New Hope For A Sunny Day by New Influence

This gave me the ultimate passion and desire to want to pick up the guitar and write songs that would make an impact in people's lives and move them in ways that the music moved me. However, without any real sense of purpose in life due to my broken past, the music was missing something.

For example, I would be the "entertainment" at my friend's parties. I'd write some funky, fun songs and end up being the "background noise."

What I really wanted to accomplish musically was to impact people with more than a good "performance" or "show." I wanted my songs to really speak to people in ways that they could identify. Songs that would be remembered for a lifetime. Again, something was missing....

I had no real identity as a musician. I had no real identity as a person.

Until a person I barely knew shared something with me that changed my life forever-Jesus Christ. (Before you hit the "delete" or "back space" button, please hear me out).

When I entered into a personal relationship with the Jesus, the Creator of all things, I realized who I was in Christ. The infinite, unconditional love that Jesus has for me began to heal the deep wounds in my soul from the loss of my dad.

I began writing Christian songs, They were NICE songs, but nothing that really moved me. I was a bit frustrated as a songwriter. I had many ideas, but couldn't formulate anything into a good song. What I didn't realize was God had a life changing experience on the horizon that would change my life and music forever..

Tragedy struck my family in 1999. My wife Marisha, was diagnosed with inoperable colon cancer and given a short time to live. This was the most difficult time in my life. I can't even describe the pain I felt within my heart.

I don't think I've ever cried so hard in my life.

She passed away 2 months later.

I have to tell you, I couldn't imagine going through that time without Jesus. He gave me the strength to get through each moment, each day. I ain't gonna lie, it wasn't easy. But the Lord was right there by my side. He strengthened me. He restored my soul. I have a whole different perspective on life and music than I ever did.

I've written some of the most powerful songs in the midst of those difficult times because I see HOPE even in the midst of hopelessness. I look farther than the present. I'm looking into eternity.

The Lord has taken from me, but He's also blessed me beyond words.

A year later, I met my new wife Lisa and we both started a new life and family together. In 2002, Lisa picked up the bass guitar and both Lisa and myself started New Influence with my 16 year old son Tony on the drums.

New Influence has toured the country twice!! It's been AWESOME!!

We actually have 4 kids-2 older kids from my first marriage and Lisa and I have 2 babies together! When the opportunities open up, we pack up our 15 passenger van & literally hit the road!

This is NOT about selling our CD's. New Influence is ALL about lifting up Jesus and encouraging other people.

If my story has touched You in any way or You can identify with me because You're in the midst of a trial or tragedy, please drop me an email. I would love to encourage You, be a listening ear and pray for You. My purpose as a person and even a musician is to bring HOPE to those who feel hopeless and to invest my time in people's lives. Drop me an email!

If You want to purchase our CD, we would totally be stoked and would VERY MUCH appreciate it! This is my family's full-time ministry. Either way-we love You guys!!!

People say we sound like LifeHouse. Others have said we sound like Soundgarden (hey, we're from Seattle :-) and others say we sound like Third Day. Either way, we're a Christian rock worship band.

We're excited for this CD because it communicates HOPE through some GREAT songs!!

It was produced by a GREAT Seattle producer named Brandon Bee and both Brandon and his sister Darianne add so much to this CD with their gifts as well!! I want to give credit where credit is due!!!

Thanks for taking Your time and reading our story!!

Below are a couple of emails from people on our tour:

"I LOVE the new CD! What you guys are doing is awesome ... so glad we found you" --Kristen from Plano, Texas

"It was great meeting you guys in Houston. I've been listening to your new cd and its great. I love the song, My Heart Goes Out to You!"--Minerva from Houston, Texas

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