This week artists used Twitter to get fans involved in some unusual ways, as well as providing the usual platform for commentary on travel and movies.

As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. 

RELEASES AND A RAFFLE

@christomlin: Hello everyone. New record from @matt_redman releases today. Called "10,000 Reasons" incredible songs. We lead them at my church already (July 12)

This week, Matt Redman--one of the cornerstones of contemporary worship songwriting--released his latest project. Fellow worship leader Chris Tomlin tweeted in support of the new album.

@mel___issa: Hey there rosebuds! One wk left til the guitar raffle is over! If u haven't bought a tkt go to my fcebook:melissarose01! yfrog.com/khhjwesj (July 14)

Melissa Brock of Superchick is holding a raffle for one of her old guitars. You can check out her facebook to get a $10 ticket.

@robgrav3s: 1 robgraves.com 2 you must find the gate 3 gaze into the abyss 4 when questioned, do not deny you are a follower. State it plainly. (July 14)

Producer Rob Graves (RED, Wavorly) started a scavenger hunt on his website to celebrate reaching 1,000 followers on Twitter. If you can work your way through the clues (check his Twitter feed for more), you'll be rewarded with some very rare material from Red, Wavorly, and Kerrie Roberts.

@FamilyForce5: Ya'll are gonna be Making album artwork choices for us on Monday!! Cool?!?!? (July 16)

Family Force 5 will be giving fans the opportunity to participate in album cover choices for “III” via Twitter next week. Stay tuned!

TRAVEL TROUBLES

@SteveAugustine: On my way to the airport today I passed a car with a Thousand Foot Krutch bumper sticker ! Loved it! (July 14)

Thousand Foot Krutch's drummer had a brush with a fan while driving. Hopefully they obeyed all traffic laws and kept both “rawk fists” on the steering wheel.

@anberlin: Uh, should our gear maybe be on the same flight as us, instead of sitting on the Tarmac with no one around it? -Ny yfrog.com/keeyowej (July 15)

Keeping track of baggage is complicated enough on normal trips, but taking band gear along makes the situation even more complicated.

@aaronkeyes: Best green room ever. This almost redeems the whole bed bug situation. http://lockerz.com/s/120392853 (July 15)

Worship artist Aaron Keyes had an unfortunate hotel stay that was somewhat counteracted by a much better “green room” experience later on.

@matthammitt: For those asking, no solid answers on the bus. Might be in the old van for a few weeks. We did it for 12 years, we can do it again. (July 15)

Sanctus Real is having some trouble with the United States Department of Transportation. Until they can get their paperwork accepted, they'll be stuck in a van again. They would appreciate prayer as they try to get it sorted out.

RAIN OR SHINE

@Nadaddy: One of the most fun and epic shows I've ever played tonight-new song "Get on Outta Here" debuted at Sonshine festival tonight and it ruled! (July 14)

Summer festival season is a good time for experimenting. Family Force 5 debuted another track from their upcoming album this week.

@karijobe: Preparing for worship tonite with @officialDBAND.. I find that jumping jacks get me in the zone..well...not really..but good thought.. (July 15)

Kari Jobe and Desperation Band led worship together this week. We're not sure what Kari Jobe's pre-show rituals really are, but it apparently does not involve jumping jacks.

@mattmahermusic: Sonshine festival! #irony either way, were having an awesome time yfrog.com/kih3itdj (July 16)

Sonshine Festival in Minnesota was anything but sunny. However, artists and fans alike still seemed to enjoy the weekend.

@jasonjamison: Just played the hottest show. I literally had to ring out my shirt. I could have filled a dixie cup. Thanks for hanging in heartfest! (July 16)

Tenth Avenue North performed in some sweltering conditions in Missouri. There are definite downsides to playing outdoor stages throughout the summer.

@ivegot2leftfeet: This is the first instance of "pit running" I've seen. Sooooo you just run around the venue like a Jr high track meet? Metal. (July 16)

There are definitely some slightly unusual ways that hardcore fans connect to music, as Disciple bass player Israel Beachy observed.

@owlcity: Bill Gates and his daughter came to my show in Seattle last night... (July 16)

Owl City and Mat Kearney are out together on a summer tour, and they had an extremely well-connected visitor to their Seattle stop.

MOVIE TIME

@BartMillard: Just think. In about 30 years someone will start redoing all the Potter movies. #ThingsThatMakeYouGoHmmmm (July 15)

This week the world saw the release of the final installment of the massively popular Harry Potter movie franchise. Bart Millard of MercyMe posted his Hollywood prediction. The real question here is whether or not it will really take 30 years.

@mikedonehey: I just met the guy who is the voice of Mickey Mouse. My mind is blown. (July 16)

@schmeffo: Just met the official voice of Mickey Mouse. No lie. Such a great dude and believer. (July 16)

Tenth Avenue North met one of the world's most famous voices. Judging by Mike Donehey and Jeff Owen's tweets, they enjoyed the encounter.

@anthemlights: Watching Lord of the rings. DO YOU GUYS KNOW ALAN HAS NEVER SEEN LORD OF THE RINGS?!?!? Get him – Chad (July 16)

Anthem Lights enjoyed a movie night in order to properly educate band member Alan Powell.

@jasoncastro: I cannot explain how excited I am right now... Its about time we got spotify!!! (July 16)

Jason Castro was celebrating the arrival of the music service Spotify to the United States. If you're curious, you can check it out here.