PureVolume

Passion. Faith. Vision. Heart. Intense Worship. These words come to mind when you experience the worship band Four Days Late. From their engaging live worship to their strong personal testimonies, this band will encourage and lift you up with their incredible energy and heart for worship.

The name Four Days Late comes from the scripture found in John 11:17 "So when Jesus came, He found Lazarus had already been dead four days." Even though Jesus seemed to be late, He was really on time.

Four Days Late began in 2000 as a worship band for the Baptist Campus Ministries worship service at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL. The group started out with three members: Adam Blalock- guitar, Robby Cantrell - lead vocals and guitar and Joel Stapleton - drums. Joshua Prestridge joined the band in 2005 on bass guitar and background vocals. Adam shares, "When we first started out as a band, we thought in our own eyes we would lean more toward only rock; however, God had other plans. Once we embraced our identity as a worship band, we began to see the plan He had for our ministry." Robby adds, "Our purpose is to lead everyone we come in contact with, both young and old, into true heartfelt worship. It is so surreal to look out from stage into a crowd and see people with hands raised and totally caught up with their focus on Him. Nothing else at that moment matters."

Their latest project entitled Waiting, released in early 2008, is the band's fourth project together. The project includes a mixture of modern/contemporary worship songs written with a flair of mainstream rock. While the project carries a diverse selection of songs, there is something in which everyone in the audience can identify. Through this project, the band has seen incredible growth in their personal lives. Joel states, "I think, at one point we wanted, like so many others, to have people look up to us or admire us for our work. When God began to show us the importance of the incredible call on our lives, it was then that we realized that this is not about us at all. It is all about Him and what He wants to accomplish through us. It is about fulfilling the great commission of winning souls for Jesus. God can use a song to prick the heart of person. The humbling part is that He chooses to use us as a tool to carry out His plan."

The first single, Glorious King produced by Barry Blair (Audio Adrenaline, Bleach) was recently released to AC radio. "I do not consider myself a songwriter," Joshua shares. "I consider God to be the ultimate writer. I am grateful He chose to use me as a vessel to pen Glorious King at a time when we needed an high-energy song to share with people about our merciful, saving, and glorious King." Waiting is another song that people have been relating to on so many different levels. Robby shares, "I woke up from a dead sleep and had a melody in my head I didn't want to lose. I picked up my guitar and quickly begin writing the first thoughts that entered my mind. At first, it seemed I had written a bunch of random statements, but then I realized that all of these thoughts told a different part of my story." Adam interjects, "Everyone has songs on the project that are special to them. The song Revealed was written in about 30 minutes one morning while sitting in my truck. I suppose I was writing about heaven when I originally wrote the song, but I hope people get the idea that you don't have to wait until you get to heaven to see God's glory and Kingdom. It should be seen here on earth through His people. This song challenges me everyday to live as an example of God's love and to share His love with others."

The future of Four Days Late promises to be one of longevity and purpose. "God turned what started out as a 'Christian' band playing a few gigs here and there into an active ministry that's reaching out to touch and change lives," states Joshua. "These guys are no longer just band mates, they are my best friends. There is an unexplainable bond that occurs when you worship and work together to accomplish Kingdom work."

Four Days Late has already shared the stage with Matthew West, Josh McDowell, Chris Rice, Mark Cahill, Shawn Groves, Reid Ward and many others. They have played such events as Youth Specialties, Southeastern Conclave, and GMA Week. Joel admits, "I have been to a lot of concerts, but the ones I remember the most were the ones where God's presence outshined the artist. That is why we don't do a 'concert.' Our ministry is about worship and getting out of the way so God can change the hearts of the people involved. Four Days Late wants to be remembered not as an artist or doing great things in man's eyes, but as worshippers. Our desire is for people to truly know that we love the Lord and led them into the presence of God."