Biography
On this journey we call life, we often come to many crossroads. These are often the most defining moment of a person’s life.
Anthony Facello is no stranger to Gospel music. The young singer has logged over 15 years on the road – singing and traveling with some of the Gospel music’s most recognized names.
“I started out as a child singing in church and then with my family,” mentioned Anthony. “Every week I would record Paul Heil's program, The Gospel Greats, and I would listen to those tapes over and over. I always knew that I was supposed to be in full time ministry, and God saw fit to do that in 1993.”
During his time on the road, Anthony become one of the most critically acclaimed voices in Gospel music, earning various award nominations and sharing the stage with some of the most talented names in the business.
However, Anthony came to his own crossroad in life and a decision had to be made. Anthony left the last group he was with in order to find out exactly what God had in store for him, his life, and his calling.
Taking a break from the road afforded Anthony a much welcome time of replenishment and rest, and it brought forth a renewed focus and an even clearer vision for his heart’s cry and the call of ministry that is upon his life.
Anthony stated, “I came off the road knowing that it was time for me to take a brief break, and I wanted to strive to get some priorities of my life in order and take some time to look at my past journey and then gaze ahead at where I wanted to be in the future. I embraced and enjoyed some special alone time with God, and I was able to pray and seek counsel from a few trusted friends whom I remained accountable to.”
Anthony continued, “Through this time I recognized that God was challenging me daily with such a new and fresh urgency to share my heart again through the gift of song and offer insight from my own personal testimony to the many hurting, wounded and broken that we all have daily contact with. Along with that I can share of His amazing grace, mercy, unconditional love, and acceptance that He continues to daily reveal to me.”
Waking up one morning, Anthony felt God was calling him to start his own ministry, and within two weeks Beyond the Ashes was formed.
Anthony is joined on stage by two of most talented individuals in Gospel music – Justin Howard and Joe Combs.
Each young man in the group brings an exuberant love, respect, and admiration for gospel music. Their lives are dedicated to reaching out with a fresh new zeal and passion for those who desire a closer relationship with the Lord. Their musical style and diversity is richly grounded in southern gospel, tight harmonies, a rich blend and yet will cover several other styles and genres with one common denominator: it is music that speaks to the heart of the listener.
“Our vision is big,” continued Anthony. “We see Beyond the Ashes crossing genre and musical borders. We want to constantly be evolving and doing new things. You can never limit God.”
Anthony said, “I remember the first time we took the stage as Beyond the Ashes. I could not believe how God orchestrated every aspect of this group. It’s kind of funny how some people may think when you become a Christian the road gets easier. It’s not true. The devil has thrown so many things in our path, but we’ve come out even greater men of God because of it.”
“It’s the great commission that remains the driving force behind what we are called to do,” mentioned Anthony. “I love people and I am so excited to be getting out there again and reveal my passion in an even more marvelous way to the people for the cause of Christ.