I LOVE TO TAKE THE CHURCH MUSIC BEYOND THE WALLS OF THE CHURCH-MANDY

I recently had a chat with Mandy Sangbarani about RANAN, RANAN is a Christian band based in Aberdeen Scotland, and it was started over 4 years ago with just Mandy and Douglas Campbell, today they have grown with some very talented musicians. Their mission is to communicate the gospel message through music. I have seen RANAN lead worship many a times and oh what passion with which they do lead. I have to say I have been tremendously blessed by this ministry.  

You can read all about RANAN, what they have been up to and what their future plans are in this exclusive interview. I am sure you will enjoy reading it, as I did and I pray that it inspires you as you read.

iTestify: Tell us about RANAN

Mandy Ranan is a Christian band who wants to glorify the name of Jesus and make his name known.

ITestify: Awesome! How and where did you get the name RANAN?

Mandy: Ha ha well that took a lot of searching but eventually found the name Ranan as a Hebrew word for shout or sing aloud. 

iTestify: Wow that's a great name, I really like it. So are you involved in any projects at the moment?

Mandy: Well apart from our music commitments at our own local church. This year we've been invited to play in a number of places from leading worship in local churches, conferences, to concerts and outreach events in and out of Aberdeen. 

iTestify: That sounds really exciting and busy times for you. What have been your most memorable moments?

Mandy: Well have to say it was awesome when we played at the beach ballroom backing Don Moen although the sound guys forgot to switch on the violin when it came to the violin solo so a little improvisation was needed until we were back in the swing of things.

iTestify: Oh wow! Good you were able to improvise, shows professionalism. So what inspires you?

Mandy:The Holy Spirit inspires us as we pray before our practices and when we are out playing at events. It's amazing to see God taking the little that we have and using it for His Glory.

iTestify: Yes you can say that again, 'God uses the little you have and give to Him for His gory. Tell us who are your greatest influences in music?

Mandy: Ooh well we all have different musical influences, huge range of Christian Bands like Bethel, Hillsong, Casting Crowns, Kim Walker, Big Daddy weave, Plumb, Susan Aston, Jennifer knapp to much to mention !

iTestify: I love Hillsong, and recently just discovered Big Daddy Weave. Where do you see RANAN in the next five years

Mandy: I hope we will continue to develop especially in writing and recording our own material although our mission is not to have Ranan in lights but to proclaim the good news of the gospel through music where ever God leads we'll follow. 

iTestify: I say amen to that 'wherever God leads you'll follow', and looking forward to your own material, exciting times. What's been the greatest challenge you have had to face?

Mandy: I guess the most challenging for me was leading Worship at my younger brothers funeral who was killed in a car accident. Although a sad occasion, it was still such a privilege to proclaim Jesus is Lord through it all. 

iTestify: Oh sorry to hear about your brother. That wouldn't have been easy but thank God for His grace. What do you think of the Music Ministry in Aberdeen and Scotland in General?

Mandy: I think there are so much fantastic musicians out there some using their talent by serving the local church and others going beyond the walls. I love to take the church music beyond the walls of the church, it's such a privilege to use music as a tool to share the gospel. We definitely need more Scottish Christian musicians to step out of there comfort zones !

iTestify: I strongly agree with you, we need to step out of our comfort zones and take the music beyond the walls of the church. What ways do you think we can strengthen the bond of unity amongst Christian artist, musicians, singers and worship leaders in Aberdeen?

Mandy: Well I've tried to do this by starting a Facebook page so that folks can connect with each other. It's great that we are all serving in our local church but the temptation is to stay isolated from other fellowships in the city, I don't think this is always healthy. There is so much to learn from one another, we are all at different levels and experiences. it's important to share these and have a attitude of blessing and supporting each other and not let pride and competition get in the way.  At my own local church we often invite musicians/singers from other fellowships to share with out worship team. It's great to exchange ideas !

iTestify: That is such a brilliant idea as networking is key. We can't do it alone. And thanks for having me at your church last November for the women's event. Totally enjoyed myself. So now, If you were to work with any artist, who will that be?

Mandy: Mmm for me probably have to be Darlene Zschech as she to me is a Mother of all Worship Leaders. So much of her songs we sing in our churches today. She has made a huge impact in the Christian worship scene all over the world. 

iTestify Hhahaha. Same goes for me, I love Darlene to bits. She's just amazing and her songs a blessing to the church worldwide. Tell us 5 things you'd want us to know about RANAN

Mandy:We all have made a commitment to follow Jesus

We have an amazing sound man that looks after us.

We are in the process of creating our web page.

Most of us are from different fellowships. 

We tend to eat a lot of curries !!!

iTestify: Hahahah curries! What advice would you give to upcoming musicians, artists and worship leaders 

Mandy: If God is calling you to step out, do it no questions!

iTestify: How can people keep in touch with RANAN? 

Mandy: At the moment you can connect with us through our Facebook page which will let you know of up and coming events or if you would like us to play send us a Facebook message and we'll get back to you.

iTestify: Thank you so much for your time Mandy, I have really enjoyed featuring this interview with you.. RANAN is playing at 'Engage' this year, a yearly worship night we organize in the city of Aberdeen and I am so looking forward to this.

Eloho