Johnny Juarez is a recording artist from Toronto who currently lives with his wife and kids in suburban Buffalo. He travels the world singing for appreciative audiences, as well as ministering in both English and Spanish. Because he has a new CD out, "Here I Go," and is performing at venues across our region, BuffaloChristian.com recently interviewed Johnny Juarez, who described himself as someone who writes songs that inspire, motivating people to believe in achieving their dreams through the power and authority found in Jesus Christ.
Q) You've already sang for Spanish-language audiences all over the world, so why are you interested in an English-language career these days?
A) Growing up in Toronto, Canada, God allowed me to be part of a multi-cultural community. I believe that God is allowing me to be able to be part of a new generation that is global. Singing in Spanish the past few years has been a blast because it is my roots, and I have been able to travel a lot throughout the urban cities in the U.S.A., Canada, Latin America and Spain--however the global language is English and I believe that I have been called to the nations. I have seen a great response with this as I am able to connect and share with Spanish language or English language audiences, and the fusion of both as well. My music now is played on radio stations from coast to coast and even places like South Africa and the U.K. I think that it would be selfish of me to limit my message and music just to one particular group of people as the great commission tells us it's about taking it to the whole world.
Q) Tell me about how God amazed and sustained you thru your toughest time(s)?
A) God amazes me daily! In ministry there is a lot of work to do and areas that demand a lot of focus and dedication. It can be very overwhelming at times but the good news is that God always pulls through. In many points in life, we are so close to the places where God wants to take us, but we sometimes give up when we are only a step away. There have been many of those moments in my life, moments when I think that there is only one way of how God will answer my prayer, but I then remember that he is very creative. There have been moments where I have questioned myself if I am doing my best or if I am even capable of trusting in Him. These moments sometimes last hours or days but eventually I am reminded that He is faithful to His Word, and if He said it then my eyes will see it and I believe it. But several years ago I began a journey that was one of these moments.
My wife and I fell in love and got married in our late teens. We both were crazy for Jesus and for each other. We had made plans, what we were going to major in, what type of house we wanted, what city and how many kids we were going to have. Everything was planned, but little did I know that a detour was about to begin. You see, Vanessa came to Canada back in the 80's when several civil wars had torn many countries in Central America. Her family emigrated to Canada with a tourist visa and decided to stay, work and raise their kids in Canada. The thing was, though, because they had little command of the English language, and limited resources, they filed for their Canadian immigration papers and their case was rejected. They appealed several times, but every time was a negative response.
My wife Vanessa spent most of her pre-teen and teen years growing up in Canada and then we got married. As we are trying to sort out how to get her status adjusted, by me sponsoring her, they break the news to us that she is to be deported immediately and sent back to Central America. It was very sad to see her being taken away from me, especially knowing that she had no immediate family back home and she had not been their since she was 10. I decide to go with her, and apply for the papers outside of Canada, thinking that in a month's time she would be back in Canada with me. That one month turned into 8 months, only to receive the bad news that our application had been rejected. We applied for our American papers, and those got to us in 6 months. We move to the USA. As we lived there, we realized how much we missed our families, our church and the ministry I was involved with musically. We came back to Canada and decide to apply once again, thinking that by having American papers it would expedite things and also that my wife had just given birth to our first child Janessa. After about a year and a half, we got another notice saying no. She was to leave immediately and go back to Central America.
Emotions of anger, sadness, and frustration hit me. It was like we would keep on running against a huge wall. So we go back to Central America, and while we are there, God starts giving me new songs, and we decide to give it one last shot. However this time I was advised to stay in Canada working and she and my daughter had to stay in Central America. We did this and months passed, then a year, then more months, and I start to crack. I never imagined that this moment would last so long, but this is the best part, because God begins to pour on me a new anointing in my songwriting. It was in this moment that I begin to write with tears in my eyes the song "YOU ARE THERE." With the lyrics in the chorus saying …"You are almost there.. you are nothing but a step away…and how there is no mountain too high that I can't climb." Then I felt lead to read the story of Elijah in the desert and how God's angel instructs him to go to the mountain. So I too climbed that mountain. I remember that day I got the call from Vanessa as I was going to sing in Toronto…" Baby we got the papers." I had to pull over my car and just thank the Lord.
This "moment" took six long years. I realized that it was only an excuse for the greater purpose God had for me. It was because of this hardship that I matured more in my walk with Jesus. ,Soon after my family reunited and I am led by the Spirit to take a leap of faith and go into music ministry full time. With my family by my side I have sang in many countries, in Latin and North America, even Spain. Sometimes these moments of hardship can be long, but it only means that the blessing is greater. I have come to realize that as the Bible says we go from one glory to the next, in the end it all works out for God's people.
Q) When listeners hear your new CD, "Here I Go," what can they expect?
A) Here I Go was written on a plane going down to Central America. I was so nervous and started to doubt myself, as I was going to sing on TBN Enlace for their 12 day telethon on live television broadcast to about 56 countries. The song is about walking in faith, about being more than a conqueror in Christ. I have always seen myself as a trailblazer, making new paths, breaking the ice whether it be socially, culturally and/or spiritually. We might face obstacles, giants or mountains along the way to our destiny, but they should not be seen as drawbacks-- instead they are platforms to discover the greatness of God's love. When you walk in the name of the Almighty you will break the hurdles down before they can break you.
Q) Tell me about the concept of "FaithWord" you often use?
A) Faithword simply means that the message, lyrics and content of my songs are uplifiting, motivational and inspire people to see beyond their current situation because God gives us His Word that we have His protection, direction, and support to accomplish any dream in His name. The songs encourage listeners to unlock the thousands of promises God has for us in His Word and that everything that happens in our lives is just a small piece of a great big puzzle, which represents our individual purpose in this world.
Q) What's something you struggle with that God helps you thru?
A) I think one of the biggest struggles I have is that I find myself wanting to do so much and expecting it to get done in a certain timeframe. I have learned that the greatest things in life take time and that patience is key to long term success. For some reason this year I have the desire to go fishing. It is so weird because I have never cared for it before. The only time I fished was when I was about 5-years-old, and it was in some pond in Toronto (not the best fish). In sharing this with a Pastor, he told me that fishing is a sport for patient people. Sometimes you get fish and other times it's just not going to happen. I felt at that moment that maybe this is the reason I feel I must do it. Even though I have gone through so many times in my life where I have had to be patient, I think God wants me to rest in Him even more. I will fish this summer and I know I will learn something new.
Q) As a singer, who are some of your influences and why?
A) I have such a diverse source of influences. Growing up (5-13) I was obsessed with the oldies rock from the 50's and 60's. I liked it because the songs were so catchy and honest. Plus I would imagine how it would have been growing up in that era. In my teenage years I discovered music from Latin America particularly Salsa-- very interesting. The reason is because it is so musically and rhythmically rich and creative. I bought books and self taught myself the different styles within this genre. Recently I have found that I am more about the lyrics and piano (which is the instrument I play). For example I am a huge fan of Billy Joel, Bryan Adams, and Nickelback because I can relate to the energy in their songwriting and Christian-wise I really enjoy Casting Crowns, Big Daddy Weave and downhere because the lyrics are powerful and anointed. In terms of my songwriting, they all come from the Holy Spirit and from my experiences in my walk with Christ.
Q) You moved from Canada to the States. What's different about living in the States?
A) Well first let me say what is similar: Tim Horton's and Swiss Chalet! The main differences that stood out as soon as I moved here was that it is a very segregated country whereas in Canada everyone lives mixed in together. The other major differences were things like the healthcare system (which literally took me about five months to understand) and the cost of living (Southern Ontario is a very expensive area whereas in Western New York everything is very affordable.) I believe that the greater Buffalo area is in a very strategic position to impact North America. I have to say that I am happy I grow up in Canada but I am even more happier I now live here in Hamburg (suburban Buffalo). This is where I bought my first home, where my girls are growing up, and where my ministry is exploding more than ever before. I love the people of my community, my church, and the natural beauty of this area. What is even more interesting is that in Toronto I rarely would get inspired to write songs--over here God sends them to me all the time.
Q) Tell me about your Central American roots.
A) My father is from Guatemala and my mom is from Costa Rica. They live in Canada with my family. I have never been to Guatemala but I am looking forward to it some day. However I have been to Costa Rica several times and even spent six months down there at one point. I think it was awesome to be able to live there and learn more about the country and my family. It's a completely different culture that what I am used to, but definitely a rich one.
Q) What would you tell someone who is hurting, depressed and/or feels like giving up?
A) I would tell them that hurt, depression, and feeling like giving up are normal things that we all go through in life. I would encourage you to seek God in prayer, read the Word and surround yourself with people who encourage you to do great things. It is important that you seek what is God's purpose for your life; this can be done by just observing what you are good at naturally and pursuing it. Read things that will encourage you to dream big and think positive. There is a saying "aim for the stars and you will hit the moon"-- always look forward to the great things God has in store for you and learn to realize that the bigger the obstacles in life, the greater your blessing is. Sourround yourself with people who believe and act on the same things you have been called to do. You will find motivation in them and God speaking to you through them. There can be no room or time for negativity because every second we have in life is extremely valuable. Never give up because you might find that you are only a step away from arriving to the new heights God wants to take you. If you find yourself going around in circles, do something new out of your comfort zone and keep going.
Q) What do you think of Jesus?
A) I think Jesus is awesome. He is my faithful friend, my refuge, my inspiration, my creator and my God. He is the original and only person that truly demonstrates that everything is possible when you have faith and walk in God's name. He calmed the storm and seas, raised the dead, healed the sick, and gave it all for my sins. He is my savior and King.
Q) What song on "Here I Go" best represents Johnny Juarez and why?
A) I would have to say "Here I Go," because it talks about driving in my car, flying on a plane, going to new places not knowing what will happen, but knowing that everything is going to be fine because I walk in the name of Christ.
Q) What are some of your future goals?
A) I want to continue writing songs that impact and change lives. I have always wanted my music to make it into movies because I believe that motion pictures are able to go really far and it will allow the message to reach more souls. I want to be able to sing in different countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. The dream I have always had is to own a Tour Bus and travel with my band and family all over the USA and Canada more extensively.
Q) What advice would you give to young aspiring music artists who want to do what you do?
A) God has called you and He will back you up. Constantly seek Him and His anointing because without it our music is just an art but, with it, it is a powerful weapon for the Kingdom. Never ever give up, God won't allow you to, but make it easy on Him and know that this calling you have is not an emotional one but a decisional one-- decide to keep on perservering even when things don't go your way.
Q) Anything else you'd like to share with readers?
A) I would like to thank you for taking the time to read this interview. I would like to declare that to you that something great is coming to your life and that all you have to do is listen to God. I know that life hits us hard sometimes but it is those challenges that God uses to make us mature in our walk with Him.
Visit www.hereigo.org to hear music samples from Johnny Juarez.
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