A Rock & Roll Calling

                                                                                                            By Trish Burke

What do you do with that voice in your head? You know the one. It asks what you are doing in this job, and says there has to be more to life. We all have it. How many of us really listen? How many of us take action to quiet the inner voice? Well, back in 2004, one local rocker did.

Spokane bassist Marty McKinney (The Edge & DNA) spent many sleepless nights with those voices telling him that God had plans for him. After months of questioning, and praying, and at the direction of his wife Julie, Marty took the leap of faith and quit his stable day job to follow a calling of which it appeared, God had not fully made him privy to. He just knew that there was something he was supposed to do to serve.

Together Marty and Julie began visiting the needy of our community. In back alleys and under bridges, they met with the outcasts of society, wielding sandwiches and prayers with their ears and hearts open, in an attempt to find their link in the Spokane poverty problem. Soon they had a following. More and more sandwiches passed through their hands as the homeless community shared word of this crazy couple that had ideas of hope and self-empowerment. Soon it became obvious to the McKinneys what must be done, and in those dark corners of our city, they found their mission.

Truth Ministries homeless shelter began first as a tent city, and has since weathered many storms. Without any government assistance, they have persisted through failed heating and fire systems, a change of location, and economic downturns that have stripped them of their very means of survival, the monthly donors. Somehow through the grace of God and sporadic donations from members of the community, they have managed to continue housing and feeding fifty men who would otherwise be on the streets. They also provide the free stuff. The love and guidance many need to make a positive life change is the foundation of Truth Ministries� success stories, of which there are many.

Most of us, when faced with the real world problem of homelessness would consider ourselves grown out of our youthful dreams of rock stardom. The musician Marty has never retired. Instead he has integrated his hard rock roots with a driving desire to inspire change in our world. His band Haven has scheduled their January 20^th CD release concert to benefit the shelter, and the community. The McKinneys believe the message in the CD will cross age and class barriers, attracting those who seek faith, as well as those who can replenish it. This is not your Grandmother�s hymnals! It is loud and in-your-face worship rock, with a mirror to the soul affixed firmly in place.

Haven CD Release Concert & Shelter Benefit is an all-ages show and also features fellow Christian rockers Beyond Moral, Burnt Offerings and Thirsty Perfect, as well as surprise intermission music provided by longtime friends from Martyâ��s musician roots. It all happens Friday January 20^th at the Bing Crosby Theater, 7pm. Tickets are $15.00, 12 years and younger are free, and group rates for four or more tickets are available. Tickets can be purchased at any Tickets West location, or online at www.ticketswest.com  Earplugs will be provided.