AREA MEN FORM BAND FOR YOUTHS

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Four Southeast Missouri men felt an urgent calling to begin a new youth ministry in the region, so they formed a band.

Fade 2 White is a part of the Infinity Ministries formed by Danny Tetley of New Hamburg, Kevin Sigman of Chaffee and Scott Slinkard and Shawn Asmus, both of Jackson.

The band is a non-denominational resource for churches and groups in the area, and its members want youths to have a better understanding of God. They haven't formed any performance schedule but are open to playing for youth events and at worship services.

"It's been a leap of faith," said Tetley. The group purchased equipment and meets for practice each Tuesday at the First General Baptist Church in Chaffee. With a sound system and lighting, the group hopes to create a professional setting.

Most of the members have played in other bands and worked in youth programs but never combined their talents until now. "We want it to be as close to a real concert as possible," said Tetley. "That's what we strive for."

With high energy and a loud sound, the band hopes to attract an audience. It's goal isn't just to play Christian music but to provide a place for praise and contemporary worship. "Being a Christian is very cool," he said.

"I love Christian rock," said Sigman. "This isn't rock that's contemporary but that reaches kids."

The music arrangement is cover songs from Audio Adrenaline, the Newsboys and Third Day and Steven Curtis Chapman.

"It's not preaching but reaching them through music," Tetley said.

The group hopes that their music will plant the seed and get youths listening to the message of Christian music.