Joel Hanson has been touring the country for years. From his time with the band, endearingly known to its die hard fans as the late great PFR, to his solo career, he has headlined shows with well known acts such as Jars of Clay, and Sara Groves. This talented singer/songwriter hails from our own home base - Minnesota.

Joel recently has served with Open Door on staff as a worship minister but has since felt compelled to branch out once again and pursue his personal music ministry full time.

His songs are heartfelt and deeply healing, with one particular song being used by the Dwelling Place Director to help bring restoration to the women who come for shelter in the house.

We are thrilled to see him lending his talent to this cause. This is one concert you don't want to miss!!

Domestic violence has reached epidemic proportions in the world, in the nation-and, yes, in the State of Minnesota. According to a study by the Commonwealth Fund, nearly one-third of American women report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety reports that in fiscal year 2006, 37,010 women and children in Minnesota were served by community advocacy programs for battered women.

"The Dwelling Place saved my life," says a former shelter resident who was in danger of being murdered by her husband. She was also in danger of committing suicide because of her depression from years of abuse.

The mission of The Dwelling Place is to provide shelter and short-term housing to women and their children. But, most importantly, its mission is to offer Christian programming and Bible-based study. Christian women who have been treated abusively or violently often feel that they are violating religious dictates by separating from their husbands.

"We study scriptures and pray with these women to help them see how their husbands have violated their own Biblical obligations. We teach women that they are not breaching their duties by seeking healthy lives away from their abusers," says Anderson. At the same time, Anderson affirms, "We also pray for restoration of the family." In these ways, The Dwelling Place is unique, Anderson believes. It is the only Christian shelter in the metropolitan area exclusively devoted to abused women and their children.

More than Music's mission is to revolutionize the culture at large one heart at a time through multimedia, ministry, and money given until everyone on earth knows and lives the love that is in Jesus Christ. This goal of giving money to worthy non profits has been central from the start, but only now have we found ourselves finally in the position to fulfill this part of our mission. I, Stephanie Pauline, first came in contact with The Dwelling Place just before its conception in 1998. I was attending Woodland Hills Church St Paul, and some women got up to share a bit about the outstanding funds needed to open the doors of the first house. The very next time someone was up in front of church talking about this need and communicating the heart of what The Dwelling Place was about - that person was me.

You see, By 21 I was already a single mom and had been the victim of domestic abuse myself. I had been threatened, pinned, pushed, cut, hit, kicked, and choked. The abuse was only increasing when I finally began seeking God in my life, and He created a series of circumstances enabling my escape from that situation.

I don't want one more child to have to witness the horrific reality of abuse just because his mom believes that no one cares. That is just not true. We care. I care. and our hearts are set on doing something to combat this problem. More than Music approached The Dwelling Place about doing an annual fund raising concert this last year. We have also dedicated 50% of the profits of my newest CD "Deep Blue Sky" to their ministry as well. It is our heart here at More than Music to see this ministry supported and expanded as funding is provided.

I think there are so many people who just don't know how great this need is. If they did - if they knew the emptiness that can grow in a heart that is beaten down in this way. If they knew the utter chaos of the lives of so many right here in our own town they would do something to stop it. There is no higher call than this. "To care for orphans and widows in their distress." ~ James 1:27

Please support this organization. Before I started More than Music Inc. I spent some time working for The Dwelling Place as a shelter advocate, which meant I spent my days with the women and the children and helped maintain a sense of serenity in the house. I watched family after family be restored. When they arrived at the shelter, their eyes would be haunted, listless, dark, and terrified. Within the next couple months I witnessed each family emerge from that nightmare into something radiant and beautiful. Soon they would be talking freely, without fear of put downs and a backhand. Soon they would let their hearts smile through their eyes as they began to hope again. I saw these women stand a bit taller as they realized they could, through Christ, provide a secure, and loving environment for themselves and their children.

Show your support. Make a donation to this cause right now or at least come to the concert. With the great music of Joel Hanson and my own contribution as well it's going to be an awesome night.