REVIEWS & LETTERS
(See what Debbie's international fans are saying... Far Away Friends' Page )
BRIAN DOERKSEN (Artist, Worship Leader and Worship Songwriter, Integrity Music) “Debbie is a woman of character, strongly anchored in her own family and church, plus she is active in ministry to the broader Church. One of the main things I love about Debbie and her ministry is that she is an ‘intergenerational’ worship leader and artist, with a strong appeal for those who are young moms and older. I have a sense that she is a “lifer”; that writing, singing and ministering is what she is called to do. I also believe that the time is coming for more women worship leaders and songwriters to be given a platform and I want to do my part in encouraging women in worship!”
DICK & MELODIE TUNNEY (Nashville Dove Award-Winning Songwriters and Producers/Arrangers of Debbie’s debut worship CD, “Oasis of Thirst”)
“A rare combination of musical ability, a mature heart of worship as well as a significant
gift of songwriting are the ingredients of Debbie Fortnum and “Oasis of Thirst”. As we
worked putting this collection of songs together, Mel and I found ourselves admiring not
only the songs, but the heart from which they were birthed. Debbie finds her identity
soley in Christ! It was a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of this project!”
DR. RAVI ZACHARIAS (Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, USA)
“Her music has an unusual impact on the audience because it combines a beautiful voice with a gentle spirit lifted to the glory of God!” (Debbie has ministered at several of his Canadian Fundraising Banquets.)
CHRIS WIENS, Sr. Pastor of Richmond Christian Fellowship, BC
"God used Debbie to speak truth and love to us this past weekend! Her song Imagine Immersion has rocked us, and has
been inspirational to our church, sparking a new passion for deeper relationship with Jesus."
JODY CARSON, Women's Ministry Director of Mountain Park Community Church,
Abbotsford, BC.
Debbie is extremely easy and enjoyable to work with. Her heart for God not
only shows
through her talented singing, but through the bonds she quickly develops with the ladies
she is ministering to. She is kind and genuinely caring; motivated clearly by the call God
has put on her life. God has blessed her with the ability to connect with woman of all
generations leading them straight to the heart of the Father.
SHAWN VICKAR, Rockyview Alliance Church (500+), Calgary, AB. It is with ease and
confidence that I recommend Debbie. My experience working with her
and having her minister at Rockyview Alliance Church in Calgary was outstanding. Almost
immediately, I was impressed with how Debbie’s ministry was not simply a prepackaged
service, but was customized to our church out of her desire to get to know Rockyview prior
to coming. Having been in pastoral ministry herself, and alongside her husband, it was clear
that she understood the need to take time to understand Rockyview. The time she invested
in getting to know us in advance led to such an effective time of ministry, flowing from her
understanding of our people and the journey of our church.
Debbie was wonderful to work with during both the planning and implementation of the services. She was flexible, creative, and it was clear from working with her that she has a deep love for the church, along with keen insight into how to best connect with a congregation. I was impressed with her sensitivity to where our people were at, and at her ability to get them involved with her so quickly. Her blend of story, testimony, scripture and song was excellent, and it was so clear to see how she is a woman who knows and loves Jesus deeply, and listens to the Holy Spirit even as she ministers.
It is without reservation that I would recommend Debbie for ministry in your church; as I continue to hear from our church how much they enjoyed having her with us.
IRENE GENG, Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Office of the FRASER VALLEY REGIONAL LIBRARY, BC CANADA (Debbie played for their Staff Appreciation Celebration)
"ALL the response I heard about Debbie's music was positive, and I'm not the least bit surprised. I was totally confident in what she would present and she gave us an A+ performance. I am very, very thankful for her wonderful piano music. It contributed impressively to the ambiance and everyone's enjoyment of our evening event."
LINDA MUENCH, The Firs Conference Center, Bellingham, WA
"Debbie has been the speaker, worship leader and/or special music for several of our women's
retreats over the past few years. One of the many things that we appreciate about Debbie is
her ability to reach out and touch all ages and types of women. She is so willing to fit into
whatever theme we have and always enhances it both for worship and for fun. Her musical
talent unquestionably
is one of the best. God has given Debbie this incredible gift and she
in turn gives the glory completely to Him. I always see Christ through her and it is obvious
that her heart's desire is to glorify Him. If you have met Debbie once, you will feel you have
a friend forever."
BRENDA DENHOLME, Women’s Aglow of Kitimat, Northern BC.
”As Debbie led worship, I have never in my life been in a group when
the awesome presence and magnificence of God was so, so powerful.
We were undone! Ladies have been sharing all over town how
blessed they were, and that she was speaking just to them.”
BEN HOOGENDOORN, President Canadian Food for the Hungry International, Abbotsford, BC CANADA www.cfhi.ca
”Debbie always seems to find a way to engage so many people in what is happening around the world. Her support to the victims of the tsunami, earthquakes, hurricanes, and flooding has been substantial. Only God knows how many lives are touched by her ministry.”
DR. DEANNA MERRIT, Retreat Director for Ogletown Baptist, Delaware, USA
"Debbie’s message to our ladies was more than just a “blessing,” -- it was truly Spirit-led.
Through her, God's Spirit challenged us, moved us, and amazed us with her stories of healing
and restoration. We found Debbie to be so easy, down-to-earth and approachable. We have
hosted a number of retreat/conference speakers. One of the things that sets Debbie apart is
her absolute lack of self-promotion!! May our King continue to be glorified through her
beautiful ministry!"
RON CLARK, Worship Pastor of Willingdon Church, Vancouver, BC (Church of 4,000+)
"It was great to have Debbie during our weekend worship services! Our people really enjoyed
and were blessed her ministry... I hope she will come back soon!
PETER LEWIS, Vice President CST Inc., Toronto, Singer / Songwriter / Worship Leader
“Lift up the LIGHT!" invited Debbie to minister at the "National Day of Prayer and Praise" we hosted on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Debbie’s passion for the Lord and sincere desire to see the Light of Jesus lifted high in our country were evident as she ministered to the crowd that gathered on the hill that morning, and as she led us into the presence of the Lord in worship that evening. Debbie does not just sing songs – she ministers God’s love and God’s Word through her music. We have appreciated Debbie and her compassion for “the least of these”, and her heart which burns with a desire is to see God’s fame extended around the world.”
PASTOR BETH MURRAY , Director of Care Ministries @ Beulah Alliance Church,
Edmonton, AB "I have been a therapist for over six years now and
typically find a song or two on a CD that I use for "healing purposes,"
but I have never encountered an entire CD that has such powerful
healing theme throughout. I work with many hurting people and have
always worked songs into their healing journeys and counselling. Her
new CD, "To Love and To Be Loved," is like a sound track for the restorative
work God is doing in their lives! I have "assigned" her CD as homework for
many of the people I work with. They have found it to be an excellent resource
to guide and encourage them on their healing journey."
LORNA LUECK (Women’s Ministry Pastor at Chilliwack Glad Tidings, BC)
“The evening we spent with Debbie was one of those "memorial stone" events for our women that we will talk about for years to come... One of the things I appreciate about Debbie is her sensitivity. She was our guest speaker and singer just days after the Sept. 11th attack on our US neighbours. All of us were still reeling from the impact of it all when Debbie opened that night by ministering peace and hope to our hearts through her song "You Love Justice". Women wept as she brought our focus back to God, helping us renew our faith and trust in Him...
Above all, Debbie is a worshipper. As she sings, you feel that you are in the presence of greatness---His! There is a sense that you are witnessing the heart of a daughter laid open and adoring before the Father she loves. Her personal story is one of faith and triumph. She gently, yet masterfully weaves the story of Jesus and the purpose of His life and death into her own. The amazing events of her life create an understanding that His destiny for us will only be realized as we make Him the Lord of our lives. I cannot recommend Debbie highly enough. Yes, she is a gifted musician and speaker, but what you sense most about Debbie is that she is a faithful servant of The Most High God.”
Rev. Brian Buhler, Pastor and Conference Speaker, North Vancouver, BC, Canada
It is with great confidence that I recommend Debbie Fortnum for ministry. Her music combines appealing melodies and well-crafted lyrics. Her songs are biblically based and meaty. Debbie mixes high-energy music with sensitivity to God’s Spirit and the people she’s worshipping with. She is a woman of proven character and integrity.
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TOM LENNIE, Scotland, UK
"An inordinate wealth of high quality "Christian" music has flowed from north of the American border over the years; Steve Bell, Brian Doerksen, Heather Clark, Capstone, and the eclectic Bruce Cockburn (with equally eclectic theology!) are just a few. Add to those ranks the sweet (not sickly) dulcetones of Ms Fortnum, whose style may be loosely compared to that of Sheila Walsh or Twila Paris (but with a touch more panache!) It's over five years since her debut 'Oasis of Thirst' appeared. The wait's been worthwhile, though. This disc marks a notable progression in both strength of songwriting and quality of sound, while credit must also be given to the multi-instrumental work of producer/engineer Chris Janz.
Debbie's competent alto vocals do much justice to this batch of self-penned tunes, and while she sticks mainly within piano-based inspirational pop ballad parameters - where she is clearly most comfortable and proficient - she does allow some breadth of scope, adding, for example, hints of funk and a touch of gospel here and there. Lyrics are thoroughly soaked in the scriptures, yet they remain fresh and original, while the spiritual depth ingrained in every stanza is both impressive and moving. Especially appealing are the choruses of 'Imagine, immersion' and 'Believe'. The first came with Debbie being "wonderstruck" by the truths of Ephesians...
"Can you imagine your immersion / Into purest Love? / Can you imagine your immersion / Into promises that always come true?".
The latter song was inspired by a prayer made by her great grandfather (x4!) - Dr. Andrew Murray, a pioneering Scots-born revivalist preacher in South Africa, whose life-story is worth checking out. Debbie's voice soars on these tracks - as, too, on the simply effective 'Like an eagle' (with fine guitar break) - where her introductory comments encourage the listener's spirit to likewise rise on high. Meanwhile, 'He bore my sorrows' is a beautiful meditation on the Cross. All in all - a charming experience of true "inspiration" - definitely deserving of a wider audience."
Tom Lennie
Scotland, UK
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BC Christian News, 2000
Fortnum is a worship leader at Yarrow Alliance Church in Chilliwack –
which is a good enough reason to join that church. This is her debut release,
hopefully the first of many. Oasis of Thirst, was produced in Nashville by Dick
Tunney, and features First Call’s Marty McCall on backing vocals. “We
Will Clap Our Hands” opens the album, and Fortnum’s commanding voice
impresses immediately – as do the arrangements. “A Living Holy Sacrifice”
which begins with a slow Celtic whistle, is a touching portrayal of God’s
longing for believers to be surrendered to absolute worship; “You Love
Justice” effectively employs slow electric guitar riffs, while the striking
of a bell underlines the reality of God’s judgement; and “The Ruler’s
Throne” is a powerfully moving tribute to the reign of Christ. Fortnum
is a vocal and songwriting talent to be reckoned with. As she reminds us, the
joy of the Lord is our strength; and the strength in her voice is persuasive
evidence of this truth.
KEN & JANIE ANDERSON, former Vice President of Greater
Vancouver Youth For Christ
"Debbie’s ministries have been marked by innovation and excellence. She
is a unique talent, a very gifted singer and keyboard artist. I believe Debbie’s
trademark is a solid Biblical basis delivered with sincerity and passion. She
is a very effective Worship Leader both in youth and adult oriented services.
I have no hesitation in recommending Debbie Fortnum regarding any Music Ministry
endeavour!
DIANE JANZEN, former Director of Women’s Ministries
at Sevenoaks Church, Abbotsford, BC
Debbie’s love for God and her Spirit-anointed giftedness has been used
very effectively in the lives of hundreds of youth in our church and community—ages
ranging from young teens to my age of 40+. When she writes, plays, sings or
leads worship, her primary goal is always to draw us close to our God Who so
deeply loves us. Debbie truly reflects Christ and desires to honour Him above
all else. I commend her to you…
REV. DOUG WIEBE , Pastor, Conference Speaker, Aldergrove,
BC, Canada
My first exposure to Debbie’s Ministry was at Canadian Bible College Youth
Conference where she ministered to some 1,400 students. Her music is moving,
passionate, and definitely creates an atmosphere that is conducive for worshipping
our Saviour! I have seen many students go forward and kneel at prayer altars
in response to what God is doing in their lives through Debbie’s ministry.
If your church/organization is looking for an excellent soloist or band to come
and minister, I would heartily encourage you to pursue Debbie and her band.
I know you will not be disappointed in her ministry, and in the cooperation
you would receive in working with her.
REV. LARRY EIDE, Former Associate Pastor of Peace Portal Alliance Church, Assistant
District Superintendent for the C&MA, BC, Canada
"Our church was involved in a service with Debbie Fortnum and her worship band
and we gave them most of the time to lead us in worship and praise. I was extremely
impressed and pleased with her ministry. It was characterized by superb musicianship,
and a real attitude of humble worship and servanthood. Debbie provided tremendously
capable leadership, and was sensitive to our congregation. The worship experience
was very scriptural, participative and effective. I have no hesitation in recommending
Debbie or her worship band to you for ministry."
HILDA LAKUSTA, Christian Women’s Club, BC,
Canada
"What a wonderful contribution of music to our event! Her selections of songs were
perfect. What a treat! Many women are still talking about her beautiful voice
and excellent performance".
REV. J. MATTHEW KNIGHTON, Pastor of Cle Elum Alliance Church, WA
"As her former pastor, I have observed Debbie’s walk with the Lord and
her ability to minister powerfully through music. As her father, I have seen
God work deeply in and through her from an early age. Gladly and confidently
I recommend her ministry."
DR. BRIAN & SANDRA WIEBE, Dentist, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
"We are astounded that your amazing God-given talent is not at the forefront
of Christian music today. I came home today expecting tired children and a stressed-out
wife. Instead, what I came home to was simply incredible! As I opened the door
your voice and music was blasting throughout the house…Sandra was dancing
and smiling…The kids were clapping along with bright smiles on their faces…and
the house was shining and bursting with love…WOW!!! Your music can touch
the very depths of a person’s soul. Never give up! God is working through
you to change lives. You have done and will do more amazing things than your
heart ever dreamed."
TOM LENNIE, Gold Records USA
“Truly, the deep peace and inexpressible joy of being alive in Christ ring loud
and clear from this formidable debut, as does also the singer's insatiable
panting after God, her obvious longing for more of Him. “Oasis of Thirst” is
a gorgeously sensitive offering of celebratory pop and inspirational worship
gems, comparable perhaps to the seasoned style of Twila Paris. Debbie's
mature, clear voice, her passionate expression, and the adorational
profundity of the Scripture-based lyrics all combine to produce a varied
experience of genuine beauty and spiritual depth. You're sure to return to
this Oasis again and again - as you search out the immeasurable riches of our loving Father, and bask in the warmth of His wonderful presence.”
SUE HALLETT, Debbie’s childhood piano teacher,
Veneta, Oregon, USA
"I had the pleasure of meeting Debbie when she was in elementary school. It took
little time to recognize her exceptional music abilities in playing and composing.
The very nature of improvisational playing and composition shows her willingness
to venture out in faith. It takes a great deal of assurance and confidence.
God has definitely blessed Debbie with a special gift, one she so freely uses
for His glory. Her music ministry touches many people wherever she goes. My
life has been blessed by knowing Debbie. Her talent, creativity and faith are
a real witness to the grace of God."
REV. BRIAN & JUDY THOM, District
Superintendent, C&MA Canadian Pacific District
"
Debbie seeks after the heart of God and it is evident in her music. Her gifts
have greatly contributed to the encouragement of those in ministry in the CPC
District and have touched the hearts of many others as well. Her love for God
and her family—and her heart for reaching out to others—is the soul
of her music ministry. Our district is richer because of her connection to us!"
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