An interview with the pop group Raze. The interview was only with one member, Ja'Marc. I feel kind of bad about it, because I was supposed to focus on the new CD, Power that Forefront was about to release. We got all caught up in the work the band does with public schools. It appeared in the Aug/Sept issue of Release Magazine.
Life moves in seasons. Ja'Marc of the Vocal act Raze understands this. His life has been one of changing opportunity since age of 16. "The Lord gave me the opportunity to dance on tour with another Christian rap group for about two and a half years. Then I had the opportunity to dance on tour with another guy named Carman for two years. " It was working with the rap group that helped introduce the concepts that eventually led up to Raze. "During the years I was touring with the rap group, they did schools work with a couple different organizations here in the country. So that was the first time I was exposed to that."
"So it was just amazing to see how God took me through seasons in my life." Ja'Marc continues," The Bible shows plainly how he takes His servants through seasons, and He uses experiences from certain seasons in our lives to train us for what He has for us later. So I saw school ministry for the first time with that rap group, and then I saw ministry to the masses with Carman."
Over the past several years the life of teens has become more and more threatening. Is it any wonder that todays youth might seek the escapist pop of vocal groups such as the Backstreet Boys or N'sync? Raze uses similair styles (though the music is more in line with the electronic sounds heard on today's pop radio) to present a message of hope. With the help of friend Mizzie(whom Ja'Marc met in the seventh grade) the core of Raze was formed. Donnie joined shortly after, and J.D. became a part of Raze less than a year ago. "We have a definite image, but labels don't really bother us. As long as they don't limit us from reaching people with Christ's love, let them call us whatever they want."
But the purpose has never changed. "First of all, it's kind of a different plan, because I want to go in and talk to the faculty and the teachers first and encourage them. So they understand their role, and us even coming to there city and into their school. It's so important that they are a part of the whole process, because we can't stay with the kids every day, obviously." Ja'Marc explains further,"They have to be the ones that follow up on the things we are saying. And often times, we're saying the same things their saying, we're just...different people. We have this pop vocal group cover. So we do that, and then we do the assembly for whole school. Then we do the concert at the end of the week, where we are partnered with the churches in the area. That's where we give the salvation offering."
But the approach is different when Raze is overseas . "We're able to actually share the gospel in the schools and in the classrooms. So that's a whole different ball of wax."Ja'Marc believes that the band has an opportunity to reach the kids in ways other's might not. "With young people, especially, you have to deal with respect issues before they'll even take time to listen to you. " And his feelings are that by song and image recognition, Raze has an opportunity to break down some of those walls. And their label, Forefront, agrees. Forefront's David Schrader puts it simple and to the point,"Great music. Great ministry. Fun approach. Total sincerity. We are very excited about Raze."
Reaching the youth. "that's the reason Raze exists," according to Donnie. "We will always be involved with students and schools, and for that matter, whatever it takes to reach people." Ja'Marc voices one hope, however. "As for school ministry, we pray that other artists would be inspired to do the same. We don't want to be on our own. Every day we pray for more laborers to be sent into the harvest with us. Raze is not enough. One church or organization is not enough. We need each other. We all have a role to play in God's Family."