I have been a Christian for as far back as I can remember. So I don’t have a miraculous story about how I was lost and later in life through God’s amazing grace was found. My walk with Christ is unique in that it progressed steadily until a few years ago when it skyrocketed! The closest experience I have to being “born again” was when I found a channel that I could use my gifts to actually serve God. I went from knowing a lot about Him to having an intimate relationship with Him…the two are worlds apart! I’ll try to keep this short and sweet:
I have always been the type of person who feels that if I’m not doing something productive, I'm wasting time. I ran track in college, so on those long boring bus rides I was forced to take up a new hobby. A teammate used to bring a guitar along, so I had him show me some chords. Eventually my parents gave me my own acoustic as a Christmas gift.
Fast forward a few years and I’m teaching in Fredericksburg, Virginia and consistently attending Tabernacle United Methodist Church. For a solid two years, I am the last one in and the first one out of the morning traditional service. This was a time where I battled some health issues, and thought that “showing up” was more than enough for my relationship with the Lord. Pastor Steve Hay soon proved me wrong when he asked me one Sunday (before I could sneak out) what I was willing to offer to serve at the church. It really bothered me that I didn’t have an answer.
That summer, my wife (fiancée at the time) and I did some soul-searching while on a cross-country trip. Thirty-eight days later, we returned to Virginia determined to find ways to use our gifts to serve the Lord and His people. For me, music seemed to be a fitting outlet with which I could approach Pastor Steve. Ironically, he was in the planning stages of starting a contemporary worship service!
It was certainly a “process”, but since that day when I made that commitment to Him, His blessings poured over me as a lead worshipper, musician, and songwriter. More importantly, He sculpted my heart to reflect Him and seek to know Him more while encouraging others to do the same.
I pray that you take the time to listen to the music that God has so graciously blessed me with, whether it be by buying an album, attending New Season, or booking me/the band to play at your Church or venue. This music comes from Him, and goes back to Him. Enjoy and God Bless!
Testimony
