American Christian metal legends Whitecross often counted among the top metal bands in the ‘80s, the Scott Wenzel-led rockers will be playing live in Dimapur on April 12 at the Agri Expo, 4th mile, at 5 pm. The band reached their zenith in the early ‘90s when they three Dove Awards notability with the albums Triumphant Return (1990) and In the Kingdom (1992).
Whitecross band member's shares their ministry and mission activities ahead of their first appearance in Nagaland.
Benny Ramos (Bassist of the band) - I have been the Bass player since 2000. I have a long lineage and strong connection to Missions work. For 17 years my father had served as translator in dozens of trips to Mexico. In 2000 my father established New Hope Missions which oversees 38 churches in the Monterrey Mexico area. I am heavily involved in assisting with New Hope Missions. Because of my involvement in this mission, I travel to Mexico several times a year and on occasion help with administrative tasks.
In 2008 I had an amazing eye opening experience the first time I performed with Whitecross in Guatemala. Since that year I have been using my gift of music to help others in need to this country and they have always received me with open arms. There in Guatemala I have taught workshops, music clinics and have done motivational speaking. I also receive opportunity to do this work in very impoverished and very remote areas of Guatemala. Being a member of Whitecross has opened the door and a platform to have a strong impact and be an inspiration to many people in this country who are just in need of some hope. I feel it is a privilege to do Mission work and use his gift of music to encourage others that are less fortunate and to spread the Gospel of Jesus.
Michael Feighan (Drummer) - I joined the band in 1991 with the release of 'In the Kingdom' and my life was changed. Within 2 weeks we were on the road and playing shows all over the United States and internationally. I was new to the Christian rock scene, but was really enjoying the success Whitecross was having, and how this band was genuine in ministering Jesus to a hurting world. I enjoyed how we would always take time after shows to connect and pray with the fans.
Touring with a band is not always the easy but when God has given you a passion in music and you get to bring glory to Him, it is quite rewarding. Whitecross was also involved with compassion international and during the show we would present information about how to help children in need which was so awesome to be part of! Fast forward 16 years and my wife and I are adopting our daughter from Russia, which has been one of the most rewarding and important decisions we have ever made apart from giving our heart to Jesus! I am constantly amazed at how God used Whitecross to touch so many lives! One that comes to mind is a gentleman who contacted me and told me after attending one of our shows God made an impact on him and he rededicated his life to Jesus and later became a youth pastor!! There are many more stories I hear and I am always so thankful that God allowed me to be part of this ministry. My Father also came forward to receive Jesus at one of our shows; he passed away a little over 2 and a half year ago. I hold that memory of him coming forward during a Whitecross show very dear to my heart! I pray that on this trip to India, God will do what He does best...Show up and show out!!
Vocalist
- In 2000 and 2001 I was doing a festival called "Solid Rock Festival". We had Pastor Bob Beeman doing seminars during the day and at night we had bands playing. 2002 I was promoting two concerts with Narnia and Laudamus. 2011 I was hosting a tour with Whitecross and Laudamus in northern Sweden. I was running Laudamus from 1986 to 2012. I am the MD for the Metalmass that we've been doing six times since 2016. My ministry has always been about being real. It's not about being emotionally carried away, but to present the gospel in a relevant way for the audience and the people that I work with.
(Guitarist) - From when I was a teenager, I always wanted to be a Christian in a rock band. The term “Christian Rock” didn’t exist, so I and several other people such as Glenn Kaiser, Bloodgood, Stryper, and Barren Cross pretty much made it up as we went along.
As a result of that commitment, there have been many ministry and missions opportunities. I’m reminded of the servant who was given a few talents; he used the gifts that he had, and as a result God gave him even more. For a couple of years I was a Compassion International spokesman. That was a very effective time for me, Compassion was thrilled. Our presentations at Whitecross concerts resulted in many people becoming Compassion sponsors. I’ll always have a fond memory of that. And in all the tours, there have been many opportunities for testimony, and sharing the Gospel. For example, there was a gig we did at a rock and roll club in Stuttgart Germany. About 1200 people jammed into a venue designed to hold 800 people.
The concert was amazing, and at the conclusion, about 400 people raised their hands, said a sinner’s prayer with us, and received Christ that night. And then there are the offstage moments too- praying with individuals for salvation, for healing and for needs to be met. Even something as simple as living your life intentionally makes a huge impact. One day in a very small grocery store, a young cashier said to us after we had been in there for 20 minutes, she knew who we were and was watching us. So the message there is let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven! You are the salt of the earth! At home, I am affiliated with a local Evangelical Free Church of about 150 people where I play in the worship band every Sunday whenever I’m not out doing a tour or gigs. They are very supportive of me, the guys in the band, and they see us as an extension of the church’s outreach into the world.
