The Vision
"Magnify" was birthed on Thursday, December 18th, 2003 at 3:30am When God instilled in the heart of Gene Young through either dream or vision, groups that would be participating in this great cause.

For almost 5 years, Gene and his wife Ann had been praying for God to expose that which was not pleasing to Him and to use them to make a difference in winning souls and carrying the message of The gospel of Christ. After awaking, Gene began praying and asking God about what he had received and if it was truly from Him. Gene believed the Holy Spirit was directing his thoughts to bring this vision about as he was shown certain groups that would go out together to minister, to win souls and uplift the body of Christ.

As he lay there pondering all this, he was also given figures to pay the groups and realized these were all artists that had a true Focus of ministry and would sacrifice if need be to do God's Will. It was revealed to Gene that the charge for these groups combined to a church that could afford it was $3,500. One of the most Important revelations Gene received was that there would "never" be a ticket charge for Magnify events allowing any and all families to attend. This was exciting, as many families cannot afford to attend Concerts because of the cost of the tickets. He would receive other Revelations later to expand the borders of this ministry that would totally magnify and belong to God.

Seeking confirmation that this was truly from God, Gene asked the Lord for confirmation that when he called for each group, if there was one negative comment that he would take that as  not being from God. He would also ask God to confirm it in other ways.

Prior to the calling of groups, Gene preparing for a busy day asked the Lord for forgiveness as he being rushed would only read a couple of chapters of the Word before heading for Erwin, TN. Beginning at Nehemiah, Chapter 1&2. The Word came alive as the last verses of Chapter 2 spoke of Nehemiah inciting the Jews to rebuild the wall (this was to protect the city). Of course there were those like Sanbalat, Tobiah and Geshem that laughed them to scorn, even despising them, but in the last verse Nehemiah, putting them down who did not think they could achieve their task, said... "The God Of heaven, He will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build." What really excited Gene was when his eyes moved to the top of the page he had written, "It is not our job to make the vision happen, It is our job not to lose sight of the vision." He ran to the top of the stairs sharing it with Ann and immediately she caught site of the vision. Though some might laugh, God will not be mocked.

As he went about the day, Gene began calling the groups and sharing the vision with them. Each group when called responded with a resounding "YES, count us in, We would love to be a part". Every Artist involved is totally focused on ministry and reaching the lost. The integrity and lifestyle of each artist, on and off stage, speaks to the world that these are true servants of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gene then began to consider how this ministry could be marketed as there were no "major named artists", only groups that loved the ministry they were called to, "God's Ministry". This is not to take away from any of these groups as all are great singers and can hold their own on stage, they just don't have the national recognition as some. Praying about this he began to receive ideas including making a video of the groups to send to pastors and promoters to allow them to see the caliber of the artists and get a better feeling of the focus of these artists. They would gather together for a couple of days and then produce the video. This first DVD is a double DVD and also a double CD was made.

As some churches can handle the cost of a concert at $3,500 others cannot. This is where it would be important to bring church associations or ministerial alliances together to support Magnify as well as other associations such as the Full Gospel Businessmen's Association. For these the charge would be $4,000, an increase of $500 to help in covering advertising and promotion. An offering will be taken at every event to assist in the future events, venue cost and funding for group expenses. Without a doubt, "Magnify" will provide one of the most ministry focused concerts the church has ever had the opportunity to participate in. In many cases, Southern Gospel promoters like Gene and Ann Young had paid much more than $4,000 for one group.

Thinking about which churches would be receptive as sometimes artists receive denials because of denominational barriers, it is amazing to see that as these groups united together for the same purpose of reaching the lost and ministering to the hurting that Magnify artists consist of in alphabetical order, Assembly of God, Baptist, Church of God, Methodist, and others as God has put together a selection that seems to bridge all denominational boundaries. Along with the singing talents of these artists there are evangelists and worship leaders that complete this ministry team.

As Gene and Ann began prayfully seeking a name for these events, they agreed on the name, "Magnify", as that is the purpose, to Magnify Christ. On January 15th, 2004, at 6:30am, Gene awoke singing a song he had never sung before, "We're gathering together to worship and praise, tell of His greatness, His mercy, His Grace to Christ whose shed blood gave us eternal life, His name now we magnify". Writing this verse down, Gene showed it to Ann and she began working on the chorus and the song "Magnify" was penned with a second verse added later. Some may doubt how a group of artists can come together to accomplish these events, but what seems like a mountain to many is not even a small hill to God.

Prayfully consider what this group of Magnify artists can do for your church association and community. There will be "No Ticket Charge" for "Magnify". Magnify is supported by church associations, business owners and those that are blessed by the presentation of Jesus Christ to a lost and hurting world.

"MAGNIFY" is about rebuilding a wall that glorifies GOD and gives protection to those that need encouragement, restoration and salvation. The artists that have been a part of Magnify events are:

(You may contact each group by going to the appropriate link by name.)

The Chosen Ones* Bill Schell* YoungSong*
* The Wanda Mountain Boys*
John D. Rowsey* The Brazells*
Sincere* New Ground*

In June of 2006, two events were held in Illinois and the response was overwhelming. The buzz from attendees was that this was the greatest event they had ever attended. In Marion, Illinois, the newspaper on Monday following the Saturday night Magnify event displayed photos on the front page and an exert from the article stated that, "The Marion, Illinois Civic Center became a church Saturday night as Magnify Ministries presented an uplifting concert". That is what Magnify is all about. A second DVD was produced in Marion and is available with the proceeds going to help future Magnify events.

"Magnify" Ministries, Inc. has applied for Not For Profit Status with the Internal Revenue Service. The goal of Magnify is now to have the support of enough individuals, churches or businesses in the amount of $20 to $50 per month until an amount of $4,000 per month is reached, making it possible for Magnify to be taken into cities or inner cities where many artists never go to present the gospel in word and song to reach all for the cause of Christ.

Gene's Charge to the Artist's of Magnify We must remember that we are about presenting the gospel through word and song collectively and by showing that people from all denominations can come together in one accord to do just that. It is not about us, it is about Him. It is not our ministry, it is His ministry. If we can stay in the place of being one with God and keep us out of the way so others can see Jesus we will see God move like never before. I was once trying to keep an account of souls saved and rededications in (our ministry) in churches and concerts when the Holy Spirit revealed to me it was His Ministry and that it was not necessary that I waste my time as a very accurate record was already being kept. I suddenly was humbled to the fact that I was only a vessel God could work through and that His work would be accomplished with or without me. I praise Him that when we are open to correction that the Holy Spirit will do just that and when we seek to be in God's will, He will bring correction when we get out of line. We must always decrease so that He may increase.