Fayette’s ‘Reflextion’ selected to perform with nationally recognized prison ministry

Following two auditions, Fayette’s own Christian music group, Reflextion, was asked to be a part of the Bill Glass Champions for Life, the largest evangelical prison ministry in the world, and to join other performers for an April program at Pulaski State Prison near Perry. The outreach program occurs only once every three years.

The traveling group features Christian athletes, artists, celebrities and volunteers from all walks of life who donate their time and talents to the prison ministry.

Reflextion is a five piece Christian band based in Fayetteville. Its members range in age from early 20s to mid 40s.

Their mission is to “use the talents and abilities given to us by God to reflect the glory of God within our ministry. We do not do what we do for any other reason — it is not for ourselves. We want the world to see God through us and in us. It is our prayer that the reflection of God will shine through us upon those to whom we minister and that God’s glory and love will fall upon them.”

The group consists of Marty Mauthe (vocals, assorted percussion and keyboards), who is currently pursuing an accounting degree; Ernie Saylor (guitars, bass, flute), a former U.S. Navy electronics technician who currently works in the product engineering department at TDK in Peachtree City; Larry Tyler (guitars, background vocals, bass), who works in the EMS department at TDK; Chris Caldwell (bass, keyboard, background vocals), a computer software development manager; and Jeremy Mauthe (drums, background vocals), who is pursuing a degree in criminal justice.

The group formed in May of 2004 and has been performing ever since, using its own version and arrangements of hymns as well as many original compositions.

Last month, however, they found themselves among stellar company.

The Fayette-based group was among more than 600 athletes, celebrities, political figures and entertainers from all over who came to offer hope, encouragement, and spiritual council to a dozen prisons throughout middle Georgia.

Attendees and participants included NFL veterans Bill Glass, Mike McCoy, White House Security Officer J.J. Jones, Georgia State Chaplain Woodrow Hudson, Champion wrestler Tully Blanchard, Buddy Rogers (Molly Hatchet, Ike and Tina Turner), the Flying Wallendas, the original Batmobile and Black Beauty, and many others.

Reflextion’s contribution to the performance included an energized progressive Christian rock/jazz fusion and ended with a rousing version of “Power In the Blood.”

After the performances were concluded, nearly 100 volunteer teammates met either one on one or in small groups with the prisoners.

Twelve prisons and institutions were visited by one of the Champions for Life teams in middle Georgia that weekend. By Sunday afternoon more than 3,000 spiritual decisions were made.

After the event, corrections commissioner James E. Donald stated, “It is significant that the number of disciplinary reports are much lower after the ‘Weekend of Champions.’ This is a win-win situation for the inmates, as it provides a great opportunity to assist inmates in redeeming themselves back into society.”

Donald added that a follow-up ministry is already in place and the effectiveness of the effort is such that the odds of repeat incarceration after completing the follow-up program are reduced by 49 percent.

Back at home, Reflextion is now getting ready for a 5 p.m. performance Sunday, May 29, at Antioch Baptist Church and will headline the Christfest Christian Concert at the North Georgia Fairgrounds on July 23rd.

To learn more about the members of Reflextion and to hear samples of their music, visit their Web site, www.reflextion.org.