Five years ago, Stephen Christian, lead singer of the bands Anberlin and Anchor & Braille, had an idea.

What started as a church mission trip to Haiti turned into a group of concerned musicians and managers on a journey to discover how to use their musical platform to make a difference in the world. On this trip, Faceless International was born.

"We started Faceless because we saw that lives could be changed; and not just those we came to serve, but of those who served," says Stephen. "I felt so strongly that with the platform and responsibility I had been entrusted with, I had to utilize it to make a positive impact on those around me and the world I live in."

As soon as the bands returned home, their fans naturally gravitated to the causes they were championing, specifically poverty reform, human trafficking and fair trade. After much discussion with Sarah Freeman and Seth Cain, who were fellow participants on the Haiti trip, Faceless decided to expand its focus. Now the organization strives to create experiences not only for bands, but for anyone who shares a passion to get their hands dirty and literally put a face to the faceless who are exploited every day around the world.

Sarah continues, "Part of what we really love about Faceless is that our trips aren't just sightseeing, fact-finding trips. We live with the people we are helping. We eat with them; we sing with them; we really get to experience their culture. Once you literally have walked in the steps of people who are being targeted to be trafficked—with coffee growers, with women who have been freed from brothels—your life can't help but change."

And make an impact they have! Members of bands such as Showbread, Anberlin, Classic Crime, National Product and Hundred Year Storm; leaders such as Jamie Tworkowski from To Write Love On Her Arms and others have spent their own resources and set out with Faceless to experience the world, outside the walls of concert venues. They return changed, ready to find a way to create an impact to better the lives of those in need.

Follow this with the impact on the fans from all over the world who love music but also realize their heart for doing more than sending money to a charity every month. After 14 trips and 150 participants, the first questions Faceless asks upon return is "What did God teach you on this trip?" followed closely by "Now what are you going to do with this knowledge and experience?" It is important to keep the community aspect of students helping each other realize their passions. Faceless helps inspire youth to reach out and truly be the change God inspires them to make in the world.

This is what truly sets Faceless apart from other organizations that are creating mission trips for kids: Faceless empowers students to come up with their own creative ways to step out and be leaders for world change.

Amy Turner was a grad student at the University of Louisville, studying art therapy when she went with Faceless to India during Christmas 2008. Upon her return, she quickly booked a return ticket.