Christian rock band Audio Adrenaline is on a mission: to remind audiences about the importance of being the hands and feet of Christ.
The group also emphasizes that while band members may have changed, their message remains the same.
After being a prominent force in Christian rock music for nearly 20 years, the band stopped touring when founding member and lead singer Mark Stuart began struggling with vocal chord problems.
Following a five-year hiatus, the band has returned for the sole purpose of continuing to share the gospel through songs and to share Christ’s love with orphans in Haiti.
Stuart’s parents served as missionaries, and the things he witnessed left a lasting impression on his life and inspired him to create the Hands and Feet Project in 2004. The goal of this project is to create a children’s village that provides a caring environment for orphaned children, with a home, food, education and the love of a Christian family.
“Growing up in Haiti, I saw my parents go through a lot,” Stuart said. “They worked hard to make a difference in a Third World country. In the midst of that, my sister was diagnosed with leukemia. There are stories like that from missionaries and God’s servants all over the world. But I think God’s people are at their strongest when they are broken, because God can use them to do incredible things when they say, ‘All I can do is rely on God.’”
Although Stuart has stepped down as lead vocalist, he is still heavily involved with the decision-making and songwriting process.
The new lineup for Audio Adrenaline includes like-minded musicians who have joined the efforts to meet needs in Jesus’ name. The band is now comprised of former dc Talk member Kevin Max as lead vocalist, Dave Ghazarian from Superchick on guitar, Jared Byers from Bleach on drums, singer/songwriter Jason Walker playing on keys and original member Will McGinniss on bass.
By using this platform to raise awareness for orphans in Haiti and around the world, net proceeds from their “Kings and Queens” album go directly to support the Hands and Feet Project and their efforts to build new orphanages.
The heart behind this project is extremely close to their new lead singer, Kevin Max, who was orphaned as a young child.
“The inspiration from this record comes from the fact that God has called us to serve the least of these,” McGinniss said. “God has called us to be His hands and feet, to share the gospel and pull people out of the horrible situations that we see around the world. That’s what we witnessed firsthand in Haiti. To be able to use this platform for this specific purpose was the main reason we started touring again and recording songs.”
The title track on the album was inspired by 100 children whose lives have been greatly influenced by the Hands and Feet Project.
“Because of organizations like Hands and Feet, these children have been able to reach their God-given design,” McGinniss said. “For the children in the orphanages in Haiti, this song is their anthem. It’s a song that is so true about God — how He can pull you out of the worst scenario, set your feet on a rock, give you a new perspective, potential and possibilities.
“When these kids were found, they were suffering from malnutrition and many of them not expected to live more than a few days. By receiving proper medical treatments and food, we have seen the incredible transformation. Now these kids have a place to learn about God’s love. It’s mind-blowing. Each child has their own miracle story.”
Through their music and message, Audio Adrenaline hopes to inspire audiences to take action by responding to God’s calling on their lives. “We feel like God is doing something way bigger than us,” McGinniss said. “He is constantly reminding us how faithful He is. God wants to author these amazing stories with our lives. If we just turn the pen over to Him, He can create incredible chapters in our lives.
“When the band stopped touring, it was a tough time for me. Everything we had been doing for 17 years was pulled out from under us. I was even wondering if those were the best days of my life and what was ahead,” he said. “However, God was showing us He still had so much in store. If you will surrender your life and plans over to the Lord, He will show up every time and take you on an incredible journey.”
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