Four-time Grammy nominee Christian-rock band Newsboys is bringing their “God’s Not Dead” tour to Indianola Community Church on March 29.

 

Known for their high energy and inspiring concerts, they have played in arenas all across the country. The City Harmonic, Abandon and Anthem Lights will also be performing, along with speaker and author, Bob Lenz.

 

This concert is put on by FaithWorkz, a local non-profit organization that is dedicated to reenergizing faith and providing fellowship opportunities to Indianola community members. The organization provides at least two Christian concerts each year.

 

“Music is a vehicle that transcends age, gender, religious affiliation, and socioeconomic status,” said Clisty Porter, director of hospitality for FaithWorkz. “It is an incredible worship experience to gather with other Christians at a venue to lift up our voices in praise and thanksgiving for what the Lord has graciously provided to us.”

 

This group’s board of directors features four Simpson alumni: Mike Hastie ’92, Deanna Gray ‘03, Clisty Porter ’95, and Scott Gray ’92.

 

FaithWorkz brings together the Indianola Community Church, First United Methodist Church, Redeemer Lutheran Church and Trinity Presbyterian Church to form a diverse group of individuals that works toward the common goal of spreading the gospel through music and mission.

 

“To have mainstream Christian concerts right here in Indianola is such a great thing for this community,” treasurer for FaithWorkz Scott Gray said. “I’m very excited about this organization and working with others from other churches to get this going.”

 

FaithWorkz originally began in 2011 as an idea by Deanna Gray for a fundraiser for mission activities at Redeemer Lutheran Church, but their objective quickly evolved to consider how they might collaborate with all congregations to share God’s word in their community and beyond.

 

“FaithWorkz’s existence is largely due to the leadership and support received from our Christian partners, Overflow Music, based in Earlham, Iowa,” said Deanna Gray, founder and president of FaithWorkz.

 

FaithWorkz held their first concert this last November with Christian artist John Waller, known for his hits “While I’m Waiting” from the movie “Fireproof” and “As for Me and My House” from “Courageous.”

 

As part of their mission, FaithWorkz also gives back to the community by supporting local charitable organizations at their various events.

 

“Simpson College taught me how to give back to my community, through Campus Day and community service events that my fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, engaged in,” said Mike Hastie, director of marketing for FaithWorkz. “I found that Simpson helped me figure out what my mission in life was. I had energy to give back, and FaithWorkz is an extension of that. It’s a chance to bring positive, Christian music to the community.”

 

FaithWorkz does not currently have any other concerts planned but has been in discussion with Overflow Music and Spirit Midwest about creating a Christian concert with several bands on multiple stages, similar to LAZERfest held at the Indianola balloon field.

 

“Simpson is good spot for kids of faith,” Hastie said. “It doesn’t force anyone into anything but makes plenty of faith opportunities available for those wanting to explore their faith more.”

 

“I saw the Newsboys at Winter Jam in Des Moines, and they were extremely inspirational,” sophomore Katie Gaughan said. “As soon as I got back from the concert, I downloaded their entire album.”

 

Tickets for the Newsboys concert are available in the Smith Chapel office or at faithworkz.org for $21. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m.

 

Additional backstage passes are available for $45. The profits from the backstage passes for this concert will be donated to Compassion International, an organization that enables more than 1.2 million impoverished children around the world to become healthy, educated Christian adults.