The transformation of Joseph Rojas, frontman and songwriter for Seventh Day Slumber, from former felon and drug addict to redeemed saint cannot be overestimated. His miraculous conversion, which is both a fairy tale-like story and the crux of the music, mission, and ministry of this band, has now taken on an even greater, more powerful role in the lives of those in its wake: Rojas, his tale, and Seventh Day Slumber itself, have now become catalysts.
At a recent performance, the date and place of little consequence, the band found itself faced with a seemingly meaningless choice: With their set time as a headliner at this particular show cut short due to unforeseen circumstances, they had to decide between the music and the message. Simply put, there was not enough time, due to curfew, to both play their music and share a message. Rojas, as figurehead and voice of SDS, chose the latter. It was a decision that would echo into eternity.
“We cut our set, and I shared about healing hurt, about the availability of acceptance and salvation to those in attendance,” Rojas explains. “I spoke on the things that have come to characterize my band and my life--the fact that God doesn’t see your sin, your addiction, or your hurt, when he looks at us as people. No matter what we have done or what we are going through, He loves us and want to destroy all the things in our lives that keep us from living in health and peace with Him. After giving an invitation to receive Christ to the audience, a young man came forward. It wasn’t until afterward that we learned that he was planning suicide that very night, and that he had come to the show to have one last night with his friends. God changed him right there, and he gave us the suicide letter he wrote before coming to the show. He now lives with purpose, and hope, and we have the note as a reminder of what God has done...and what he will continue to do.”
It is in this spirit that the Dove-Award nominated Seventh Day Slumber releases their third LP, Finally Awake. Whereas the powerful testimony of Rojas served as a point of poignant reflection on their widely successful debut effort Pickin’ up the Pieces (which sold over 60,000 copies, and had several radio successes including “Candy,” “I know” and “Innocence”), and also their acclaimed sophomore LP Once Upon a Shattered Life (which has past its predecessor in sales and made an even greater impact on the airwaves with staples like “Caroline”) on this latest they are taking the truth of transformation outward, into the lives of young people, where there is desperate need.
“The message of this album is clear. We want to empower kids to stop looking to the media, to what the world tells them they have to be, to find identity. You don’t have to be what everyone else tells you to be what you were created to be,” says Rojas.
Hey Guys, just wanted to say...Awesome job on the spanish version of "Oceans from the rain". It's doesn't suprise me it rocks, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; the shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. Is40:31. Continue to fight the good fight of Faith...Luv ya!!!
Hey guys, I just wanted to drop you a line and say that I was at the show on Saturday in Earlham, IA and you guys are truly blessed and gifted. Thank you for an incredible experience with my father-in-law
Hey, we are just droppin’ in to say hi, and say God Bless. We have a LIVE cut of our Original Rise up finally, so if you get a chance drop by and have a listen.
First and foremost I just want to say thank you for your song" Innocense" because with my own battle of sexual abuse this song really helped me to find God in this and this also helped me to find healing in my life.
omg!!!! i heard your spanish cd comes out may 27 or 24 i believe.. im so stoked!!!!! are you guyz gonna put any spanish songs up??? i love you guyz can't wait to ceee you make concerts in california!!!!!
Hello friends We just wanted to share a prayer and encouragement your way! Dear Lord, help us to learn to rejoice in our sufferings, because we know suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Today we pray that we will become a people of extreme perseverance, not letting difficulties and delays discourage us. We ask especially for persistence that will build our character and give us hope when we are in a “holding pattern” of waiting for things to happen or improve. Help us see that it is actually easier for us to persevere than to live with the regret of having given up hope. Thank you for your gift of perseverance. Amen
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. ROMANS 5:3-4 Have a blessed and persevering day In love and prayer, Arlene and Rick
