Contact RTD Ministries About the Encampment

Mailing/Office Address: Rock the Desert Ministries P. O. Box 51096 Midland, TX 79710	Office Address: Rock the Desert Ministries Rock the Desert Ministries 10 Desta Drive Suite 170LL Midland, TX 79705
Encampment Physical Address: (Do not send mail here) Rock the Desert Ministries 2000 North FM 1788 Midland, TX 79711 Ph: 432.697.4548 Fax: 432.687.1024	Email:marcy@rockthedesert.com

History of RTD and the RTD Encampment

Rock the Desert began in August of 2000 on the parking lot of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Midland, Texas. The original purpose of RTD was to provide a FREE concert as a project to reach out to the church neighborhood but has grown to become an area-wide event.

The first RTD drew over 4,000 to the parking lot at Holy Trinity. In 2001, the event was moved to Beal Park by the RTD Planning Committee as an interdenominational event. The concert was headlined by Newsboys and expanded to include bands as well as skateboarding, extreme games a campout and the addition of a Jumbotron screen. The attendance grew to over 32,000.

In 2002, the event was expanded to 3 days and included highlights of the Christian Wrestling Team, Jedidiah Skateboarding and an authentic Sudanese village, which provided a hands-on ministry opportunity to concert goers. Artists headlining the 2002 event were Mercy Me, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Toby Mac and Audio Adrenaline. Attendance topped the 90,000 mark.

In 2003, the event drew over 100,000 which touted a seperate skateboard park and concert venue. The concert was headlined by Chris Tomlin, and Toby Mac. The worship service on Sunday morning continued to grow and provide a unique setting for Sunday morning worship with music provided by Watermark.

Every year the concert proves both to be bigger and better with the addition of a new site at our permanent home and new headquarters at 2000 South FM 1788. This venue provides twice the area of previous years and onsite parking.

As we move forward into new areas God has provided, we are excited about the future of Rock the Desert and its outreach to teens across the Southwest. While our focus has remained steadfast our vision for the future has expanded, and we look forward to where God will take us in the years ahead. Through the generous support and prayers of thousands around the country we will continue to facilitate and provide resources to reach teens for Jesus Christ.