ACTofGraceRadio.net – Mike Roberts
Ministry Department of Artists in Christian Testimony Intl since 2005

From the earliest of memories I recall that I was considered “weird.” Nobody knew what exactly to make of me, especially my parents. I just didn’t fit in. I have to give my mom credit, though, she tried her best to facilitate a child I’m sure, to this day, she still doesn’t fully understand.

I remember my initial “giftedness” was expressed very early when, as a kid, I would lock myself in the bathroom and begin making up stories and characters in my head and acting them out – out loud. Each character had to have a particular voice, opinion, and a manner of expressing themselves. Many times I’d sit on the toilet talking to myself for so long that my legs would fall asleep and I’d cry out for help to anyone who could figure out a way into the locked bathroom to rescue me. That is kinda weird, isn’t it?

I was a late bloomer even in faith to Jesus Christ. God bless all the people who shared the gospel with me during a turbulent period as a teenager. Needless to say, I was the classic class clown.

It was in College where it seems God chose to reveal Himself to me. After adopting a philosophical position of atheism, I “oddly” became friends with a Christian. It amazed me that this person actually believed all that nonsense. Amid a minor crisis, I thought I’d better find out what this atheist was railing against, and my friend gave me a Bible to read – just gave it to me. They suggested I start with the Gospel of John, showed me where to find it, and that night, alone in my dorm room, I met Christ.

So now this “born-again weirdo” over the last thirty-five or so years has seen the good, bad and ugly of professional show business, and Christian ministry for that matter. I’ve been an associate pastor at three churches and on the mission field in Quito, Ecuador with HCJB. I’ve worked with Youth for Christ, Back to the Bible Broadcast, and Family Life Network. Apart from that, I’ve been in three movies, earned a sub-par living in TV and radio, and performed, written and produced many, many, many - many stage productions. Plus I was a circus ringmaster for eight years.

Then the Lord began to redirect my gifts and deepest desires in a new direction – I was asked to write and perform a script about the Apostle Peter for a Christian men’s retreat in California. Reluctantly, I was persuaded. From there came an opportunity to perform the presentation here, and there and this other place. Not very long after that I’m introduced to Artists in Christian Testimony Intl and this broken down old dog with one last trick up his sleeve submits to what appears to be a true God-thing and now he’s a missionary again.

But wait, there’s more. A while back I overhear a conversation about Internet radio. Honestly I think nothing of it until God starts telling me, “You should do this.” Huh? It must cost a fortune! God then, not so gently, reminded me that I could be proud of all the things “I” did, now would “I” like to see what “He” could do? Nine months later the end product is ActofGraceRadio.net. Despite every conceivable challenge I could imagine, God has indeed blessed the vision He kept telling me would come to fruition. All the components finally aligned and at 10:32:37p.m.(PDT) on August 31, 2006 the first streaming broadcast of “@ the Rock Shop” went out over the worldwide web.

That “weird” kid is back in a little room talking to himself again. It is pretty amazing what the Lord can do if we are just willing to follow His direction.