a resurrection story
by lindsay williams
There can be no life apart from death . At least that ’ s what singer / songwriter Daniel Bashta believes . He ’ s experienced both throughout his story thus far . Yet , in the middle of what felt like the darkest season , the light of God ’ s merciful resurrection showed up , changing everything . Over the course of close to a decade , Bashta has been on a journey of self-discovery , attempting to discern where he — with all his God-given strengths — belongs . Now , he ’ s finally found a home at a quietly rebellious church in Atlanta , Ga ., and he ’ s ready to share the spirit of his beloved community with the world on his latest live album , My Resurrection ( GoForth Sounds ).
The son of missionaries , Bashta — best known for writing “ God ’ s Not Dead ( Like a Lion )”— grew up all over the globe , living in Russia , China and Amsterdam . While studying in London , he fell in love with worship after meeting Matt Redman and Tim Hughes . And that set in motion a career in ministry , helping to plant churches and lead worship all over the U . S . Throughout the years , his original songs have been recorded by Newsboys , Third Day , David Crowder , Passion Band , Jesus Culture and Bethel Music . But in the early 2000s , a pastor questioned his calling , telling Bashta he didn ’ t fit into the traditional worship mold — his personality too brash ; his songs too creative .
They were all lies from the enemy , but nonetheless , they took root in Bashta ’ s head and heart . “ I remember when he said that , I just felt like this curse , this dark cloud , came over my life ,” he admits . “ I think for a season , I tried everything to fit in . The more I tried to fit in , the more I lost myself and the further I strayed from who God made me to be .”
28 PAGE | ICONIC MAGAZINE