Among Thorns

From FaithNoise

[edit] ABOUT THE BAND

Most of the members of Among Thorns, (Matt Gilder, Darin Sasser, Brandon Eller, Gary Ishee and David Childress), who are originally from Texas, have been playing together for nearly 6 years. In 2001, they said good-bye to their lead singer, and a new lead vocalist Chad Jarnagin joined them, bringing new energy and creativity to their music, which is very much evident in their newly released third CD, DRAW NEAR. "The changes have opened new doors for the band, inspiring them to explore more creative avenues with their music."

They started out being a band for a Bible study, becoming the house band for the Metro Bible Study in Houston, unknowingly beginning their 6 year music worship ministry that reaches out to not only high school and college Youth, but for an expanding audience of a variety of ages.

During these six years, the band feels that the Lord was busy preparing them for His service, growing their personal spirituality and musical abilities, so that in His timing they would be prepared to carry out their music ministry that He was calling them to become involved with.

Darin Sasser, Matt Gilder and Chad offer the following testimonies explaining the Lord's involvement in the band's development in these areas, in His perfect timing.

"I don't think any of us really planned to grow up and be worship leaders, but God changed the desires of all our hearts. After six years together, we're like family. God has polished and buffed and cut and pruned us to get us to the point in our lives where we know that music is just a vehicle that we can ride. It's just a small thing that God can use in us. " -Darin Sasser.

"God had everything to do with the timing of Among Thorns. People are so hungry right now. There are a lot of things happening that are drawing both kids and adults into worship. The biggest thing that keeps me going is watching people experiencing God in a new way".- Matt Gilder.

" God is working in us tangibly as well as spiritually. He has brought us songs that have not only come from a different place musically, but also from hearts that God has changed." - Chad Jarnagin.

[edit] DRAW NEAR CD

The musical compositions of these thirteen songs reflect the many and "diverse talents" of the band members, who were reaching for a unique balance of ministry with "artistry," feeling inspired and led by the influence of the Lord.The music and lyrics of this "bold and compelling praise songs" found on their new CD, DRAW NEAR, are the result of prayer, group collaboration, from talented, spiritually rooted, musicians, who are all inspired by the Holy Spirit to create "genuine lyrics and music that the audience can connect with,"which ultimately reflect God in a profound and moving way.

As I reviewed the fantastic songs on this CD, I found this to be very true. It was hard to single out favorites because each song is uniquely inspired by the Holy Spirit, and effectively speaks to, moves the listener, encouraging individual spiritual growth, which is how their music affects many of their fans who have heard them in their various 200 concert performances and conference dates they perform in each year.

Their First TV appearance, with Ceili Rain was on November 1st, 2002 on TBN. "Worship Extreme recording artist Among Thorns and Cross Driven Records Celt/pop/rock band Ceili Rain will now be seen on TBN1s new Youth Network premiering on Friday, November 1 ."