Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Thomas Van Deren.
Heather, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I came from a musical family, where I was encouraged to use my talents. I have played piano since seven years of age. Unfortunately, I walked through troubled teen years and left home for good at 15 years old. That involved much heartache and consequences from bad decisions; sexual and physical abuse, drugs, alcohol… until I landed in a rehab program and discovered the love I was really missing could only be filled through Jesus Christ! I became a Christian, asking Him into my heart, and really meant it, but the struggle continued until I became a young mother. It was in the church God began to show me my musical calling and gift of singing/speaking, making a difference in others’ lives. I was very actively involved in church, teaching children’s choir, in the adult choir, on drama teams, and was also church pianist. In 1992 I became a member of Rejoice ladies’ trio, then was later with Hearts to Him ladies’ trio for ten years. We traveled frequently, recorded two albums – we had many neat opportunities. It was through Hearts to Him I also began serving in prison ministry, which I loved dearly and was able to lead many to the Lord. I went solo as a singer in 2008 and have since recorded five albums – 2 were nominated/awarded Album of the Year. I sing primarily Christian Country music at this point in my life, but I love all genres. God has blessed me with winning many awards as a soloist and I’ve had half a dozen songs charting on various well-known national and international music charts. Today I have over 60 YouTube music videos on my channel. That’s another way to reach out to people! In 2017 I began interviewing others who have struggled and then found life in Christ. Now in its 3rd year, the testimony series “What Love Means” is broadcast on seven radio stations (audio version) and the video version is aired on internet TV WOTG. I have a YouTube channel for What Love Means as well. I am busy singing in and out of town most weekends, going where God opens doors. I have lived on a farm raising Black Angus registered show cattle with my husband since 1997. My life is very full and blessed!
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been smooth! Very few lives are. It’s the lessons of life that make us or break us. Although I had two parents who loved me, I struggled with insecurity and not being loved in the “language” that met my needs, so I acted out, left home very young, and found out the hard way true love is deep inside, with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I was beaten by the man I left home with at 15, who was a black belt in karate. I truly believe my life was spared only by the grace of God, and because of the future plans He had for me. I was finally delivered from that life, and eventually married in 1986. Although he was a decent man, we divorced in 2009. I lost a lot of my identity for several years after that. I realized later that I had been going through the motions, in fear of not “appearing to be perfect.” Who can measure up to that? I met the love of my life during that time and now we are on this path together. Sometimes hindsight really is 20/20. God takes what the world and the adversary means for harm and turns it into good. We just have to listen and be open to following the right path, praying along the way. However, even wrong choices can lead us to the road God wants us on! He can turn ashes into beauty! I am a living example!
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
HTV Ministries began in 2009 after my first solo music release, “My Heart Alone.” In 2014 I hired the most excellent producer, Greg White of SG Studios, in White Settlement, TX. I have been with him for seven years now. He recorded my 2nd album, “My Heart, His Love.” Because he knew how to take my talent to a higher level, and showcase my voice, this is the time where my music began to flourish. I began leaning toward Christian Country music, and with my 3rd CD release titled “Just in Time”, the nominations and awards began to happen. “Just in Time” has six songs I have written, as well as all original arrangements, which really set me free to blaze my own trail. Being on the insecure side has helped me remain humble – I still can’t believe God is using me like He is. I am truly thankful that my music and ministry is making a difference in the lives of others! An original Christmas EP followed the Just in Time album, and my latest project, “Movin’ On,” is up for nominations, as well. I can’t name all of the awards here – I am just humbled and thankful! I have had many great opportunities to co-write with some fantastic songwriters. With my nucleus of supporting friends, family and music associates, I continue to press forward until God calls me home! In addition to my music, my testimony series, “What Love Means” has opened many doors for speaking and TV engagements. I love speaking to ladies’ groups and being available to share my own personal testimony and music on local shows and radio programs. It has really been a great ride.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
For me, personally, I KNOW that the Ft. Worth area and surburban horse/cattle industry love country music! In addition to that, many folks have a church upbringing, a background of faith. Hopefully, most have carried that into their lives as they grew and matured. I believe the Christian Country music industry is just beginning to get the attention it is due. Positive messages about the love of God accompany the great style (or genre) of country music. It’s a win-win! I also believe that whether a person is a city or country dweller, getting back to a little bit of our Western heritage is good for everyone. It keeps us grounded. It slows us down and gives us time to reflect on the good things of life. I am known as an “Indie Artist.” In other words, I do not have a contract signed with a major recording company. There are so many Indie Artists out there like myself, working hard to make an impact in the music industry and in music listeners’ lives. We are succeeding! Of course, the Christian artist has the ultimate goal in mind of helping others to see their need for eternal security – a certain journey to heaven through belief in Jesus Christ. But we are all lovers of music, and that connects us! For those starting out in the Christian music genre, I would say 1) stay positive, 2) stay focused, 3) don’t expect overnight success – it takes years of hard work, promoting yourself and believing in a higher calling. I have been doing this for over 25 years! And I hope to be doing it for 25 more, no matter what the reward here on earth may be!
As for what our city can do… Dallas and Ft. Worth are already great hubs for the music, video and TV industry. I would say that looking beyond the secular and being more open to the spiritual side of music and television would make our community a lot more versatile and therefore attract more diversity in music genres as well as people in general. After all, there IS more to this life. There is an eternal resting place for us all. We cannot neglect our spiritual needs and feed only our current, earthly desires. That is a risk I am not willing to take in what I am called to do. As for the “What Love Means” testimony series, I also believe sharing stories of hope helps others realize their calling and give them a reason to blaze their own trail and find their direction for life that God has for them!
Pricing:
- Albums, music, promotional products on my website available from $5 to $20 htvministries.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.htvministries.com
- Phone: 817-629-2028
- Email: countrygirlsings@live.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.vanderen
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/heathervanderen?lang=en
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1PpPMUk086a6AGXdyWbnjA
Image Credit:
Mike Heathcock, Bill Van Deren, Karen Barnes, Danny Brown, Amber Ladymon
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