Atoned

**We are unique because our music come directly from past experiences and/or from the word of God**

Chris Neal (aka C-Real) is a native of Knoxville and a 1989 graduate of Austin-East. He was saved and baptized at an early age but didn't form a relationship with God and learn his word until he was 21. He attended a Baptist church for all of his teen years and realized that the message from the pulpit wasn't presented in a way a teenager could receive it and apply it. The foundation was there but the relationship with God wasn't. Being raised in a single parent household, he was always told by his mother "nothing good will come your way until you submit yourself to the Lord".
Years later that truth she spoke of became reality when Chris was arrested and charged with armed robbery. This was the end of trying to do things his way and so he looked to the hills. Being a drug dealer, pimp, and gambler were only a few of his burdens. One night after a break-up with his girlfriend, he realized that God was getting his attention and there was no running or hiding. He fell to his knees, confessed his sins and asked for forgiveness and for God to remove the pain. From that point on, God has used Chris to minister to others. Using his love and talents in music, God lead him into the path of people with the same passion. Besides being active in his rap ministry, Atoned, he also plays percussion for the choir. Chris has two sons, Juwan & Jadon, and is married to Denise. In his spare time, Chris enjoys music, ministry, and sports. Chris wants to be a living witness about the grace that God gives us.

Greg L. Hensley, Jr. (a.k.a. Apostle G.), coming from a religious family background, had the word of God instilled in his life early as a little boy. He accepted Christ into his life Easter Sunday in 1986 at eleven years old. The Lord had a purpose for his life, he states, when two of his sisters and himself almost experienced death when the van they were riding in nearly rolled into a river while they were asleep. He became very active on his own in the church by helping start a youth choir, assisting the Minister of Music by playing songs with him during morning service, leading vacation bible school and helping with youth bible study on Wednesday nights.
Greg never really experienced drugs or alcohol because he saw the way it affected his father and vowed that he would never abuse his body and mind like that. Even though he didn't fall into the drug and alcohol traps, the sex trap caught him. He was sixteen when he lost his virginity to an older woman after being pressured into sex. He committed adultery with two women and almost experienced death when he told one of their husbands about the affair. The Lord once again spared his life from that encounter and still continued to bless him.
Greg began rapping in a youth program at church in June 1997. Being under spiritual warfare constantly, the Lord allows the music and words he put in Greg's mind and heart to minister right back to him. Greg's sole purpose in ministry is to inform and encourage young people that God is real and he can make a difference in your life. He wants young people to know that it's okay if you fall, but realize that God still loves you and wants you to turn to him with your troubles and problems for he has a better life in store for you. Greg has learned that the Lord is the only one you can trust with all your problems and struggles, because he already knows them. But he's waiting to see if you are going to allow him to take care of them for you. He is the only one who can bring you through. Greg is married to Shelly, and has two daughters, Jalen and Jordan.

William Faulkner (a.k.a. G. Will) is the newest member to the group and to the world of gospel music. William has many years of experience in music production & singing. William finally stopped running from the calling Christ had for him and joined Atoned. William hopes to be a blessing to his family, the group, and as well as others. William's prayer is that the Lord uses him to the fullest and be the head of his life. William is married to Nikki and has two daughters, Erica and Elicia.

We are living proof that God forgives and will use anyone for the upbuilding of his kingdom. Each member has their own anointed gift to reach the teens of the world today. The message is truth and biblical, but in a manner that the teens & season Christians of today can relate to, receive, and apply the word of Jesus Christ. All without compromise.