Former Award-Winning NASA Rocket Scientist & Educator’s Compelling Single, Produced by Dove Award Winner Chris Bevins, Releases This Week from Westar Media Group
| NASHVILLE, TN. (March 18, 2022) – Husband and wife duo, Alabaster Grace, wasrecently among an esteemed company of presenters at the state of Virginia’s 56th annual Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast, held in Richmond, Virginia. Alabaster Grace performed two of their compelling songs (their new single, “Heal Our Land,” and “The Blessing”) before an audience that included Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. The performance was a fitting and well-received addition to the special event, at which the governor and other state leaders sought wisdom, guidance, and encouragement for the year ahead. “We are honored to have the opportunity to offer God’s hope and encouragement to those in our state’s leadership as they begin their work in the new year,” comments Alabaster Grace’s Brad and Joanie Perry. Brad Perry, a highly decorated former NASA rocket scientist, and his wife, Joanie Perry, a dedicated teacher and librarian—together known professionally as Alabaster Grace—have committed their creativity, intellect, and passion to make music that is thoughtful, insightful, and reverent. |  Husband and wife worship duo Alabaster Grace (Brad and Joanie Perry), recently performed their new single, “Heal Our Land,” at Virginia’s 56th annual Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast. Pictured at the event (L to R): Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin with Alabaster Grace (Joanie and Brad Perry). (Image courtesy of Alabaster Grace) |
| The duo’s new single, “Heal Our Land,” which released to Christian radio stations across the country this week from Westar Media Group, was penned by Joanie Perry, Alabaster Grace’s primary songwriter, and produced by multiple Dove Award-winning producer Chris Bevins (producer and keyboards for Selah, Salvador, Jaci Velasquez, Christine D’Clario). The studio version of the song features some of Nashville’s finest musicians, including drummer Dan Needham (Amy Grant, Jeremy Camp, Michael McDonald, Sting), guitarist Mike Payne (Casting Crowns, Francesca Battistelli, Mandisa, Lauren Daigle, Natalie Grant), and bassist Jacob Lowery (Gaither Vocal Band, Seth & Nirva). The powerful production elevates the impassioned lyrics, and the song is resonating with radio stations around the country. “‘Heal Our Land’ is a timely message of the power of prayer as we seek the Lord for guidance to get through each day,” says Colleen Dick, General Manager, WWIP FM 89.1—The Word in Praise: Contemporary Christian Music. Kathryn Livingston, Client Services Manager for Westar Media Group, echoes the sentiment, saying the song is “relevant and touching and one that everyone can relate to. Alabaster Grace recorded a powerful song that will give you hope for the future.” Alabaster Grace affirms the heart behind the song. “‘Heal Our Land’ is based on 2 Chronicles 7:14,” says Joanie Perry. “This song is our prayer for our country, asking God to forgive our sins as we repent and turn back to Him. Just as in the time of Israel’s departure from God, the words of Hosea the prophet are ringing in our ears: ‘Come, let us return to the Lord; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.’ (Hosea 6:1, NKJV). It’s time for our country to return to God so He can heal our land!” “Our hopes and prayers are that everyone hearing this song will be drawn close to Jesus,” says Brad Perry, the duo’s guitarist and guitar arranger. To stream Alabaster Grace’s new single, “Heal Our Land,” click at the bottom of the page. For more information about Alabaster Grace, visit alabastergraceministries.org, or follow on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. |
About Alabaster Grace: He was a rocket scientist. She was a teacher. Today, they are Alabaster Grace, creating eclectic, thoughtful worship music that is as diverse and intriguing as their life story. Brad Perry grew up in a Christian home and was drawn to aeronautics and space from a young age. As a boy, Brad and his father even constructed a full-scale model of the Apollo Command Module in their basement, in which Brad simulated an actual Apollo mission in real time. Local and national media outlets covered his feat, which led to his NASA career. At age 18, while studying aerospace engineering at Georgia Tech, Brad became one of the youngest cooperative education students to ever start at NASA. |  Former NASA rocket scientist, Brad Perry (L) along with his wife, librarian and educator Joanie Perry (R), create emotive, thoughtful worship experiences as Alabaster Grace(Keoni Keur photo) |
| After graduation, he was hired by NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Except for a six-year stint flying as a U.S. Air Force pilot, he worked continuously for NASA until retiring in 2013. During Brad’s NASA career, he was on the design team of the International Space Station, served as an astronaut instructor for the Space Shuttle, and eventually became the Director of NASA’s Science Support Office. His hard work earned two of NASA’s highest honors—the Exceptional Service Medal and the Outstanding Leadership Medal. While Brad had his eyes to the sky, Joanie was, and still is, a tour de force as a singer, songwriter, educator, and librarian. Throughout a challenging childhood and difficult marriage, which led to divorce, Joanie learned to trust God. When she and Brad met on Christian Mingle, she never once doubted God’s divine plan for her life. “Sometimes God will do miracles beyond what you can even think or imagine, just as the Bible says,” Joanie muses. “When Brad came along, God gave me a second chance to share my life with someone who truly loves me, cherishes me, and accepts me for who I am. And, as an added bonus, the Lord has allowed us to be partners in our music ministry.” Long before this pair of licensed ministers met in 2012 and started their musical ministry as Alabaster Grace, Brad and Joanie each learned to cling to God’s promises. Especially dear to them is Romans 8:28 — “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose (NRSV).” “We feel like we have lived Romans 8:28,” says Joanie, referring to trying times both had before they met. “Both of us have been through some very hard times in our lives, but every time we have been in a difficult situation, the Lord has worked everything out for our good.” Their unique backgrounds have contributed to a diverse and eclectic approach to their music. Regardless of the style or topic of each individual song, Alabaster Grace hopes to be a beacon of light to music lovers, pointing them to Jesus. The couple continues to have a steady stream of concerts, leading worship, and sharing sermons and inspirational presentations. Be it a church, retreat, conference, or coffeehouse, an audience of one or a thousand, Brad and Joanie love meeting people exactly where they are on their faith journey. “We want to be obedient servants,” adds Brad. “It’s not about us. It’s about drawing others closer to the heart of God through song and worship, and offering everyone hope and encouragement. With our song lyrics being Scripture-based, we pray that people will search out and read their Bible after hearing the music. We just want to be good and faithful servants with the talents and the gifts God has given us.” |
Never for Nothing 