Impact!
Mike's Story
"I remember hearing about Kutless right after I got saved... I was living near Eugene, OR, when someone first mentioned them to me. But I really started listening to them after I moved up to the Portland area in 2003. Little did I realize that not only were they from Portland, but the guys all attended my home church up here, Athey Creek Christian Fellowship. Word got out that they were coming back from a tour to lead our church in worship for Easter services last year, right after the release of their worship album, "Strong Tower". I was so excited to see Kutless live, and in my own church, too! Little did I know the work that God was going to do in me that day...
I've struggled with anger issues towards my father since I was little. I grew up in a very worldly family, outside of any sort of church. I'd always felt like I played second fiddle to my younger brother, who seemed to get all the attention and affection of my father. I was left to try and meaninglessly impress my father, feeling so betrayed that I had to 'earn' his love. The anger really built up over the years, to the point where I moved out of the house by the time I was 16 years old, just to get away from all the problems at home. The holidays away from home always reminded me that I was not really a part of the family anymore... that I had moved on. But the shame of feeling like the outcast in the family, now being the only one 'in church' and living away from home, it totally weighed me down with each passing holiday. So at Easter, I joined my new family at ACCF to remember and rejoice in the Lord's resurrection. Having Kutless there was already making it the most memorable Easter to date, but after hearing "Sea of Faces" at the service, I really took in the lyrics, and what they actually meant.
I was walking through downtown Portland in the rain later that day, which anyone who knows Portland knows that it rains like it's going out of style! But I was listening to that song still... and I heard the lyrics, "If only my one heart was all You'd gain from all it cost, well I know You would have still been a man with a reason to willingly offer Your life." And at that very moment, I truly recognized how much my Eternal Father loved me, how proud He was of me... and most importantly, how far He was willing to go to be with me.
There are so many of us in this world who feel lost and confused about where we stand with our parents. But God told me that day where I stood with my one Father who's opinion is the only one that matters. He told me loud and clear that day, "I love you, son, and I am so excited to be with you." I was overcome with joy, to the point I cried for the whole world to see. God gave me worth, and He's given that to anyone who calls upon His name. Thanks, Kutless, for allowing God to use you and your music to touch my life. "
Mike - Clackamas, OR