The Chance

I met Dango in January '09 at a youth conference in Green Bay, WI where he was a special speaker for the weekend. It was my 5th year at that conference and I love it, but nothing there has impacted me like Dango's ministry. He talks about the Gospel with Christians and non-Christians as the Christian drummer of a non-Christian band. His mainstream band, Amber Pacific, has a positive message and thus doesn't go out of line with Dango's beliefs, but he is the only follower of Christ in the band. The incredible stories he told that weekend of the trials and triumphs for the Kingdom he has had as the drummer of Amber Pacific will forever remain a great inspiration to me as Christ's disciple. As difficult as it may seem at times to talk to people about Jesus, Dango is living proof that it's never impossible.
Dango's ministry (Dango Empire) revolves around taking chances and relying on God's strength. It pays off. In his interview, he said "I've seen countless people give their lives to the Lord, which is one of the most rewarding things ever." And Christ is truly his strength as he encounters temptation after temptation in the mainstream music world.
He is no stranger to putting his trust solely in God, as when he was in high school, his dreams centered on sports. Those dreams were forced away by a knee disease. Dango bounced right back with feeling a strong call to music ministry. This was not his first encounter with health problems, either. He has experienced several serious health scares throughout his life; some that looked like they would end his drumming, too. But God has always come through and continues to provide amazing opportunities for Dango to minister.
Dango emphasized in the interview that it is always possible for you, whoever you may be, to make a difference in the world, when you let Christ work through you. "Dream big because nothing is too hard for God."
Thanks for the inspiration, Dango!

Next- Hawk Nelson!