With life’s daily pressures it is frequently difficult to keep priorities in order and even more difficult to stay encouraged. Thankfully though, God’s gift of grace and encouragement through music is one that can transcend even the most despaired.

In 2001, after writing 100’s of songs and performing all throughout New York, Paul Ammendola decided to release a much anticipated self-produced pop/rock CD of original music called “Let the Wind Dance.” As an accomplished singer, songwriter, piano player, performer and producer, he quickly received local indie traction and moderate nationwide success. His CD was eventually entered into the Grammy nomination process, but did not win a nomination to the famed prize. At this point in his career after receiving the accolades of peers, fellow musicians and critical acclaim, there was still a deep empty void in him that could not be filled by success and music no matter how hard he tried. That is until September 2002, when the Lord began to move dramatically in his heart, calling out to him in dark and desperate times. Thankfully, in 2003 Paul answered that call and made the decision to give his life and talents over to Jesus Christ and for the last 9 years has been seeking God’s voice to guide him in using his talents to further God’s kingdom.

Paul’s approach to worship and music is both heartfelt and inspirational and has blessed the congregation at his local Church, The Cathedral Church of the Intercessor, where he serves as one of the worship leaders. Several of Paul’s original songs are played regularly at the services. Over these last nine years he has managed to balance faith, family, ministry, music and counseling. “As a worship leader, I have been able to intimately minister through music to those struggling with every obstacle imaginable.”

Paul is also a featured soloist with the Church of the Intercessor Choir. Paul’s song “I Am With You” was on the choir’s last recording “Treasure In Heaven” and has received both national and international airplay with high acclaim. With the choir, Paul has had the opportunity to sing before large crowds at various venues including The Theater at Westbury, Jones Beach and Citifield.

Crave (a praise and worship service at his local church), is another vehicle in which Ammendola is able to reach and encourage the least, lost and lonely through contemporary, upbeat and intimate worship, offering hope, joy and inspiration to believers, new believers and seekers.

Whether it’s a difficult situation shared with Paul by a person in recovery or the formerly incarcerated at Bridges of New York where he has worked since 2003 as Program Director and Counselor or a difficult situation shared by a friend in a challenged marriage or battle with depression; Paul asserts, “It’s all about staying focused on Jesus, you bring your pain and blessings with you along the road, daily exposing the darkness and lies to the light and the truth. I find great joy in seeing people finally grasp the truth and being set free.”

Grateful that God has used his music through the various ministries in which he serves, Paul continues to share God's good message of grace and encouragement through music. "I was moved while leading worship at a recent Men’s Discipleship Boot Camp (A men’s ministry in New York). We were singing “Amazing Grace” and before me were a thousand men, hands lifted in praise and crying out to God in desperation. Before then I had never understood fully why God would use me, but in that moment, I suddenly realized that God has the power to use even a piece of broken glass like me to shine His glorious light to the world.”

een