On Tuesday, April 8th, at 7 PM, the Southwestern Missions Association (SMA) is sponsoring a Rock for the Republic event on the SAGU campus at Guynes Grove.  The event will feature Finding Cadence, The Cost, and RunSilent.  Admittance is donation-based with all proceeds going toward the Latin America Child Care (LACC) school in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Classes are currently being held at the Santo Domingo school, but funds are needed to complete the building's final phase of construction.  LACC is SMA’s Giving Project for the Spring 2008 semester.  Several individuals within the SAGU Missions Department have personally seen the power of LACC to transform lives and communities.  Not only does the school educate elementary age children, but it provides a daily meal for the kids, provides preventative medical care, and teaches kids about Jesus Christ.

God has challenged SMA to reach a higher Giving Project goal this semester than ever attempted previously.  The current goal is $15,000, which is several thousand dollars higher than previous goals and gives God the opportunity to be glorified.  $8,500 has already been raised for the project.  According to SMA Secretary Brittany Woodward, “Rock for the Republic is an exciting way to involve not only SAGU but local churches and the community in reaching that goal and being a part of touching the Santo Domingo community.”
 
The band Finding Cadence is based out of Dallas and has a unique rock sound with some undertones of blues, tight harmonies, and guitar features.  The band members, such as guitarist Nathan Jones who grew up as a missionary kid in South America, are passionate about missions and using their music to minister to people.  The Cost is based out of Greenville, Texas, and the four band members believe in the power of music to speak to people's hearts and lives.  RunSilent is based out of the Dallas area and has done shows in coffee shops, churches, and youth venues.  Their song "I Am the Sky" won Pop/Rock Song of 2007 at the Gospel Music Association 2007 Music in the Rockies. 
 
“We are expecting a large number of SAGU students and faculty to participate in the event as well as members of the Waxahachie community and local churches,” commented Woodward. “I'm excited about seeing God use the creative talents of these bands combined with the passion for missions at SAGU and the surrounding churches to make a difference in Santo Domingo!”