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A Christian
band
with a southern rock and blues feel.
Off 61 is called to reach out to a lost and dying world, to minister to
those we come in contact with and to tell them of salvation by grace through
faith in Jesus Christ.
Off 61 was born back in the late ‘70s. It started with Tim, John, and Stephen, three
good friends that loved playing guitars.
In the early days, it was more about learning to play than performing –
much less ministering.
The guys that started playing in there youth went their separate
directions for a while. But God reunited
them a few years ago and they picked up where they left off. The “random jam” sessions every few months
turned into “work this up” sessions and the idea to form a band was tossed
around. It took a while, but the idea
took root and started to grow. Then God
brought a new brother to the gang. Garret
was the missing piece of the puzzle that was needed to complete the
picture. The songs were chosen, the
practice sessions were set and Off 61 was given life.
But before they decided to play out in public, they agreed that
the primary purpose of the band should be ministry and outreach. Off 61 is ministering to people that would
not normally come to church. A good
example of this was playing for the Salvation Army’s homeless and recovery
camp. That day of ministry and outreach
confirmed their calling.
Stephen brings a powerful testimony of healing to the group. As a teenager he experienced major health
problems and through his faith he was healed. Then as an adult he has had to watch his son bravely
battle a brain tumor. The prayer of
Stephen and his family throughout this experience has been for God to use them
as ministers wherever this battle leads. The other members of the band also bring their
testimonies of God's love, healing, and His grace and mercy.
The music has a groove that is intended to move people. It's not what you typically hear at a Sunday
morning worship service. Off 61 is not
there to perform, we are there to celebrate the Lord through music.
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