Following up on the recent news that Louie Weaver had parted ways with Petra comes an awaited official statement directly from Weaver himself. Among other things, Weaver indicates that the "impasse" mentioned in Petra's statement was, in effect, a firing. He was officially dismissed from the band on February 8, 2003.

The statement says that Weaver was "shocked and surprised that such a decision was made by current band leader John Schlitt and Schlitt's personal manager, Wayne Seboa." Weaver goes on to say that, "For a long time I’ve felt God has given me a vision for ministry, especially ministry in music and praise to Him. Petra was part of my life for 22 years. It was a wonderful blessing to me and my family, but sometimes the Lord brings circumstances into your life where choices will be made for you, so you go forward with a new calling that He brings into your life."

“Ministries change within the years of service,” Weaver says, “and I feel I’ve now been given the opportunity to go forward in a new direction. Penny and I truly wish John and the other members of his band success and joy in all they endeavor to do and want them to know that their ministry has and will continue to be in our prayers.

“I thank God for all He has given me and am happy to let you know that we will be continuing on in ministry for Him. That ministry, governed by a Christ-centered board of men and women, will be called 'Louie Weaver Ministries International.' This musical entourage is already hard at work writing and preparing to record new material for praise and worship to Christ our Lord. The first project is tentatively called Louie Weaver and Friends.”

Source: www.louieweaver.com.