PENDLETON — Word is getting out about the impact and message of Pendleton faith-based group More Than Conquerors.
What the group is doing for young people in Pendleton and South Madison County has caught the attention of 19-year old Christian rapper Zauntee.
The artist, whose video single “God Taught Me” has 5.7 million views on YouTube, will provide a free concert at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, at Falls Park in Pendleton.
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More Than Conquerors provides after-school programs for fourth- to eighth-graders in South Madison schools, offering faith-based lessons and life skills.
Its stated mission: “We aim to connect individuals to God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, fight alongside warriors in the battles of their lives, and connect them to one another and to other relationships and resources in the community.”
Caitlin Evans, co-founder and program leader for More Than Conquerors, said the show came about with the help of Brad Smith, a former Pendleton resident.
Smith lives in the Nashville, Tennessee, area and is friends with Zauntee, who was looking to do a show for an organization with a message like MTC.
Smith reached out to local worship leader Todd Henderson of Bright Point Church in Markleville, who made him aware of the Pendleton group.
“(Zauntee) heard of our program, through a friend, and decided to visit us and do a free concert,” Evans said.
She said Smith and other friends of the singer are doing fundraising for the event so it would be no cost to the community.
Evans said Zauntee will meet with youngsters at about 3 p.m. today, Thursday, July 18, at an MTC camp at Fall Creek Christian Church.
“We work with kids that are getting to that age where they are making their own decisions and starting to think independently,” Evans said. “(Zauntee) is 19 years old, a good kid, and he wants to reach that age group.
“We also work with a lot of kids that are in foster care programs, and (Zauntee) was really excited to hear that.”
Evans said the singer has seven adopted siblings.
“He knows specifically what these kids are going through,” Evans said. “It’s things his siblings are going through.”
The concert will include music from local worship leaders, and an opening act prior to Zauntee taking the stage.
For more about More Than Conquerors, visit www. weareconquering.com.
