Triumph Over Adversity: ORU Junior Dan Lee’s Journey to Faith and Music Against All Odds

Dan Lee

Hometown: Grandview, Missouri
Major: Ministry and Leadership

It is often said that transformation is a journey, not a destination. For Dan Lee, his journey to becoming a worshipper started at six when his parents moved to Kansas City, Missouri, for missionary work. Challenged with starting over in a new state and attending a new school, Dan quickly found solace in singing. To pursue this passion, Dan courageously auditioned for a solo in his school’s choir but was met with an abrupt “Next!” halfway through his audition from a prominent worship leader in a well-known church in his town. 

“I wasn’t prepared for that,” said Dan. “I broke down and was committed to never sing in front of people again. I'd sing in the shower, sing by myself, or sing to the Lord, but that was it. I never envisioned myself as a worship leader until much later in life.” 

Struggling with a fear of singing in public, Dan’s journey to becoming a worship leader took many winding roads before he arrived at Oral Roberts University (ORU), where he is currently a member of ORU Worship, the University’s praise and worship team. Dan experienced years of adversity, including being bullied at school, battling cancer, and spiritual attacks that affected his self-confidence. To cope with all of this, Dan spent much of his time singing, stating that it kept him “grounded.”

“Music became a way to express myself when words failed,” said Dan. “It was in those moments of playing and singing that I found a sense of purpose and a way to connect with others who shared my passion. As I grew older and gained more self-confidence, I learned to use my music and story to inspire and uplift others who may be going through similar challenges. I want them to know that they are not alone and that they can find strength and purpose in the midst of adversity.”

A Testing of Faith

Recounting the years of trials and triumphs, Dan's parents had extensive involvement in missions, having visited 30 different nations. During a trip to Sri Lanka with his family in 2019, Dan had a pivotal moment that changed his life forever. In a season of feeling weary and discouraged in his faith, he had an open vision at church that marked a turning point in his life.

“I had a vision of a picture of an Instagram account with the name “live transparently,” but that's not who I was on the inside. On the outside, I had a radical Christian faith, but on the inside, I was tired and wanted nothing to do with church or God. I felt like the Lord was telling me it was time for me to make a choice… that I had a purpose, plan, and destiny for my life, and that I needed to believe it. I broke down in tears and laid everything I had been holding in down at the altar.”

Walking Out Faith and Purpose

This revelation ignited Dan’s faith and set him on the path of worship leadership. With a desire to be musically skilled and theologically sound, Dan felt led to pursue a degree in Ministry and Leadership at ORU. Once his bachelor’s degree is completed, he plans to earn a master's in counseling. As a team member of ORU Worship, Dan has the opportunity to share his gift during chapel services, campus worship, music tours, global events, and team night worship. He has found what he calls a “family” and continues to grow as a leader.

“I am so grateful for my community at ORU, especially those in the worship center,” said Dan. “They have become my family. I’ve learned that worship is not a performance but an opportunity to lead others into God’s presence. I still have struggles, but I turn to God for strength and comfort. It’s clear to me now that my calling was never just about making music but helping others overcome their challenges and find their faith.”

To learn more about how you can develop as a leader, please visit oru.edu.

ABOUT ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 15 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 150 nations (from 2019 to 2023) to be whole leaders for the whole world.

The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2024). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche recognizes ORU as one of the most diverse colleges in America, # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest.

ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:

• #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
• #2 in Most International Students
• #3 in Best Value
• #6 in Best College for Veterans
• #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West

For more information, visit www.oru.edu.