Michael Simas grew up in a troubled environment, becoming entangled in street gangs, drugs, and alcohol by the age of 13. As he delved deeper into a life of organized crime, dealing drugs and weapons, his life was marked by increasing violence, deep depression, and the mental scars of an absent alcoholic father.

At 17, Michael found himself targeted by both his enemies and his own gang. Miraculously, God intervened in his life, he experienced a profound transformation through Jesus Christ. He entered the Portland Victory Outreach men’s home, where he spent 13 months in recovery and later attended VETI School of Ministry. During this time, he served as a youth and men’s home director and traveled as the Christian rap artist "Lil Mic" for over a decade, ministering to youth.

For over 25 years, Michael has dedicated his life to working with at-risk youth in his community as an outreach counselor. Today, he is the founder of NorthStar Ministries, an organization committed to helping inner-city youth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.