Shari Frink & The Mission

I was born in Newark, N.Y., (Yep, not New Jersey….New York!) a small upstate town in the Finger Lakes area.   I was fortunate enough to be the first born to a young couple who were strong and faithful Christians.  

In addition to being Christian, they were both musicians!  My dad played trumpet and bugle and played in a local Drum and Bugle Corp.  My mom enjoyed playing piano and organ.  Music and faith were just a part of my upbringing.  

My parents asked me at a young age what I wanted to be when I grew up and I let them know that I had it narrowed down to two options….. either an astronaut OR a minister.   My dad remarked that he would really love to have a drummer in the family!  (Not sure his idea of a drummer and my idea of a drummer were the same), The seed had been planted and I had a dream!!  

I joined the school band in the 4th grade and played in concert band, stage band and marching band throughout my grade school and high school years.   Right about 6th grade I was introduced the the drum set ….. and just like that….. another dream was created! 

Through these passing years I was regularly attending church, Sunday school and Youth Group.  I truly enjoyed Bible stories, worshiping and learning about our Loving GOD. However, the enjoyment of playing drums was starting to take precedence.  

At age 17 I placed an ad in a local paper looking to find some local musicians to connect with.  The ad was answered fairly quickly and the journey began.  I played steadily in a number of local successful cover bands in the Upstate area.  I met a lot of great musicians and had some great times, great stories amazing memories, however it also lead to a place of poor choices and an opportunity to fall prey to temptations which eventually lead to a distancing between GOD and I for quite a few years. I remember coming home one early morning after a show and feeling excited about how well the gig had gone although at the same time feeling this emptiness …almost guilt like…… I could feel GOD trying to get my attention. 

At this point in time I was married and we were expecting the birth of my first daughter and decided it was time to let some things go and start to work on getting a closer relationship with GOD. As time went on I would eventually become the proud father of three beautiful daughters; Chloe, Rhiannon, Aleah and would raise two incredible step sons, Cameron and Brandon.  These 5 individuals have been an incredible blessing on my life. 

Our family spent some time searching out churches in the area and we landed at First United Methodist Church in our home town.  I decided to get involved with my church and joined the Trustees, served as an aid with sound system, became a Lay member and had the honor becoming co-director of Children’s and Youth ministry with my wife at that time.  We held the directors position for 3 or 4 years and I also taught Senior High Sunday school and we led the Youth Group.  

Through this time I continued to play in various cover bands, mostly 80’s covers…what better era for music!!  I was really enjoying life as I was active in my church and playing clubs and shows on the weekends…. Then I started thinking………what if I could combine the two!   And again, another journey started!  However  it would take years of failed attempts at trying to find musicians interested in Christian Contemporary music or Christian bands looking for a drummer. 

What it took was a relocation to the sunny state of Florida before this would happen.  The move to Florida brought on some more drastic life changes.  A struggle to support a family while trying to get everything in order to apply to be a licensed contractor and unfortunately another amicable divorce. However there were to be bright sides to the move as well.  I completed the task of becoming a Florida State Licensed Contractor, once again auditioned for a local band and began performing AND met a beautiful, understanding, supportive and GOD loving woman, Carolyn who has brought joy to my life when she said yes!!   Now everything seemed to be coming together, except I was still not-so-patiently waiting to see how this meld of drumming and church was ever going to happen. 

 While working my contractor business I ran into this tile guy named Jimmy Bonito!  Long story short, he invited me to come to a Praise Band rehearsal and meet the worship leader , Amy (who by the way has become a dear friend) at a local Methodist Church as they were in need of a drummer!  Well that was the start of me having the privilege of serving and playing for my loving Creator.  Amazingly enough Jimmy was involved with this group of Christians who write their own christian originals.  I sat in with group for a local gig and got the pleasure of meeting them all.  The most humble, fun, talented and faithful group of musicians I have ever met.  You could just feel their connection with GOD!  However they were all set in the drumming dept. as they had a more than capable drummer, Fernando. Fernando is a solid and talented drummer with a personality you just have to love. So I enjoyed the little time I had with the group and we went our separate ways.  

It was some time later that I was notified that Fernando had decided to relocate and there was a position open!!!  

I thank GOD every morning for the opportunity to collaborate, play, pray and serve our loving Father GOD with this incredibly talented and GOD loving group! Thank you JESUS!