The lights dimmed as the familiar intro to “Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord” began. Screams from nearly 1,200 high school and college students filled the air as SONICFLOOd ran energetically onto the stage beginning their first-ever missions-oriented tour. The packed Lightsey Chapel Auditorium at Charleston Southern University Aug. 27 was the first of 58 tour venues in 23 states.
The band performed crowd favorites such as “I Want to Know You” and “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever,” as well as songs from their latest album, “This Generation.” During each song, videos played on two large screens near the round stage, showing people groups from all over the world and young missionaries on the field.
“We want you to go out into the world and proclaim Jesus Christ,” said Rick Heil, lead singer of SONICFLOOd. “I want you to go out of here with a heart breaking for Jesus.”
Between songs, videos were played featuring students and missionaries encouraged everyone to go on mission with God – whether short-term or long-term missions.
Chad Stillwell, associate director of student mobilization for South Carolina, shared in the students’ excitement. “This was the best missions mobilizing experience I have ever seen,” he said.