Family Brings Gospel in Music, Ministry
by Rebecca Grace
April 27, 2005
(AgapePress) - Fifteen years ago, Warwick and Alison Marsh began traveling with their children throughout Australia sharing the Good News in song and message.Through the years, the family grew to a total of five children -- all of whom are musically inclined and make up a family band. The band presents a wide genre of music from well-known praise and worship songs to original hip-hop and jazz-oriented pieces. (See an earlier article on the Marsh family ministry)
Their performance venues, often powered by a mere generator, are now even broader than their musical stylings as they spend their summer vacations each year ministering in various places such as Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Kenya, Uganda, Germany, and the United States.
"Every trip we do is just a blessing," Alison said.
"It's an adventure every time we go out," said bass guitarist Jonathan, 22. "We see that God has His purpose and too many miraculous things happen for it just to be chance."
Seeing God restore hope to poverty-stricken countries impacts the entire family. "It's hard but it touches your life and helps you know how much you have," said Melodie,12, vocals for the band.
Although a lot of personal soul searching results from the family's endeavors, their primary aim is to make "a difference in people's lives for Christ because that's what matters," Jonathan said.
Israel, 17, guitarist, desires for people to walk away from their concerts having a closer relationship with God. "Maybe God has imparted something on their lives or in their spirits ... that will help them ... follow God and have faith in Him," he said.
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Levi on the didgeridoo, an Australian aboriginal instrument (Photo by Rebecca Grace, c. 2005 AFA Journal) |
In addition, "We've been able to encourage families ... to keep trying to be a family .....," added Levi, 20, who plays the saxophone and didgeridoo, and sings.Out of the family's love for music, Warwick and his wife established Australian Heart Ministries, an evangelistic organization that utilizes creative arts to share the message of Jesus Christ.
The ministry is multi-faceted and includes a record label, music publishing company, and TV production house. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Warwick has a heart for aspiring musicians such as Tay Plain, who joined the Marshes on their recent world tour.
"I believe in discipleship and training up the next generation," Warwick said.
"My dream is to use music to reach young people with the Gospel of Jesus," Tay explained. "He [Jesus] turned my life around and gave me something to live for."
And it is that message of salvation that the Marshes seek to share with others through their traveling band and faith-based initiatives.
Rebecca Grace, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is staff writer for AFA Journal, a monthly publication of the American Family Association. This article appeared in the April 2005 issue.
