Sonicflood Travels Around The World With Trips To Brazil, Australia, Singapore, South Africa And Turkey

Nashville, TN‹January 23, 2005‹Focusing on the big picture to go out into the world sharing the gospel, pioneering worship band SONICFLOOd has dedicated their past year to international travel to visit and perform in five countries around the world.

The most recent trip took place this past December in Istanbul, Turkey. Performing in a country that is composed of 99 percent Muslim faith, SONICFLOOd front man Rick Heil speaks of the unique opportunity.

"When we were talking about the opportunity to visit Turkey, I was definitely excited but at the same time a little hesitant because of Istanbul's recent past with terrorist attacks and the bird flu outbreak," Heil says. "Also to add to my uneasiness, Turkey has approximately 71 million people in it, of the population only 2,200 people profess to have a saving faith in Jesus Christ. Each time we played, I knew we were combating a spiritual force that had led so many astray for so long. After my short visit however, I felt that the young Church in Turkey was strong and tenacious like a bulldog."

While in Turkey, SONICFLOOd performed four concerts including a show at one of the top clubs in Europe being the first Christian concert at the secular venue in modern Turkish history. They also taped footage for a new music video, "This Generation," while in Turkey. Other performances included various schools for international students as well as at a Turkish church.

"The response from our Turkish fans was very overwhelming,² guitarist Trey Hill shares. "We were touched by stories of their trials and triumphs, and how the people of the country are responding to the Gospel. The strength and unity of the church in Turkey was touching. It inspired me to encourage my fellow Christians in the U.S to unite."

After being healed from Crohn¹s disease, Heil feels that God has given him the opportunity to open his eyes to others hurting, to looking outside of himself and re-evaluating his purpose. SONICFLOOd has used their recent release This Generation as a call to action for the body of believers to put their faith into prospective. SONICFLOOd plans to fulfill their purpose this year as they tour with Compassion International this spring, travel to Europe during the summer and close out the fall with a tour to promote missions with the Southern Baptist Convention¹s International Mission Board (IMB). Heil speaks of the upcoming partnership with the IMB.

"We hope this tour will wake up hearts to a worldview and bring people with a passion for the nations in touch with those who have the tools to make their dreams of sharing the gospel overseas a reality."