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Home: R : Ray
Boltz : Biography
Biography (courtesy
of Word Records)
The potter's field project began with
a question. "What
happened to the thirty pieces of silver that were paid
for the betrayal of Christ?" After receiving this
money and realizing what it meant, Judas was filled with
remorse. He tried to return the money, and it was eventually
used to purchase a piece of land known as "the potter's
field".
It is speculated that the potter's field was an area of land
during biblical times, where potters would dispose of their
broken vessels. It was a graveyard of broken pottery, filled
with pieces that were deemed unusable. The Bible says that
the potter's field was used as a burial place for foreigners
and strangers. Even today, there are "potter's fields" in
cemeteries around the world, which are set aside for paupers
and nameless strangers.
How then, could the potter's field
be a place of such inspiration? Boltz enlightens, "Our lives are represented by what
is buried in that field. We are the broken pieces of clay,
the flawed, the nameless, the unworthy, and the unwanted.
Though thirty pieces of silver bought the field of dirt,
you and I were purchased with something of far greater value.
We have been purchased with the very blood of Christ. When
we realize how precious our lives are to God, we are able,
in spite of our flaws and circumstances, to rise and sing
songs of hope…songs from the potter's field.”
On the title cut Boltz gives a passionate vocal performance
that is effectively blended with tasteful production. This
combination vividly delivers the message of the potter's
field.
The first single release from the album, "In Your Name",
both profoundly and simplistically challenges listeners to
love, care, and share a little more in Jesus' name. It reinforces
the realization that if this is really done, then the world
will be changed. This single will beg listeners everywhere
to sing along to this up tempo tune and catchy chorus.
Since 1996, Boltz has been involved
with Mission of Mercy, a Christian relief and development
agency. This past year, Boltz traveled to Nairobi, Kenya
to visit The New Life Home for Abandoned Babies, one of
the many Mission of Mercy projects. The New Life Home provides
proper nourishment and medical attention for babies that
are born to mothers who are HIV positive. Through prayer
and proper care, these babies have a very high probability
of reversing the HIV factor. The song, "Loving Each Other" was
inspired by Boltz' trip to The New Life Home. The song
challenges listeners to look past differences and to simply
love each other.
Boltz has dedicated over fifteen years
to music and ministry. Through these years he has captured
the attention of the CCM industry by garnering three Dove
Awards, two gold albums, a gold video, and twelve number
one singles. He has also sold more than four million units
of product. Through all this time and these accomplishments
Ray's vision for his ministry still remains the same…to
produce and perform music that allows listeners and audiences
to see Jesus.
Boltz was privileged to have some special
guests on this album. Boltz adds, "I was honored to
have Todd Smith and Nicol Smith, members of Selah, and
Mitch McVicker, who is also a Spindust Records artist,
join me. They creatively added astounding background vocals
to this project."
It has been four years since Boltz released a project of
new, original music. Songs From The Potter's Field is a breathtaking
collection of musical styles and inspirational lyrics that
listeners are guaranteed to enjoy for years to come.
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