Sometimes in life, we meet someone who changes us forever. There is just something about them that you can’t explain, but their very presence makes you smile. Nikki & Doug are sure to brighten your day. This dynamic duo has a ministry that is rare but sincere, and in a world with so many music ministries and Christian artists it’s easy to be hidden.

It all started on July 14, 2001 when Nikki & Doug joined in marriage after 1 year of part time ministry together. NIKKI “I accepted Christ when I was 12 years old at a youth convention. I was singing on the worship team and during the song “Shout to the Lord“, I just began to sob. It was then that I realized how powerful what Jesus did for me was, and how much I needed Him.” It was a long road up to that point for Nikki because church was not a big part of her life growing up. She was blessed to have had her Grandmother, who loved Jesus and showed Nikki the joy of the Lord. “After Grandma died, I was really mad at God. I wanted answers.”

On her hunt for those answers, she stumbled on a love that changed her forever. “I struggled for a while between seeking what God wanted for me and seeking love and approval from others. But in time, as I matured, I realized what God was calling me to do, Music. But not just music, music ministry.” At the age of 16, Nikki began to pursue music by recording an album. Soon after that, she and Doug met and life has never been the same.

“I knew Doug in High School, but he is older, so we weren’t friends or anything. But we knew each other.” Nikki describes it as love a first sight. “I had the biggest crush on him in HS, and I will never forget the day my mom told me that Doug wanted to come over and talk about music with me. That was the best day of my life up to that point!” Although Nikki knew God had called her into music ministry, she had no idea it was to be with the love of her life. DOUG For much of his life, Doug was a hardcore athlete. “I played a lot of sports in my life, but my favorites were Baseball and Track.” “I accepted Christ as an 8 year old boy, but it didn’t take me long to forget all about that, and put my focus on sports.” He continued to focus on sports even into college. “I went to college to be a pilot and to run track. I was running one last time through the hurdles, getting ready for a track meet and I heard 3 pops in my left leg. I separated my hip, strained my hip flexor, groin & quad, and I tore my hamstring. I realized right there, that I would never be the same.”

Doug was totally unprepared for that, as it had been a real tough year already. “I was in a serious relationship with a girl, who I thought I was going to marry. Shortly before this happened she unexpectedly broke up with me. Track became my crutch and total focus. So when I got injured, I didn’t know what to do!” After that Doug turned to the “party” life. “I knew it was wrong, but I was so hurt and lost.” After he attended Promise Keepers, God instilled a strong passion for worship in his heart. “Worship changed my life. It was exactly what I was looking for.” Doug wanted to carry that passion with him.

Even though Doug had never been a singer, he felt God calling him into music. Through time, it became clear to him that he wasn’t called to be a pilot, but his true life calling was to be in music ministry. He had heard that a high school acquaintance had started to pursue a music ministry and wanted to get together to talk about it. “I had Nikki’s number for 8 months before I called her.” Neither Nikki or Doug knew what God had in store for them. “I couldn’t imagine this ministry being any other way than the way it is. This is definitely the way God intended it to be.” THE MUSIC Many people can testify to how Nikki & Doug’s music has touched their lives.

Since Nikki & Doug have started this ministry God has brought them to new levels every year. They’ve sung in front of audiences ranging from few to over 5000. “Being in ministry, you don’t always see how God is working in people through you, so it’s always cool to hear how God has used our ministry.” Says Nikki. An email they received recently really opened their eyes to the impact their music really has on people. A story written by the sister of a woman who attended a Nikki & Doug concert in 2001. She writes, “My sister refused to place her trust in Jesus feeling that He had abandoned her…3 weeks before she died she gave her life to Jesus. She would listen to your CD, Answered Prayer, when she was home from the hospital and it was playing in her hospital room that final day of hers and was still playing as the Lord came close enough to take her hand and lead her home. In her funeral plans she asked that your CD "Answered Prayer" be played at the funeral in its entirety. Your CD meant a great deal to us. Thank you for being a comfort to her in the end.”

Answered Prayer, Nikki & Doug’s Debut Album is full of familiar and inspirational songs. This album released in 2001 and has been an inspiration to many. Find Your Way was released in 2003. It’s songs are encouraging and easy to listen to. Wide Awake was released in August of 2004. “This album was the most fun yet.” This album is packed with songs that make you want to dance. It leaves you feeling refreshed and wide awake. THE PASSION It’s no doubt that every ministry longs to see people come to know the Lord. In 2004, Nikki & Doug saw over 600 people come to know the Lord for the first time or rededicate their lives to Christ. “That’s awesome but we can’t forget about the people who’ve loved Jesus for a year or all their lives! I love to see people’s lives dramatically change because of something God’s given us to say!!” says Nikki. Nikki & Doug’s unique way of combining worship, inspirational music and a message with their testimonies is powerful. Doug says, “ One of my favorite things to do is to lead worship. That is what changed my life, so it’s very powerful to me!” “We want to be contagious Christians. We want people to see that Christians have fun, and see that joy we have inside us. After all, that’s what it’s all about”.