Posted: September 26, 2009
After a successful launch in the Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena, Arisen Nation moved up to one of Belfast's premier venues for its second outing. The winning format from its debut, however, remained the same, as did its purpose - to present the Lord Jesus to a new audience through the ministry of music and the spoken word.
The music was again presented by NlighteN, from the Midlands of England, and Northern Ireland's own The Anselm. The local act opened proceedings with offerings from both their acclaimed self-titled debut album and 2009's follow-up "White and Blue", performed in their now-familiar understated manner. Frontman Stephen McCabe was, as ever, keen to keep the focus on the Lord Jesus as the band moved through the set, interspersing comments on the meaning behind the songs and giving scriptures that provided inspiration. The subrock fare was well received by the Belfast crowd, the message in each song giving them plenty to reflect on.
NlighteN followed up with their more energetic and worship-oriented set comprised of songs from their 12tribe-released EP "Here It Is", alongwith well-known songs from other Christian artists for the audience to sing along with. There was even a stirring rendition of U2's "Where the streets have no name" to enjoy. Frontman Tim Barton's affable way with the crowd was as endearing as ever and drew the audience into participating in the singing and being involved in the praise of it all.
After two entertaining and rousing sets, the microphone was passed to Ross King from Manchester who challenged the audience to identify what it was that held them back from recognising the truth of Jesus and His offer of salvation, while offering his own story in a frank and honest way for our encouragement.
The night closed with the offer of a chance to chat to someone if anyone felt moved by what they had heard. It was an offer several took up and 12tribe Records sincerely hopes that all who came along to the Waterfront Studio theatre were blessed by their time there and that our God will use it to His glory.