GentleWind Ministries Intl David Michael Carrillo Bio

About David Michael Carrillo

David Michael Carrillo (Ka-Re-Yo) – Ministry Bio

Since 1985, David Michael Carrillo has been ministering the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ with a Bible in one hand and a guitar in the other. His ministry has taken him worldwide, sharing a message of hope and healing that began in Sunday school in 1972 during the Jesus Movement.

Growing up, David Michael faced the challenges of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and peer rejection. Through it all, his faith in Christ sustained him and his family, shaping his testimony of resilience and redemption.

Author & Speaker

In 2006, David Michael published his book, Fearfully & Wonderfully Made: My Christian Journey with ADHD, where he shares how the healing power of the Gospel delivered him from fear, self-doubt, and rejection. This book launched an international lecture and concert series, where he openly discusses his journey with ADHD and the faith that transformed his life.

Music Ministry & National Recognition

In the 1990s, David Michael began touring the U.S. as a worship leader, songwriter, and recording artist. Known as "The Voice of GentleWind Music," his soothing voice and heartfelt compositions earned national and international radio and television attention.

His song "A Servant's Prayer" was featured in former MLB all-star pitcher Dave Dravecky’s book, Portraits in Courage (Zondervan, 1998).
In 1999, he was invited to Littleton, CO, to perform his song "Trust in You" at the memorial service for Corey DePooter, one of the students who lost their lives in the Columbine High School tragedy.
His songs "Jesus Loves Me (We Clap Our Hands)" and "Let the Words of My Mouth" have been used at family and youth camps worldwide.
In 2018, he collaborated with Latvian Christian producer Valdis Indrisonoks to record Latvia's National Anthem, "Dievs Svēti Latviju" (God Bless Latvia), in both Latvian and English. This project, along with the songs "Presence of Peace" and "Teach Me Your Ways", was released in celebration of Latvia’s 100th anniversary. The national anthem music video went viral, garnering over 120,000 views.
His latest release, Deliver Me (2023), produced by Latvian worship leader Gatis Ozols, includes the title track "Deliver Me (A Song for Ukraine)", which gained international recognition on Spotify and raised awareness for the crisis in Ukraine.

Calling to Latvia & European Ministry

In 2008, David Michael visited Latvia on a short-term mission trip. Feeling a deep call to serve, he relocated there in 2010. As a Musicianary, he ministers throughout Western and Eastern Europe, working closely with Spiritual Orphan Network (SONetwork.org) in Latvia, Estonia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Albania, and other former Soviet/Communist nations.

When not traveling, he serves in several key roles:

Pastor at St. Gregors Education Center (Saldus, Latvia) – Training and equipping leaders for mission ministry while organizing conferences, lectures, retreats, and midweek services.
Chaplain & Christian Education Teacher at Striķi School – Providing spiritual guidance, teaching Christian education, and leading morning devotions for students and teachers.
Support Pastor at Brocēni Baptist Church (Brocēni, Latvia) – Preaching twice a month, shepherding the local congregation.

When he is not ministering, David Michael cherishes time with his Latvian family in the rural countryside of Striķi. He has been lovingly "adopted" by Kristaps, Līga, and Markuss, who have embraced him as one of their own, giving him the privilege of being a father figure in their lives.