Not all of today’s Christian musicians were raised in the typical American Christian home – case in point, PW Gopal. Born in Sri Lanka and raised in Columbus Ohio in a non-Christian home, PW Gopal’s first Christian experience began as a youth in the ministry organization called Young Life. It was through Young Life that PW began the journey toward building a faith that would become his ministry. PW’s youth leader and mentor was Steve Bee, and through Steve, PW was introduced to Christ. 

 

During the time that PW spent with Steve in Young Life in the mid 1980s, his faith grew, and at the same time, he had his first opportunity to play guitar for his Young Life chapter. It was the combination of the faith that Steve helped PW develop, and his raw musical talent that later led PW to Christian service through music ministry.   

 

When Steve died in 1994, PW began writing music, and his first song entitled “A Letter To A Friend” was about his relationship with Steve. PW’s first CD, entitled Leaving Storyville, released in 2003, was inspired by Steve’s impact on his life. He’s been touring as a singer/songwriter since its release. What is most notable about PW is his amazingly strong voice and his passion for ministry.    PW’s voice reminds me of vocalists like Mac Powell of Third Day and Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish.

 

Musicians who appear on his 2006 CD, Connor and the Blackbird include Aaron Sands (Jars of Clay) and Andrew Osenga (Caedmon’s Call). My favorite song from this CD is “The Way You Live”, which is about the realness of God.

 

A person can never know the impact that a relationship with a Christian mentor like Steve Bee can have on their life, or the direction in which it will take them. PW couldn’t see where he was being led when he first met Steve, but through his music he shares the lesson that Steve taught him, “You were created for greatness, but you will never realize that potential until you come in contact with the One who made you.”