Artist Review - Christian Music

Praise Report Radio Online got a chance to talk with the band City Of Refuge.  This godly trio not only has a handle on their music, they have a handle on their faith.

KPRR: How do you categorize your music?

COR: We like to think of ourselves as Acoustic / Rock.

KPRR: Who are the band members?

COR:

Randy Guikema (Guy-keh-mah) - songwriter / vocals / guitars

Ryan Guikema - vocals / bass / guitars

Dustin Duke - guitars

We've also had the privilege of playing with Kyle Montgomery on drums & percussion this fall.

KPRR: In what ways has God blessed you through music?

COR:

Dustin - Many ways, but probably the best has been the fellowship with the guys in the band, Randy, Ryan and Kyle as well as the many different people that we've played with over the last year.

Randy - Honestly, one of the greatest things I will never get over is when people actually sing our songs with us. It's inspiring and a blessing to see people encouraged by the music and lyrics.  Hopefully we've expressed something that will increase their desire to live their life for God.

KPRR: Why did you chose "Who You Are" as the title of your album?

COR:

Ryan - It's a great song.  In a world that is constantly focused on self and self-promotion we want to promote God and His Love for mankind, and tell people of how He showed that love to us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.  This song talks about how, although the world can shake you up or get you down, we can run to Jesus Christ taking refuge in who He is, finding comfort in His presence.  The album talks a lot about our desire to see more of Christ and less of ourselves and we just want everything we do to be about Him and who He is.

KPRR: Have you been able to see God working during your concerts? If so, how?

COR:

Ryan - Of course the only way we see anything immediately is when people respond - by clapping, singing, raising their hands, and sometimes even the bowing of their heads.  We have been privileged to be a part of a lot of great ministries where we've seen people come to know Christ and accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior.  That truly is the greatest "result" anyone could ever ask for in ministry.

KPRR: What do each of you want to see in the future for City of Refuge?

COR:

Ryan - Wow, tuff question. Guys?

Randy - As a songwriter I would love to keep sharing what God has done and IS Doing in our lives. Whether on a national or a local level, God has His purpose and timing for everything. The future of COR rests in God's hand and we just have to be willing to be moved as He directs.

Dustin -Development of personal skills (music) and individual spiritual
growth (mind and soul) combined with closer personal relationships that result in a team able to achieve all of our goals, whatever the Lord directs them to be.

Ryan - Exactly!  *laughs*

KPRR: Where can people get a hold of you and/or your music?

COR: We have some music up for free download at www.purevolume.com, including the
song "You Found Me." If you're in the Houston area you can find our CD in most Family Christian Stores, of just check us out on the web at www.cityofrefugemusic.com for all of our information.

KPRR: "COR", thanks for taking the time to talk with us and share your thoughts about Jesus.  We pray that God continues to bless you so that you can continue to bless others, for Him.