Proceeds on iTunes Go toward Funding Mission Work and Community Development around the World

Contact: Ty Mays,
770-256-8710

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Jan. 28, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- American Idol finalist and Christian recording artist Phil Stacey recently teamed up with Reach Beyond (www.reachbeyond.org) to record a powerful and compelling song -- "Reach Beyond" (www.reachbeyond.org/media/single) -- that serves as an anthem to remind Christians that Jesus reached beyond the glory of heaven to save broken humanity.  The song also encourages believers in their efforts to tell others about Jesus.

All royalty and sales proceeds from "Reach Beyond" will go toward the ministries of Reach Beyond, whose primary purpose is to reach the unreached with the love and message of the gospel. Ministries of Reach Beyond that will receive funding include radio and media programs worldwide that communicate the gospel, water wells in Ghana, community health clinics in Ecuador and Ebola prevention programs in Africa.

The song is currently available on iTunes (itunes.apple.com/us/album/reach-beyond-single/id944122831) and other digital music services, including Spotify, Amazon, Google and several more.

Stacey was a top five finalist on American Idol in season six and has recorded three top 40 Christian and country music hits. "Reach Beyond" was written by Ty Stakes, executive director of the Asia Pacific Region for Reach Beyond, and composed, arranged and produced by Dove Award winner Chris August (www.chrisaugustmusic.com). The song's message encourages Christians to recognize the price Jesus paid and the responsibility believers have to model Jesus and "reach beyond" to others. 

"I was thrilled when Reach Beyond approached me about recording this song," said Stacey. "My heart has always been in tune with global missions, and I hope the personal and potent message of this song inspires people to tell others about Jesus -- whether it's in their immediate communities or in a country thousands of miles from home."

The lyrics challenge listeners to move beyond their comfort zones, remembering what Jesus has done in their own lives to bring them to Him:

No turning back now, I offer my life. 
Help me follow Your example and be a living sacrifice. 
Use my voice, Lord, oh, use my hands, speak the truth, 
Touch the hurting, let the broken understand... 
That because of Your love, You would reach out to me. 
No one You've created is beyond Your reach!

"I've been privileged to devote my life's work to reaching the lost with the gospel," said Stakes. "The lyrics to 'Reach Beyond' are a personal reflection of what I've experienced and the importance of never giving up in our efforts to reach the lost. My prayer is that the words will remind people that our work is not done once we become Christians. In fact, it's only beginning."

One listener on iTunes, who gave the song five stars -- the highest rating -- said, "Loved it! An anointed song of mercy and love!"

To download "Reach Beyond" on iTunes, visit itunes.apple.com/us/album/reach-beyond-single/id944122831.

Additional information about Reach Beyond and its efforts to plant radio stations around the world is available at www.reachbeyond.org. 
 
For 83 years the passion of Reach Beyond (formerly HCJB Global) (www.reachbeyond.org) has been to make disciples of Christ. Using mass media, healthcare and education and working with partners around the world, Reach Beyond has ministries in more than 100 countries. The gospel is aired in more than 120 languages and dialects. Thousands of healthcare patients are meeting Jesus. Local believers are being trained as missionaries, pastors, broadcasters and healthcare providers.

To schedule an interview with a key leader from Reach Beyond, contact Ty Mays @ 770-256-8710 or tmays@inchristcommunications.com