Rodrigo Rodriguez gave students an unforgettable worship experience recently when he performed at North Greenville University.
Rodrigo RodriguezRodriguez is a classical guitarist originally from the Andes of South America. He grew up in a musical family – both his dad and uncle were guitarists. Instead of encouraging Rodrigo to play, his father discouraged it, saying guitarists were “flaky and broke.” He even went as far as hiding his guitar from young Rodrigo.
Despite his father’s discouragement, Rodrigo took out the guitar when nobody was around and taught himself chords. Eventually, his music took off. Since the age of 15, he has been traveling worldwide playing his music.
His original purpose in being a classical guitarist was to be rich and famous, but since finding God his music has taken on a whole different meaning.
“The main goal of my music is to share that the human being, without a relationship with the Lord, is meaningless,” Rodriguez said.
He is in the ministry full-time and makes frequent trips to other countries to share his music and his testimony.
During his performance, he played worship favorites “Here I Am to Worship,” “Shout to the Lord,” and “Lord I Lift Your Name on High.” In addition to these, Rodriguez played his personal favorite, “Via Dolorosa.” Before performing it, he told the audience that the song has a new meaning every time he plays it. “God’s grace in my life is new every day,” he said.
Even though none of his songs included words, his music was heartfelt; it had an intensity for God that was palpable.
“Rodrigo somehow channeled God on a level that everyone should experience,” said Will Driskill, an NGU student from Easley.
“I came here thinking it was going to be a showy performance. Although it was virtuosic, it was an incredible worship experience,” said Seth Anderson, a student from Laurinburg, N.C.
Rodrigo Rodriguez brought not only fabulous finger work to NGU, he also brought a time of heartfelt worship and communion. Perhaps the most memorable part of the evening was when he shared something that we all needed to be reminded of.
“God isn’t looking for a classical guitarist or a guy with a heavy accent; he’s looking for anyone,” he said.