Chris Neal, aka C-Real, was saved and baptized at an early age but didn’t form a relationship with God until he was 21. He attended a Baptist church for all of his teen years and realized that the message 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, his mother always told him, “Nothing good will come your way until you submit 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. 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 to people with the same passion. Besides being active in his rap ministry, Chris plays percussion for the church choir and other jazz groups. He has two sons, Juwan and 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 Hensley Jr., aka Apostle G, coming from a religious family background, had the word of God instilled in his life early. He accepted Christ into his life Easter Sunday in 1986 at eleven years old. He became very active on his own 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. As he got older, he didn't fall into the drug and alcohol traps, but the sex trap caught Greg. 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 spared his life and 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 puts in Greg’s mind and heart to minister right back to him. 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 is 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 has two daughters, Jalen and Jordan.
William Faulkner, aka G. Will, although new to the world of gospel music, has many years of experience in music. He has produced and vocalized on many projects for several artists. During the summer of 2004, William entered and won two Knoxville Idol singing competitions. His winnings included a cash prize, a trophy, and the opportunity to sing the national anthem at a Harlem Globetrotters game. Another prize was a trip to New York City to create a demo and to hear that song played on local radio.
William was saved at a young age, but didn’t truly surrender to the will of God until he was an adult. He was instrumental in several ATONED songs before he was a member of the group. After being asked to join the group, it took him a while to answer. He could no longer run from the calling God had on his life. William became the third member of ATONED in 2006. He wants the Lord to use him to his fullest potential and to be the head of his life. William is married to Nikki and has two daughters, Erica and Elicia.
