ATLANTA (AP) _ The lead singer of Casting Crowns believes the Christian band’s concerts in North Korea are a God-given opportunity to sow peace in a hostile nation.

Casting Crowns has performed twice in the reclusive communist country, in 2007 and 2009, and Mark Hall says the band has a standing invitation to return to Pyongyang next spring.

Hall says he’s aware that band members only see what their chaperones allow, but he notes that those assigned to Casting Crowns are English-speaking college students who ask many questions about America.

Hall hopes Casting Crowns’ performances there help ease hostilities and support the charitable work of Global Resource Services, which provides North Koreans with food and medicine.