2023 Year-End Report
Shannon Smith Music & Ministries
4183 Franklin Rd, Ste. B1, #68
Murfreesboro, TN 37128-4255
(615) 212-2200
office@officialshannonsmith.com
www.officialshannonsmith.com
Dear Friend,
I pray this finds you and yours well and experiencing the presence and blessings of Jesus. Thank you for taking the time to read a short report of what God has enabled me to accomplish over the past year and THANK YOU for whatever part you played—whether in prayer, financial partnership, or simply interest and encouragement in my music and ministry.
In the spring of 2000, the Lord gave me the call to “sing His praise to the ends of the earth.” It was a call that I immediately embraced and poured every ounce of my energy into in every way that I knew how.
Since that time I have sung and ministered in more than 2500 concerts in a variety of venues ranging from local churches to large auditoriums; from sports arenas to cruise ships; from prisons to Carnegie Hall. I have traveled extensively throughout the United States, as well as to Canada, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Through television and internet broadcasts millions around the world have been encouraged and have experienced the presence of Jesus through the gifts God has entrusted to me!
And yet, just about a year ago the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, “Everything you have done for the past 23 years was just to get you ready for this next season of ministry.” I truly believe that I have not even scratched the surface of what God put me on this planet to do! I am passionate about sharing the beauty of Jesus and the life-changing power of His Word through music and the spoken word. This is a “presence of God” ministry and what He does in people’s lives while they are in His presence is priceless! His Word and His Presence experienced through the medium of music have revolutionized my life and I believe they are key to God’s kingdom plan in these last days!
As you read what follows, I would ask you to prayerfully consider if the Lord would have you partner with me as I follow Him in faith. I can assure you, the calling is WAY BIGGER than me and I simply cannot do it by myself. I know that the Lord has already made the provision for everything He has set before me and I just want to offer you an opportunity to be a part of it. Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Glorifying God & inspiring people,
What’s been accomplished in 2023
55 events (29 were either volunteer or not financially beneficial)
Traveled to 9 different states putting nearly 30,000 miles on my personal vehicle (a 2011 Kia Sorento with 230,000 miles - she’s tired!)
Partnered with the Beckie Simmons Agency, a booking agent in Nashville, TN with decades of experience scheduling itinerant musicians
Performed at the National Day of Prayer event at the Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville, TN.
1 TV taping
1 Live streaming broadcast with Minister of Encouragement, Bobby Williams
Co-wrote and recorded a song (to be released in January 2024)
In many of these events, I am being asked to speak/preach as well as sing.
Nearly 20 different people have partnered with us financially, mostly through one-time gifts.
Most importantly, I’ve received many testimonies of people encouraged and strengthened in their walk with God and I’ve had the opportunity to pray with people at these events.
This has primarily been a reboot year for SSM. After spending most of the past 23 years with other ministries that had a lot of infrastructure in place (transportation, scheduling, sound equipment, internet presence, recordings, etc.), I have had to put as much of that in place as possible. This has been very labor intensive, personally expensive, and there is still much to do (see below).
However, as the year has progressed, I have been GAINING MOMENTUM and I am excited about 2024!
What’s next…
In 2024 I want to see the ministry expand in the following ways:
85 events minimum (some pay for themselves; some make “ministry sense” but not “financial sense” - i.e. prisons, missions trips, some smaller churches, etc.)
Release a full recording of original songs
Release videos of the new songs
Expand social media outreach
Create an online community with LIVE music, devotionals, and prayer
Release a devotional book
Add at least 40 monthly partners
Make at least one international trip (“sing His praise to the ends of the earth”). Currently talking with an associate about a trip to Ukraine.
Obtain an RV or suitable vehicle
Pay off sound equipment and office equipment
Add a keyboard player/vocalist/roadie
Your generous investment can help SSM grow
I am so grateful for those who have supported my vision throughout this “reboot” year. It is awesome to know that I’m not doing this alone! I’m inviting you to join the SSM team as together, we “sing His praise to the ends of the earth.”
IMMEDIATE ministry needs (in addition to normal budgeted expenses)
Vehicle ($50,000-$75,000 seems to be reasonable for a gently used RV)
Recording (budget is $15,000)
Finances for sound & office equipment ($10,000)
Year-end giving
I am asking you to consider making a generous year-end gift to help me meet these IMMEDIATE needs as well as start 2024 off with increased momentum and reach out to new audiences.
Partnership
I’m also asking for you to pray about becoming a monthly partner with SSM.
40 partners giving $25/month would be a great start!
By mail: make check payable to Shannon Smith Ministries/A.C.T. Intl
Mail check to: A.C.T. Intl, PO Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024
Questions? Please call me at 615-212-2200 or email me at office@officialshannonsmith.com
Shannon Smith Ministries is a 501(c)3 non-profit ministry in association with A.C.T. Int’l.
All gifts are completely tax-deductible as allowed by law.
