I was once reminded by the man who served as dean in my university's College of the Arts of what I represented to him: "When I think of the Saxophone, I immediately think of Larry Gwozdz."

To be sure, this kind man meant every word as a high compliment and a sign of respect. I would have been arrogant for not accepting his statement with gratitude. Yet I ask, "Is that all I mean to this university? Were I to stop playing and teaching, which will inevitably happen anyway, is the Saxophone the only meaningful association that can be made with my name?"

Perhaps the following words can clear up the issue. Though it would be difficult, if I had to give it up tomorrow, I would leave the saxophone behind. It is not my gatekeeper. If not, then what or who is my gatekeeper? The answer to this question came when I was age 17.

I had grown from a devout Roman Catholic, raised in a somewhat typical Polish-American home in Niagara Falls, NY, into an agnostic "know-it-all". Going to church for me became a ritual, even after making it through the various sacramental privileges (christening, communion, confirmation). I reached a plateau of non-commitment.

By age 17, I had already been playing the saxophone for four years and made it to the first-chair in my band - a really respectable group led by a dynamic director with a spirit to run races. During my last year in band the group took a trip to perform a concert at a major convention in Pittsburgh, which included concerts en route. On our return trip we had a performance in Meadville, PA, which included a hotel stay. After the concert some friends gathered in one room. I stayed behind, but learned about the following circumstances that took place:

The group decided to have a prayer group meeting. My closest friend at the time described it as one that caused several to "glow." She then explained that some of the folks committed their lives to Christ. When she told me about it, I responded: "I'm glad I wasn't there, because that kind of experience was not something for me." She replied with: "That's a shame. I'll pray for you."

Some days later my saxophone teacher was absent from school, as he had to rush his pregnant wife to the hospital for emergency treatment. I immediately feared the worst since they had lost their first child. I told my close friend from band about this, and she suggested that I pray for them when I got home. Her challenge remained with me for the rest of the day.

That night I foolishly challenged and bargained with God. I told him if He was who people claimed He was, then He should preserve this unborn child. Then perhaps I would acknowledge His role and my need for Him. The next day at school we heard that all was well with the mother, and that she would be fine until delivery date. Clearly God intended to find me. The progress report never left me, and my friend reminded me of this. That night in my bedroom before going to sleep, I gave my heart to the Lord Jesus Christ.

This was the beginning of a new life and many searches for truer understanding and a deeper relationship of who God is and what He had in store for my life. I attended a variety of churches and fellowship meetings during my college years as an undergraduate and masters student. It was not an easy walk, by any means. However, one clear point was learned: I was a walking miracle. I was born with the neurological disorder known as spina bifida, which has been known to debilitate lives or end them prematurely. Yet I am able to walk and function as a musician/professor (now).

After completing my masters degree, I was offered a rare opportunity to teach at The University of Georgia as a one-year replacement. This was a landmark year in several ways. Not only did I reap a great benefit from the teaching experience, but a new spiritual foothold was established for me.

During the Easter season, I began to attend the local Assembly of God Church. At the evening Easter Sunday service, God richly blessed my life in a new, unforeseen way. During the prayer request portion of the service, I had submitted my desire for prayer for the physical healing of my body. During the time of prayer, God made His presence so clear that he entered deeply and began to pour out His Spirit that emitted an unknown tongue through prayer. This experience caused a comforting warmth to take over my being. It was quite striking that no one around me was asking God to fill me in this way, yet God permitted me to receive this wonderful blessing as described in several chapters of Acts, Corinthians, and other portions of the New Testament.

To this day God permits me to praise and glorify Him through this means, as well as through my concerts and teaching. To Him I give my career and my life forever and ever.

- Lawrence Gwozdz
  (January 2002)