eLi, CCM singer/songwriter that the industry has dubbed a folk rock troubadour of sorts, comparing his spiritual fervor to the likes of Keith Green & Rich Mullins with the vocal style and strength of Cat Stevens or Mac Powell, hits the road to share His music with a mission. With his first independent project since being a signed artist now under his belt he is taking his music and message beyond the selling of CD's.

While undergoing his certification with the American Association of Christian Counselors, eLi is also working on both a book and teaching series, expanding on his music ministry. eLi's music is a significant tool he has always used to convey a much greater message. He is going into the schools, prisons and homeless shelters when he is out on the road. He is sharing his life experience with drugs and alcohol, homelessness and hopelessness and how God continues to bring wholeness to his life using music as a tool for teaching, worship and ministry.

eLi was born and raised in southern California. His dad left home in eLi's early childhood and he grew up in a blended family with his mother and stepfather who tried their best to instill values that he strongly rebelled against. "I attempted a career as a runaway, became an addict using both alcohol and drugs and looked for validation in everything and everyone but whom I was truly created for." eLi says.

"I know what it is to be hungry and I know what it is like to brush your teeth in a public water fountain. I know what it is like to try and make your bed on the street. I am your brother, your son, the guy next door or the homeless punk on the street you pray your daughter never brings home."

He is Abba's child. Saved, loved, forgiven, and sanctified. He knows there are many who thought He would never make it this far, including himself. "I am in my thirties now. I still laugh at things I shouldn't, shop at thrift stores, and I still want dark chocolate peanut M&M's for breakfast or cherry licorice bits depending on what day it is."

A friend's mother from the church he was attending by the time he was 20 handed him a guitar and suggested that he write and play music. She was so insistent so he accepted the guitar so he took it home and started playing. He wanted to worship God with it. It just came to him. He fell in love with the instrument almost immediately. eLi found that he has a talent for writing and communicating through song.

As eLi says, "In life it takes a lot of manure to grow a beautiful rosebush. God has the ability to transform our lives and purify us through what happens to us everyday and though it is rough at times, it is incredible to feel and notice the change that is taking place in my life. I am a real guy and I struggle like everyone else. It is my hope to always share with you who and what I am, warts and all."