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Al Denson is a simple man with honest answers and an intense outlook on life. This Dallas, Texas, resident "shoots straight" with everyone who will listen, including the 250,000 youth at more than 150 rallies and concerts every year who zero in on his message.
Denson is a singer/songwriter, an evangelist with a heart for young people, and the author of the 45-day devotional book, Take Me to the Cross, aimed toward drawing teens to the love of God and spending daily time with Him. It is a companion piece to his fourth Benson recording of the same name, and contains excerpts from 10 of the songs, including the adult contemporary hit release "Rain Love."
"I have a passion for kids because I remember that was the hardest time in my life. It was really the time when I wrestled with questions of: Does anybody love me? Does anybody care about me? Am I important to anybody? One of the most significant things that students want these days is to believe that when they go to bed, they can put their head on the pillow and know that somebody thinks they're cool."
It's these kids Denson is writing to when he good-naturedly pokes fun at his own youthful mistakes and the lessons learned. Personal illustrations, anecdotes, and historical references entertain and encourage teens as he discusses in a conversational tone issues such as faith, prayer, making choices, hope, love, and fellowship. Lists, fill-in-the-blank questions, "take-away thoughts" and Scripture searches make Take Me to the Cross an ideal interactive devotional.
Although ministry has been easy for much of Denson's life, it is a calling that has been refined and empowered from a tragic plane crash almost three years ago. Denson's friend Grant Milner was killed and Denson critically injured. More than 500 stitches and numerous reconstructive surgeries were just part of the pain he endured. Doctors rebuilt his forehead, crushed cranium, and facial areas, including eyes and nose, but the emotional scars left him angry. Healing and peace came, bit by bit, as he realized the daily grace and little joys of life.
In a foreword to the book, Franklin Graham refers to Denson's ministry overseas in crusades and rallies for Samaritan's Purse. The singer visited Bosnia last December as part of Operation Christmas Child and his heart ached for the 800 orphans who filled the overflowing venue. "Last year all those kids had parents. Now they have none. They have nothing. I can go home and slip into the pool or heat up the Jacuzzi. People don't realize the grace God gives in allowing us to live where we do and do what we do."
Spending quality time with kids and really listening to them is the key to reaching them, Denson believes. Those actions parallel walking with God. Consistency is what Denson hopes to instill in his 45-day devotional. "If you spend a little time each day with Jesus for -- you guessed it -- 45 days, it will become a regular part of your life. And what could be a better habit to form than spending daily time with the Lord?"
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