Christian rock concert draws crowd in downtown Philippi
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The Inter-Mountain photo by Tony Baisi
Seventh Day Slumber, a Christian rock band fronted by lead singer Joseph Rojas, center, performs during a free concert in downtown Philippi.
PHILIPPI -- The Christian rock band Seventh Day Slumber drew a sizable crowd this week to their free performance in the Barbour County Courthouse square.
Haven of Hope Worship Center presented the free concert in Philippi's main street area.
Joseph Rojas, the band's lead singer and founder, said the band enjoyed their trip to the area, and talked about the purpose-driven work they do.
"We were welcomed with open arms, as West Virginians have always treated us good," Rojas said. "Everyone went out of their way to help us get set up for the event and made sure we had everything we needed.
"Pastors Howard and Benita Swick are some of the best people we have ever met, they both have huge hearts," he added.
When Rojas was younger, he nearly died in an ambulance due to a drug overdose. He said it is amazing what faith can do for those struggling with addiction and hoping for recovery.
"Our purpose in doing these events is to let people know there is hope for their lives and that we are not out of the reach of God, no matter what we've done," Rojas said.
"Sometimes we feel like we have messed up too much or we have gone too far to be forgiven, but that is a lie for the enemy. God has big plans for all of us, we are worth it," he added.
"You can do it because God is on your side is the message we want people to leave with. I'm alive today because of a praying mother."
Rojas said the crowd at the Philippi concert radiated a positive vibe, while some in the audience even asked for prayer.
"We literally saw people giving their lives to Jesus in the middle of the sidewalk," he said. "One woman ran up to Benita Swick and said, 'Are you with the church? I want to give my life to Jesus right now.'
"God moved mightily. It was powerful," Rojas said. "Another person came up to the band afterward and said they were going to commit suicide this week but changed their mind tonight and rededicated their life to Jesus."
Seventh Day Slumber, from Dallas, Texas, formed in 1996. After being an independent act for five years, they signed with BEC records in 2005. They are best known for their song "Oceans from the Rain" in 2006.