On the Front Lines
by Andy Argyrakis
posted 02/14/05

Blue-eyed soul singer Russ Lee is most often thought of as a recording artist, first with Truth, then with NewSong and most recently solo. But throughout that whole time, the vocalist has also been extremely committed to outreach and evangelism through the mission field, particularly with World Vision. As a WV spokesperson for over 15 years, Lee has traveled the globe, including visits to Iraq in 2003 and 2004 to affirm soldiers and spread the gospel. It wasn't easy to get through all the red tape of traveling, nor was war soil the safest place to visit, but the results were uplifting to all parties involved. In this interview, the world traveler shares those heartwarming experiences, encourages Christians to step beyond their typical territory and touches on his new greatest hits collection Pictures On Mantles.

When did your attraction to missions first form?

Russ Lee: The seed was planted when I was in Truth and we were in Europe around the time the Berlin Wall fell. At that point Communism became obsolete, but there was still poverty and oppression. People were standing in soup lines and potato lines, living in poverty even though they weren't in a third world country. We did a concert in a village outside Moscow and we were given a pile of potatoes with flowers stuck in them as a thank you. We wound up having them cook them and pass them on to the whole community, which was a chance to touch people's lives beyond just singing songs. At some point inspiration must translate into perspiration if it's going to be ministry. We're called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and I wanted to use my life to be an outlet through which others could be impacted.

How did those desires transfer into your time with NewSong?

Lee: I joined NewSong when they were touring behind a record called All Around the World. The funny thing about that title is even though the guys had been all over America, they'd never been overseas on a missions trip. Not long after I came in we found ourselves giving concerts and then outreaching in Russia and soon the Dominican Republic. We held revival meetings and sought to be a blessing to the families we came in contact with.

How did Iraq come into the picture?

Lee: Doug McKelvey, the guy I wrote "Live What I Believe" with, has a brother-in-law that's a chaplain overseas in a division of the U.S. Army. That division was told they were going to get to come home in August of 2003, then it was pushed into September and later they were told it wouldn't be until after the holidays. As a result, the troops were not able to spend their holidays at home, which became a real challenge in the moral department. I was asked if I'd be willing to minister close to Thanksgiving, and I was all for it.

What was your travel experience like, given the war and increased security?

Lee: Even the fact that we made it on a plane was a miracle because we did not have all the proper paperwork in time. Yet God just walked us through customs in Kuwait at a time when security was high and even diplomats turned us away. Basically, a solider from the U.S. Embassy met us at the gate when we arrived and said there would be a 50/50 chance that we'd be in a plane in a couple of hours heading toward Germany because we didn't have what was needed to enter the country. All we had was an invitation from the U.S. Army and a letter from a commanding officer and not even a visa, so it didn't look good. But the whole time I had a peace that surpasses all understanding about this, and we just waited and waited until it was our turn to be dealt with.

Between the flight and the waiting, we were exhausted, but also so excited. About thirty minutes later [an official] walked in the door with a hand-written document that allowed us passage. Our representative said "that never happens!" and they picked up our bags and literally walked us right through!

How did you deal with the danger of war once you arrived?

Lee: The heart of the soldiers was incredible and I found the morale to be really high, even though imminent threats were everywhere. For instance, a route we took the day of arrival had been ambushed the day before at the same time. But I was prepped to fire a weapon just in case everyone went down and I needed to defend myself. It was really intense, but we didn't have any direct issues on that trip. God really protected us and surrounded us in that season.

Russ Lee (center, denim jacket) poses with American troops during his visit to Iraq
 
How did the soldiers react to your performances and visits?

Lee: The soldiers were so thrilled, though they always asked me if I realized the level of danger that came with the position. They often asked why we'd come, but it was basically to let them know about faith and the fact that America is supporting them back home. This is not Vietnam and there are thousands, hundreds of thousands or even millions of people who are praying for them. I was amazed at their character, passion and commitment. To me it was something bigger than our human comfort, but about the idea of liberty and freedom.

You met with some Christian soldiers; how were they living out the gospel in that environment?

Lee: I saw the beginnings for the gospel of Jesus Christ to be preached in a Muslim country that had never been there before. The water had already been purified, clinics had been opened and women were able to step out from behind the veil to have opportunities as teachers, influencers and mentors. Children started to get sent to school after having never been previously been sent before. None of this was for the soldiers' benefit—they draw military salaries—yet they still paid the price for someone who couldn't even thank them in their own language. It really changed my perspective, especially toward the young people. We are so critical of the generations that come after us and say they are irresponsible, but it's important for us to know that they are liberating people even in harm's way. I'm overwhelmed by the courage, camaraderie and skill of so many 20-year-olds. Here I was hoping to be an inspiration to them, and they inspired me!

How have these experiences guided you while preparing the new music on your hits record?

Lee: I think it's raised a new level of awareness for me and built up my personal character. The way it translates in the music is that I'm more committed to the message of truth and the need to roll up my sleeves more than I've ever done before. I've just released the best-of project, and it has the single "Sweetest Sound." We launched out, started a record label [Vertical Vibe] and sought out the freedom to follow the Lord's calling wherever he leads us. It's exciting because it's getting a great response, which is funny because I never set out to have a record label or be a voice of ministry to Iraq.

What role does music play in your overall desire to do mission work?

Lee: Music is a tool for me to propagate the gospel—that's it. That ministry has allowed for great opportunities to pour out my heart, and it's given me a platform to partner with other ministries like World Vision and going to Iraq. I'm trusting God completely in both areas as he's doing things I'd never thought I'd do! Even though it's uncertain, to see God be faithful is exciting. I believe God is going to give us more opportunities to see great things happen. With man things are impossible, but with God all things are possible.

For more about Russ Lee, visit our artist page for him, which includes past interviews and reviews. You can listen to sound clips and buy his music at Christianbook.com.

 

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