had been praying for some kind of sign. If The Lord wanted us in Fredericksburg, I needed more talent. Specifically, I prayed for a guy who could play guitar, sing lead vocals, and had comedic talent. The Lord sent T.J. Smith. ‘Out of the blue,’ T.J. contacted me with a demo tape! Not only could this amazing performer do all of the above (and more), he was also a guy who wanted to serve the Lord with his talents. During April-September 2006, T.J. performed with us in Granbury, and Ray agreed to help Mike with the search for a building in Fredericksburg: and potential investors. A third property was chosen in the Downtown area, but failed to pass City Council, in an application for a ‘special use’ permit. The wind was pretty much gone from our sails. Has the door closed, Lord? I wondered. 32 www.fbgwoman.com Our technical team consists of: Frank Higgins, Aaron Witte, Andy Dickson, Mike Simpson, and David Mustard. Please know, The entertainers at Rockbox Theater are only part of the story. Our box office and administrative staff, our ushers and concession workers, all share a common vision of serving through releasing His joy to all who enter our doors. It is our desire to provide a quality family live music experience, for the thousands of guests who come to Fredericksburg. One of the main reasons we felt led to open Rockbox Theater was the hope The Lord would use us to train up a new generation of entertainers who are willing to put their talents on display to glorify God. We are blessed and grateful beyond measure.We are here to serve our community and bless our audiences through wholesome and entertaining theater. We are here for one reason and one reason only: to serve the Lord with all of our hearts, with all of our strength, and with all of our minds. Thank-you Fredericksburg for the chance to serve you.” Woman TEXAS FREDERICKSBURG