Casting Crowns continues to draw in sold-out crowds around the globe, pulling in 15,000 fans in Nairobi, Cape Town and Johannesburg, Africa. And not just for a concert.
In addition to the live shows in Africa, Casting Crowns remained focused on its passion for student ministry by reaching out to local youth leaders in the countries and introducing them to the band's Global Youth Ministry resource. Designed to offer youth leaders access to FREE tools and leadership training, GYM helps equip and support a new generation of youth ministries. The group met with 175 youth workers in Cape Town representing 80 churches, 125 leaders in Kisumu and 100 workers in Nairobi.
Lead singer Mark Hall notes, "We had an amazing time talking with the youth workers in Africa about the biblical model for student ministry and the importance of giving ownership to the students and helping them find their own individual ministries." Promoter and missionary to South Africa, Jay Johnson said, "Casting Crowns has left a lasting impact on the Christian community of South Africa and Kenya. People were most impressed with the heart of the band and their commitment to Christ and especially to the youth of both countries. Though the music was amazing, and most have said that it was the best Christian concert the countries have ever seen, the ministry was what touched the hearts of the people. Everyone is already talking about next year and hoping that Casting Crowns will be back to minister again in Africa."
In Kenya, the band visited an area development project through its partnership with World Vision, an international relief organization. Crowns spent time at a local primary school visiting many of World Vision's sponsor children. The kids acted out skits with anti-AIDS messages as part of the school's AIDS education for the visiting band members. Mark Hall adds, "In Kenya, my heart was hurt for the people living in extreme poverty with so many needs, but I was also encouraged by the believers there who are actively reaching out with the hands of Jesus to touch their lives." Guitarist Chris Huffman says, "The World Vision project in Kenya is a great example of global ministry. The schools that we visited really impacted me the most. Just getting to spend time with the kids and to experience the presence of Jesus with them was amazing! Being there and seeing where they live really burdened me to be more thankful for what God has entrusted me with and pray for them that Christ would be the answer to the hope we all saw in their faces." The group's latest project, "Lifesong Live," releases October 3rd.
