Presenting...Chris Lee

Chris Lee (Source: Chris Lee)

Painesville resident Chris Lee is a local minister who spends his time encouraging the people in (and outside of) his community, through his work as the founder of his organization Humble Cry Ministries.

Lee’s passion for dance began at 17 years old when he first witnessed the impact that dancing could have on people.

“I saw the impact that it was leaving on folks mentally, spiritually, and even physically...how it was impacting their lives. So that caused the spark... to see how they (the audience) embrace it and are encouraged by it.”

After being expelled from school and as Lee states “not living accordingly,” Lee became depressed. It was while spending time praying and reading his bible that “Humble Cry Ministries” was created.

“I opened up my bible and started reading, and a scripture came to mind: ‘Mark 10: 46-52, Pass me not, oh gentle savior. Hear my humble cry,’” Lee said.

Following this, Lee began to study the art of praise dance and has since taught it to over 2500 students. He has also written plays focusing on a variety of topics that bring attention to issues in the community, his goal being to see a change. He and a few of his students have even performed on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Humble. Cry Ministries logo (Source: Chris Lee)

After growing up in a difficult neighborhood, Lee wanted better for his community. He credits his mother for raising him with great discipline and hopes to do the same for the children in his community.

“To see the lack of discipline in the children now drains me,” Lee said. “So it drove me to work with kids, even in my career. I want to put the discipline in the kids that they may lack in different areas of their life.”

Lessons that students can apply in their everyday lives are key factors that many coaches, teachers, and leaders strive to teach. Lee hopes to teach his students the importance of humility, both on and off of the dance floor.

“Remain humble in everything that you do,” Lee said. “When you’re humble, that means you’re not talking too much, that means that you’ll have the opportunity to listen and learn.”

After taking a short break from teaching (due to the pandemic), Lee and his students were able to return to their dance classes and have continued to minister to others...safely. Lee spends his Sunday afternoons teaching his students dances to songs that he hopes will minister and encourage individuals in the audience.

Lee and the dance students of Humble Cry Ministries (Source: Chris Lee)

Aside from his work with Humble Cry Ministries, Lee is a photographer for his business “Makayla’s Eye Photography,” and is also in the process of creating a program called “The Alternative,” which will focus on helping at-risk youth in his community.

Lee is proud to be the husband of Melissa Lee, and the father of their daughters.

Lee and his family (Source: Chris Lee)

As for Lee’s greatest influence, he acknowledges Michael E. Taylor of the Cleveland Job Corps, who he credits for teaching him about being a man in corporate America. Lee also acknowledges Pastor Michael F. Jackson, who has inspired him in exceptional ways.

“My pastor has inspired me to not just be the natural man, but has also molded me to be the spiritual man,” Lee said.

Lee volunteers with his church, Temple of Pentecost in Painesville, OH, where he teaches the church’s dance ministry, assists with sound production and photography, and helps manage the church’s food pantry.

To individuals who are going through a difficult period of time, Lee encourages them to put their trust in God.

“The door that constantly has been slamming in your life...understand that the hinges are being loosened; praise him all the way,” Lee said. “In saying that it’s ‘just wait.’ Take a breath, wait, and understand that God is in control.”

To learn more about how you can participate in Chris Lee’s classes, upcoming events, and to stay updated on other important information, contact him at 440-231-8474,email him at Humblecry@gmail.com, or follow his social media platforms linked below!