"From Heavy Metal to Higher Purpose | The Filthy Rags' | Mission Unplugged" 12/9/2024

**Interview with Harry and Mel Becker of The Filthy Rags**
*Holy Flames Radio Blog*

**Harry:** Hello, I’m Harry Becker, and this is Mel Becker, my partner and bandmate. We are The Filthy Rags, a Christian heavy rock band, and we’ve partnered with the Extreme Tour, where we’ve been regulars for several years now. Our dynamic approach to reaching people is unique; we put money and selfish pursuits on the back burner. We call it a "field to die on." Each year, we hit around 100 cities or more, ministering to people through our music. We especially enjoy working with at-risk youth, but our mission extends to anyone who falls into at-risk demographics, including at-risk adults, the homeless, addicts, the mentally ill, and residents of senior homes. We’re also a fresh fire to all the churches we partner with, igniting passion and outreach in their communities.

**Interviewer:** Mel, how did you and Harry get started in the music and ministry scene together?

**Mel:** I was born and raised in the church, but I experienced some abuse and trauma there as a child, which left me with a warped idea of love. Growing up in Houston, I participated in singing competitions and youth group activities and even knew Jessica Simpson. I was at church five nights a week, a Southern Baptist Texas girl at heart. My grandparents were the greatest examples of love and kindness I’ve ever known. They always welcomed people into our home, and I watched my grandmother bless those who cursed her and my grandfather give the shoes off his feet.

I got married very young, looking for love, and had my first child before my first wedding anniversary. In six years, I had four kids. At 25, I moved from Texas to Indiana for a shot at breaking into the music industry. Unfortunately, during that time, I developed an alcohol problem that spiraled into an addiction to crack cocaine. It was a dark period in my life—what we refer to as the "days of woe." But through this struggle, God revealed Himself in incredible ways. He shows up for us when we are totally unlovable. That’s Jesus—He goes after the rebellious and unapproachable because that's who I was. Any good you see in me? That comes from God.

The scripture says to sell everything you have, give it to the poor, take up your cross, and follow Him. What we’re experiencing out here on the Extreme Tour reflects the subcultures of people who feel unaccepted by local churches. These subsets are popping up everywhere.

**Interviewer:** Harry, how has working with other ministries and organizations impacted your journey?

**Harry:** It’s not always easy; sometimes, there isn’t much acceptance, and we’ve even had doors slammed in our faces.

**Mel:** God bless those people! When we got the call to start touring in 2015, I was working for a guy who claimed to be a Christian—a megachurch pastor. I shared that the Lord was calling us to tour, and he said, “You should just bloom where you’re planted.” Harry decided to pursue this calling anyway, but I asked if I could come back to work when we returned, and he replied, “Don’t call me when you get back.” I was shocked since I had known him for 20 years! His words were like a curse, planting seeds of doubt and trying to corrupt my mindset. That’s what the enemy does—he tries to divert and break you down.

Even years later, I still heard his voice in my head. One day, while on tour, I saw a plaque that said, “Bloom where you’re planted.” I realized that this saying was just a cheap quote people hang in their bathrooms; it holds no weight at all. I questioned how much power I had given those words.

**Mel:** And the beauty of this is that even in his doubt, Harry was brave enough to cast out many fruitful seeds. When the Lord calls you to do something, it won’t always look or feel the way you expect. You might not receive the support you think you should have. But if you don’t step out and try, what’s the point?

**Harry:** Exactly. We’re committed to this journey, regardless of the challenges, and we’re excited to continue sharing our music and message with the world, reaching out to all those in need of hope and healing.