Church’s ‘Moon Rock’ concert benefits foreign missions_11204

Posted: 1/09/04

Church's 'Moon Rock'
concert benefits foreign missions

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

IRVING–A group of First Baptist Church young adults raised more than $1,000 for international missions. All they needed was a little Moon rock.

More than 300 people, including many Dallas Baptist University students, bought tickets for the church's “Moon Rock Benefit”–a rock-and-roll concert to raise funds for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, which funds Southern Baptist Convention international missions.

The effort provided an avenue for young people with little money to feel like they are making a large impact on missions, according to Andrew Autry, who brought the benefit idea to Pastor John Durham. By paying what they could for a ticket, young people could take part in a larger effort.

“A lot of people who came to see a rock concert left feeling proud of what they did,” Autry reported.

The evening featured four bands–Madly, Crimson, Flying Machine and Spaceman Spiff–who regularly provide a Christian presence at secular venues in Dallas-Fort Worth. Each band played the benefit for free.

First Baptist Church in Irving is one of 206 key churches, flagship mission-minded churches resourced by the Baptist General Convention of Texas Missional Church Center.

Durham reminded the audience the money was going to fund foreign missions through the IMB. Video clips of overseas ministry played between bands.

The words and video helped the young people connect with an effort they may not understand fully, Autry said. He believes churches often do not adequately explain what the offering funds and non-Christians cannot even understand the terminology.

When an explanation is given, youth are eager to give what they can, Autry said. “I don't think the offering was the biggest reason when they came in, but I hope when they left they took something else.”