Mustard Seed Faith

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Mustard Seed Faith was an early Christian rock band with roots in the Jesus Movement of the late 60s and early 70s. It achieved national recognition with the release of its Sail on Sailor LP in 1975 on Maranatha Records. Among the classics was the title track, "Sail on Sailor," and the hit singles, "Lighter Side of Darkness" and "Sweet Jesus Morning." Comprised of Oden Fong on guitar and vocals, Wade Link on guitar and vocals (later replaced by Lewis McVay), Darrell Cook on bass guitar, and Pedro Buford on piano and vocals, MSF toured extensively until it decided to call it quits in 1977. Although it released only one other album, 1980's Limited Edition, it is frequently cited as an influential band in what today is known as Contemporary Christian Music.

Today, Oden Fong is involved in full-time ministry, heading Covering Wings, an organization that provides blankets to homeless people in California. In a 1998 interview, he said he is still in touch with his one-time band-mates and would love to get together for a reunion project; finding the time seems to be the critical issue.

Mustard Seed Faith's music received a regional resurgence in North Carolina in the late 70s and early 80s through the Christian summer camp movement. "Sail on Sailor" in particular has remained popular through the years at Camp Don-Lee in Arapahoe, NC. It was through the Don-Lee ministries and the many college students who have been a part of them over the years that the song has gained and retained new life. In fact, it is the unofficial theme song of the renowned United Methodist Church sailing camp.

[edit] Discography

Mustard Seed Faith: Sail on Sailor (1975, Maranatha! Records)
Maranatha 5: / Oden Fong: Sidney the Pirate (1976, Maranatha! Records)
Mustard Seed Faith: Limited Edition (1980, Road Records)
Oden Fong: Come for the Children (1979, Asaph Records)
Oden Fong: Invisible Man (1986, Frontline Records)
Lewis McVay: Spirit of St. Louis (1978, Maranatha! Records)
Lewis McVay: Coming Attractions (1984, Heartland Records)

[edit] Where Are They Now?

Oden Fong and Pedro Buford are pastors at Poiema Christian Fellowship in Huntington Beach, California. They lead worship together (Pedro on keyboards, flute, recorder, and Irish whistle) and Oden on guitar.

Lewis McVay works with high school kids in the Orange County (CA) School District and also with a private Christian school.

Darrell Cook, the bassist, plays with rock legend Johnny Rivers.

They are all still very close friends and get together as often as they can. (Source: Oden Fong, e-mail, Sept. 27, 2005)