Rock and roll was my life and my god. When I was 8 years old, I remember very clearly wanting to sing or play the drums. When I was 12, I learned that I would never make a dime doing either one. So, I set my sights on radio. I was imita
ting DJ’s by 13 and by the age of 17 was on the air. I also worked as a disc-jockey in night clubs and private parties and served as emcee for many 1950’s acts such as Bobby Rydell, the Drifters, Five Satins, Coasters and the Angels.
Born in New York City, I was the youngest of four boys. I attended Roman Catholic schools through high school. Although my level of participation varied, I had always enjoyed a sense of God’s existence and of His protection over my life.
Through the invitation of a Christian friend, I started attending a Bible-teaching church. I marveled at how the people actually seemed happy to be there. I also heard them talk about Jesus in a way that I had never heard before. I remember being puzzled, thinking there are so many different religions and churches, how can I know which one is right? I was taught from the cradle that the Bible was the Word of God and that Jesus was the Son of God. So, I bought a Bible to see what Jesus had to say. (During this time I would talk with a believing friend, listen to a fair amount of Christian radio, attend a Catholic church in the morning and an evangelical church in the evening.) It was about nine months of reading the gospels twice through before the message took.
I was struck by Jesus’ perfection in all He did. I was amazed at how He related with people, especially those who were trying to harm Him. In the light of His standard, I realized for the first time that I fell far short. I was getting a handle by now of heaven and hell and the frightening realization that I was heading in the wrong direction. Only then could I really understand that Jesus not only died for the sins of the world but that He also died for my sins! I accepted, by faith, that His blood was shed in my place to set me free.
There followed another nine months of struggle trying to reconcile my Rock music career with my new-found faith and praying to know God’s will for my life. It was not until I made a clear break with all my former ways of earning a living and trust totally in the Lord, that God was able to break through with clear guidance. On Christmas Eve, of 1982, I loaded up my music inventory of 500 albums and 1,000 singles in the car and dropped them in a big green dumpster. Somehow, I knew it was time to allow Jesus the opportunity to guide my life.
After that crisis moment, it only took two and a half weeks to learn of a position in Christian radio, send a tape, and my belongings were in the back of the car on the way to Kentucky and WNKJ. The journey has allowed me to serve God in two other Christian radio stations, overseas missions work in Europe and local pastoral ministry in Connecticut, Indiana, Massachusets, and New Hampshire.
Currently, I am enjoying working on some writing projects, speaking, serving by design ministries as Marketing Coordinator, and some videography on a freelance basis.
I’ve also been greatly blessed with a beautiful family; my wife, Alesa, and Cathy, Grace, and John. You can see a picture of us all at my speaking page at www.PastorKevin.net.
Thanks for reading my story. I’d love to learn more about God’s work in your life too. Drop me a line at Kevin@EncourageAndEquip.com.
