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November 26, 2009
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Home > Music > News > 2005 |  
SPECIAL REPORT
Christian Music Responds
When it comes to tsunami relief efforts, mainstream celebrities aren't the only ones pitching in. Christian musicians are also rallying to the cause—including a benefit concert this week.




Chapman says his involvement is merely a response to Scripture.

"Throughout Scripture, God makes it so clear that our response to the suffering of others is one of the clearest ways he shows His glory and greatness to his world," he said. "And as part of a community of people who create art for the purpose of showing the glory and greatness of our God through music, I believe moments in history like these are the very reason we exist."

While Chapman and others are focused on the benefit concert, at least one Christian musician, John Tesh, has actually gone to the area to offer support. Tesh and wife Connie Sellecca and their family visited Sri Lanka to assess the damages and deliver $4.3 million worth of antibiotics. The Tesh family took the trip as representatives of Operation Blessing, an organization whose primary focus is disaster relief.

A quick scan of various artist websites reveals that many are simply redirecting fans and visitors to already-established humanitarian organizations like World Vision and Compassion International. Websites for popular Christian artists like Third Day, Rebecca St. James, MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, and Salvador all have prominent ads, splash screens, and simple blog-styled postings that reroute users to major Christian relief organizations.

Spence Smith, artist relations manager for Compassion, says that the organization has encouraged artists to promote the charity through their websites, in their newsletters, and at their shows. World Vision has done likewise, although they haven't particularly told artists to endorse child sponsorship in those specific countries only. "We're still a worldwide organization, and we wouldn't want children in other needy areas to be neglected because of the Asian crisis," said a World Vision representative.

While some artists have settled for simple, cut-and-paste banners, others have been a bit more proactive in their online efforts. Michael W. Smith wrote an open letter to his fans encouraging them to contribute to Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse. The Newsboys posted a gripping written account from Mark Furler, brother of frontman Peter Furler and a reporter working at the site of the catastrophe.

A group already loyal to the caste injustices in the country of India, Caedmon's Call is challenging fans to donate to their own Share the Well Foundation, which will commit any and all funds sent in to Compassion and the Dalit Freedom Network.

While many are contributing to the efforts being spearheaded by leading Christian organizations World Vision and Compassion, others have chosen to adhere to efforts already in place in mainstream circles.

"We've all seen the footage on the news and the despair and loss is unimaginable," said John Cooper of Ardent/Lava recording group Skillet, which is joining the Linkin Park-led initiative, Music For Relief. "We will be encouraging our fans to support this massive need by donating any amount of money they can to Music For Relief."

Seattle-based Tooth & Nail Records is also doing its thing. On January 16, Underoath and mewithoutYou played a large benefit show staged by popular NY-based station K-ROCK. Though none of the bands on the bill—which also included The Starting Line, Midtown, and From Autumn to Ashes—are considered "big players," the hype surrounding the show resulted in a quick sellout.

"There was such an incredible energy in the entire place," said Underoath manager Randy Nichols, who was a bit concerned about the $25 price tag on each ticket. "We were worried that not that many fans would come out since it was a little more expensive than our regular shows, but it still sold very well. Underoath just wanted to help in any way it could, so when the fans realized that it wasn't just any show, they came to see the band play and give their support as well."




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