Diversification Is the Key - Christianity Today

Editor’s note: This is bonus online coverage to supplement the November 2009 cover story in

Christianity Today

magazine, “Songs of Justice, Missions of Mercy,” a feature about Christian artists actively involved in the work of social justice.

Yvonda Nixon says Third Day may have saved her son’s life.

Seven years ago, Nixon, a single mom, was living with her four children in what she calls “the projects” of Nashville. “It wasn’t safe,” she says. “People were getting shot in front of our home. There were drug needles in the yard. And I think my oldest son [then 17] was ready to join a gang.”

In 2003, Third Day—and Habitat for Humanity—intervened, building Nixon and her family a new home in a better part of town. The popular Christian rock band not only subsidized the home (for $50,000), but provided much of the labor to help build it.

“I thank God for Third Day,” says Nixon. “If we hadn’t moved, I don’t know how many of my children would still be alive today.”

That’s music to the ears of lead singer Mac Powell: “It’s great to see that the work, money, and prayers you’ve put into something have helped a family.”

Many Christian artists “specialize” in a particular cause; Third Day prefers to diversify. Their Come Together Fund—financed primarily via $1 per concert ticket—supports eight organizations, including Habitat, World Vision, Operation Christmas Child, and Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee (supporting coffee growers in Rwanda). Between the fund and personal donations, Third Day has given over $1 million to ministries over the years.

Powell says the band typically focuses on one or two things at a time, so their efforts won’t be scattered. Last year, they partnered with Switchfoot and Jars of Clay for the Music Builds tour, raising money for Habitat. This year, they’re focusing on Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee, where “they’re paying farmers not just a fair wage, but over three times what the average coffee farmer makes,” says drummer David Carr. “It’s investing in a community. And it’s really good coffee.”

Their 15-year relationship with World Vision has resulted in nearly 20,000 sponsored children, mostly as a result of a brief onstage pitch. “That might be the thing we’re most proud of,” says Powell, “knowing that almost 20,000 lives have been radically changed.”

Powell likens the band’s mission to Spider-Man’s: With great power comes great responsibility. “I think he took that idea from the Scriptures,” he says. “We don’t have great power, but we have been given a platform. And with that platform comes the responsibility of talking about more than just our music.”