The applause in the auditorium was deafening as parents, friends, and others celebrated the concert put on by the young people. While the excitement was directed toward the students’ music, it was also about changed lives.

The smiles on the faces of the parents said it all. Just eight weeks ago one mother had trouble simply communicating with her teenage daughter. Because of the Rock of Ages music training, she and her daughter found it easier to communicate. A father’s face radiated happiness as he thought about his two children who used to argue constantly. The Rock of Ages music training brought his children together on a common ground and now, instead of fighting, they play music together. Mark Johnston, founder of Rock of Ages, was thrilled with the result of this first concert.

A Love of Music

Music has always been in the forefront of Mark’s life. He began playing drums at three while his brother took up the guitar. He grew up in a home with a mom who had strong spiritual beliefs and convictions. His father did not have the same beliefs, but his mother’s impact was strong. They attended church regularly and Mark became a Christian at a young age. As a lover of music, Mark was aware of the tremendous emotional and spiritual impact it had on people. He was part of a band that stayed together for 25 years, touring and recording. The band never achieved the success they were looking for and Mark finally chose a different path.

Because music was Mark’s main focus in life, he chose to open a studio where bands could rehearse and record. For 16 years Mark struggled to make the business a success. In addition to working in this building, Mark and his wife and son lived there. It was an old, run-down building surrounded by bars and other questionable businesses in an old part of town.

Three years ago Mark gave up the building and business to God. “I chose him over what I love doing more than anything,” he says. Mark was concerned that his love of music was greater than his devotion to God. He told God that he would give it all up if he needed to in order to serve God.

Soon Mark was convinced God wanted him to remain in music but with a different focus. He and his wife decided to move to Houston, Texas. After a three-day visit, they came back more convinced than ever that God wanted them to remain in Northern California. God also put on his heart to begin teaching again. His focus, however, would be more than just teaching music. More importantly, he would put glorifying God ahead of it all.

A Heart for Ministry

Mark began MusicWorks, a business that offers music lessons, plans and directs live events, and operates a retail store. Within the business Mark also planned to seize the opportunity to do ministry. Not everything has worked out as planned for MusicWorks, but in the area of ministry, Mark’s expectations have been exceeded. Presently, MusicWorks has a recording studio and provides training in 3-D animation, video editing, and Web design. In addition, his Rock of Ages program trains young people in different musical areas. This eight-week session provides vocal and instrumental musical training. The youth are then split into different bands for group practice. The groups hold a concert at the end of the eight-week program so friends and family can come hear the results of the musical training. The impact of Rock of Ages has been far-reaching.

Whatever programs are provided by MusicWorks, Mark’s ultimate goal is to glorify God and minister to others. Rock of Ages has helped bring families together and has helped those who are hurt or lonely. Because music is universal and reaches people in emotional and spiritual ways like few other avenues can, Mark is working hard to remember that “God is large and in charge.” He has dedicated his life to helping people, both young and old, come to know and grow in the Lord each day.

Mark’s future goals include finding corporate sponsors to provide music scholarships for young people and helping churches with outreach programs that involve music and music training. Not long ago a minister was praying during the very first Rock of Ages concert. The minister said that these young people “play rock, and stand on the Rock.” This quote encompasses Mark’s ultimate goal for his business and ministry. He plans to stand on the Rock as he is guided by his love for music and ministering to others. |L

Susanne Dacus graduated from Pacific Christian College with a degree in Christian Education. She and her husband Brad work with Pacific Justice Institute in Citrus Heights, California. Brad and Susanne reside in Sacramento, California with their two children.

OTHER COLUMNS:
June 15, 2008 - A time saver who knows the soul saver
May 18, 2008 - Working by faith 24/7
April 20, 2008 - Motown, music, and ministry
March 23, 2008 - Be One Sportswear
February 24, 2008 - Fighting for the faith
January 27, 2008 - Healing for the Healer
December 30, 2007 - Parenting faithfully
December 2, 2007 - Building physical and spiritual strength
November 4, 2007 - Taking Christ into the classroom
August 12, 2007 - Strategies for business and life
June 17, 2007 - Finding fulfilling work
May 20, 2007 - Faithful to his calling
April 22, 2007 - An unstoppable witness
March 25, 2007 - The perfect plan
February 25, 2007 - Teaching with faith
January 28, 2007 - Changing a community—one event at a time
December 24, 2006 - Business by the book
November 26, 2006 - Growing through life’s storms
October 29, 2006 - Giving God his best