Christian recording artists Scott Stapp, Jars of Clay offer aid to storm victims in the Central Philippines

The Tacloban City location of the Philippines Christian Book Store chain was seriously damaged in the wake of super typhoon Haiyan on Nov. 8. 

The store, on the island of Leyte in the Central Philippines, “was badly hit by the typhoon,” a representative of the retail chain told Christian Retailing.

The death toll from the typhoon—called Yolanda in the Philippines—had risen to 5,759 at press time, according to a report Dec. 5 from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in the Philippines. More than 26,000 people were injured, and nearly 1,800 were still missing. Entire towns and cities, including Tacloban City, were left in ruins.

Some Christian recording artists have stepped up to help. Scott Stapp is donating 10% of all online merchandise sales through his store to Music for Relief, an organization founded by the band Linkin Park after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami struck South Asia. 

GRAMMY-winning band Jars of Clay is giving away “Fall Asleep,” a song from the album Inland (Gray Matters) through a special NoiseTrade offering to raise money for Philippine relief efforts. All of the proceeds from the single will be donated through the Red Cross, and the group hopes to raise $50,000.

The official music video for “Fall Asleep” was created in Manila, the Philippines’ capital. Directed by Filipino Luis Tabuena, it stars Filipina supermodel-actress Rhian Ramos.

“The video was done for us entirely for free, as a gift,” said Jars of Clay lead vocalist Dan Haseltine. “We are so grateful for the gift of such a stunningly beautiful music video. By using the video and the song as a means to raise funds to help in the cleanup and restoration efforts currently taking place in the Philippines, we felt it would be a wonderful way to respond in kind.”

Viewers are encouraged to watch the video, then download the song at NoiseTrade, leaving a tip for relief efforts.

“We are hoping to raise $50,000 to help serve the amazing people of the Philippines and will be working with the Red Cross to insure the funds are used properly and efficiently,” he said.

• Prev
• Next