First, a "shadowbox" is essentially a display
case. Sometimes we decorate the box to enhance what lies inside. We as Christians
serve as shadowboxes to the world. Our goal is to display the appearance of man.
Therefore, we must show Christ to the world through our words, actions, and lifestyles.
Second, is the term "puppet". It is not used in the "negative" sense. We take,
what is commonly known as a negative term and create something positive out of
it. We, being puppets, are simply stating the fact: Without God's hand directly
involved in our lives, we are lifeless!
Through God's hand in our lives,
we display the love of Christ.
About
the Band:
Shadowbox
Puppets united their God given talents and formed ZionoiZ Music Ministries with
one common purpose: to serve God through music and words. As Paul stated in I
Corinthians 16:9, "a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there
are many adversaries." Our adversary is the "worldly" influence of music in society
today. Music plays a major role in fads, attitudes, decisions, and lifestyles
in the lives of everyone, especially the youth. Our goal is to continue the trend
of Christian music in society, by offering a unique style of alternative rock,
showing the world that there is only one true life; one found through the blood
of Christ. The meaning of Shadowbox Puppets: First, a "shadowbox" is essentially
a display case. Sometimes we decorate the box to enhance what lies inside. We
as Christians serve as shadowboxes to the world. Our goal is to display the appearance
of man. Therefore, we must show Christ to the world through our words, actions,
and lifestyles. Second, is the term "puppet". It is not used in the "negative"
sense. We take, what is commonly known as a negative term and create something
positive out of it. We, being puppets, are simply stating the fact: Without God's
hand directly involved in our lives, we are lifeless!
Meet
the band (from front to back): Brian,
Steve, Mike and Michael
Band
Bios:
Brian
Seewald From: San Bernardino, CA
Instrument: Vocalist Equipment: Shure Beta 87 Wireless
Driven by
a passion for ministry since high school, Brian Seewald came face to face with
one reality: "to serve God when ever and where ever God chooses." Although growing
up with the saving knowledge of Christ, commitment came full circle at the age
of 22 and is best heard through his own words: "I realized God was in my heart,
yet, was not my one hearts desire...to lay down my life and my personal desires
was the only way to truly surrender my heart and spirit to God...and what was
the deepest valley in my life, became the greatest mountain that I have yet climbed."
Music has always been a part of Brian's life, but became a focal point as God
opened doors for him at a small Nazarene church in Bloomington, California. Through
much prayer and encouragement God has simply opened doors and Brian has found
himself graciously submerged in a life of ministry. Learning much more than just
music, Brian holds onto a very valuable key to ministry of any form: "It is never
about me! Once it becomes that, I am through. It has always been God through me.
That's it! Nothing more than an instrument for His using. To look back and see
that my faith has been strengthened would be an understatement. I'm not prideful;
I am awed. God has always been the central focal point for why we are here: to
be used by Him! Scary? Yes! Awesome? Even more so! Worth it? To the nth degree!"
Steve
Hartz From: Grand Terrace, CA Instrument:
Bass Equipment: Fender Jazz Deluxe
A heart driven to live out
what God intends for all: "to trust Him and surrender your will to Him", depicts
the character of Steve Hartz. Passion for music, ministry, and reaching the unsaved,
best describes His heart-felt calling in life. Starting as a guitar player in
a youth praise band, Steve felt God calling him to become a bass player when the
need arose in his former band Zionoiz. Through other incidences of laying aside
his own desires for that of the Lord's, Steve claims, "I need to trust that God
will use whatever I have to offer. No matter how big or how small, I am willing
to use it for His purposes. His Will...His Way...just being obedient as we go
along on this ride." Steve has found that there are four important aspects in
realizing a true calling to ministry: Knowing your heart and motives for ministry,
planning ahead and setting goals, asking God for direction and expecting the unexpected.
Consider this: "When it is all said and done, I just want to be able to say, 'Thank
you Lord for letting me be a part of Your plan.' Whether it continues for another
20 years or it ends tomorrow, I pray that I can always ask, 'Lord, what can I
do for You today?'"
Mike
Seewald From: San Bernardino, CA Instrument:
Guitar Equipment: Gibson
Les Paul Standard,G&L Legacy,
G&L ASAT Classic.
"Raised up in a Christian home was both comforting
and challenging," according to Mike Seewald. Comfort came from a loving family
who supported Mike's every decision; challenge came when he realized that having
a personal relationship with Jesus is more than just having the knowledge. Influenced
by many genres of music, Mike is captivated by the idea of ingenuity and 'tweeky
textures.' "Music has always played a huge part in my life," Mike claims. "From
singing and playing the piano as a youth, music always played a front role in
my free time. But I always had a desire to play the guitar...so I tried it out."
Mike has learned much in this fabulous journey, but what he values most is found
in Philemon 1:6, "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that
you will have the full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ."(NIV)
Mike's heart is best shared in his own words, "The only thing I could say is that
God brought me here. I look back and there is no other explanation. He put it
on my heart to write Christian Music. He simply has just called me to have faith
and trust in Him. He opens and closes the doors...I wait patiently and listen."
Michael Matus
From: Riverside, CA Instrument: Drums Equipment: DW
Custom, Zildjian A-Custom and Z-Custom
Growing up with a
knowledge of the Bible through a Catholic upbringing, Mike Matus came to know
Christ as his personal Savior at a Kry concert. Mike claims, "My wife has always
been a strong Christian. Through encouragement, patience, and prayer, she's played
the biggest part in me coming to know Christ." From playing in the marching band
in high school to playing the L.A. club scene in secular bands, Mike has always
been interested in music. Yet, he was never content in his position as a musician
until he became a part of Shadowbox Puppets. He shares his heart, "I promised
myself that the next band I would get into, if I did at all, would be a Christian
band. Low and behold, 5 years later, God calls me back to the music industry.
He knows my passion for music. Now I am going to serve Him with all my heart."
Mike, "hyper" for God, as he would put it, has always portrayed a sense of humility
when it comes to his abilities as a Christian musician. Growing in the knowledge
of Him, seeing people come to know Christ, and witnessing life-changing miracles
and actually being a tool in it, has given Mike the drive to succeed in this ministry.
Mike says it best when he says, "I never thought that I would be used for God's
glory. What an awesome task! I am honored that He has chosen me for this ministry."
