Christian band inspired by God's 'pure faith'

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
June 15, 2006

IDA GROVE - A group from Ida Grove has started a Christian band called Pure Faith.

Dave Redenius plays lead guitar, lead vocals and is the writer and composer of most of the music the band plays. He has 35 year of experience in the music business.

Stacey Thompson assists with lyrics and backup vocals. She is the music director at Sacred Heart Church in Ida Grove.

"Myself and the lead singer were tossing around ideas (for the name of the band) and it just popped into his head," said Thompson. "We came about Pure Faith because I think God has pure faith in us. With our music, we hope that we can get people to have pure faith in God."

Mike Redenius, bass guitar player, brings with him 40-plus years of experience. Not only does he play bass but will sometimes chime in and help with backup vocals.

The final member, Jim Redenius, brings with him 15 years of keyboard and band experience. He plays the piano and synthesizer.

The three Redenius men are brothers.

Their music is a mixture of country, gospel and soft rock.

"We were inspired by God and his love for us through the works of the Holy Spirit," said Thompson. "For most of us, we really like music. It has been sort of a break in traditionwith what you would normally think of as Christian or church music. It allows us to have the outlet of there being more out there than just the traditional."

Dave added that he wants to get Christian music out there for people to hear.

"I guess God has really touched us," said Dave. "I hope I have a message in the songs that people can understand where I am coming from. For some reason, this has hit me so spiritually and has really fulfilled my life."

He noted that the music just comes to him. Sometimes when they are practicing, he will ask Thompson to get a pen because he has a song to write down.

"It is just there," said Dave. "Stacey doesn't understand it. I don't understand it. I have to say it is from God himself."

The band initially began a couple of years ago, when Thompson took over the position of music director at Sacred Heart.

"We were trying to find ways to boost the music," said Thompson. "From when I was growing up, I remembered that there were some guys that had a band. They were all in the same family."

Dave, Mike and Jim Redenius played in their family band for many years. They performed all over Iowa and the surrounding states and had success as a country music band. In 1993 the three men decided to pursue other opportunities, careers and family obligations.

"One of them came forward and wanted to play guitar for Mass. It kind of went from there," said Thompson. "He has been playing the guitar for the last few years at different Masses."

She asked Dave if his brothers would like to play as well.

"We sometimes do things for Mass at church - special music or Dave will play music ahead of time or afterwards," said Thompson. "Not only do we play with the group of four, but a lot of times because of everyone's schedules, myself and Dave will go out as a duo. We have done that on several occasions."

Thompson explained that the group will be playing at 7 p.m. on July 30 at St. Joseph Church in Wall Lake.

Pure Faith recently produced its first CD, Rugged and Worn, for sale and distribution. Most of the songs are original works that were written by the members of the group. They are currently working on their second CD and are almost finished writing the songs for it.

The CD's can be purchased for $10 plus $3 shipping and handling by mail. The contact person is Dave Redenius. All performance scheduling and general information can be obtained by contacting him at (712) 367-2200 or e-mail at vintageiron@ruralwaves.us.