SHEFFY FIELDS Drummer/Percussionist  I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio.  I grew up in the turmoil of the 60s, a generation of “Free-Love” and “Rock-n-Roll.”  As a baby-boomer, I was raised in the aftermath of a Second World War, the Korean Conflict, the fear of nuclear holocaust and the “police action” in Viet Nam.  Over a 31-year career, as a member of the military and as a public servant, I saw many parts of the world, and diverse peoples and cultures. I learned that “People IS People.”  I love the whole aspect of “Service, before Self.”  What a ride!         My parents thought I was born with drumsticks in one hand and congas in the other.  I drove them crazy, beating on any and everything before I could walk.  Come to think of it, I am still driving people crazy.  It also helps that I am crazy, something all percussionists are by nature.  I hit the stage for the first time at age 14.  The rest became history.  But, along the way, the history was rewritten; it took a new direction.  I went from playing the clubs on Vine Street, to being part of the “Vine” (John 15:1, 5 NIV).  What a rush to be part of something infinitely greater than me, to be pruned as a branch (John 15:3-4 NIV); to grow as a musician with “Purpose” – to bless others; to be an example.  Today, I no longer play for praise, but rather to give praise.  I no longer seek the “honor” that goes with being a drummer or percussionist, but rather to give honor.  Today, I march to the beat of a different drummer – Jesus Christ.  For some of you, this is not what you expected to hear.  For others, your spirit rejoices with mine, in what the Father has done.  The good news is that I lost nothing along the way, but gained everything.  Today, I have more freedom of expression than I would have ever thought possible.  Wow!  God is the author of music.  He says “Praise Him with the tambourine… with the clash of cymbals (Ps 150 NIV) and playing all kind of instruments (1 Chr 8 NIV).”  This is the world for me as a percussionist – from drums and cymbals, to Cajons and Goat Nails (yes, Goat Nails), from Cow Bells to Triangles, Spoons and Claves.  The list goes on and on.  Where else can you have so much fun?  Where else can you hit “things” and make so many different sounds and timbres?  Where else can you have the opportunity to establish a benchmark (timing and tempo), or get to play “here and there” (rhythmic motion and syncopation) and have people actually appreciate what you are doing?  Very cool!  If you haven’t figured it out by now, I love percussive instruments.  I love their distinctive sounds.  I love the way they look and respond to touch.  I love what they add to “music.”  More importantly, I love marching to the beat of a different drummer – Jesus Christ!  Did you know, the author of music wants to play with you?  The only question left is, “Do you want to play?” (Rev 3:20)