Caleb Rowden
“And then I heard the voice of the Lord Saying, “Whom shall I send?” And who will go for me?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8
We each have our own journey. A path that God opens for us. The life we were designed for, if we are willing to take the challenge and the risks that may be involved. For Caleb Rowden’s calling, music and ministry merge to bring the name of Jesus to a hurting world, and that is the message of The Journey.
Music has always been in Caleb’s life. By the age of 3, he had taught himself drums and was playing in church. Shortly after, he continued with guitars and keyboards and began writing songs. To this day, Caleb still plays both instruments by ear.
Fast-forward 10 years. Think of your typical 13 year old. Most are obsessed with video games, wasting time and getting into trouble. But by that age, Caleb had already started playing drums in the band Wisdom’s Cry. By 1999, he had started singing in the band, writing songs for their 3 albums and touring 100 dates a year. Based in Columbia, Missouri, Wisdom’s Cry became a staple in the region and successfully sold over 10,000 units of their albums without the help of a label or distributor.
Yet, while his life has always been consumed by music, being an artist was never his focus. Caleb states, “I always thought of music as just a fun form of expression. I always pictured myself just being in full time ministry. But I’m not complaining – I’m very excited and thrilled with the path that God is opening up for me.”
In late 2004, Wisdom’s Cry decided to disband since members were getting married. And the doors opened for Caleb’s solo ministry.
Now, at only 22 years young, Caleb takes his 10 years of recording to new levels with the release of The Journey. A combination of worship songs and stories of experience, The Journey is a look into day-to-day life. “I am who I am today because of all the different situations and circumstances of my life,” explains Caleb. “Although not all have been mountaintop experiences, they have made me stronger and taught me how to trust in God. As Christians, we are all on a journey, and these songs are meant to encourage and remind each of us that God is with us no matter what we may be going through.”
Caleb’s ministry has been noticed by artists such as Mark Hall from Casting Crowns, who states, “I’ve known Caleb for about a year and I’m really impressed with his heart for people and his love for Jesus. I’ve also shared the stage with him and seen firsthand how he connects with people and how God uses Him. God has His hand on his ministry.”
The Journey was recorded in Nashville, co-written and produced by the production team of Dan Needham (Steven Curtis Chapman, Stacie Orrico) and Kevan Cyka (REM, Hillary Duff). “The recording process was awesome. It was a blessing being involved with such established and creative people like Kevan and Dan. They really helped take these songs to the next level.”
His heart for ministry is apparent through His non-for-profit organization, Wisdom’s Cry Ministries. Each year, Caleb and the Board of Directors of Wisdom’s Cry choose a different organization to support throughout the year, through their website, concerts and financial contributions. This year, the organization supports missionaries in Bulgaria and India as well as Sunshine Children’s Center in Kiev, Ukraine. Over 140,000 children live homeless on the street of Kiev, and Sunshine has created a home where they can get help, often rehabilitated, and placed in foster families. |
