Country Music News for the Country Music Enthusiast

Emerson Drive Returns From Trip to El Salvador With Compassion International

Nashville, TN- The Valory Music Co./Midas Records artists, Emerson Drive traveled to San Salvador, El Salvador March 23-26 where they were privileged to visit with the children and their families who benefit from the services provided by Compassion International to help them achieve a better life for themselves. The band was given the rare opportunity to see first hand the work of this incredible organization and learn more about Compassion's cause and help spread its message of hope to the impoverished nations of the world.

"We were completely amazed by the incredible work that Compassion International is able to accomplish in the different parts of the world that are poverty stricken.  Those who do the field work, have dedicated their lives to making this program succeed for each child that has a sponsor," states lead vocalist Brad Mates.  "I can not say enough about the smiles and tears that the families we visited, had for the Compassion staff who make such a huge difference in the day to day lives of the sponsored kids.  We believe 110% in Compassion. We were fortunate enough to see what goes on first hand with their organization when we visited El Salvador, and we are anxious to continue our support of Compassion and their programs in the years to come."

The band is now the planning stages for how they can carry the message for Compassion International and share it with country music fans. 

Compassion International was founded on the belief that changing childrens' lives by helping them overcome poverty can empower them to go forward and ultimately change their communities and nations. According to statistics, of the world's 6.3 billion people, nearly 30 percent are under the age of 15. In most developing countries, children comprise half of the population, yet almost 11 million children each year - about 30,000 a day - die before reaching their fifth birthday, mostly from preventable causes. Compassion strives to influence a child's life at the earliest stages possible, and support the child's development through young adulthood. Those interested in finding out more about Compassion's partnership with Country music can visit www.compassion.com/country .

Emerson Drive's newest CD, BELIEVE, will be released later this summer.  For more information about the band and to see photos from their trip to El Salvador, log on to www.emersondrive.com or visit www.myspace.com/emersondrive.