Vincent Pray is uncomfortable describing his new ministry as a calling.
No angels appeared from Heaven to tell him what path to follow. There was no amazing conversion where God saved him from a life of sin while a bright light shone down upon him.
One of his earliest memories is beginning his walk with God. Soon after, he remembers plunking keys on a piano working out melodies to Christmas songs.
"Jesus and music are like my two oldest friends," Pray said.
It was several years later when, as a middle school student, Pray realized his two "friends" could become one passion.
He attended the 20th anniversary concert for the Imperials. Playing with them was a group called Mylon LeFevre and Broken Heart. Hearing them began a lifelong pursuit.
"These guys rocked out and also shared their faith," Pray said. "I realized I could take the music I enjoyed and put Christian lyrics to it."
That is when his musical life took a more serious turn.
He bought a four-track, a sampler, got a bass guitar and guitar and began writing and recording music.
That passion has been hard to compartmentalize.
"I've tried to do other things," Pray said. "But I can only do it for a couple of years before I come back to music."
His writing and recording continued through high school. In fact, after marrying his wife, Christy, the two moved into a one-bedroom apartment.
"We made the bedroom into a studio and slept on a futon in the living room," Pray said.
His desire to record led to bigger and better studios as time went on.
He even graduated from the Art Institute of Seattle learning music and video.
But after his son was born, taking care of his family pushed the recording studio down the priority list.
"I went to God and said 'Here is my music' knowing that if I put it down, I might not ever pick it up again," Pray said.
Since that time Pray has stayed active in music even though it was less of a priority.
He has performed at events, camps, conferences, and churches, started contemporary worship services, worked with newly planted churches, and served as a full-time worship pastor.
His performances have included events with groups including: Mike's Chair, Jackson Waters, Andrew Peterson, Jonah33, High Flight Society, and others.
He has no visions of becoming a rock star. He still has a story he wants to tell and a message to share.
According to a quote on his web site (www.vincentpray.com) "Jesus not only loves us, He likes us - and there's a big difference to us as humans. For years I believed that God loved me, but didn't really like me - didn't want to hang around with me... wasn't happy to see me. Now I know better, and it's made a huge difference in my life."
He said for years he had toiled at music trying to pay God back for the grace he had been shown. He wanted to somehow use his musical gift to change the world.
Now he is looking for something else.
"I want to have fun with what God has gifted me to be able to do," Pray said.
The latest incarnation of the Vincent Pray Ministries is still gaining momentum.
He will play concerts on Sunday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Rose Hill Christian Church and Sunday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Augusta.
"I'm looking for my dream gig right now," Pray said. "I need a job where I can provide for my family and still have the time to keep my music as a serious ministry."
Until he finds that "dream gig" he'll continue to pursue the passion that has a gravitational hold over him, playing his music and sharing a message from his heart.
Augusta, Kan. —
