I grew up in a Greek Orthodox home (no way to explain it other than extremely strict), not knowing who God was my entire life. I was always sad growing up, and then at the age of 14 I tried to end my life. A week later, I was invited to a youth group and that night Jesus said “Welcome home. I love you.” and ever since then I’ve been on this amazing journey with Him.
Jesus has given me a voice — to sing — and I realized that this gift was from Him, five and a half years ago. So now, being 19, God has been giving me great opportunities throughout these 6 years. I was able to lead worship at one of my old church’s youth group for almost a year, I was able to lead worship at some young adult groups that I’ve been to, and now that I am here at YWAM (Youth With A Mission) in Kansas City, God is giving me opportunities to lead worship for my school!
What I’m doing here at YWAM is missionary training. I am preparing for a two and a half month trip to The Himalayas in September…which includes biblical training, spiritual discipline, major one on one time with the Lord, etc. I have been in Kansas City for 2 months already, and in order to complete the program I am in need of funds. My current goal is $4,000.00 to pay off the rest of my fees. If any of you are interested in partnering with me in this mission that the Lord has blessed me with, I would really encourage you to message me one on one so I can tell you more of what I’m doing!
“Hi my name is Ryan Ofei, I am a 22 year old Carleton student who loves God”
One of my earliest childhood memories involves me at age 6 in Ghana, West Africa. I grew up watching preachers and worship concerts….a little different right? At that age I could remember a burning desire leading me to sing. It was as if it was coming out of me and I was being suppressed. I was telling my mother, “mommy I want to sing”. Her reply was an irritated no, but after much persistence she gave in and she was so astonished that I was good, that she invited all her friends in the neighbourhood to come hear me.
From that time on I kept singing at churches but my passion and encounter with the things of God were at an all time low. At 18 I moved from The GTA to Ottawa and began school at Carleton University. On my 19th birthday I escaped an accident that almost took my life. After this event I couldn’t help but praise God and realize how close He was to me, even when I running away. I began to get more involved and find out who this God, really was to me. At age 20, my best friend and Pastor, Kofi Dartey accepted God’s call to start a ministry on our campus called Campus Rush. I remember him sitting down with me in my meadowlands summer home that I was subletting at the time. He said, “I want you to lead the worship team”. I almost laughed, but then I saw he was serious. He went on to say it won’t be easy and we may loose friends along the way. I told him that I was in 100% as my spirit locked with the vision immediately.
I released an acoustic EP named Kairos Moment on my 20th birthday. The Campus Rush Music collective consists of worship leaders who are passionate about witnessing this generation on fire for God. I have had the privilege of leading the worship team alongside pastor Sewa Ayoola. Our group is now over 20 members and has been together for 2 years and have sparked a revolution on campuses at Carleton University and UOttawa. Campus Rush Music has now held two “discharge” events, which are essentially worship nights held in the enemy’s territory. Whether a club or a school theatre, we are unashamed to declare the name of Jesus. Our unconventional approach and faith has led to many souls being won to the kingdom. Under CRM, I have been privileged with releasing two group albums named Young on Fire (2015) and Secret Place (2016). I thank God everyday for allowing me to find purpose and achieve destiny.
In this short time span, I can truthfully say God has transformed my life. The passion I carry for singing is now greater than ever before. The revelation of who God is to me is as deep as recognizing Him as the source of my next breath. I have come to an understanding that we are called to live out our worship. We are called to bring Glory to the King in all that we do. I am now understanding the key to a deeper walk is not in getting more of God, but in giving more of ourselves. It is for this reason that I jump as high as I can and sing as loud as I can. My worship is my sacrifice to the Lord. I know sometimes I may look crazy… But hey it got me featured on this blog… Ahaha
2016 has been a great year for me personally. Elohim has really worked many miracles for me, proving himself as Yahweh Yireh. Within the past couple months, I have received provision and favour that I never imagined. I want to return all the Glory to God. He has truly shown me that the tests we face are for our good.
Upcoming!
Things to look forward to for the remainder of 2016 are the “Jesus in the City” concert on June 25th. The team has been called to minister for a set in the heart of downtown Toronto at what is one of Canada’s largest Christian events. As well we are releasing the revival single on the 25th of June. I will be leading worship June 30th to July 3rd at the Young on Fire conference at Campus Rush which will be a powerful time in Gods presence. The last major plan is in the works. I am working on a project entitled songs of deliverance. the expected release date is November 30th. The songs will be in two fold, deliverance from oppressing and dark forces as well as songs of joy and freedom in the exodus.
My name is Arnold Hamisi (aka GiftedVisions) and I am an artist.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 90’s and raised in Winnipeg Manitoba, my life has been quite the journey, filled with ups and downs and many eye opening experiences. I have acquired many skills and found a passion for being passionate.
Though I may be a multifaceted artist who dabbles in music, writing, dance, graffiti and fashion, my main form of expression is through my photography.
I go by the name of GiftedVisions because I believe that my gift is from God!
I attend church and serve faithfully at my second home, Transforming Life Center Ottawa. I remember being in church during a conference and I heard the Holy Spirit tell me to go pick up a camera. Mind you, I knew nothing about cameras but right when I touched it I felt something in me shift and a lightbulb lit up in my head. I had struck gold!
From that day forward I began to grow in the craft of capturing and creating moments and emotions.
Now I run a photography business and I love what I do. One thing I truly believe , is that God will use the skills He has given me to reach out to young people, who are where I used to be; lost in addictions, depressions, the troubles of life, or youth who just feel like there’s more to life than their current situations. I walk in my faith every day of my life because i know that without Jesus Christ and His love for the imperfect person that I am, I would not be alive today.
spokenvisions 