By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Get on The Ark.

When Brett Rayo was five, he placed a Bible on his classroom desk and, despite teachers’ protests, refused to move it. The simple act of standing his ground became a defining moment, foreshadowing a life spent weaving faith into every creative outlet.

Early Faith Foundations and Musical Beginnings

Rayo grew up attending Catholic services before his family shifted to Baptist churches, experiences he describes as “weird” but formative. By age ten, he recorded his first song, “God’s Everything,” uploading it to Reverb Nation. “My first recording ever of like actually recording my voice in a microphone… was called God’s Everything,” he recalled.

Those early songs were pop‑oriented, garnering up to 250,000 streams, yet Rayo felt they lacked purpose. “They were good music… but there was no value in it,” he said, noting that despite high streaming numbers, the tracks offered little spiritual substance.

A Turning Point: Baptism and Street Preaching

In 2020, Rayo drove 13 hours from Maine to Cleveland to be baptized after being inspired by the YouTube channel Cleveland Street Preachers, hosted by a man named Joseph. The encounter sparked a deeper commitment to evangelism. “I was watching his videos and getting really evangelized… it inspired me to take my music more seriously for Christ,” Rayo explained.

Following his baptism, he began preaching on the streets in 2019‑2020, a practice he says reshaped his artistic direction. “When I started reading the Word more deeply, my music changed and became more evangelistic,” he affirmed.

From Songs to a Gospel Apparel Brand

In 2021, Rayo launched a clothing line designed to spark conversation about Jesus. He described the venture as a natural extension of his evangelistic impulse: “I want to wear T‑shirts that represent Jesus… so I can evangelize people with the clothes I wear.” The business faced steep hurdles, including a costly $20,000 direct‑to‑garment printer that malfunctioned and was later sold without his knowledge. After multiple pivots, Rayo now outsources production, focusing on design and messaging.

Despite setbacks, the brand reflects his mission: “I want to do the best for the kingdom,” he said, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to bring glory to God rather than personal fame.

Balancing Art, Ministry, and Education

Rayo’s commitment to faith led him to leave formal schooling during his junior year after a disciplinary incident involving a paper on abortion. He chose homeschooling to devote time to music and ministry. “I just didn’t want to go back because I felt it was a waste of time,” he noted.

His story illustrates a broader trend among young believers who prioritize ministry and creative expression over traditional academic pathways, seeking to impact culture through both song and tangible products.

Looking Ahead: Vision and Impact

Rayo continues to write prolifically, boasting over 150 released songs, including recent tracks like “Guidance.” He remains active in street preaching and plans to expand his apparel line, hoping to reach wider audiences with both melody and merchandise. “The Lord just keeps doing things… there’s never a dull moment walking with the Lord,” he said.

His journey underscores how personal conviction can translate into entrepreneurial ventures that serve a larger purpose, merging faith with modern media and commerce.

Rayo’s narrative offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of Christian entrepreneurship, where young artists leverage digital platforms, grassroots ministry, and product design to spread their message. As he puts it, “I love Jesus at five… without Jesus, I wouldn’t even exist,” a sentiment that continues to drive his creative and business endeavors.

The full episode of Get on The Ark is available on OBBM Network TV.