As part of an upcoming SPARK video, each member was asked to tell their story about their involvement in music and in the group. To give an example, our managing director, Sherri Whitehead, told her story and explained how SPARK got started. Since her story won't be part of the video, we thought we'd share it here. (Pssst! Be watching for the video this coming week.)

THE START OF SPARK
​"I’m a dreamer and a planner. I have big ideas and I like to make big things happen through creative entrepreneurial ventures. At a young age, I started creating performing groups for youth. My passion for producing shows has continually expanded because I love the excitement and joy that singing and dancing brings to audiences. (For me in particular, the Spirit really speaks through uplifting music.) 

Starting an inspirational performing group was something I always knew I would do, but I didn't know how it would start. When the time was right, and with the help of a great mentor, McKay Crockett, (and a lot of support from my husband Doug), SPARK came into existence last September. Singers with strong testimonies of Christ were drawn to the group and they began performing together with the goal of creating a movement for all ages to “rise up in faith and be a light to the world.” When we came up with the group name, we didn’t even realize all the ways that the name SPARK would actually define the work we are doing. Managing SPARK and producing the videos and shows has been very rewarding. I love that the music and the messages personally affect the members of the group as much as they affect their audiences. 

As I said, I love making big things happen, and the big thing I want to see happen through SPARK is for many people to find Christ, or if they have already found Him, to grow closer to Him. I know that a life in Christ brings peace and security and changes hearts. It’s changed mine. I think He’s happy about what we are trying to accomplish through SPARK."

You can read Sherri's bio at this link: http://www.sparksingers.com/the-team.html​

Below is a video clip taken during the filming of the video that shows the excitement of the group members.

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Recently, two members of SPARK, Angelina Whitehead and Ryan Johnson, were in New York City and filmed a music video to an upbeat praise song called "Brighter." The backdrop for much of the video is Times Square, where hundreds of LED signs make the night appear nearly as bright as day. Even with all the lights on Times Square, the song attests that Jesus shines brighter and that his love helps us overcome the darkness in our lives. 

While filming, many spectators stopped to watch and marvel while Angelina and Ryan displayed their talents (with "Brighter" playing on a portable speaker) in Times Square and beyond. In one particular Brooklyn neighborhood, a very positive conversation took place with an Italian restaurant host on the subject of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He graciously agreed to appear briefly in the video and gave his email address so he could receive the video link. That small connection served to prove that there are opportunities all around to share light, and you never know the extent of the good that can come of it.

​Along with Ryan, Angelina was accompanied to NYC by her parents and joined by former SPARK member, Nick Sales, who professionally filmed the video. Brandon Harms, a musician friend, also came along to offer cheerful support through outbursts of singing, subway navigation and help in packing around heavy camera equipment.

This trip to NYC is just one of many opportunities that SPARK members will have to sing upbeat praises to Jesus Christ and spread his light and love through their talents. Be sure to come to our upcoming shows to experience the joyful message of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Using the words of Neill F. Marriott from the 2014 General Conference, in her address about "Sharing Your Light," we collectively testify that we have a living Savior, Jesus Christ, and with His power and light we will be enabled to push back the darkness of the world, give voice to the truth we know, and influence others to come unto Him.

The following are excerpts from the talk "Sharing Your Light" by Neill F. Marriott:

President Thomas S. Monson pointed out, “If you want to give a light to others, you have to glow yourself.” 

The scriptures teach, “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light.” 

We must continue in God, as the scripture says. We must go to the source of light—to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and the scriptures.

We can also go to the temple, knowing that all things within its walls point to Christ and His great atoning sacrifice. 

​I testify we have a living Savior, Jesus Christ, and with His power and light we will be enabled to push back the darkness of the world, give voice to the truth we know, and influence others to come unto Him.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/sharing-your-light?lang=eng