Mark Weber quizzed award winning Spanish language artist JOHNNY JUAREZ about his move to English language music

Mark: You moved from Canada to the States. What's different about living in the States?

Johnny: 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 grew up in Canada but I am even 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.

Mark: Tell me about your Central American roots.

Johnny: 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.

Mark: What would you tell someone who is hurting, depressed and/or feels like giving up?

Johnny: 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 realise that the bigger the obstacles in life, the greater your blessing is. Surround 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.

Mark: What are some of your future goals?

Johnny: 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.

Mark: What advice would you give to young aspiring music artists who want to do what you do?

Johnny: 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 persevering even when things don't go your way.