On a more serious note

Here is an article from the band Kutless' website


May 7, 2007
A New Journey for Ryan
After nearly 8 years of playing music together a new journey awaits for both Ryan Shrout and Kutless. Ryan has chosen to leave the band and will be pursuing other interests near his home in Vancouver, WA. We believe that there is a time and season for everything, and we thank Ryan for his dedication to this band and the hard work that he has put into this ministry. We applaud his dedication to his family and God’s calling in his life and we, as Kutless, wish him all the best as he continues to serve our Lord.

Hello Fans and Friends, After much thought and prayer I have decided to leave my position as guitar player for Kutless. As many of you know my daughter was born on January 12th of this year. What most of you do not know is that she was born with an eye condition called Coloboma. Coloboma is pretty much gaps in some or all of the structures of the eyes. This condition is usually apparent by a keyhole shaped iris. This condition varies in severity. Today’s technology is not advanced enough to fix this condition. The statistics for Coloboma are 1 in 10, 000 children are born with this. In Ella’s case it affects both eyes, the condition goes back pretty severely into the structure of her eyes affecting her optic nerve and retina, so her vision is impaired. However, the level it is affected is still unknown. The Pediatric Ophthalmologist believes that her left eye will be legally blind and is still not sure about her right eye. Needless to say I find that it is more important for me to be around to support my wife and daughter in the unknown journey ahead. Ella’s vision capabilities are going to be a wait and see situation. We have been to the pediatric eye specialist 4 times and continue to have to go quite frequently. This is why I feel God is leading me home, to truly be the best father and husband I can be. I wanted to write this letter to thank you for your continued love and support for my family and me. I leave the band on good terms with the other guys, and also their support for my wife, baby girl and I. We both wish each other all the success in our future life paths. In my case I really feel like I am fulfilling what God’s will is for my life. As much as I enjoy being out their every night, playing for you, and sharing the gospel I know that if I do not obey God’s will for my life, my ministry will not continue to be as blessed as it has been. This will not be the end of me playing guitar, after I get things figured out at home I hope to be able to get back in the industry somewhere. I know God is still calling me to music, I just feel that right now I need to fulfill my calling as a husband and father. My family and I thank you from the bottom of our heart for all that you have done for us. I hope that I have impacted your life as much as you have made a difference in mine. I have loved every moment I have gotten to play for you and hope it will not be too long before I am out there again. I hope to see you or hear from you soon and I will cherish the memories I have made in these last 8 years forever. You are truly the best fans in the world. If you would like to do something for our family the best thing is just to continue praying for my family and I. We want God’s will to be done in our lives, whether that be a healing or peace for our family. Thanks, you rock! Ryan Shrout and family