I was leading worship the other night, and the presence of the Lord was there so strongly; it was one of the strongest [times] I have ever felt it. And I was truly standing on the stage saying, “Lord, I don’t know where You want me to go.” I started sharing what I thought He wanted me to share from Psalm 118, about how the Lord draws us out of deep waters and will bring us to a place where He can minister to us and give us the strength to overcome. And I felt like people were coming to the front, to the altar, just one by one, and feeling a connection with what I was saying. I could see it in their faces that they were coming forward because they wanted this God. It was amazing. It turned me upside down. I had never felt the Lord’s presence so strongly.

Brandon:  It was something you’ll never forget.

Kari:  Never. It made me want to be more on point with unbelievers while leading.

Brandon:  I would say never underestimate how God will use you or your audience. Sometimes I think I just need to cater to who they are. And that’s not true. As long as we are faithful to who God has called us to be, He does the work. He will astound us with who He brings to Himself. It’s not like we accomplished anything; we’ve just been a part. I admit I forget that sometimes. I’m glad you reminded me that God can use us to draw people to Himself.

Kari, before we go, I’d love to talk about your first single, “I’m Singing.” Tell us about that and your record.

Kari:  I wrote that [song] with Ed Cash and Chris Tomlin. Ed had the chorus already, and so the three of us got together and finished the song. And the more I get to lead it in the congregational setting, I watch people connect with it in a way that’s like, “Yeah, that is God! You are the only One. You are the only man who took the nails.” Just watching people get a revelation of who God is has been pretty fun. Radio is picking it up, and honestly, I never saw that coming. Being a worship leader, I had no idea that God would open doors with radio, and that’s been cool to watch. God has gone above and beyond.

Brandon:  It takes a long time to break into radio. So it’s either got to be a great song or a miracle! I bought “I’m Singing” on iTunes. Your record is also doing great; it’s been in the Top 10 on iTunes. You should be proud of your first effort. You are doing a great job.

Well, Kari, it’s been great talking to you. I’m so proud of you, and I know that so many of us are pulling for you. Way to go! And I hope I get to see you again soon. Thanks!

Kari:  Thank you!

To listen to Brandon’s full interview with Kari, click here.

For more info on Kari, visit karijobe.com.

Brandon Heath is the Gospel Music Association’s new “Male Vocalist of the Year.” His monthly “New Artist Spotlight” on CCMmagazine.com introduces fans to new artists currently hitting the scene. Brandon’s new single is called “Wait and See,” the follow-up to his smash No. 1 hit “Give Me Your Eyes” from his sophomore release, What If We (Reunion), which recently won Brandon multiple Dove Awards including “Song of the Year.” For more info, log on to brandonheath.net.

© 2009 CCMmagazine.com.  All rights reserved.  Used with permission. 

**This interview first published on July 2, 2009