Pop artist Alisa Galper (高以愛 Gao Yi Ai) is a good-looking Taiwanese-American mix, with distinctive features; she was born on March 11, 1988 in the San Fernando Valley of California; her real name is Gao Yu Huan, and her popular musical works include "Rock your body", "If there is no tomorrow", and "I am not a bad girl".
Galper became well known after competing as a challenger in the popular singing competition in Taiwan, One Million Star (超級星光大道). Following her win, she signed a record lable with Universal Music Taiwan and debuted her first album at age 19.
When the cool breeze blows
On an ordinary weekend afternoon, in the Torrance Olive Groves, a cool breeze blows by, and together with a thin veil of sunlight, one can imagine the comfort and ease. The author had made an appointment with Alisa at 1 pm for a telephonic interview. Once connected, the other end of the telephone line was filled with the joyful, sincere voice of Alisa. Without further adieu, we naturally began a pleasant, not-too-brief conversation.
Where is she from?
Her father is an American Jewish, and her mother is a Taiwanese. She is 24 years old, and has a 22-year-old brother and two 16- and 15-year-old sisters. She was born in the San Fernando Valley of California, and being the eldest daughter and grand-daughter, she was the baby of the paternal and maternal relatives from a very young age. With her father's and her mother's abundant love, she leads a very harmonious life. Choosing to become an artist has to be both with her talents, her great voice, and her love for singing, as well as the respect her parents give to her choices in life, which is also what helps support her in persisting through this career.
Meeting darkness in the starlit road
However, the glamorous Alisa, who has traveled a relatively smooth path being contracted with a recording company and being able to release her own album, also was under much pressure unbeknown to many. Even singing and dancing became pressure. "For a long time, I have lost my menstruation and my inner balance, when my body could no longer take the pressure, and even mentally I was sick (anorexic, depressed)." Alisa said: "Because I was far from my home, I missed my family, and became very depressed, and I did not want to continue singing like this." At that time, Alisa, who was living alone in Taiwan, locked herself up in the house, and for a long time, did not take one step out.
Finally, a friend saw how sad she was, and invited her to join a small group gathering at church. Alisa said: "When I could not find a way out, God used the brothers and sisters at church to lend me a hand... . I then realized that deep in my heart, I have accumulated many hurts when I was growing up. And thus, I sadly wept... ." She revealed that following the healing and exorcising of her loneliness and evil spirit of suicidal thoughts, she then felt freedom and release. Now, Alisa is peaceful and joyful at heart, and she hands her life over to God, to let Jesus satisfy her physical and mental needs. In December of 2009, Alisa got baptized and returned to God, to testify to the change that Jesus Christ had made in her life.
Guided by the true light and leaving the darkness
Alisa said gently: "The days in Taiwan were a turning point in my life, and was part of God's plan, especially the training. I do not have any regrets about my initial decision to go to Taiwan." The author clearly felt how a burning, beating heart of a youth, through experiencing the acts of God, with associated gratitude, has transformed into its solid, stable state.
Alisa, after believing in God, has experienced a complete turnover of her life. Her thinking and actions have changed. "From when I was small, many people told me that I had a great voice, and thus I was proud and egotistic and selfish." Alisa said: "Although my parents taught me how to be humble, but deep down, there was a secret place. It was only when God showed me light that this deep place got turned around, to truly be humble." Now, Alisa is learning everyday, to let others experience God's love. If she had never been in the abyss and been through the ups and downs of life, she would not have found the precious Jesus. She has now handed over her life completely to God. She sincerely prays: "Pray God give me an opportunity to testify to him."
Returning to America, resting, and starting a new journey
Emotionally better, and physically improving, Alisa has gained some weight unknowingly, and this is a problem in the entertainment industry. She felt that she needed the time to restore her health and let herself adjust, and thus felt that returning the America was the best decision; through this decision, Alisa could stay far from noise and gossip, return to serenity, and come face to face with God. Now, Alisa is shaping up through exercise and breathing, and is practicing healthy living attitude and habits.
At present, Alisa has returned home to San Fernando Valley to continue her studies and singing career. Education and work together, she is looking forward to what God has planned for her, and how God will clear her path ahead; Alisa is not worried, because as she knows: "My singing voice is the best gift that God has given me." God will use this gift (blessing, present), to let Alisa's voice fulfill many people's blessings.
With blessings, to sing for God
This year, Alisa will experience her second Christmas (being Jewish previously, there was no Christmas). Her biggest wish, besides wishing her many Jewish family members to also believe in Jesus Christ, is: "Through music, I wish to heal and comfort people, to let them feel God's love."
As Alisa said: "Music is a form of communication without language, but has great influence." We hereby give blessings to Alisa's voice, so that it may become the angelic sound that will comfort this weary generation. We pray that God will bless her abundantly, to fulfill His good will on her, and to be glorified greatly!
[Editor's note: Carol Lee translated this report.]
