January 30, 2007

UM Campus Ministries
Outreach Team, Seraph Present
"Healing Waters Benefit Concert"

The University of Mobile’s Campus Ministries Outreach Team is partnering with Mobile-based Christian band Seraph to present the “Healing Waters Benefit Concert” on Friday, Feb. 23 from 7-9 p.m. at Mars Hill Café. The café is located at 5025 Cottage Hill Road in Mobile, Ala. The event will also mark the official release of Seraph’s debut CD, “Remember When.” Lift, a Christian acoustic rock band, will open for Seraph.

There will be a $5 cover charge at the door, which will go directly to Healing Waters International. A donation will also be collected during the concert. For more information on the concert or Healing Waters, contact the UM Campus Ministries Office at 251-442-2429.

Healing Waters International is a non-profit organization that makes and installs water purification devices in poor, urban areas of developing nations. The organization works with local churches to provide sustainable systems offering up to 5,000 gallons of clean, safe, highly affordable water every day. The goal of the Outreach Team is to fully sponsor one system at $24,000. If 500 individuals each give $50, said Neal Ledbetter, UM’s director of spiritual life, that goal can easily be met.

“The number of people dying each year from waterborne illnesses is more than 3.4 million, and most of those are children under five, according to UNICEF. The need is great,” said Ledbetter. “We liked Healing Waters from the beginning because they install these purification systems in a local church, allowing them to meet people’s needs in Jesus’ name. The project is sustainable, it creates economic development, and it helps bring peace.”

According to Ledbetter, Seraph approached him with the idea for the benefit concert. Band member Joe Langley, also UM’s director of campus activities, said the organization’s cause was one that resonated strongly with members of the group, and they wanted to lend their support.

Langley said the band felt that officially releasing their CD during the event would draw more attention to the cause, raising additional awareness for the organization. Also, 10 percent of Seraph merchandise sales will go to support Healing Waters.

“We’ve been given so much, and it’s important to share that with others,” said Langley.

“Remember When” will be available at the concert for $15. For more information about Seraph, including touring schedules, visit www.burningcoalministries.com or the band’s MySpace at www.myspace.com/seraph6. For more information on the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu, or call the Admissions Office toll free at 1-800-946-7267.