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The lights went out. It was pitch black in the sanctuary. Silence fell. Then a heart pounding beat began. It was the kind of beat that made you want more. The anticipation was mounting. Seconds, maybe minutes passed as the crowd sat, waiting, eyes trying to peer through the darkness. There was an almost tangible feeling of excitement and mystery going around. When would the concert begin? What song would be first?

And then it happened - all at once, the lights came up and the band began to play. Marty Mikles' concert Benefitting HopeHIV and the Overseas Child Sponsorship program had begun. He opened with "Glorious King," one of his own from his "Running In Circles" album and followed it with "Bless The Lord," another upbeat number from his personal CD. During the evening Marty covered songs such as "All Over The World," "Marvelous Light," and "Our God Reigns." He delighted long-time fans with more personal songs like "Needy" and his re-write of "How Great Thou Art." Near the end of the concert he also gave fans a treat by unveiling a new song called "Everlasting Light" which did not disappoint.

The concert was an effort to raise money and awareness for a non-profit organization called HopeHIV currently only working in sub-Saharan Africa. HopeHIV was begun by a Salvationist in the UK with the goal of seeing the AIDS pandemic overcome by a generation of young people. HopeHIV spends their time, energy and resources investing in programs which provide life's necessities for children who have been orphaned by AIDS. A few of their programs include education such as skills training and leadership development, foster care programs, programs which reach out to street children and creative arts therapy to help children deal with the trauma of losing one or both parents to AIDS.

At the concert, Marty raised over $650 to go towards HopeHIV. The following morning, Major Rick Mikles gave the members and soldiers of the Atlanta Temple corps an opportunity to match the offering raised the night before. In total, $1380.23 was raised for the organization. In addition to the offering that was taken, nine children from The Salvation Army's own Overseas Child Sponsorship program were sponsored by concert goers.

Marty's sole effort in performing on Saturday evening, February 16 was to see God's children glorify their Father by caring for children who might not be able to care for themselves. Job well done Marty. Job well done.

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