Although eight years of ministry has proven to be a test of endurance and faith to the Christian band Lazarus Generation of Miami, founder Ray Vigil does not really mind. Band members still toil at day jobs to fund weekend ministry activities. Members give up their spare time to travel around the state holding concerts. Their efforts have led to hundreds of commitments to Christ and four CD’s, all independent productions. The message is very clear. The CD’s include "Come Forth," "Dragging the Cross," "Sign of the Times," and "Alive and Well." A fifth CD, still unnamed, is due to be released by Summer 2002.

 The band ministers the gospel through its music, with a non-compromising stand on the authenticity of the written Word of God. “While it can be said, that many Christian bands have crumbled and fallen by the wayside, it is by the sheer grace of God that Lazarus Generation has persevered and continues in its quest to see individuals come into a personal relationship with Christ,” stated Scott Stano, keyboard and guitar player.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the use of Godly, anointed music, souls are stirred and drawn into the presence of the Lord. It is in this atmosphere that one can find him/herself irresistibly drawn to the throne room of grace. “With this privilege to win souls comes much opposition and personal cost,” explains Ray Vigil, founder of Lazarus Generation.  But, knowing and believing that no cost is too great to pay to see precious souls saved, Lazarus Generation plays on to a different beat.

 Our vision is the Great Commission, explains Stano.  Soul winning is the everyday order of events. Matthew 28:18-20, ”And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost…” 

 The name Lazarus Generation reflects band members' decision to identify themselves with a generation of believers who were once spiritually dead but are now alive thanks to the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. "The miracle of Lazarus' resurrection was a precursor to the resurrection of Jesus, which is at the very core of Christian faith," said Stano, guitar and keyboard player with the band since 1998. Stano met the band at a rehearsal hall, and joined the Ministry of Lazarus a few months later.

 The band's new sound, influenced by music of the 70s, including the bands Journey and Van Halen, has mellowed over the years. The sound now appeals to people of all ages. Some have likened lead singer Vigil’s voice to that of Steve Perry of Journey. All band members participate in writing the band's original songs.  "We just do what comes out of us. It's our own unique sound," Vigil said. Band members take turns giving their testimonies and preaching.  "Our music is very evangelistic and worshipful. And, we're not afraid to use the name of Jesus.”

 Vigil, born in New Jersey, first sensed a call to Christian music at age 16. Although family members attended Catholic Church, by age 9, Ray was attending South West Community Church in Miami and had accepted the Lord into his life. Vigil considered himself a back -slidding Christian during his twenties, and spent several years playing guitar in secular bands from 1985 - 1990.  All the while, he felt a gentle nudging from the Lord, that God was calling him.

In 1991, Vigil recommitted his life to Christ and left behind the secular music world. Vigil and friends founded Lazarus Generation. Eight months later the band recorded their first album. Eleven musicians have been part of Lazarus Generation over the years. "The music has changed and the band has changed," Vigil said.  Although all of the original members have moved on, the current lineup has been together for the past four years.

 With income from CD sales covering some of the band expenses, the big-time, so
far, has eluded these skilled musicians and songwriters. For now, they pray for the day when band members’ full time jobs will be ministering together.  Until then, the band members continue to volunteer their time, with practices on Tuesdays, and church practice on Thursdays.  This time together and the decisions made for Christ at their concerts, have helped the band to stay encouraged and focused.  The band believes that in the near future, they will see their dream fulfilled. “However, it's all in the Lord’s time,” says vigil.

 The current lineup includes Vigil, Stano, guitarist Mark Denaro and drummer
Ray Howard. Denaro, formerly a secular musician, who was visiting the band's rehearsal hall
in 1995 when Vigil led him to a prayer of salvation. "Within a couple of
weeks his life had done a complete 180-degree turnaround and he had joined the
band," Vigil said.

 Denaro, Stano and Vigil all serve together on the praise and worship team at Life Church in Cutler Ridge, Pastored by Al Rios.  Stano and Vigil also work together in Vigil's remodeling company. The band's fourth member, Ray Howard, attends Southwest Community Church in Miami and works as a security consultant. The band's drummer since 1997, Ray Howard, also was introduced at the band's rehearsal hall.

 On several occasions, the band was presented with the possibility of recording contracts but hesitated when sponsors suggested changing the music. "We're just waiting for the Lord to bring us the right deal.  We don't want to do anything that will compromise our music and lyrics.", stated Vigil. Gaining a larger audience will require getting the attention of a record company, or others, so that Lazarous Generation could reach a radio audience.

 However, a recent crisis showed the band once again, that God had His hand on them and He was in control. While traveling to a Jacksonville concert last year, an 18-wheel truck forced their van, packed with band members and friends, into the median. The vehicle tumbled and rolled over but everyone walked away uninjured. The band continued the journey to Jacksonville in High spirits knowing the enemy had lost once again in his attempt to stop God’s plan for their lives. That night, out of a hundred youth attendees, 22 people dedicated their lives to Christ.

"God has proved faithful, and it is He that continues to open doors of opportunity to further the advancement of this ministry.  We just want to remain faithful and obedient to the vision He has commanded us to do, no matter what the cost,” stated Vigil.

 For more information, contact Sebani Management at (786)293-9216. 

Mark Denaro, Lead guitarist and song writer, of New York, began his music career at age 15. He attended music school in New York for guitar and played on the national circuit for two years.  Prior to joining the band, Mark wrote and performed on nine albums.  Since 1996, he has been with Lazarus Generation. Mark serves on the praise and worship team at Life Church of Cutler Ridge. He works as a personal trainer and lives in Broward County with his wife and 9-year-old daughter.

Ray Howard, Drummer and back up vocalist.  Born in Orlando, raised in Miami, Ray has played music starting in elementary school as the drummer for chorus.  His first experience ministering was in a band named Millennium in which he played for his church and for several ministries within the church.  Ray joined the band in 1997 and recorded with the band in New York and made a live album in Miami. A multi-talented musician, Howard sings backup vocals. He is married and has twin daughters.

Scott Stano, the newest member of Lazarus Generation, is a guitarist, keyboard player, singer and songwriter. Scott began his self-taught music career at the age of 13, when his mom lent him her guitar and purchased cord books for him. Scott received Christ at age 15 and played guitar for his church band. He continued playing in church bands. Scott's first organized musical experience was with the contemporary Christian group, Firestorm in 1987.  Later Scott went on to found the Christian rock band, Redemption, in 1996, where he served as lead guitarist and vocalist. Scott also serves on the praise and worship team at Life Church in Cutler Ridge.

Ray Vigil, bass player, songwriter and lead vocalist, founded the group in 1994.  Before Lazarus Generation, Ray was the lead vocalist and guitarist in several secular bands for five years.  He felt the Lord calling Him throughout His secular career and answered the call.  Ray serves on the praise and worship team at Life Church in Cutler Ridge.

For Bookings or CD purchases, Call (786) 293-9216 or (305)898-8847
Email: lazarusgen1@aol.com

website: www.lazarusgeneration.com

January - February 02 Table of Contents