Karen Gail Jostad of the Minneapolis, Minnesota Star Tribune reported that The Rev. Dennis Murphy was shocked when he picked up the phone earlier this week and Jason Morales of The Imperials was on the line. The Imperials are on national tour and will be in Minnesota this month, and they wanted to do something to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
?As Christians, I think we are supposed to be on the front lines of help,? said Morales.

?It hurts our hearts to see people suffering like this. If we can help in any way, we?re going to do it!?

The 30-member Northern Oaks Community Church, already mobilizing volunteers for the Minnesota Wisconsin Baptist Convention?s Disaster Relief Team, was thrilled to be able to provide a venue for the Dove and Grammy Award-winning Gospel singers. Anyone who brings a case of water or baby formula to the concert will be given a $5 discount on Imperial merchandise or CDs. All cash donations will go to the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Fund that is in partnership with the Red Cross and Salvation Army.

Concert Information

When: 7 p.m. Sept. 10 in Northern Oaks Community Church gym, 16625 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka.

Cost: Love offering and case of water or baby formula.

More information: Call Northern Oaks Church, 952-934-6422.

Karen Gail Jostad is at kjostad@startribune.com.