On Saturday, March 5th 2005, if you were walking by the Jordan River in Northern Israel you might think you were watching a reenactment of John the Baptist baptizing Jesus Christ. In fact, it was a real baptism. Photographer, Lefteris Pitarakis captured this photo of Pastor Ron Vietti, right, accompanied by other pilgrims, baptizing ex-metal guitarist Brian "Head" Welch, a founding member of the multi-platinum nu metal band KoRn from the United States.

Welch, 34, wore a white robe and was surrounded by about 20 other white-robed Christian pilgrims from a Bakersfield, California.

Thousands of pilgrims are baptized annually in the revered river.

Welch came to the Jordan River's baptismal site near the Kibbutz Kinneret, in northern Israel just weeks after quitting his band, drug habits and rock-and-roll lifestyle.

Welch said the ritual baptism had washed away his anger.

Welch said about the aggressive tone of music he made with KoRn, "Anger is a good thing, and if kids want to listen to KoRn, good, but there's happiness after the anger. I'm going to show it through my actions how much I love my fans."

A Spiritual Awakening

Welch said:

You know when you get angry and it builds up? I felt like hurting someone before, now I feel like hugging people.

He announced his resignation on KRAB radio in Bakersfield. During the announcement he said:

I can go up there and play those songs and those solos but ... I distanced myself from KoRn for probably a year and a half, two years. I just wanted to fade away, it was crazy. I was so gone.

But I found my way out and I want to help anyone that wants to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I had to go through the lows to appreciate the highs and it's not perfect but it's damn near.

Pastor Vietti, who baptized Welch, said Welch is already attracting a new group of young people to the message of Christianity.

Vietti said:

In recent weeks people have committed their lives to God because they're so inspired by his story.

One fan, who goes by the name of The Wake, said, "I've been praying that a huge, influencing band (such as KoRn) would accept Christ."

Another fan, who goes by the name of The Culprit, said, "Good for him. Maybe he'll stop playing a 7 string now."

Last month, after 13 years with the hard rock band, KoRn, Welch announced his resignation.

Welch said he had become increasingly depressed and drug-addicted in recent years, but that religion helped him quit. He credits God and The Book of Life for helping him quit drugs. He tried on his own for years. He tried rehab.

He said, "I had everything. Money. Women. When you get the stuff you think you want, you'll ask 'Where's the feeling of being full?'"

He said that he will now dedicate his life to helping kids.

He said God's tired of the way the world is going. He said, "I believe I went through my past for a reason."

Welch said he plans to release more music without his former band mates.

He says a portion of the proceeds of his solo career will go to state parks, rehab centers and building churches.

Welch said:

My songs are God saying things to me, him talking to people.

He's going to use me to heal people and people are going to be drawn to it, just watch, they will be.

On KoRn's web site, an important announcement was made February 22nd regarding Welch's departure. With the sound of wind and lightening in the background, and a dismal, desolate graphic, the text reads:

Korn has parted ways with guitarist Brian Head Welch, who has chosen the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior, and will be dedicating his musical pursuits to that end.

Korn respects Brian's wishes and hopes he finds the happiness he is searching for. Jonathan, Fieldy, James and David are personally closer than ever, and are currently in the studio working on their 8th record, the follow up to their highly successful Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 album. The record is due to be released this coming September.

One song I'd love to hear Welch perform -- with Christian artist Kim Hill -- is Hill's "Snake in The Grass".

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, "taking the plunge" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King , Rugged Elegant Living publisher