In late 1993 Richard Andrew found himself in the chapel of a California State Prison (CMC). As he considered the invitation before him, there was no way he could have known the life-changing turn he was about to take.  It was there, in the prison's chapel, that Richard responded to an altar call and invited Jesus to be his Savior and Lord.

     The long road leading to that prison chapel found Richard walking in the shoes of: a runaway; a high school drop out; a homeless person; a drug addict; a drug dealer; a teenage father; and finally the shoes of a convicted felon. Today, Richard coins a phrase from his Pastor, "I was rescued, not arrested" as he experienced something supernatural inside those prison walls.  A list of events that is so compelling, it is bringing people to repentance every time it's recounted...all these years later.

     After meeting Pastor Gary Hornsby at a youth concert hosted by the Rivers Edge Church, they became fast-friends.  Kindred spirits of sorts, their meeting was soon followed by a prayerful invitation for Richard and his wife Shawn to partner with Pastors Gary and Debbie and make the Rivers Edge thier home.  After much prayer, the couple agreed, and the fruit of their partnership is evident in long list of changed lives and minds.

     Today Richard's resume' looks like that of a nationally recognized recording artist, even though he is simply an independent singer/songwriter with no management, record label, or publishing deal.  His most recent offering, "Love360EP", includes the track "Love all over the world" which has found its way to radio and has Richard breaking all the rules. For a true independent artist to find their way onto the airwaves, in rotation, is simply unheard of in this industry, but God is rewriting the rule book and using Richard's music and ministry as the example.  Along with radio play, he has taken his LIVE ministry to the main stages of both Spirit West Coast music festivals in 2009, alongside such artsts as: Third Day; Barlow Girl; Toby Mac; MercyMe; Kutless; and many others! He also shared the Stand & Be Counted Festival stage with Big Daddy Weave and KJ52, and co-headlined the I AM LOVE 360 Music Festival with Seventh Day Slumber and Todd Agnew.

     And though Richard is usually invited to share his music or lead worship at events like conferences, retreats; outreaches, festivals, school assemblies and concerts, he is also a powerful speaker.  His testimony is compelling and thought provoking, and he currently finds himself booking as many speaking engagements as he does for his music ministry.  His delivery as a speaker offers a safe place for listeners of all ages to surrender.  And effectively prepares the soil of people's hearts, thus opening the door for the Gospel.  His altar calls have been filled with people from all walks of life.... not just ex-cons or people who have battled addiction.  Why?  Because at the heart of his story is God's love.  And everybody wants to be loved.

     For more information on Richard's ministry, please visit him online at: www.richardandrewmusic.com, become a "friend" on facebook or Myspace, or follow what God is doing through his ministry on Twitter...