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In October 1999, 5 very different men united. One, a Police Officer, one the president and CEO of an international tech company, one a sales manager for an industrial materials manufacturer, one a part-time photographer and one a corporate marketer. The only thing these five individuals had in common was that they were embarking on a journey to know Jesus Christ. Steve, the Sales Manager and family man had not known Jesus Christ during his life, but in one life altering instant, he made a promise, a "deal", with God. This deal would give him new hope and a life he never dreamed possible. Mike, the Police Officer and family man was raised without God. Years of witnessing death, violence and pain on the mean streets of Los Angeles led him down the dark path of questioning the very existence of God. After years of emptiness, a cry out to God with one simple prayer "Show me the way!" led him to Christ, the Church and a new life. Jorge, the CEO of an international tech company and family man, is a life long Catholic. He learned that Steve was interested in knowing Christ and entering the Church. Jorge committed himself to sponsoring and mentoring Steve throughout his journey. This commitment helped to strengthen his faith and experience the Joy of watching stone-hearted men break down the barriers and receive Christ. Russell, the part-time photographer had seen glimpses of Christ throughout his life, but felt a greater calling and desire to know Christ and to enter the Church. Matt, the corporate marketer was raised Protestant but felt a greater calling to the Church. Each of these men became involved in the Right of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) in October of 1999, desiring to enter the Catholic Church. This would be the beginning of powerful life changes, the formation of deep friendships and the birth of the Christian Rock Ministry now known as Rise! Easter Vigil 2000- We were on fire! The fire of the Holy Spirit was burning deep inside of each one of us. Our First Holy Communion and Confirmation felt like we were walking 3 feet off of the ground. Now what? "Where do you go with this, what is your vocation?" Our mentor asks. " What do you mean?" "You cannot keep this fire to yourselves, why would you want to. You've been blessed, now it's time to share your blessing. This simple question about our vocation sparked a conversation that revealed, "Mike plays guitar", "Jorge plays bass," "Steve can play guitar and sing", "Matt can play piano", "Russell plays drums." We organized a band, began writing songs (with a lot of help from God) and began to share our music with people. So many wonderful things happened within us and around us during this 2 year period to be anything less than blessings from our Lord. We were so tired of all of the negative and angry music flooding the market, so on May 18, 2002, Rise! released our debut album, "Through the Son". This album is praise for everything that Jesus Christ has done for us. We believe that the 12 contemporary Christian rock songs on this album will fill you with the Spirit and touch your soul. Chapter Two As we were riding the high of releasing our first CD, we were hit by a bomb shell. Steve was diagnosed with cancer. Live performances were put on hold and all of our attention and prayers were focused on getting Steve well. Intermixed with the trials of surgeries, chemotherapy and the emotional rollercoaster's associated with a potential terminal illness were incredible Blessings. Prayer warriors from around the world answered our call. Steve's condition began to improve and chemotherapy was finished. One final, but major, surgery confirmed that Steve was cured! Steve and his wife Gail were Blessed with their third child. People from around the world were listening to Rise music. Radio stations and web sites were picking up our CD, "Through the Son", daily. Steve and Mike traveled to Washington D.C. in October of 2002 to participate in the United Catholic Music and Video Association Awards show. Mike traveled to Denver to participate in the NCCYM Conference. In February 2003, at Religious Education Congress, Rise participated with the Catholic Association of Musicians and performed on the exhibitors stage. We were also interviewed and received airplay on Los Angeles' Biggest Christian radio station, 95.9FM, The Fish. During the trials, delays and stumbling blocks faced by the band, two members, Matt and Russell, were called away to serve God in other ways. The core members of the band, Steve, Mike and Jorge pulled together and prayed for God to continue to Bless our music ministry and allow us to continue to reach people using music. In the early part of 2003 our prayer and search for the right 4th member was answered when drummer Mike Partain joined our ministry. Mike is a Protestant who has played drums with a Catholic choir for several years. He has an extensive rock and roll background from the same generation and style as Steve, Mike and Jorge. Our music has never sounded better we are playing live again and heading back to the studio soon to complete CD .. 2. Chapter Three Still working hard on getting CD ..2 completed, we were invited to Cologne, Germany in mid August 2005 to participate and perform during World Youth Day 2005 festivities. This was an incredible experience! Not only did we perform several times, but we also provided daily news reports, a blog and pictures from the event to www.WYDRadio.com Our Drummer Mike Partain has been attending RCIA and will be welcomed into the Church this Easter Vigil 2006, Praise Jesus!, and on February 1, 2006 our second CD, "Stand the Line" hits the world! The Journey has just begun...Stay Tuned....
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