A Taste for Tougher Tunes

Even though Breakaway is a pretty sweet magazine, I think that you guys could use a little more diversity regarding band interviews and reviews. It would be great to read about a metal or hardcore band every once in a while. Maybe you could feature groups such as The Chariot, Norma Jean, Haste The Day or He Is Legend. These are some solid Christian artists.

— Michael McMartin, Pella, Iowa

Katrina Survivor

I’m 15 and live right outside of New Orleans. You can’t really prepare for something as sudden and as devastating as Hurricane Katrina. You just have to realize that God is in control and will take care of you no matter what happens. I’ll admit it was pretty scary not knowing what was going to happen for the first few weeks after the hurricane. My home didn’t get flooded or too badly damaged, but I have friends who lost everything except a few clothes. It’s hard on them, as you can imagine. I worked at my church handing out water, food and clothes. (My dad is a pastor.) Keep praying for us here on the Gulf Coast as we help and witness to people left with nothing.

—Steven Smith, Metairie, La.

Reach Out Every Day

The devastation of Katrina was all over the news in Australia, too. And, man, it made me feel bad for taking things for granted like we all do. I’m half a world away from New Orleans. But that doesn’t mean some similar disaster can’t happen here or in other places. The whole event made me think about poor orphans who live in places where it’s an everyday occurrence to see bodies on the streets or armed gangs pillaging and stealing through their towns.

I’m not trying to take away from the incredible loss that occurred in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. I’m just saying don’t be so sympathetic for the hurricane victims, yet turn a blind eye to our Christian and non-Christian brothers and sisters suffering elsewhere in the world.

—Tim Rogers, Brisbane, Australia

Cybertool Beats Sin

My dad showed me this accountability software called Covenant Eyes. When you sign up (there is a monthly fee), you assign partners. Your accountability partners then see a list of every place you’ve visited on the Internet. The purpose of the accountability is to help overcome bad habits, not to get people in trouble. It has really helped me to stay out of trouble online.

—Alex Young, Hudson, Ohio

Girl-Friends

Hey fellow Breakaway readers! With all the talk going around about getting to know girls as friends, I figured I’d give my input: It’s worth it! I’ve gotten to know most of the girls in my youth group, and honestly they’re like sisters. I can count on them to help me in my Christian walk, and it’s awesome.

—Paul Harvey, Jenkinsburg, Ga.