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The Paul Saik Story
 Healing
comes in various ways. In the Bible we read of
Saul, the king who often became depressed and
would call for David to play his harp. (I Sam.16:23
) And when David played, the king was healed of
the "distressing spirit".
There are also times when great happiness and
a new vision is given to the one who plays the
music. That, too, is a type of healing, because
everyone longs to experience the peace that comes
from discovering the purpose for life.
That is the unfolding story of Paul Saik, an outstanding
vocalist, pianist and organist. Several weeks
ago, his music came from the stage of the Stuart
Auditorium at Lake Junaluska. Many ears and hearts
were enriched and blessed. It did not stop there
however, because God's music floats up into the
heavens and gives Him praise.
"Such a talented and nice young man",
one might say. But there is so much more to the
story of Paul Saik.
His love for music was evident when, at age three,
he sat at the piano, poking at the keys for long
periods of time. He was born in Jackson, Miss.,
the youngest son of Charles and Jeanette Saik.
Taking piano lessons through his school years,
it seemed natural to pursue a career in his chosen
field of music.
After studying at Mississippi College and receiving
a graduate degree from Baylor University in Church
Music and Organ, he auditioned for the Des Moines
Metro Opera Co. He was accepted and traveled throughout
the nation with that company for seven years from
his new home in New York City.
It was at that time in 2003 that he received a
request from Glenn Draper of the Junaluska Singers
to be their accompanist for the summer. Since
there was a break in Paul's performance schedule
with the opera company, it was perfect timing
for his summer work with the Junaluska Singers
.
The first night he was in concert, it was evident
that he was also a solo artist. His music was
enhanced by a genuine personality and caring for
his audience. We discovered the rich quality of
his voice and the beauty of the piano and the
organ when he played. It wasn't long before everyone
discovered that God had sent Paul Saik to Lake
Junaluska for a special purpose.
However, we did not hear the full story in 2003
because he was in the midst of some major decisions
about the direction of his life's vocation. But
several weeks ago, while in concert at Stuart
Auditorium in Lake Junaluska, Paul Saik revealed
the "rest of the story".
Last summer he had a definite leading from God
that resulted in his first full year of music
ministry. He moved from New York to Nashville,
Tn.. where he became the recipient of the Brentwood
United Methodist Church Christian Artist Fellowship.
It is from that base, that he travels in concert.
There are now two CD's that are available at Lake
Junaluska and on his web site at www.paulsaik.com.
In the songs of the second CD, "I Choose
Jesus", the lyrics describe Paul's inner
transformation and new direction for his life.
Just as Jesus called the disciples, Paul Saik
has answered that call.
In the words of Psalm138:1. "I will praise
thee with my whole heart...I will sing praise
to thee", we see the evidence of a changed
life - healed for the glory of God..
Lucy Adams The Enterprise Mountaineer Aug. 9,
‘04
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