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10 Questions with ... Bryan & Katie Torwalt
August 8, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Discography:
- 2011 Here On Earth
- 2013 Kingdom Come
- 2015 Bryan & Katie Torwalt
- 2016 Champion
1. Introduction/Synopsis
Katie: I was born in northern California in 1988. Both my parents were pastors in the bay area but I grew up in the central valley and was homeschooled.
Bryan: I was born in Red Deer, AB, Canada, so I grew up freezing 9 months out of the year. I loved sports, all sports, and still do. I just don't play them as often as I used to growing up. I worked way to many jobs to write out here, but everything from coffee shops to an assembly line factory building RV's.
We currently live in Sacramento, CA, and are part of the Jesus Culture Sacramento Church that was planted here 2 years ago.
2. What does a normal day at home look like for you?
Well, we love our coffee so we usually start there. Everyday at home looks very different since we don't have 9-5 jobs. I like to try out new recipes and spend lots of time with our family when we are in town. We also two dogs and are slightly obsessed with them.
3. What's the song that you just can't get out of your head right now?
"Touching Heaven" by Jonnyswim. It's on their new record that comes out this fall, and it will make you weep with tears of Joy.
4. How much do you travel, what are the challenges? How do you juggle life on the road with wanting to be home?
Travel looks different every year. We learned a new rhythm over the years, but definitely are still learning about balancing our priorities and boundaries as more and more opportunities come. This year has been about asking Jesus for more grace and vision for every tour and trip. We never want to be leading like we are just at another event, but instead seeing from a higher perspective and being thankful we get to play a small part.
5. What Artist or Pastor has had the greatest impact on you?
One of the Pastor's that has had a huge impact on us is Pastor Bill Johnson from Bethel Church in Redding California. His hunger for God is incredibly inspiring, and his wisdom and ability to communicate the word of God is truly incredible. An artist that has had a great impact on us is Matt Redman. We've sung his songs for years, but getting to know him over the last couple years has shown us what an amazing man he is. Such a heart for God, the church and family.
6. What's the last book you read?
A book that I'm reading right now is by the same pastor who has inspired us, "Defining Moments" by Bill Johnson. This book is a compilation of stories of people in history that have greatly impacted the church and society. It's really inspiring to read these stories, makes us want to encounter God more and more.
7. Funniest or most embarrassing moment on the road?
A couple tours ago I was unfortunately really sick with strep so me and Bryan were drinking tons of water every night before the events. The nights were really long (close to two hours onstage), so during one of the last songs I just couldn't take it anymore and mouthed to Bryan I had to step out for a quick bathroom break. What I didn't know was Bryan had to go for over an hour himself! When I came back to stage minutes later he took off halfway through a song seconds before he peed his pants. Everyone was pretty chill about it, but we definitely didn't pull it off as part of the planned night.
8. Tell us about your latest project.
"Champion" the song came from a difficult time for me. It was a season of crying out for strength and healing in my own life. Fear and anxiety crept in and sadly became a daily struggle.
The first lyric. "O victory you have won " came during some quiet time with the Lord as a prophetic declaration and the rest of the song formed from there. The lyrics poured out as Jesus gave me the words I needed to realize the battle I was fighting was never my own. That He would fight for me and I could rest.
Originally I sang the song for me but, as time has gone on I see from a different perspective. The world needs hope. We pray these songs paint the picture of the victory we have through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Our savior, Redeemer and Champion.
9. What organization/service group are you affiliated with?
There are so many organizations that we've gotten to see or partner with over the last few year and they all are incredible. Two that we really love are Hope For Justice, which is an organization that rescues victims of human trafficking and works to restore them back into society. www.hopeforjustice.org
Also, Justice Rising, an organization that works in war torn countries building schools and focusing on education where children are at risk of being abducted and turned into child soldiers. www.justicerising.org
10. Person you'd most like to have a discussion with, living or dead.....Deities are excused from this question
The Apostle Paul, Martin Luther King Jr., and Bono
Bonus Questions
Favorite Bible Verse....life verse?
The Lords Prayer in Matthew 6 is something we go back to again and again, That His Kingdom would come "On earth, as in Heaven".
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