Location:: MTV
Occupation:: high school student
Leaving 99 is such a powerful song. The past few weeks have been hard, but I heard Leaving 99 on the radio and it really touched my heart. Jesus is literally dying to be with us. He would leave 99 just to find us, no matter where we are in life, or what we have done. We can never be too far gone from the love of our Savior. Neither life nor death can separate us from His love!
Name:: Allen
Location:: TN
Occupation:: Sales Rep
I became so depressed about my life that I attempted suicide a few weeks ago. A lady found me after my heart had stopped... I had no pulse, and my hands and arms were already black and blue. She performed CPR and had someone dial 911, and every doctor, nurse, etc. is totally amazed that I survived what I had done and with no brain damage. The day I left the hospital, I heard Leaving 99 on the radio. My wife took my hand and said, "God really did this for you, did you know it?". Needless to say, God touches my heart each time I hear the song. Jesus truly said those words, and He meant them more than we'll ever understand. He saw how lost I was in my thinking that day to the point that I thought I should take my life, and He 'reached into the miry clay' so that I wouldn't be lost.
Name:: Kevin
Location:: Tallahassee, Florida
Occupation:: Police Officer
Leaving 99 is probably one of the most powerful and uplifting songs out there right now. Its such an uplifting song and gives everyone..christians and non-christians alike hope and faith. It moves me and everytime i listen to it.
Name:: Mindy Chemacki
Location:: Marengo, OH
Occupation:: Domestic Engineer
Leaving 99 moves me everytime I hear it; that God would take a moment and focus on my heart to win it is so powerful. Think of how your world is full of distractions and yet it pales in size to that of God and the concerns and matters of His heart. It is so amazing!
Name:: JoAnna
Location:: Mississippi
Occupation:: 9th grader
Leaving 99 is SO awesome!!! There are days when I feel so bad, and it feels like no one loves me... but this song reminds me how much God loves me and then I feel SO much better!! Anyone who feels down should listen to Leaving 99!
Name:: Faith
Location:: Ga
Occupation::
One day Leaving 99 came on the radio... but I wasn't really paying attention. But later on that night about 2 hours later I was praying about my life and what I was supposed to do. What God was trying to do with my life. And what all the signs i've been seeing. I was deep in worship. and then Leaving 99 came on and i thought to earlier that day. So i sat there and listened to the song and the words. It reminded me of my life. How i was on a path all alone afraid to move, and God is telling me not to be afraid that he's coming just for me. This song has changed me. I know that Leaving 99 has affected at least 99 other people. But i will definately say that I am one of them.
Name Jessica
Location:: Nebraska
Occupation:: Banker
I'd fallen incredibly far from the LORD, to the point of being deep in sin, and I flipped through stations one day, and hear this beautfiul melody playing (Leaving 99). It brought tears to my eyes. When I listened to the lyrics, and remembered the story in the Bible about the one lost sheep, I knew the LORD was calling me back. I'll never be the same again.
Name:: Samantha
Location:: PA
Occupation::
I love Leaving 99. Just think, Jesus would leave 99 or even more just to find you! God has blessed Audio Adrenaline and he loves them very much and so do i.remember no matter what, Jesus will find you!!!
Name:: Mitch
Location:: Canada
Occupation:: Student
This past summer, I left home to work in a wilderness where there was a generator to keep food conserved and lights going. I suppose those are the essentails of life here. Up there above of my clothes and work needs, I had my Bible and CD Player. They were the most important personal belongings I had with me. During my summer after work and on weekends, I would read my Bible and listen to my CD Player. With me, I had various bands including Audio A. My first impression of Leaving 99 was about a journey of leaving a past behind you to join something new and wonderful, such as Christ. I liked '99' very much because during my summer, I read 1/5 of my Bible which I was surprised me because it's tough to devote that much time to God in this age. When I think of my achievemnt, I think of the song I listened to the most - Leaving 99. Without the handicaps of the world, I was able to focus on my true calling path and I will never forget what I felt that summer. It's hard to beleive that a simple song could lead a person or be part of a great thing but it happened. I have no doubts that Leaving 99 has affected people's live deeply because it's touched me.
Name:: Heidi
Location:: wisconsin
Occupation:: Student
Let me start off by saying that i was saved at an AudioA concert. Every time i hear them it is a reminder of how amazing God is. the first time i heard Leaving 99, it entirely spoke to me. It was the first Christian song i learned how to play on my guitar, and probably my favorite AudioA song. Leaving 99 is one of those songs that when you listen to it, you can feel God around you, and you know that no matter He will be faithful to find you.
Name:: Riley Bunch
Location:: Oklahoma
Occupation:: 8th Grade
I just want to say THANK YOU God and Audio Adrenaline for creating Leaving 99.... when I listen to this song it brings such an awesome feeling of God over me... It reminds me that no matter how many times I sin, and no matter how unworthy I may be, He will still be standing there waiting for me with his loving outstretched arms reaching for me, waiting for me confess and come back to him... Thank you God for blessing Audio Adrenaline with this song and for Leaving 99 just to find me!
Name:: Susan Hicks
Location:: Paducah, KY
Occupation:: Student
I went to an Audio Adrenaline concert recently...There was a time where Will gave a speech saying that he grew up without a dad and he was caught up in the world. His life was at his lowest point and he didn't have a father figure. What he said was exactly what I was going through. A while back, I was at a youth event and I got saved. But something was missing. The past few years since then I have been searching for the whole in my heart to be covered and find that happiness. I have been searching for that missing part and Will made me realize that it was a father. I was missing a father. So I vowed that I would give God at least 5 hours of my life. The song "Leaving 99" inspires me to give it all to God. The words alone tell you what it means. Words can't express how I feel right now. And its all because of Will McGinniss submitting to God that my heart is whole and my hurt is gone.
Name:: Rachel
Location:: Virginia
Occupation:: student
The first time I heard Leaving 99, was when Audio A was on the GO Show Tour. Will telling about the song and givingng some of his testimony, was one of the biggest things that stuck out to me that night. God changed my life, and has used Leaving 99 to have a big impact on me. I'm so thankful that God would leave 99 for me.
Name:: Audrey
Location:: Kansas
Occupation:: College Student
I love Leaving 99 because every time I listen to it, I’m reminded that no matter how unworthy I am of His love, that God totally looks beyond that and says that He wants me. In spite of all my short-comings and imperfections, He just wants me to be His.
Name:: Rebecca Hope
Location:: St. Davids, PA
Occupation:: college student
During my senior year, I attempted suicide. Thanks to God, I survived. The summer after I had graduated, I got to see Audio Adrenaline, but I wasn't in the best emotional state. But then Leaving 99 started playing. I'd "I'd leave 99, leave them all behind, to find you." That was all I needed to hear. I just broke down at that point. Even when I was the farthest I'd ever been from God, to the point of wanting to take my own life, He had still been there. He'd kept me alive even when I was willing to sacrifice everything to escape the life he'd given me. He DID come back to find me!
Name:: TJT
Location:: MA
Occupation:: Student
Thank You Audio A for letting God work through you in writing Leaving 99! I have never had a song "HIT" me like 99 has, I could feel how true and amazing God's love for me is! Continue allowing God to use you!
Name:: Jennifer Anne Mathis
Location:: Battle Creek, MI
Occupation:: lyrisist
When I first heard Leaving 99, I remembered that I was like a lost sheep. Knowing now how much God cared about me even then keeps joy in my heart. Thank you Audio A. God bless to you all and he is always with you.
Name:: Chris Parsons
Location:: Greenville, IL
Occupation:: Student
I find that God has perfect timing, I was bored so I got on the Audio A site and HITList99.com. I have never needed to hear Leaving 99 more than I do now. With fear of failure in life and so much more I am comforted to know God will never leave me alone. I'm not alone.
Name:: linds
Location::
Occupation:: 8th grader
When I first got Worldwide i didn't know what Leaving 99 was about. Then someone was talking to me and it clicked!! Now whenever I hear it, Leaving 99 touches me because it makes remeber how much God loves me. Even when I've done something bad.
Name:: Lori
Location:: Chipley,Florida
Occupation:: student
I have been a Christian for about 5 years...I have always had everything figured out
and known exactly what to do...Until the past few months.I strayed away from
everything I had known after someone hurt me very badly.I was very sad,and
bitter,and didn't understand what God could do with me.I came to a point in my
life to where didn't feel any emotion.
Today I went to an Audio Adrenaline concert and listened to the guys explain
Matthew 18:12-14 the basis for 'Leaving 99',and while they sang Leaving 99 I told
God I wanted to go back on the right path.I know these next few weeks are going
to be some of the toughest ever as I try to undo the damage,but I am so truely
greatful for this song!!
Name:: Allyson
Location:: Louisiana
Occupation:: health care worker 39yr
The very first time I heard "Leaving 99" I was so moved; I immediately thought of whom I could share these beautiful lyrics with. The song really struck a chord with me because when I pray I often tell the Lord I feel like I am one of his "lost sheep." The song is beautiful and fills me with both peace and joy. Thank You
Name:: Sarah
Location:: B.C. Canada
Occupation:: Student
I'd always thought that Leaving 99 was a pretty song, but it was never one of my favourites - it never really sank in.
I just got the Alive dvd, and I watched it for a while, and then Leaving 99 came
on. I found myself with tears in my eyes during Will's amazing testimony. And
as I listened to the song, suddenly it really struck me...
"You're never too far down,
I promise you'll be found,
I'll reach into the mud and mire and clay,
Pursue you to the end,
Like a faithful friend,
Nothing in this world can keep me away.."
I've been really struggling lately - one moment I feel really in touch with God,
and then temptation sneaks in, and all of the sudden, I realize I'm falling away
from Him again. And I always feel so terrible, hate myself so much
for messing up AGAIN, that even after I repent, I always hold myself back from
Jesus, as if I'm afraid that He'll be mad at me. But suddenly, those lines really sank in.
Even though I keep wandering off, He still loves me.
Name:: Amy
Location:: Missouri
Occupation:: Student
When I first heard Leaving99, I was the one sheep that Jesus was leaving to come and find. In fact, He got my attention through this song. I was just wandering around trying to find my pasture when I heard this song and realized that it was right in front of me...with God. Thank you Audioa for helping God get my attention!!
Name:: Laura
Location::
Occupation::
I heard Leaving99 and thought, "This is awesome! God would do ANYTHING for me!" Whenever i am lost, God will do anything to bring me back to Him, even if it means "reaching into the mud." I loved the part where it goes, "Nothing in this world can keep me away." It's true because nothing can keep God away from me. He just loves me that much!!!
Name:: Davina
Location:: Georgia
Occupation:: Counselor
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I have been singing in church since I was about 12. Stragely enough even though I sang a lot at Church I rarely listened to Contemporary Christian music. About 3 1/2 years ago I felt God was putting me under conviction to stop listening to secular music. Shortly after I began to listen more to one of the few Christian radio stations I met my husband who was totally into every kind of Christian music from metal to "fluffy". He introduced me to all kinds of Christian music that I never even imagined existed, including Audio Adrenaline. There have been so many songs from AudioA that have blessed me but Leaving 99 has been very special. I have been going through a rough time with many aspects of my life and just couldn't seem to find happiness. I heard Leaving 99 a few times and thought it was a really great song. I was listening to it on my way home from work and Leaving 99 started to play and I was filled with God's presence and reminded that He understands us more than we understand ourselves and that no matter how unworthy or undeserving we may be He is always there. I feel a peace every time I listen to the song now and am grateful to God for sending that awsome message through Audio Adrenaline. Thank you!
Name:: Carole
Location:: Washington
Occupation::
Leaving 99 touches me every time I hear it. For a long time I have been feeling depressed and kinda unloved. Leaving brings tears to my eyes to hear how much God loves me. Thank you, AudioA, for writing it!
Name:: Sarah
Location:: nc
Occupation:: student
when i first heard this song on the radio, i was moved, and almost cried. i had being going through a lot... i was torn between the pressure i felt at school, and the love i felt at church. when i heard it, everything stopped and i could feel God's peace and love, and to tell the truth, life has been beautiful since. i feel now that whatever happens, and whenever i feel alone and unworthy, he's there for me. always, no matter what. ive never felt such freedom in his love. thank you audio adrenaline for playing this song. it's affected my life for the good, and im sure that it has for others as well.
Name:: Aaron
Location:: Covington, Va
Occupation:: Student
I resently got Worldwide and to tell the truth had no idea what Leaving 99 was about. Once I found out what Leaving 99 was about by reading the lyrics and then read what Mark said, I was very moved by it. I've been a christian for about a year and a half and this song only makes my relationship with Christ even better. Thank you Audio A for this song!
Name:: Max
Location:: Ohio
Occupation:: 10th grader
Well, one night i was laying in bed under the influence of quite a few drugs about to kill my self and the radio was on. Leaving 99 came on and all of the sudden, my mind was clear and i was thinking "what am i doing?" I fell asleep, and in the morning called my friend from school, and the next week i was baptized! Thanks Audio A!!
Name:: Heather
Location:: Pa
Occupation:: student
God is so awesome that He'll always search for me no matter where I fall. Leaving 99 spoke to my heart in a way reading the Parable of the Lost Sheep on its own never had. Yeah God!
Name:: Charity
Location:: Honaker VA
Occupation:: Student
The first time I heard Leaving 99 I imedially knew that it had to be Audio Adrenline. I think that Leaving 99 is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. It touches my heart every time i hear Leaving 99. I truely enjoy Audio A's music! Thank you for what you do!
Location:: CA
Occupation:: college student & musician
Growing up, i had this picture in my room of Jesus holding a lamb. I remember laying in bed at night just looking at that picture and feeling so much peace. why did i look at it all the time? Because it was a picture of Jesus' love for me. i would imagine it was me that He was holding in His arms, just like the lamb. Now, every time i see that picture, I think of Leaving 99, and the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Matthew. Leaving 99 has been such an incredible reminder of God's love and mercy for me! Whenever i listen to '99', i am reminded of my picture i have had since i was a baby, and i remember the comfort and peace i felt as a child and it comforts me to this day.
Name:: celeste
Location:: nj
Occupation:: college student
I can really relate to being the 'lost sheep' that Leaving 99 talks about. I got born-again just last year and sometimes i talk to God asking and telling Him what could have been if He hadn't found me...I get so scared just thinking about it. The thing is, God is in my life now.. and anybody who reads this who feels/knows that God isn't in their lives, don't worry. He really would leave the other 99 just to find you!
Name:: matt
Location:: michigan
Occupation:: student
One night i was listining to audio a, and just thinking, like, what if all these bad things happened, and like i wanted to give up. Then Leaving 99 came on...the part about "You're never to far down, I promise you'll be found, I'll reach into the mud and miry clay... Pursue you to the end, like a faithful friend, nothing in this world, can keep me away" When I heard that, i just started cyring. God is so great!!
Name:: Meagan
Location:: vic
Occupation:: student
Thank you so much for Leaving 99, e, which was exactly what i needed to hear. I was depressed because everyone else was so much better, i was a nobody and then a friend lent me Worldwide, and it helped me realise that i am somebody, i am me, made in God's image, and if He cares about me, I am definately not a nobody.
Name:: Scarlet
Location:: KY
Occupation:: college student
I had so many dramas during my high school years that I did know what to do. I was so Blessed that God found me and gave me HOPE. If it hadn't been for Him, I just don't know where I might have ended up. May all of you find God through Leaving 99, or may God come and find you like He did for me...
Name:: Josh
Location:: Canada
Occupation:: Bible College Student
The first time I heard Leaving 99 was when I first got the Worldwide album . I listened to Leaving 99 and it's just a amazing and awesome song. I love and enjoy listening to it. This song reminds me even when I am lost as a Christian that still Jesus comes and finds me and keeps me with the rest of the sheep. It's just amazing to see that put into a song and I just enjoy thinking about that every time I listen to Leaving 99 .
Name:: John
Location:: AZ
Occupation:: Student
I've been dealing with a lot of hard stuff right now, stress about relationships, school etc. Leaving 99 brought things back into focus. It reminded me of God's incredible love for ME personally. He came for my soul specifically, it's just mind boggling. He has shown His love for me through this song. Thanks Audio Adrenaline!
Name:: Angus
Location:: Sydney, Australia
Occupation:: Student
When I realised that the anointing God placed on my life meant a huge sacrafice on my part, I found it hard to understand and to come to terms with. When I heard "Leaving 99" play on the radio late one night I discovered that no matter how alone I may feel at times, God will always be by my side. "Leaving 99" is by far my favourite song.
Name:: Kodak
Location:: USA
Occupation:: 9th grade student
Leaving 99 significantly changed the way I look at worship. I now realize that worship is about God. It's about thanking Him for leaving 99 to find me!
Name:: Karissa
Location:: Delaware
Occupation:: Student
When I first heard Leaving Ninety-Nine, I wasn't really sure what it was about. Then I went to a concert and heard Will speak about it... and when he read the verse from Matthew that it's based on, the song suddenly made sense to me. I really "heard" the song for the first time that night. I kept thinking about how God loved me so much that He would leave 99 to make sure I was found. Every time I hear the song now, it reminds me that no matter how lost I feel, He loves me more than I can know.'
Name:: Kayla Bullard
Location:: Crowley, Tx
Occupation:: student
When I heard Leaving 99 on the Alive DVD, I started thinking about how much God really loves me. He would do anything to be with me. I know now that when I am feeling down or alone, I have God by my side. There is no greater love than God's love!
Name:: Joe Morgan
Location:: Harding University, Searcy, AK
Occupation:: Student
Audio A's been my top band since Winterfest in Gatlinburg in 2000. I love the lyrics to Leaving99...how true it is that God shows absolute dedication to us? He'll never leave us or forsake us. He's always there for us, guiding us as we go.
Name:: Trish
Location:: MS
Occupation:: Christian Educator
I worked AudioA's merchandise table at their concert recently, and I got a Leaving99 t-shirt for helping... I wear the shirt all the time & every time I do someone asks me what it means!! I wear alot of Christian t-shirts but none have had the power to witness like this one!! I just thought AudioA would like to know!!
Name:: Adam
Location:: Wisconsin
Occupation:: Student
As of late I have been really questioning my path in life and why all these bad things are happening to me. Then I picked up 'Worldwide' and listened to "Leaving 99." It really has hit me and allowed me to realize that as much as I am trying to figure out my relationship with God it will figure itself out for God is seeking me just as much as I am trying to find him. I would like to thank Audio Adrenaline for making me realize that their is reasoning behind everything and God will always care about you.
Name:: Stacie
Location:: Erie, PA
Occupation:: college student
Leaving 99 reminds me of how much God loves me and that there is nothing that can separate me from him. The last few months have been hard on me and at one point I remember hearing this song on the radio and it really hit home with me and made me realize that even though I had been feeling distant from God that he is there for me and always would be. It is a reassurance to me that even though there may be times when I feel lost, He will leave the other 99 to come and find me and bring me back to where I belong. Thanks for this amazing song that never fails to remind me of how much love God has for us.
Name:: Carlos Beron
Location:: Miami, FL
Occupation:: After school leader
Everytime i get to see Audio Adrenaline perform, or hear Worldwide, i cant wait to hear the song Leaving 99! It brings the best mesagge to anyone one who would listen to them. Jesus has really blessed Audio A to bring people WORLDWIDE to Christ, and they have the best Christian music out of anyone who also is impacting others to Christ! Thanks for being a testimony to me!
Name:: Ellen Hucks
Location:: South Carolina
Occupation:: Student
Leaving Ninety-Nine is so powerful in that it reminds me constantly how much God loves me. It amazes me daily how much God loves me even though I've done nothing to deserve it, and this song showed that to me so clearly. The thought that He cares for me that much gives me the strength to get through the struggles of everyday life, because I know that my Savior will be there to love me and help me through it.
Name:: JMRE
Location::
Occupation::
Leaving 99 is truly special to me...as a matter of fact, I deeply believe that He left 99 to find me. I was hopelessly lost, and he brought me into his arms.
I'm so thankful that AudioA did such a moving song. This song will touch sooooo many lives.
Name:: A. Brune
Location:: New Jersey
Occupation:: Mom
Several months ago it appeared my whole life was falling apart and so I chose to try to end it.By all accounts I should have died, but the Lord's hand was on me and brought me back. The song reminds me no matter where we are the Lord loves us and seeks us and his hand is always on us. So no matter where you are remember it is never too far for the Lord to reach you and bring you back in his arms where we belong.
Name:: Cheryl Ratcliff
Location:: Zachary, La.
Occupation:: Sales Rep.
The melody of Leaving 99 first caught my attention a few days ago. I couldn't make out the words at first and asked my son this morning. When he listened and told me the words, I felt so BLESSED at that very moment. I had just recently heard a sermon about this very scripture and this song really brought that scripture to witness for me. I went to my Christian music store this afternoon and got the CD. . I am so thankful for this true Christian band who brings us such a wonderful variety of music that we can not only praise our Father with, but that we can actually learn from and be witnessed to.
Name:: Sunny
Location:: TN
Occupation:: Advertising Manager
A friend of mine spent some time right out of college waiting tables at a local restaurant. He distinctly remembers two different occasions when patrons of the establishment left him $100 as payment and tip. He made a resolution to himself on those occasions that he would pay it forward.
Last week, this friend and I decided to grab a late dinner at our neighborhood Waffle House. We were waited on by a lady named Ellen. She diligently refilled our drinks and made sure our food was prepared to our satisfaction. As my friend was paying the bill, he had the brilliant idea of combining two missions. He decided to leave Ellen a tip of $99 as a way of paying forward the generous tips he had received before as well as putting a new spin on the meaning behind Audio Adrenaline's new radio single "Leaving 99." He wrote Matthew 18:13 on one of the dollar bills and we slipped out of the restaurant without being noticed.
This week, we got a copy of Audio A's Worldwide album and highlighted "Leaving 99" on the back cover. We made another stop by our Waffle House exactly one week later to see Ellen again and continue our mission. This time we left the CD with our tip.
Next week, we plan on going back to just talk to Ellen, learn more about her life and share with her the joy in ours. We want her to understand the meaning in "Leaving 99" and to make sure she knows our Shepard that would leave 99 behind just for her.
My friend's life was changed by the pursuit of this loving God. So much so that he shares that love and kindness with others. I'm sure Ellen will never forget the gift left to her that night. That same loving God is pursuing her too. Maybe one day she'll put a new spin on it and pass it on.
Name:: Dell
Location:: Texas
Occupation:: Graphic Artist
I had to get up at 4am Monday morning to go to Katy Mills Mall to do a graphics installation. The car wouldn't start at first and I was beginning to think this was going to be a bad day.
As I was installing the graphics the music playing over the mall's sound system caught my ear - somehow Leaving 99 got into the mix! I nearly cried. Here I was in this huge cavernous mall all by myself with only the security lighting on and I felt the presence of God, and he was telling me I'm never alone. No matter how I may feel and how alone I am, he cares about me personally and will find me where ever I am. My problems are temporary and He is eternal!
Name:: Aimee
Location:: CA
Occupation:: Student
i love this song because of the personal story behind it for me. it is one of the earliest bible stories i remember learning. which would have been literally years ago! i have been hearing bible stories since before i was born hehe but it is a special song that applies to all of us!
Name:: Laura
Location:: Texas
Occupation::
I too have a "99" story. I'm the CCE director for our church and guess what I picked for our First Reconciliation Service song? YES, "Leaving 99" played for the children and their parents and 7 priests IN OUR CHURCH.
Anyway, our pastor read Matthew 18:10-14, (Will's verses), at my request. Some priests and parents came up to me and said I did a good job and liked the song.
Sometimes it's hard to step into the fire and risk rejection. But it's better to just do what is in your heart, no matter what, because you know God put it in your heart to do in the first place!!! God is speaking to the world about His Divine Mercy through this incredible song!!!