From Calling to Contract Engedi — Signed, Sealed, and Delivered!
|Photos: Courtesy of Engedi Church
A remarkable story of faith and musical passion is unfolding at Engedi Church this season. Worship pastor Yarian Rosado is leading a vibrant community dedicated to praising God through song. A journey that began in Orlando, Florida, has transformed Rosado into a voice for his congregation and beyond. His path is a testament to the belief that one never knows what God might call them to do in life.
Rosado’s roots are deeply planted in the church; he was born into a family of faith, with his father pastoring a Spanish church in Orlando. “I think I went straight to church from the hospital when I was born,” Rosado said. For years, he felt uncertain about his future in ministry, envisioning a safer career, perhaps as “an accountant,” he said. It was only three and a half years ago that he sensed a divine nudge, leading him to Holland.
Through a friend of a friend, Rosado discovered Engedi Church and made the move with his wife and young son. “It’s a little quieter than Orlando. We love Holland; it’s such a great place to raise a family,” he said, reflecting on the transition. “God’s on the move,” he added, emphasizing the energy he feels in his new community. But if someone would have asked him if he thought he’d be leaving family behind and settling in West Michigan he wouldn’t have believed them. “God doesn’t share all of his plans for you because you’d get scared,” Rosado said.
Last November, Rosado and Engedi’s worship team put all fears aside when they decided to approach a major record label in Nashville, Tennessee with a recording they made at church of one of their live music sessions. The journey to Nashville culminated in a pivotal moment in February 2024 when they presented their music to Capitol Christian Music Group. “They told us, ‘We weren’t looking to sign another artist for a distro deal, but hearing our music from out of our church, they said, ‘Let’s do it,’” Rosado said, the excitement still palpable in his voice. Now, according to Rosado, they are proudly part of Re: Think, a distribution and label services arm of Capitol CMG.
Rosado says the unique melodies and lyrics that inspire and uplift are what sets them apart.
Engedi’s single “Still Do Miracles” was released on October 11, 2024, and a full album is set to follow in February of 2025.
Engedi’s recent release serves as a powerful example of their mission. “If God could heal back then, he can heal now,” Rosado said, encapsulating the message of hope embedded in their songs.
Each track is crafted with intention, often focusing on individuals within the congregation.
“We want to write for our local church, and that’s what we care about—just, glory to God!” One song, written with one of the worship team members in mind, echoes a plea for healing for his adopted daughter. “We are going to prophetically sing that over your situation,” Rosado said, underscoring the personal connection woven into their music.
Rosado said he thinks the songs they write and share with the congregation resonate with a wide range of people because they’re written about real problems that people in are experiencing; personal, relatable life events that people tend to turn to prayer to help fix.
Rosado’s dynamic team includes vocalists Tyana Reynolds, Josiah Gonzalez, and Mikayla Brunsink, among others. “It’s a rotating cast. A lot of the worship team from the church will rotate in and out who plays on what,” Rosado said.
Engedi Church is named after En Gedi, a desert oasis in Israel that is currently a nature preserve known for its waterfalls and a botanical garden. Old Testament figure King David once sought refuge there. Likewise, Engedi Church in Holland aims to be a welcoming oasis for all, a sanctuary for those searching for belonging.
“There’s still a lot of lost and broken people out there,” said Rosado. “People need Jesus, not religion. People need community.”
Rosado’s musical journey began in middle school when his church needed a bass player. “Then one day we didn’t have a singer, and the first day I ever did it, I sounded terrible and I cried,” he said. Determined to grow, he took vocal lessons and honed his skills. “It wasn’t something I was born gifted with, but I worked hard because I felt the Lord was calling me.”
By the time he was 16, Rosado had gained the confidence to embrace his calling fully and is now committed to sharing the living presence of God.
On November 14 at 7 p.m., everyone in the West Michigan community is invited to experience Engedi’s music firsthand when they record their next album live during a worship service at Engedi Church, 710 Chicago Dr. For those who can’t make it, catch Engedi on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon, and other streaming platforms.