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Once upon a time, I decided to learn how to 

play the drums. I was surrounded by support 

and help from many people around me, which 

has contributed to where I am as a musician 

today. The biggest contributor was my Grand 

father and youth pastor at the time who gave 

me a regular drumming position playing in the 

youth band at church.  

This experience gave me many valuable 

resources, as well as new musically inclined 

friends and connections. But, after five years 

of being in the same position, I felt as if had 

reached a plateau in my musical ability. I 

needed a major, not only there, but in other 

aspects of my life. I was sick of the same 

routine.

Though I desperately needed a change, I faced 

a huge obstacle: the sense of betrayal to 

everyone who had given me opportunities and 

contributed to my skills along the way because 

it would mean that I would have to resign my 

position and basically turn my back on 

everyone, especially my grand father who I 

was very close to and who had invested the 

most of anyone. I was very afraid to hurt him.

Nevertheless, I sought out a change in scenery 

and when the the opportunity to move to 

12Stone came up, I was very excited but 

nervous and afraid at the same time. Nervous 

and afraid to hurt the people I cared about. 

After much consideration and prayer, I arrived 

at the decision to follow my heart and move 

somewhere that I could thrive and grow. 

Though I was scared, I knew it was the most 

beneficial option.

I waited until the Sunday that I was supposed 

to meet my new mentor to inform everyone of 

my decision. First was my grand father. I've 

never been so nervous in life. I pulled him to 

the side as soon as I walked in the church and 

told him that I was resigning from my position 

and that it would be my last Sunday at his 

church, where I had been my entire life. As 

tears filled his eyes, he gave me words of 

wisdom, encouragement, and love, which were 

reassuring and comforting. It hurt me to know 

that I had hurt him, but we both knew that it 

was for the best.

After informing my youth pastor of my 

decision, which was much less stressful, I 

prepared to play one last time and inform my 

friends of my future absence. Though it was 

sad to say good bye, they were all 

understanding and supportive, which made me 

feel better and resulted in the most fun playing 

with my band as I ever had in the 5 years that 

I had played with them.

The end of service came quickly and to avoid 

becoming emotional, I swiftly left and made 

my way to my new home at 12Stone. I had 

heard good things about it, but I wasn't 

prepared for how great it really was. The 

minute I walked in the door, I fell in love with 

the church. The people were so genuine and 

caring and made me feel right at home, 

especially my new mentor. As service started 

and the worship began, I knew in my heart for 

sure that I had made the right decision.

Since then, I have auditioned and gained a 

position in the youth band. My talent has 

grown exponentially and I am more motivated 

to further my ability than ever before. 

Spiritually, I have grown even more than in my 

drumming. Everything has worked together to 

make me a better person than I was only a 

few months ago, which makes my move to 

12Stone a significant event in my life. 

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