Wonderful Words of Life: Band’s debut album to benefit missions

Music has been a significant part of The Salvation Army's ministry from the beginning. While the Army is best known for its brass music, there have been many successful contemporary music ministries within The Salvation Army.

The latest of these started with the release of a debut album earlier this year. The band, NEON, out of The Salvation Army's Canada and Bermuda Territory, released the EP, "Brighter in the Dark," with all proceeds benefitting the territory's Partners in Mission.

Wonderful Words of Life was joined by Simon Gough, the band's front man and the Canada and Bermuda territorial worship arts specialist. Gough shared his testimony, his musical background and his heart for this ministry.

When asked about the story behind the band's name, he replied, "I just had this sense that I wanted to be involved in something that was a bright light in worship – a bright light in what can be a dark world sometimes."

Growing up as a musician in The Salvation Army in Australia showed Gough that music can open doors for ministry opportunities that otherwise may not be available. Whether he was leading worship at a youth event or at a prison, music allowed him to share the love of Christ with so many different types of people from all walks of life.

"I think music is one of those gifts that God has given us where the way a lyric and a melody interact can take you away from the physical space you're in and connect you to that throne room experience," he said.

The interview will air on Aug. 5 and feature an extended version later that week.

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