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Men of Valor and Their Musical Friends Have a Big Night at Belmont University in Nashville

by Rich and Laura Lynch

The first annual Night of Music with Friends of Men of Valor that took place on February 21, 2023 at the Fisher Center at Belmont University was an inspiring event. Award-winning Christian Contemporary artists Zach Williams, Ben Fuller, CAIN, UNSPOKEN, David Leonard and Jonathan Cilia-Faro in partnership with 94FM The Fish and Salem Media Group performed to raise awareness and support for the worthy cause.


Zach Williams performed for Men of Valor in Nashville.

Men of Valor Ministry was founded 25 years ago with the goal of helping men in middle Tennessee return to their communities as individuals of integrity; becoming the fathers, brothers, and sons that God created them to be, while also ending the cycle of victims and generational incarceration. In prisons, MOV presents the gospel and provides life skills training. MOV also has a one-year-in-house program to assist men in transitioning back to civilian life with classes in discipleship, job training and more at their campuses in Antioch and Knoxville.

The Night of Music with Friends of Men of Valor started with a special meet and greet with the artists. This add-on raised additional money for MOV. The concert began with clips of MOV's mission. First up, was Zack Williams backed by a sizable band to present an uplifting "Way Maker". Williams mentioned that he had recorded a record at a prison which led into the relatable "Rescue Story" touching upon the topic of deliverance. Zack invited Ben to join them for his latest "Jesus' Fault" telling us how He transforms people. "Fear Is A Liar" was a crowd pleaser as was a new song about finding freedom in God.


Ben Fuller performed for Men of Valor in Nashville.

During set changes, men in the audience were given a light and a mic to reveal how the Lord and MOV changed them. One trio of men sang. Later a woman shared that she worked with victims so at one time she wanted nothing to do with MOV. Overtime she learned that many of the men came from abusive situations and that they too were victims. Plus, the price of incarcerating people costs the state incredible sums of money. Sadly, many folks who get out of jail will return if they don't have a support system such as MOV.


David Leonard performed for Men of Valor in Nashville.

Back to the music with the spirited trio CAIN reminding us to "Rise Up". David Leonard delighted us with "Good Lord". UNSPOKEN presented snappy praise music along with a more serious tune to request "God Help Me". "My Recovery" as the title implied was a story about starting over. Ben Fuller joined UNSPOKEN for this personal piece. Tenor, Jonathan Cilia-Faro with accompaniment on piano from Tyler Michael Smith encouraged us to be keepers of the light followed by the classic "How Great Thou Art".


UNSPOKEN performed for Men of Valor in Nashville.

Ben Fuller like many had struggled with addiction. He moved to Nashville in 2018 in hopes of pursuing a career in country music but God had other plans. Close friends invited Fuller to church where he ended up dedicating his life to Jesus. By turning his testimony into songs, Ben has been rejuvenated with a new passion and mission; to share his story with the world and all who are ready to listen.


Jonathan Cilia-Faro, Chad Mattson, Taylor Cain and Tyler Michael Smith at the Fisher Center.

Ben's set included a personal piece on suicide along with a stark yet powerful song declaring He (Jesus) is coming for you while reminding us that we are a child of the most-high God ("Who I Am"). Fuller said that he is only now learning the traditional hymns so he closed his show with "Glory Glory Hallelujah".


A quick side set of Gospel hymns was one of the evening's many highlights.

"It's nothing short of a miracle what God and Men of Valor do together and it's my privilege to tell a world in trouble about how much they both mean to me," says Ben Fuller. "Men of Valor is an organization that invests in people, and that is one of the most important things we can do with our time."


One Common performed for Men of Valor in Nashville.

"2 Peter 3:9 says, the Lord is patient toward us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. It is an honor to partner with a ministry that invests in men who faithfully seek repentance and walk with integrity toward the hope of a second chance," added Grammy-award-winning artist, Zach Williams. "I serve a God of second chances, and I am proud to play a small part in these men's lives."

A Night of Music with Friends of Men of Valor was an inspiring event featuring music and testimonies. The beautiful Fisher Center at Belmont University is an acoustically pleasing, elegant place for concerts. Opened in 2022, the 1,727 seat multi-functional venue hosts dance productions, music, opera, special events and theater.


It was an amazing inaugural event for Men of Valor at the Fisher Center.

Related Links: For more information on MEN OF VALOR and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Men Of Valor | 94FM The Fish | The Fisher Center


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