[Ardent1]

Here's some testimonies....
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From MATTDUB05:
P.O.D.'s music and ministry turned me onto christ, but didn't save me, until I met with them after a cocnert one night, the first time I saw them live (97). And Sonny, Wuv, and I prayed together, and I gave my life to christ there.
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From Jessey:
Like, i'm not a christian...i haven't really conformed to any religion...but like, i have strong faith in God and i pray everyday and read the bible and yeah...i just haven't made that final step, but P.O.D's music saved me...like, really saved me. My aunt died, my cousin commited suicide and i was about to do the same..and then one night i put in my p.o.d cd and i really listened to it...i didn't listen to the beat of the music, i listened to the words and they blew me away...like, that night, i decided that i wasn't going to be depressed anymore and i knew suicide wasn't the way to fix problems...it would just cause more problems and so...P.O.D helped me.
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From Brian~Kaylor:
Ok I hope some people read this to see what POD did for me. Before I found POD I was atheist. I wasn't happy, and I didn't have too many friends. I felt like an outcast. I was the only skater in a prep school. Everyone made fun of my clothes and my choice of music. I loved KoRn, Limp Bizkit, Kid Rock, and all the others. I wasn't christian at all. All the people that tried to convert me really made me mad. They still do. They where adults that said "IF YOU DONT FIND JESUS YER GONNA DIE!" It was horrible. One day on my spring break, i turned on the TV to MTV. My TV doesn't get a clear image for a couple of seconds after turning it on, but you can hear. I thought it was a KoRn video or something. My TV cleared up, and it definately wasnt. The song was awsome! When the video ended, I saw it was "Southtown" by "POD". I immediately went upstairs and started lookin on the internet for the band. They where AWSOME! I found a site, and it talked about them being a christian band. I didn't get it. Later on I decided to by the CD. I loved the cover! It made me think about what it ment. So i listened to the music, and i realized that this was something I could understand. They talked about christianity in something I could understand, music. Good music. Hardcore rock music! I really got interested in christianity. There song "Outkast" made me feel a little bit more special. I realized at school that when I walked alone with hardly any friends, that i was special. No one else was like me. It made me feel better about everything. Now my life is completely different, yet to everyone else, I am still the same. I am that weird kid with the baggy pants, but inside I have changed. Now POD is one of my favorite bands. Because of POD, I feel alot better.
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From: Josh~the fire breathes
Hey y'all! Whasup? I've been a KoRn fan for a while. I really love the style of their music (If only there was a christian band that played like that) and that they sing about true real life. A lot of things like they sing about have happened to me. What's funny is I was at a Kid Rock concert one night, I was just strung out on drugs and alchohol among other things. I had been in about six or seven fights that night, I had gotten seriously beat up a couple times. THen P.O.D. had come onstage. I was like, WHOAH! I didn't know Rage against the machine was here! And Kid Rock said their name and stuff, and I was thinkin, well huh! New band. If Kid likes them, they're probly pretty good. SO I listened to them and I was thinking "That's pretty cool!" I was feeling kinda weird, like right after you wake up, ya know? I knew what was going on and everything, it was just kinda in slow-mo. But after the concert and junk I saw the lead singer (good ol' sonny) coming down from the stage and talking to some guy (probly from the crowd, knowing him LOL) I shouted as best I could to make myself heard "Y'all were pretty good!" I guess he heard me, cuz he yelled "thanks man! God bless, come to our next concert if ya can. I'll pray for you." I was like, whoah, wait a minute. Pray for me? That's a new one.So I did come to the next P.O.D. concert that I could find and sonny was talking to the crowd on this one. I tried to get ahold of him, but I wasn't able to. I heard him talking and I was like, wow, how did he get to be so sure about what he thought and beleived about things? I asked around and found a group of people who said they knew why he was like that. I asked, and they said because he's a christian. "Seriously?" I said. They said yeah. I was thinking, WOW, if these guys can be christian and sound that good, ya know, maybe there IS something in this god-thing. And I got saved that night at the P.O.D. concert. Interesting. I slowly and surely got off of drugs and alcohol and am now drug free an 100% sober. I still like KoRn because I do know what they sing about is true, but I'm glad that P.O.D. is touring with them, maybe JD, munky, david, and head and fieldy will find that yes...what they sing is true, but there's also a way out of it. P.O.D.....thank you guys.
And you too sonny....God bless. I'll pray for you.
Jesus Freak-- I'll be a freak for life, death, and eternity!
JAH PPL RIDE ON!
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From: Tasha Cimons
One of my friends came to a P.O.D. show and after the show he went to receive prayer. 3 months later Sonny remembered my friend. That proves to me how intent P.O.D. is on ministering. To remember one person, personifies what Christ is to us . He remembers us no matter how small we are. This shows how Christ is working through them. Jeremiah I
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From: Cameron Wilson
I am and old dude, and work with young people, through Christian groups. P.O.D.’s ministry has helped many many times, in brining the secular kids to Christ. May God’s blessings continue to be with all involved with the ministry.
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From: Daniel Kerr
When I first heard about P.O.D. I thought “rap-core” was some kinda joke. I went to their show anyway, and since then I have seen them 8 times and would not miss them for anything. These are people of substance and have taught me to be a person of substance and I look out for my fellow man. Take for instance the fact that their not afraid to sit and hang out and talk to the crowd. Substance.!!! Anytime I mention P.O.D. amongst friends and acquaintances the name echo’s and resinates. Their reputation is already big its substance, they are positive role models.
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From: Melissa the Southwest warrior
I really love the fact that Sonny gave his testimony and is always so open when sharing at shows. I also was interested in how they were able to meet the members of Marilyn Manson and how God could totally use them by being a good witness and light to other bands that are out there. Not to mention all people that they may come in contact with especially the fans.
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First off I would like to thank God for placing certain people in my that have made a big impact on my life. First my girlfriend who planted the seedfrom the beginning and to Marcos (from P.O.D.) who led me in prayer toreceive Christ as my personal savior at the Purple Door Festival. Goddefinitely works in mysterious ways and he proved it that weekend. Somethingdrew me to the Purple Door Festival for a reason and now I know why. P.O.D.is a great example of what every band out there should be, both musically andspiritually they are a great inspiration to me. Seeing how they reflect Godin their lives and pass it on to others made me wonder what was so different about them, and now I know they are truly blessed by God, and I am just as blessed to receive Christ as my Savior. You guys are truly using your talent for God, not for fame, and it shows. To everyone in P.O.D., Sonny, Wuv, Traa, and especially Marcos THANK YOU so much for demonstrating what God's power can really do. Once again Marcos, I can't thank you enough man for what you did for me. You are all truly blessed by God.
Pe@ce out, I'll see you in Paradise

Much Love and Respect

Brian Hess
Absecon, NJ
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I've only known who POD was since Wednesday, August 25th, but they've been in my stereo 24/7 since then. My brother took me to see them play in Birmingham, AL. It was such an amazing show. God has really been dealing with me for a while now. I'm not unfamiliar with his voice and that oh so uncomfortable tugging on my heart when I know I'm in a really bad place. Let me assure you...at the time of the concert, my life was in a really bad place. I'd been working at a place where drugs were an every day fact of life, and I had eagerly taken part in using them. It had gotten so bad that Cocaine was beginning to be involved in our regiment on an almost weekly basis. I saw hundreds and hundreds of dollars go down the drain, and that wasn't easy to explain to my parents (who where pretty much unaware of my activities). I was sick all the time, and the last 8 months are just kind of a blur...which is a very scary and uncomfortable feeling. Of course anyone who uses drugs know that there are particular behaviors and activities that go hand in hand with it...so I won't go into some of the other things I did that I truly regret now. Let me just say that I probably did a lot of what you are imagining. I have good news though! I did take my brother up on his invitation to go to this show he and his friends had been talking about. I'm really into hardcore music and thought...why not? It'll give me a chance to hang with my brother if nothing else. So, I go to the POD show and was amazed. Here were all these kids who looked like me. They dressed real cool, and had body modifications as well...but they were optimistic, and happy. This was a very opposite outlook on life than what my friends and I felt. We talked to Dirt who is a really cool man...he had me laughing, so already my mind was in a place where God could use these guys to speak to me. So, the concert started and I really enjoyed it. The bands were real cool and I liked their sounds. But then, POD got on stage. I don't know....I'm really at a loss for words. God was in that place. I could feel it. Sonny talked to the crowd, and he was so sincere. POD's songs moved me so much. It was incredible. Sonny kind of did an alter call, and asked those people who were lost to come down and talk to someone. I didn't look to see if anyone went down, but I didn't. I was scared. I wanted to talk to the guys from the bands, or maybe even the guys from POD, but my chance was up....I had to get home. So I left, but the feeling I had throughout that concert didn't go away. When I got home, I just sat in the living room and cried. I cried because I was frustrated at myself and my life. I cried because I wanted what my brother had. I cried because I wanted what those kids had. And I cried because I wanted what those bands had. I cried because I wanted Jesus. So, having gone to church, and being very familiar with how to turn over your life to God (although I don't think there is a "right" or "wrong" way, as long as you are sincere), I got down on my knees to pray.
Somehow I just didn't feel low enough to ask God for forgiveness. I mean, knowing what being a Christian is about and having grown up in a church, there had been times in my life when I had looked God in the face and laughed. So I laid down on my stomach...and still not feeling like I was bowing far enough down to face God...I prayed. I prayed with a desperation I'd never felt before. For almost three hours, I wept and confessed my sins to him. I tried not to umbrella the sins I admitted, but I don't know if I could ever confess them all...so I did my best and finally I felt a release. God moved through my soul. I felt him! I still feel him. It's like my heart is beating twice as strong. I've never felt that close to God in my life. I give a lot of credit for what happened that night to POD. Of course, ALL the glory goes to God. But, he couldn't have chosen a better vessel to reveal himself to me than that band. I opened my ears to them, and I opened my heart to Sonny's prayers. Again, I'm at a loss for words. All I know to say is thank you. I've quit my job, and since that night I've had no drugs...not even alcohol, and I don't crave any of it. Pot in the least. It was a burden that was easy to give up...not a sacrifice. And I thank God for that, because I couldn't feel that way without his power and grace. I want to tell the guys from POD myself - "I feel nothing but love and gratitude to you guys. Be confident that you led one more child to Christ."

God Bless You, Emma Limbaugh
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more comin'...
Ardent1

[Underhill]

wow

[Ardent1]

more testimonies.....
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Ever since I saw P.O.D. at Mt. Oak church last summer, I knew there was something different about those 4 God oriented musicians, and I knew that they would quicky become my favorite band. They were so hardcore, in so many ways. I got a chance to talk to Sonny afterwards, and the way he spoke, it was easy to understand why crowds of people surround after every show, and he shows how much he truly loves his fans. I love this band, and being on the street team for them may be one of the most awesome things to happen in my life (besides being saved of course). How does one rock so hard and influence somany people's lives? I guess you'd have to listen to understand.
Peace warriors, Ride On!
Kathryn, a.k.a. special K
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P.O.D. has affected not only my life but some of my friends as well...Not more than a year ago I thought Christian music was like a few hymns people sang until my friend introduced me to some cool bands like mxpx and squad five-0 and a few others. then P.O.D. came into town with Blindside and project 86! it was one of the best concerts I've ever been to!! I got to talk with the members of all the bands and it was great. Seeing things live really lets you know how things are up close and personal. Now back then I didn't even really go to church or want to go to church and I really wanted nothing to do with God. With the help of my friend I changed my life around and I am a strong Christian. P.O.D. really helped me with that because I realized that I can be myself and still be a good kid and a good Christian. I know how amazing it was for this to happen to me so me and my friend helped a couple of my other friends and the same thing happened to them even a friend that I thought would never believe in God. He needed just a small light that he could step into and that light was P.O.D. We took him to see P.O.D. in Toledo a few weeks ago and he was in shock he realized just like me that you can still be your self to be a follower of God. I really noticed a change in him. And that is how P.O.D. changed not only my life, but the lives of my friends too
Greg Snider Oak Harbor, Ohio
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I split up with my girlfriends recently, and I have been fighting against misery, I still am some times. Anyway. The song Full Colour, even though it's about someone dying, a lot of the lyrics applied to how I was feeling, and it really helped me to focus on what is really important. I was ecstatic when I found POD online 'cause I became a Christian about 17 months ago, and I came from a contemporary heavy metal background (amongst other things). POD are just the best Christian band that I know, and I was just so pleased when I finally found them.
James Gensberg, England
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(this one is very cool! )
P.O.D. has taught me the most important lesson that I could learn. P.O.D. has shown me what it means to have a servant's heart even when you're the rock star. Sonny demonstrated that to me when he takes the time to set up equipment for the unknown local band. He taught me that even when you're signed to a major label and you're in the band that everyone came to see, you're still not above picking up trash throughout the whole venue after the show (which he did).
From: Chris "Mestizo" Stonie
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My name is Paul Hartung, from Portland Oregon. I have been down with Payable On Death ever since 1995 when they had a song on the "helpless amongst friends" compilation. However I became a warrior with them for Truth when I met the band for the first time at Tomfest in 1996.
POD has blessed me in four ways.
1. Musically. Obviously the catch lies in their sound.
2. Spiritually. Their focus on the Lord has directly effected me in many ways.
3. Friendship/Fellowship. From the first time I met them they have been outgoing and personal. I'm blessed to call them friends.
4. Lastly, the fact that all the reasons I have stated above have been
the experiences of people everywhere is a total blessing to me. POD treats everyone with love and respect. Check them out. Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess .JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!
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I’ve been listening to POD for about a year and a half now. I first heard them last year at the Inside Out Soul Festival. I had never heard them before, but I liked them instantly. I remember Sonny started the concert off with a prayer and I thought that was awesome, because not too many of the bands did that. I noticed something different about those guys- I could tell that they really loved God. it was just so obvious, and I thought that was just so cool. throughout the whole concert Sonny kept pointing to God and giving Him all of the glory. now that is cool. This summer I was blessed with the opportunity to actually meet the guys and talk to them for about an hour while they were at Creation!! it was such an encouragement to talk to those guys!! they're just people, no different from you or from me, but they love the Lord and they don't take any of the credit for how far they have gotten. they give it all to God. It was really neat to talk to them and see that they are people, they are human, they are just like me. they are real. but God in them shines through so brightly and that's what makes them special. some people that I’ve talked to in the past have passed judgements on POD because of the style of music that they play- hardcore rap. but when I’ve talked to these people I’ve explained to them how their judgements were falsely accused. by taking a look at the lyrics in their songs it is so obvious who they are living for. God. and there's no way that anyone can deny that. when you talk to them you can actually see God in them and that's why I look up to those guys. they have showed me through their music and their lifestyle what it is to walk the walk with God. they have encouraged me to walk the walk and to daily be in prayer with God. I pray for those guys EVERY day that they won't forget the reason for living, and I know that they won't forget. in a sense- although some may disagree- POD are missionaries. missionaries to the tons of teenagers who listen to hardcore rap. that style of music is becoming more popular each and everyday, and POD knows how to hit home. they have been through a lot and they have experience with life. there songs can really reach out and touch people. I know they have to me. I thank God for those guys...they have meant a lot to me and they have helped me out a lot in life although they may never realize how much they mean to me seeing they don't know me. like POD says we need to "separate ourselves, leave behind this place, don't ever look back" because this life is all about God. POD has showed me that. we need to let our lights shine in this dark world-we are in the world not OF it- and we need to "set our eyes to Zion," that's what it's all about. God bless and ride on!! In Christ,
Amanda Webster, MA
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From Racheal Helmick:
P.O.D. is so awesome!!! I appreciate them and their sound!! They are reaching kids that I do not think I could ever reach. I'm proud to say that I belong to the same family as P.O.D. God Bless them
and their message. John 15:16
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P.O.D. Is a group that is few and far between, rarely do you find a group that maintains both character and integrity, musically and personally. All these are what create a great group.
Toby Meyer Southwest Warrior
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Name: Nick Archuleta
I am so glad to of had the opportunity to have met and know P.O.D. especially Marcos. All of the guys have been such a blessing. Knowing you guys are just real guys with real problems, but look to God and believe in Jesus through all of them really speaks to me every time I see them. Seeing the guys still walking the walk and talking the talk shows me how to keep on keeping on.
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From: Mike Graham
P.O.D. has kept me motivated into following Christ and showing others that being a Christian iscool not all nerdy Church boy stereotype, Jesus is for everyone. Thanks P.O.D.
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Here's a pic that shows how much they care

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more? you want more???? :P
Ardent1

[Ardent1]

more!!!!!
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From Warrior-Frik:
About 2 weeks ago I sat in the car (we were driving to my sister) and I looked up @ the sky, it was totally blue no cloud or something and the sun was shining, and the song Satellite was on. And I just felt great, no worries and troubles it, I had that feeling for 2 days 24/7. And every time when I hear Satellite it reminds me of that feeling. So when I'm down or a little depressed or something I'm just listenin' to this song.
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From Ardent1 (MEEEE!!!!!)
My testimony...not as exciting as some, but... It's the 2nd to last post.
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[p.o.d]

Wow thats awesome!!!

[jayman8P]

HOo ! HOoO!

[SoccerAaron]

WOW

[Ardent1]

Yeah, I know. :keek: Even I learned something...

Sonny demonstrated that to me when he takes the time to set up equipment for the unknown local band. He taught me that even when you're signed to a major label and you're in the band that everyone came to see, you're still not above picking up trash throughout the whole venue after the show (which he did)

I knew he wuz cool, but my gosh...that is a servant's heart. Agreed?

[thealienbassist]

wow that's really cool. where did you get those?

[Ardent1]

Various places...
The POD MB among them. It took quite a while to put them all together, but I knew you guys would like them! I'm thinking of putting them on my site.

[Ardent1]

Words from Wuv... about reaching kids:
"After the show, I went up to the two kids I saw [crying in the audience earlier]... and I let 'em know that I felt their pain, that they weren't alone in this struggle. And before we knew it, man, we were laughing so hard, huggin' each other... tears tricklin' down our faces. It just felt so good, you know? That's when we know that God's talkin' to some of these kids through us; when they can discover the true meaning behind a simple chorus like 'I'm an outcast/Don't ever count me out.'"
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[Ardent1]

"POD changed my life," says Lindsay Roberts, 16 a Warrior from Urbana Ohio. "I round love guidance acceptance and most of all I found Jesus in that muisc. Before I was strung-out on all kinds of drugs and alcohol -- I started smoking weed in seventh grade, and it was a downward spiral from that point on. But they showed me love and now I'm constantly in prayer lifting up my fellow warriors."
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"We try and set an example, but we're nothing but regular guys," Sandoval says. "And we're not problem-solvers either -- the real problem-solver is God. When kids come up its like, 'I can lead you in the direction homey, but don't plan on leaving today thinking I'm going to work a miracle.' Man, we're just a step."

[SoccerAaron]

These are all great.
Good job!

[Ardent1]

A while ago, I was down and extremely unhappy with my life. I'd do and say things that I would regret later. And I wanted to be close to God, but I was afraid. I was afraid that others would think of me badly. I was in a group of goths and wiccans. I was afraid that I wasn't good enough to be a Christian.

I was sitting at my aunt's house, watching MTV2. Then a music video came on that would change my life. A video for a song called "School of Hard Knocks". First, I thought Sonny was really adorable. I was afraid of what I might be getting into with most of today's bands. So I tried not to let it have too much impact on me. Later, Adam Sandler was hosting a show and he was talking about his new movie "Little Nicky". P.O.D. had the first song on the soundtrack and several others in the movie. Sandler was talking to the members of P.O.D. The minute I heard Sonny speak, I was stupefied. The show ended and I tried to let it go. Then there was a contest between bands and P.O.D. was in it. They were bowling. I can't remember but I think Sonny went first. He rolled the ball down the lane. It was headed for the gutter and he put his hands on his head and fell to his knees. I'm not sure but I think it was Wuv that was next. He was a good bowler and I'm pretty sure he did the rest of the bowling. At the end of the show, P.O.D. performed "Rock the Party" live. I was so impressed. I couldn't stop thinking about this group.

I forced off the temptation for a couple of days but then I got on the Internet and looked them up. The Yahoo search engine said that they were a Christian group. I couldn't believe it. I always thought that Christian music was like country music only praising God. I just wasn't into it. I had no idea that it would be like this. (With all due respect to other Christian Rock groups.)

After this point, I was obsessed with P.O.D. I went out a few days later and bought The Fumdamental Elements of Southtown CD. I have listened to it every day since. Then I began to read the Bible so I would understand what Sonny was singing about. I read things that inspired me and made me feel closer to God. Then I joined a Chriatian youth group. I had so much fun with it.

I have been a fan of Payable On Death for a little more than a year now. I only wish I had a chance to talk to the members of my favorite band and tell them how I feel about them and how they changed my life. I want them to know that they got through to someone who had little faith and no hope at all. My goal now is to make a difference and maybe get through to even one person and help save them like P.O.D. saved me. I wish the best for them and their families. They are my inspiration. The make this world a better place.

I do believe in angels. I know four of them. These guys came into my life at a time when I needed inspiration and something more than what I had. I felt so alone and P.O.D's music and lyrics, and Sonny's voice was what I needed to hear. They brought me closer to God. I love these guys completely and unconditionally. I thank God every day and night for P.O.D. and what they do. I could never say or do enough to thank them. I owe alot to these guys. And I know I'm not the only one. I also know that it doesn't matter what my wiccan friends think about my religion. No matter what they can ever say to me, I know my place is with God. P.O.D. helped me realize this. I have never felt so much spiritual peace. Mad love to Sonny, Wuv, Marcos, Traa, I love you so much. God Bless and Rock on.
http://projectsalvation.tripod.com

[SoccerAaron]

That was great.