It’s interesting how when God wants to do something, he can use even the smallest of gestures to ignite a new ministry. This is exactly how Guitars For Glory was started in 2013.
Guitars For Glory: Changing The World One Guitar At A Time
It was during a youth missions trip to Peru where I encountered a lady in her 50’s in a small rural village. In the part of the village where she lived, the majority of people are suffering from AIDS or HIV. Her name is Sister Rosa, and she and her husband also suffer from this awful disease. The people in this area are treated like lepers and outcasts and are often left alone to die. When we arrived and sat down with Sister Rosa, she shared that God had given her the vision and calling to take her guitar, go from home to home, and sing worship songs over the sick, to provide hope, comfort, and encouragement. During this conversation, she shared that someone had climbed in her kitchen window and stolen her only guitar. It would take her almost five years of savings to replace it. Anyone who’s been on a youth missions trip before knows that there is always at least one guitar that accompanies the group. It made perfect sense to quickly hand over our group’s guitar to Sister Rosa. In all honesty, it seemed easier to leave it than to bring it back on the airplane. She humbly accepted the gift, and we didn’t think much of it until about six months later. We received an email from Sister Rosa stating that her ministry had grown exponentially and her faith has strengthened tremendously through God’s provision.
This was the seed that God had planted in our hearts to see more people like Sister Rosa use their passion for worship and music to reach the nations. Since 2013, we’ve placed over 275 guitars with people in over 40 countries. Guitars For Glory has helped start worship schools in Belize and we’re seeing a worship revival happening there. There are many communities around the world who do not have access to the instruments we can so easily get our hands on. Guitars for Glory’s sole desire is to put guitars and instruments in the hands of churches, schools, missionaries, and orphanages. Our hope is to enhance their musical experience and build up worship leaders within the community; through the giving of guitars and musical training.
We often get the question, “Why guitars? Why not food, water, or clothing? Instruments are not essential to someone’s survival.” While those are incredible things to give, and we do give those things on occasion, we’ve learned that when God places a calling in your heart, no matter how crazy or specific it may sound, you chase after it. The beautiful thing about teaching someone to play an instrument and what it means to have a heart of worship, you’re not just impacting that single person’s life, but empowering them to change the lives around them. Giving someone the ability to create something for his or her Creator is an act of worship in and of itself. We are truly seeing entire communities come to life, chains being broken, and personal healing through musical worship.
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We have a lofty goal for 2017 to place 500 guitars. If you’re reading this and would like to get involved, there are a number of ways to support our not-for-profit ministry. First, you can personally give through our website at guitarsforglory.com. You can also make one time donations or sign up for recurring giving options. Second, you can start your own crowd-funding campaign through our website. Signing up for a campaign will allow you to raise support through your social network. Once you’ve reached your goal, you will see exactly where the guitar your funds supported is placed and be connected with that person. Third, you can purchase Guitars For Glory coffee and other merchandise on our website. Lastly, connect us with your church, have our worship team spend time with your worship team or youth group. We love traveling and spending time with new congregations; worshipping together and sharing about the heart of Guitars For Glory. Our team is completely volunteer-based. All contributions go directly into the placement of instruments and training.
All donations are tax deductible as GFG is an official 501c3 organization.
Follow us on social media (instagram, twitter & facebook) @guitarsforglory to stay up-to-date on the latest.
Jeff Roeters is the Co-founder of Guitars For Glory. He was born and raised in Rochester, NY, is married to his wife Amy, and they have two kids, Eisley and Shiloh. They recently adopted Shiloh and he is an incredible blessing to their family. Jeff loves playing guitar, cooking, golfing, and helping people follow their passions in life. One of his favorite quotes is from Aristotle, “Where your talents and the needs of the world cross; there lies your vocation.” Jeff is a firm believer in pursuing your life calling, regardless of how crazy or insignificant it may seem.