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MercyMe crosses barriers in first Victoria concert

Christian band Mercyme plays in Victoria
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  • BY LOURDES VAZQUEZ - LVazquez@vicad.com
  • Originally published November 13, 2009 at 9 p.m., updated November 14, 2009 at 1:45 a.m.

Patty Cosenza was suppose to return to Guatemala on Friday night, but instead she and two friends met MercyMe.

Crossing language barriers and age groups, MercyMe performed to a sold out crowd at Faith Family Church.

Parents took their children, some experiencing a concert for the first time.

"It's an experience for them to be able to worship God," said Holly Hamilton of Cuero, who took her daughter and niece.

Hamilton's daughter was excited to hear the band for the first time.

"I like their singing because they're awesome," said Emily Hamilton, 10, of Cuero.

Velveth Contreras agreed with Emily in her excitement.

"We hear their music all the time in Guatemala," Contreras said in Spanish.

Velveth, 20, Consenza, 33, and her sister, Alice Contreras, 27, arrived last Friday for a Significant Church Network conference at Faith Family by Pastor Larry Helms.

The three decided to stay after they were able to get concert tickets and to attend the meet and greet session before the concert.

"We were very happy to be able to come," Contreras said in Spanish.

Children and adults waited in line for their chance to take a photo and briefly chat with the band during the meet and greet session.

"I'm very excited, I really like their music," said Reagan Wright, 12, of Victoria, as she waited in line to meet the band.

"My favorite is 'I Can Only Imagine'," Reagan said.

As the Guatemalan women had their turn for a photo with the band, they waited to make sure everybody had taken a photo and got back in line for another photo.

The band laughed and posed for additional photos.

It was an experience that the three will not forget.

The concert was something that Glen Dry, founder of Man to Man Ministries hoped to accomplish.

"I wanted to do something for Victoria," Dry said.

Dry of Victoria had wanted MercyMe to perform at the Man to Man Family Outdoor Expo in February, but five weeks ago when the band said they would be available Friday, Dry and others in the community went to work arrange the concert.

Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Outdoor Expo.

The concert marked MercyMe's first performance in Victoria.

"We've never been here before," said Nathan Cochran, band member of MercyMe.

Cochran said they arrived in Victoria on Friday morning and spent sometime exploring the city.

People came from San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and Corpus Christi to Victoria to see MercyMe, the country's leading Christian band.

"I think it's a powerful experience. We get to see them come to Victoria," said Courtney Figuerora, 27, of Victoria.

Opening for MercyMe was 10th Avenue and Jonny Diaz.

MercyMe will perform in Austin on Saturday night. Cochran said military family members from Fort Hood are expected to attend.


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Comments

  • Rebecca Rebecca Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink

    If your heart can't be stirred because of the types of instruments being played or if you can't feel reverence because you are hung up on the word "rock band" then don't blame "the world," welcome to it.

    November 15, 2009 at 9:03 a.m.
  • txzambo txzambo Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink

    And what does it matter if it call attention the the LORD? Different people revieve messasges in different ways. I agree with the other poster that you must live in the 1950's

    November 14, 2009 at 11:55 p.m.
  • txzambo txzambo Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink

    Gary You addressed the pastor of faith Family and I wasnt aware that the church did anything more than rent the building for this concert. I can stand corrected if someone from faith needs to. I got my info from a member.

    November 14, 2009 at 11:54 p.m.
  • Gary Gary Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink

    Dear Pastoure Of Faith Family

    Please alow me to offer another opinion of the christian rock band (so called) movement. There is no such a thing as a christian prostitute or a christian cigerete or christian rock band. May I respectivly say if we sing & worship like the world,look & act like the world then we are the world. CHURCH means the called out ones. Called out of what?? the world & its ways. You might say bro I feel the spirit moving in out concerts, The BIBLE says in the last days I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh, all flesh is not saved. Thats why the Bible says in the end times truth & eror would be so close that it would decieve the very elect ones IF it were posible. Thanks for listening

    God Bless Gary White (360) 366-0201

    November 14, 2009 at 10:08 p.m.