Chord of Three Strands (Michael and April Prutsman) Biography

Through their individual journeys and shared walk as husband and wife, Michael and April Prutsman have faced many challenges—moments that have often brought them to their knees. Yet, they affirm that this is exactly where they have most clearly encountered the Lord and His will for their lives. As Michael often says, “I’ve heard it said that the shortest distance between any problem and its solution is the distance from my knees to the floor.”

Through their trials, they have experienced both God’s discipline and His grace—conviction through the Holy Spirit and freedom through the blood of Jesus Christ.

At the center of their lives is the most important relationship they have: their relationship with Jesus. In Him, they have found profound hope, healing, redemption, and recovery, all born and nurtured through faith. Michael and April are continually humbled by the truth found in Romans 5:8: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

The stories of their lives—the everyday intersections of faith, struggle, and grace—form the foundation of Chord of Three Strands, a ministry expressed through original music and message.

Michael shares, “At first, the music was deeply personal—about my own healing and redemption. The Lord used the lyrics He was giving me to teach and shape me through each lesson—the good, the bad, and the painful. Over time, those songs became a way to communicate to others what God was showing me through the Holy Spirit. No matter where we go—large or small gatherings, rural or urban settings, young or old, professionals or laborers—one thing is always true: everyone has a story. Though the details differ, the themes are the same—challenges, pain, and frustration—and yet, always the invitation to hope, healing, redemption, and recovery through faith in Jesus.”

As Rich Mullins once said, “God takes the garbage of our lives and makes something beautiful.” Michael and April believe that beauty begins when we surrender and allow Him to work.

When their ministry began to grow—first through songs and then through forming a band—Michael and April wondered whether their name, Chord of Three Strands, still fit. Originally, it represented their marriage: April, Michael, and Jesus—the One who holds all things together. But as they revisited Ecclesiastes 4:9–12, they discovered that the passage also speaks of the power of companionship and fellowship among believers:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 (NIV)

For Michael, April, and their ministry team, this truth defines who they are—not just musicians, but a fellowship of believers growing together in Christ. The relationships, discipleship, and shared walk of faith among their group matter even more than the music itself.

Above all, Michael and April are deeply grateful for the doors the Lord has opened—for the chance to minister as an acoustic duo, as part of the full band, or while leading worship in their home church. In every form, they see God’s faithfulness on full display.