Tune in to Josh's interview with Phil today at 5:30 PM!
Phil Wickham is originally from and currently serves at Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego, CA with his wife Mallory. Phil was raised in a Christian home, the second of three children (brother Evan, sister Jillian), and after feeling the need to "make his faith his own" he began leading worship for his youth group at 12 years old.
Fun Fact: Wickham's father is currently a worship leader and both of his parents were at one time members of Jesus movement band Parable.
Heather Williams grew up in extreme poverty with her mom and stepfather. Throughout her early childhood, she suffered intense abuse and was even chained to a tree for punishment in one instance. Her mother gave her away at age 11, and Williams went to live with her grandfather in Michigan. Living with little guidance and the pain of past abuse and rejection, Williams turned to drugs and alcohol as a way to numb the realities of life. As things began to spiral out of control, the young teenager began to have thoughts of suicide and was even homeless at one point.
At age 18, however, the dangerous road Williams was on took a U-turn when she briefly reconnected with her birth father. Her father, a Christian, invited Williams to church.
“I came to this place where it was either, OK, I’m going to give my life to God, or I just don’t know if I’m going to live. So, I walked up that aisle at that church, and I gave my life to God.”
Having grown up with a love of music, after becoming a Christian, Williams says she began to write songs from a perspective of radical change. But then another wave of tragedy struck the budding singer/songwriter when her first child passed away shortly after he was born. But this incredible tragedy only drew Heather closer to God.
For Williams, she describes her songs as “conversations,” sometimes joyful, sometimes angry, sometimes a mix of both. Today, Williams is grateful for how far grace has brought her. She and her husband, a full-time youth pastor, live in Florida with their two young children.
OFFICIAL THANKSGIVING COUNTDOWN: 15 Days ARTIST OF THE DAY Mark Schultz
Mark Schultz isn't in Kansas anymore - but that's where he got his start. He was born and grew up in Colby, Kansas and graduated with a marketing degree from KSU. He then moved to Nashville, TN to put his marketing degree to ... no use whatsoever. He became a youth pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Nashville for eight years. Now Mark and his family reside in North Carolina.
With numerous chart toppers, Dove Awards, and album sales - Schultz has become a staple on Christian radio around the world. He's toured with other big-names and invited some of them to co-write with him on his latest album "Come Alive." Matthew West, Bart Millard, and Joy Williams all pitched in to make his 5th studio release something special.
Ouch: A couple of years ago, Mark biked across the US as a fundraiser for The James Fund, which provides for Mexican orphanages. He traveled over 3000 miles on a bicycle. Album:Come Alive Instrumental Album:Renaissance (Coming Soon)
It's a new week - and just a couple more of those until Thanksgiving!
OFFICIAL THANKSGIVING COUNTDOWN: 16 Days
ARTIST OF THE DAY Chris August
While he may be considered a "new" artist, Fervent Records' newly signed singer-songwriter Chris August is anything but a rookie in the music industry. The self-taught pianist, guitarist, and producer previously toured as the keyboard player and opening act for pop sensation Ashlee Simpson before shifting his focus to his solo career. Chris, a native of Dallas, Texas, put his refined skill set to work when he co-produced his debut record with acclaimed producer Ed Cash.
While he is not one to shy away from writing about his faith, Chris isn't afraid to embrace relationships and heartache in his songwriting. Chris cites influences such as Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, and Gavin DeGraw who all contributed to the polished pop/rock sound that is sure to resonate with all who listen.
Awesome: Chris did not take down his Christmas tree from last year. It is still decorated and ready go for this Christmas. Album:No Far Away
Q: Who bored Eutychus to death? (Eutychus fell out of a window after dozing during this Apostle's teaching. This Apostle also raised Eutychus from the dead and continued preaching into the night.)
Chad considers himself first and foremost a music missionary, with a passion to bring the message of Jesus Christ to both church and secular settings. This desire has taken him to many states and many venues to share his songs and his heart. It is Chad's hope that Christians both new and mature in their faith, as well as those still searching for Truth, can draw inspiration and scriptural truths from his songs.
Currently Chad is the lead singer of Right Here Redemption - a worship band he formed with Kevin Youngblood. The mission of Right Here Redemption (RHR) is to use music ministry to celebrate salvation, create an environment of worship, and see people dedicate their lives to Christ and delivered from oppression.
When not on the road, Chad partners with Murfreesboro, Tennessee (Nashville suburbs) area churches such as LifePoint Church, River Oaks Community Church, and New Vision Baptist Church. Chad is a native of Southern Indiana and an alumnus of the University of Evansville.
In just eight years Casting Crowns has wracked up over 8.2 million album sales, 3 GRAMMY Awards, an American Music Award, 14 Dove Awards and a dozen chart-topping radio singles! Even as Casting Crowns has become Christian music's most successful act, Hall and his fellow band members have continued working at their home churches. Hall has remained a youth pastor at Eagles Landing Baptist Church as the band's music ministry has gained global acclaim.
Hall says, “Our main purpose, above all else, is to know Him more.” It’s that unwavering desire and the intent of a personal friendship with Jesus that drives Casting Crowns.
Mark Hall, who has won two "Songwriter of the Year" GMA Dove Awards, collaborated with some old friends in writing for the new record (Come to the Well) and also made some new ones. He and Steven Curtis Chapman penned "So Far to Find You" about Mark's adopted daughter Hope. Matthew West and Bernie Herms also contributed to several songs on Come to the Well.
Random Fact: Mark Hall had a Han Solo Frozen in carbonite desk in his home office, which he auctioned off for charity.
Line Up: Mark Hall Megan Garrett Melodee DeVevo Hector Cervantes Chris Huffman Juan DeVevo Brian Scoggin
Alex Edmonds grew up in Crossett, Arkansas. At just 19 years old, she's quickly risen up the Christian music consciousness! She accepted Christ at just 9 years old during Vacation Bible School one summer. Ever since then, her focus has been on serving God through her greatest love - music.
Even with growing recognition and opportunities, Alex is focused: "First and foremost my goal is to use the talents God has blessed me with for the enrichment of His Kingdom, that's my utmost priority!"
She also wants to use her position to encourage and reach young girls for Christ - taking up that mantle from the likes of Rebecca St. James, Natalie Grant and Laura Kaczor. Right now she's putting in the time, living on the road visiting and performing at churches. This past year her tour took her over 25,000 miles of the U.S.! Random Facts: Alex loves Mexican food, plays softball and can totally school you in Battleship! Album:Alex Edmonds
