DRUMMER TO JOIN BAND OVERSEAS

Christopher Poston is about to get a geography lesson and social studies lesson that won't come from a classroom.

Poston, 18, will leave Cape Girardeau Monday for New Zealand to join a Christian band. His journey will take him to Europe, Africa and India, Australia and back to America before the end of the year.

Poston expects the trip will teach him about other cultures and give him an experience akin to heading into the mission field.

"I'll learn a lot about missions and getting along with other people in tough situations," he said. "It's going to be a new culture and people and a new life."

Poston first heard about the Christian band -- and its need for a drummer, which is a role he will fill -- early this fall. After several sleepless nights pondering the opportunity, he decided it was what he wanted to do.

That set things in motion, which included getting his school credits in order for an early graduation.

Poston's father, the Rev. Fred Poston, wasn't surprised by his son's plans. He also played in a Christian band for two years after high school, and is now pastor of New Plymouth Community Church.

A friend from the elder Poston's band days came to visit and the two began reminiscing. Christopher listened to their stories and was inspired.

If he hadn't felt a calling to join the band, Christopher said he hadn't made future plans. "I have no idea what I would be doing. I knew I wanted to do something in music and then this came up."

Much of the music in the Michael Turner Band will be contemporary Christian selections, but Poston expects it to include a variety. The band will perform at church-sponsored events as it travels the globe.