Artists Put ‘Giving’ into Giving Thanks
By Andy Argyrakis, senior music editor, GospelMusicChannel.com
With Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s only natural for Americans of all faiths to start thinking about ways to give back a little extra, even if you’ve been putting forth outreach efforts all year. The same is true in the Christian rock community, who despite earning the most headlines for new album releases, the latest concert tours and secular crossover successes, are extremely involved and dedicated to lending a helping hand (many in less-than-obvious ways).
Justice and equality for all
Take for instance Phillip LaRue, the veteran singer/songwriter and latest solo signee to BEC Recordings, who’s particularly passionate about International Justice Mission. Like those on this fall’s monstrous Art Music Justice Tour (including Sara Groves, Derek Webb, Charlie Peacock, Brandon Heath and Sandra McCracken), the former co-leader of Reunion act LaRue makes it a point to speak out in favor of human rights, empowering victims of modern day slavery and sexual exploitation.
“I first heard of IJM through a friend that worked and partnered with them overseas,” he relates. “Hearing how passionate they are, as well as committed, convinced me to spread the word of their efforts. I think it is vital as an artist to have something to talk about that is bigger than just the music. If it was just about the music, I can honestly say that I would not be in music right now. It’s the message of finding hope through suffering that I long to share with others as well a partnering with organizations that have the same message.”
The feeling is mutual for Tooth & Nail titans Hawk Nelson, who use their power pop/punk platform to impact others and motivate the audience towards action. The group’s 2008 tune “One Little Miracle” not only embodies that compassionate spirit, but also ignited the group’s very own One Little Miracle Campaign, which partners with other organizations to generate publicity for clever ways to assist those in need.
“Giving to others can be a simple and small task, but can have huge results and impact for everyone involved,” reiterates bassist Daniel Biro. “For example [the campaign is advocating] TOMS shoes, who will donate a free pair to a child in need for every pair purchased. They have also agreed to donate $8 of every pair sold through us to the Hands & Feet Children’s Village in Haiti. We want to partner up with more organizations like these that help change the world through simple giving actions where everyone wins.”
Troubled teens and taboo topics
Considering rockers BarlowGirl have a huge teen fan base (many of whom are young women), the sister trio teams with Mercy Ministries. The organization sets its sights on 13–28-year-old females facing issues such as mental illness, eating disorders, depression and addiction, all of which are topics the group has tackled at some point either in a lyric or during a speaking engagement.
“We met Nancy Alcorn, the founder of Mercy Ministries, 10 years ago, and we were part of the prayer support team for the ministry for years,” recalls guitarist Rebecca Barlow. “What they do in helping girls find freedom is so close to our heart and we want to spread the word about Mercy and get people to help support them. We believe that God grants certain people a national platform to reach the ears of the nation. We don’t take that lightly and we believe we will be held accountable by God as to how we use
that gift.”
For the fellas, Pillar is truly stepping out on a limb discussing the often times taboo topic of pornography through its endorsement of XXXChurch.com, a website that helps provide accountability and safe software for web surfers. Though the group’s ministry efforts are not exclusive to gender, a lot of teen and 20-something guys gravitate towards its pummeling hard rock pacing and have been moved to open up about wrestling with this often-times hushed epidemic.
