From The Festival To A Retreat

August 10th, 2008

First of all, we've met a lot of people at Creation Fest (in England) that asked us to send them a link to get our music. So, here it is, if you want to download our rock worship album "Wake Me Up" for free please click HERE and it will download directly to your computer so you can put it on an MP3 player or burn it on a CD. If that doesn't work, download this free Christian music from our website. Please let your friends know about it, or you can make copies yourself and give CDs away J Unauthorized duplication is encouraged and appreciated J We pray this blesses you!

Jesus said, “Give as freely as you have received!”

(Matthew 10:8b NLT)

This week we had several new friends sign up for our email list through the various concerts and outreaches that we were apart of throughout the North Devon area, so we thought it might be informative to remind you and let them know a little about the Take No Glory ministry.

AWe are a musicianary band of Christians that desire to be founded on the Bible & empowered by the Holy Spirit who are simply saying "Yes!" to the call and commission of the Lord Jesus Christ. We do this through responsive lives of worship that love God, love others, and primarily serve the world through music & preaching; all for the glory of God alone!

The LORD said, “I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise”

(Isaiah 42:8b NLT)

During the last week and a half we have done almost a dozen concerts in England and Austria. At Creation Fest we played a set of own original songs and then also played some intimate acoustic sets of worship songs written by tnG and other Christian songwriters. Our team was also able to serve by helping with many other tasks like: prayer, set up/tear down, direct the stage, video, security, promotion, etc. What a blessing to travel around the world with 19 people so that the LORD can use our team to serve the world in many different ways

Now we are at the Schloss Heroldeck Castle in Austria serving in a number of areas like: cooking, cleaning, maintenance, landscaping, coffee house, children's ministry and worship leading. The last few days we've also had the opportunity to fellowship with the brothers and sisters of Calvary Chapel South London during their summer retreat. We were blessed with the privilege of leading worship and being challenged and changed through the Word as they spent time teaching about spiritual warfare. Friday night we spent time hearing testimonies and leading worship as the LORD moved freshly upon His church. What a blessing to see God move in and through a body in such a powerful way.

“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.”

(Romans 12:4-9a NLT)

Today, the Western European Leaders & Missionary Conference starts with more than 300 pastors, missionaries and their families coming to be refreshed by the Lord. People have traveled here from more than a dozen different countries expecting the Holy Spirit to refresh them as they continue to faithfully follow God. Please pray for the conference: [1] Jesus exalted, honored & glorified [2] Holy Spirit will powerfully impact each and every person [3] unity with all those fellowshiping together [4] spiritual/mental/physical health & refreshment of every missionary, speaker, staff and volunteer [5] speakers and their families (Todd Johnson, Damien Kyle, Brian Broderson & Bob Coy) [6] worship leader and his family (Scott Cunningham) [7] God's wisdom and discernment in all decision making and smooth running operations

Below are our personal prayer requests and some of the events we have scheduled for the next few months. If you know anyone in these areas (Austria • Maine • Indiana • California) then please forward this email to them and encourage them to join us.

AUSTRIA (SCHLOSS HEROLDECK) EVENTS

Sunday, August 10th to Saturday, August 16th

Serving at the European Missionaries, Pastors & Leaders Conference

EAST COAST (USA) EVENTS

Friday, August 22nd to Sunday, August 24th

Serve with Pastor Ken Graves at CC Bangor in Maine

Wednesday, August 27th to Sunday, August 31st

Serve with Pastor Joe Mann at CC Fort Wayne in Indiana

Friday, September 5th to Monday, September 8th

Serve with Pastor Tom Camp at Harvest Chapel in Lafayette

Wednesday, September 10th until mid October

Break to seek the Lord for future of the tnG ministry

WEST COAST (USA) EVENTS

Saturday, October 18^th 6pm

EDIFY Concert at CC Living Water in Corona, CA

Sunday, October 19^th 8:30am & 10:30am

Worship at CC Living Water in Corona, CA

Saturday, October 25^th 5:30pm

Music Ministry at Camp Pendleton Marine Corp Base in CA

Monday, November 10^th until Thursday, November 13th

Worship Leaders Conference in Murrieta Hot Springs, CA

Saturday, December 13^th 5:30pm

Music Ministry at Camp Pendleton Marine Corp Base in CA

Please continue to pray for the Take No Glory team: [1] time and intimacy with Jesus [2] unity in the team [3] effectiveness and spiritual fruit [4] supernatural protection (hearts, souls, and minds) [5] health [6] marriages (Ian & Johnna · Jeff & Melaine · Boy & Elena · Eric & Mandy) [7] kids (Nadiya, Elijah, Eden, Kanani and baby Utile!) [8] other servants (Landon, Chris, Connor, Kalei, Kauhi, Naili, Landrew) [9] preparation for the concerts and outreaches [10] financial provision for what's ahead & all our debts to be paid.

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

landon bailey · chris eggert · jeff huff · melanie huff · connor marone · baby utile · ian utile · johnna utile · boy vierra · elena vierra · kalei vierra · kanani vierra · kauhi vierra · nadiya vierra · naili vierra · eden wood · elijah wood · eric wood · mandy wood · landrew woolworth

Take No Glory is a musicianary band of Christians that desire to be founded on the Bible & empowered by the Holy Spirit who are simply saying "Yes!" to the call and commission of the Lord Jesus Christ. These musicianaries do this through responsive lives of worship that love God, love others, and primarily serve the world through music & preaching; all for the glory of God alone! This ministry team offers their new rock worship album “Wake Me Up” to download freely from their website, directly to your computer, so you can put it on an MP3 player or burn it on a CD. Download this free Christian music and please let your friends know about it, or you can make copies yourself and give CDs away J Unauthorized duplication is encouraged and appreciated J May The LORD Bless You!

ENJOYING IT

Jesus said to his disciples “Yes, your joy will overflow!”

(John 15:11b NLT) 

July 29th, 2008

As our team celebrated with Ian and Johnna, because of their growing family, we have also enjoyed the many opportunities Jesus trusted us with to serve Him here in the UK.  We don’t “have to” serve our God; we “get to” serve Him.  It is an honor, it is a privilege and it really is a joy!  This week impacted eternity in a BIG way with many people trusting in Jesus for the first time as served at free outreach concerts, diverse church services and fervent prayer meetings.

After Jesus ascended to heaven, his followers “met together and were constantly united in prayer.”

(Acts 1:14a NLT)

Please continue to pray for Creation Fest: [1] Jesus exalted, honored & glorified [2] local and visiting non-Christians drawn to the event [3] hearts softened to received the Gospel, people set free from sin, innumerable salvations and lasting spiritual impact [4] new believers getting plugged into a local fellowship for discipleship [5] God's wisdom and discernment in all decision making and smooth running operations during the event [6] continued church unity and favor from government in the local areas [7] speakers (Brian Broderson, Bob Coy, Phil Pechonis, David Robertson, Garid Beeler, Philip Bell, Lu Wing and Nigel Watts) [8] bands (Lindz West MC, Scott Cunningham, Universal Royalty, Transition, Four Kornerz, Superhero, Manafest, CHRISTAFARI, Jahaziel, dweeb, Philippa Hanna, Avion Blackman, Solomon Jabby, Electralyte, Finchley, All ‘Bout Christ, NEW DIRECTION CREW, Erin Starnes, Ekklesia, BOSH, Lindsy Morton, Matt Giles, Sonz 1 and Take No Glory) [9] spiritual/mental/physical health, protection & endurance of staff/bands/speakers/volunteers [10] the weather and financial provision

Last week different churches from all over America sent over more than a hundred Christians here to help serve with Creation Fest.  It has been refreshing to serve with these brothers and sisters, as we have been able to support each other in what God has called us to do here in England.  Most of these people don’t know each other and are from different cultures.  Regardless, there is a feeling of family unity because we all have the same Heavenly Father.  It has been said that if people have Jesus in common, they have everything in common.

When Jesus prayed for us, He said “May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me.”

(John 17:23b NLT)

On Wednesday the Ilfracombe churches (in North Devon) gathered together for a day of prayer and worship at the St. Peter & St. James Anglican Cathedral.  It was an incredible experience to serve in these old cathedrals that Jesus has used to change so many lives over the last few centuries.  On Friday and Saturday we traveled almost two hours, south from where we are staying, down to Exeter (a youth filled city of 120,000 people).  Exeter has the most impressive physical church building any of us had ever seen.  It was MASSIVE and parts of it were more than a thousand years old!!  As we served in a Biblically uncompromised & culturally relevant way in these churches, our team could envision the Holy Spirit doing a fresh work in these old places.

On Sunday morning we were blessed to spend time with our friends at Christian Fellowship Church teaching the Bible and leading them in worship.  We could feel the presence of the Lord, as He inhabited the praises of His people, with all of us singing together in unity.  The Holy Spirit also ministered to the church as a whole and to each person individually through the preaching of God’s Word as Eric and Ian taught the following passage:

“Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this too. Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than a sincere heart.  If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right mind, it is for your benefit.  Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.”

 (2^nd Corinthians 5:11-15 NLT)

These are the verses we have printed on the back of our album “Wake Me Up”.  When we do a concert or church service, we give everyone a free copy of our CD and then teach the passage sentence by sentence.  When we preach from this paragraph we work hard to persuade the crowd to abandon their selfishness and sincerely live for Jesus in response to Christ’s love.  We explain the need to die to our old life, no longer live for ourselves and live for Christ alone.  This message needs to be heard and understood by all people regardless if they are a pagan or a pastor.

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul wrote those words in an epistle he penned about 2,000 years ago to the church of Corinth.  It is a miracle that these words still apply to everyone from all different walks of life today.  It’s because God Himself wrote this letter through Paul!

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and his is the one to whom we are accountable.”

(Hebrews 4:12&13 NLT)

Below are our personal prayer requests and some of the events we have scheduled for the next few months.  If you know anyone in these areas (England • Austria • Maine • Indiana • California) then please forward this email to them and encourage them to join us.

ENGLAND (NORTH DEVON, UK) EVENTS

Tuesday, July 29^th @ 7-9pm

Creation Fest Roadshow in Ilfracombe

tnG playing with Transition & Universal Royalty

Wednesday, July 30^th @ 7-9pm

Creation Fest Roadshow in Ilfracombe

tnG playing with Manafest & Scott Cunningham

Friday, August 1^st @ 10am-10pm

Creation Fest MAIN EVENT in Woolacombe

tnG plays at 2pm in the Surf Café & 8pm in the Acoustic Café

Saturday, August 2^nd @ 10am-10pm

Creation Fest MAIN EVENT in Woolacombe

Sunday, August 3^rd @ 10am-9pm

Creation Fest MAIN EVENT in Woolacombe

tnG plays at 2pm in the Surf Café & around 7pm on the Main Stage

AUSTRIA (SCHLOSS HEROLDECK) EVENTS

Wednesday, August 6^th to Saturday, August 9^th

Serving Calvary Chapel South London at their Summer Retreat

 Sunday, August 10^th to Saturday, August 16^th

Serving at the European Missionaries, Pastors & Leaders Conference

EAST COAST (USA) EVENTS

Friday, August 22^nd to Sunday, August 24^th

Serve with Pastor Ken Graves at Bangor Christian Church

Wednesday, August 27^th to Sunday, August 31^st

Serve with Pastor Joe Mann at Calvary Chapel Fort Wayne

Friday, September 5^th to Monday, September 8^th

Serve with Pastor Tom Camp at Harvest Lafayette

Wednesday, September 10^th until mid October

Break for a few weeks to seek the Lord for future of the tnG ministry

WEST COAST (USA) EVENTS

Saturday, October 18^th @ 6pm

Concert at CC Living Water in Corona, CA

Sunday, October 19^th @ 8:30 and 10:30am

Worship at CC Living Water Church Services

Saturday, October 25^th @ 5:30-7pm

Music Ministry at Camp Pendleton Marine Corp Base

“Dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in our struggle by praying to God for us. Do this because of your love for us, given to you by the Holy Spirit.”

(Romans 15:30 NLT)

Please continue to pray for the Take No Glory team: [1] time and intimacy with Jesus [2] unity in the team [3] effectiveness and spiritual fruit [4] supernatural protection (hearts, souls, and minds) [5] health [6] marriages (Ian & Johnna • Jeff & Melaine • Boy & Elena • Eric & Mandy) [7] kids (Nadiya, Elijah, Eden, Kanani and baby Utile!) [8] other servants (Landon, Chris, Connor, Kalei, Kauhi, Naili, Landrew) [9] preparation for the concerts and outreaches [10] financial provision for what’s ahead & all our debts to be paid. 

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

NEW LIFE

July 24th, 2008

The tnG Ministry Has Grown!!!  Ian and Johnna have just found out they are expecting a baby sometime in March!  They are so blessed and excited about this gift from the Lord.  Please pray for their expanding family!

“Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God”

(James 1:17a NLT) 

Every week we spend here in England has been full of remarkable spiritual breakthroughs and intense spiritual warfare.  This week we were able to do a few outreach concerts with Scott Cunningham, Universal Royalty and some other Christ focused musicians.  We were also blessed to preach and lead worship at the local Baptist Church in Ilfracombe last Sunday morning and look forward to serving at the local charismatic church this upcoming Sunday.  We continue to be humbled every week by the continued miracles, favor and anointing the Holy Spirit has lavished upon us us!

“O LORD my God, you have done many miracles for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.”

(Psalm 40:5 NLT)

Please join us in prayer for Creation Fest that takes place here in the UK August 1^st-3^rd.  The Holy Spirit is mobilizing prayer warriors and entire churches on different days to partner with us starting July 27th until the 4th of August for this ministry.  We expect about 10,000 people to be at Creation Fest and need continuous prayer for the festival.  We have many different people and churches that already committed from all over the world partner with us during this time of need.  We are requesting for all of them to commit to 24 hours of prayer.  We expect a fruitful harvest at this time here in England. If you are interested in joining us for this ministry through prayer, please contact us at: supernaturalwarriors@yahoo.com and we can schedule on what day you or your church would like to participate.

Here are the general Creation Fest prayer requests: [1] Jesus exalted, honored & glorified [2] local and visiting non-Christians drawn to the event [3] hearts softened to received the Gospel, people set free from sin, innumerable salvations and lasting spiritual impact [4] new believers getting plugged into a local fellowship for discipleship [5] God's wisdom and discernment in all decision making and smooth running operations during the event [6] continued church unity and favor from government in the local areas [7] speakers (Brian Broderson, Boy Coy, Phil Pechonis, David Robertson, Garid Beeler, Philip Bell, Lu Wing and Nigel Watts) [8] bands (Lindz West (MC), Scott Cunningham, Universal Royalty, Transition, Four Kornerz, Superhero, Manafest, CHRISTAFARI, Jahaziel, dweeb, Philippa Hanna, Avion Blackman, Solomon Jabby, Electralyte, Finchley, All ‘Bout Christ, NEW DIRECTION CREW, Erin Starnes, Ekklesia, BOSH, Lindsy Morton, Matt Giles, Sonz 1 and Take No Glory) [9] spiritual/mental/physical health, protection & endurance of staff/bands/speakers/volunteers [10] the weather and financial provision

“Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes.”

(2^nd Thessalonians 3:b NLT)

Please continue to pray for the Take No Glory team: [1] time and intimacy with Jesus [2] unity in the team [3] effectiveness and spiritual fruit [4] supernatural protection (hearts, souls, and minds) [5] health [6] marriages (Ian & Johnna • Jeff & Melaine • Boy & Ellena • Eric & Mandy) [7] kids (Nadiya, Elijah, Eden, Kanani and baby Utile!) [8] other servants (Landon, Chris, Connor, Kalei, Kauhi, Naili, Landrew) [9] preparation for the concerts and outreaches [10] financial provision for what’s ahead & all our debts to be paid.

We love you and are so grateful to communicate with you through this email.  Please reply and let us know how we can be specifically praying for you?

“Now may the God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.”

(Hebrews 13:20&21 NLT)

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team  

INTENSITY FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” “The LORD says, ‘I will rescue those who love Me.  I will protect those who trust in My name.’”

(Psalm 91:1,14 NLT)

July 15th, 2008

Jesus has really blessed us this week and given us peace as we have spent time meditating on Psalm 91.  As our team has worked from sunrise to sunset day after day, God’s word has spoken powerfully into our hearts.  The intensity of this week’s ministry was only bearable and enjoyable because of the authentic ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

“It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.”

(Zechariah 4:6b NLT)

This week we were able to teach that, “God is real, Jesus is alive and there is a purpose for your life!!” in 20 different religious education classes at The Ilfracombe College here in North Devon.  This school is like a high school in America with kids ages 12 to 18.  These “religious” classes are often taught by pagans and usually include Islam, Hinduism, Satanism, Buddhism, New Age and “Christianity" which is really just taught as a Roman Catholicism lumped with Judaism.

During the morning and afternoon on Tuesday through Friday we shared testimonies, answered questions, played music and explained our faith in Christ to hundreds and hundreds of kids that know very little or nothing about the One we serve.  Many on our team said it was one of the most fruitful times of ministry they have ever been involved with!  As the teachers introduced us, we simply told the students that we are: “an American rock band that is on a world tour to tell everyone who will listen to repent of their sin, trust in Jesus and become bold Christ followers.”  After making the kids laugh & open up by acting like “crazy Americans” and giving away free CDs we invited these students to ask us any questions they would like.

Understand that out of the 1,000+ students, there are only a couple dozen faint-hearted believers that get persecuted for being a “stupid Christian”.  We also we able to experience true persecution as we were ridiculed and disrespected in every class we were able to teach.  Sometimes the kids made statements like: “Your gay” “God isn’t real” “I believe in the big bang”  Often times the kids would ask tough questions that took Spirit filled answers: “Why is there suffering in the world if there is a God?” “If God made the world, who made Him?” “How do you know Jesus is God?”  Then there were those wonderful questions that always led to the Gospel being presented: “How has Jesus changed your lives?” “What types of miracles have you experienced?” “Why did you become a Christian?”  We understood why the Apostle Peter told us to always be ready to defend our faith.

“If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.”

(1^st Peter 3:15b,14a NLT)

One of the great blessings Jesus gave us this week was a little time for our band to practice some new songs we believe the Holy Spirit wants us to share while we are here.  We were able to rehearse on Wednesday night and Saturday afternoon.

On Thursday we were blessed to do a worship concert in Bratton Fleming as a follow up to the last Roadshow.  The next day we had the opportunity to do two evangelism concerts in Ilfracombe.  In the afternoon we played a handful of songs at The Ilfracombe College during their lunch break.  The auditorium was packed with over 400 students, some of them hearing about our Lord Jesus Christ for the VERY FIRST TIME!

Friday night we did a concert with Universal Royalty in a church right across from the local nightclub.  It was awesome to see locals walk in to hear about Jesus just because they were headed to the club.  It gave our team a rare opportunity to witness to those that would never have normally listened to the message.

On Sunday our team was invited to lead Calvary Chapel Woolacombe’s morning church service and evening prayer service.  During the morning we led about 10 worship songs with the congregation singing louder than the sound system could go.  In between the music, Eric and Ian taught though 2^nd Corinthians 5:11-15 in a way that was encouraging and exhortive.

Take No Glory is blessed to have three lead singers that all switch roles (Johnna, Landon & Mandy) and two Bible teachers that have chosen to preach together as a team.  It is a great physical example that our team takes no glory from Jesus because no one person is exalted above another.  We pray that Jesus is the ONLY ONE that is praised and remembered!  That night we lead about a dozen different worship songs and had a powerful time of prayer during Calvary’s evening service.

“Meanwhile, our enemies were saying, ‘Before they know what’s happening, we will swoop down on them and kill them and end their work.” (The verbal response to the enemy was) “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight!” (The physical response to the enemy was) “We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset.”

(Nehemiah 4:11,14b,21a NLT) 

And that is exactly what we have been doing, working from when we wake until we sleep.  Before you send an email that exhorts us to rest, know that each of us spend quality time alone with Jesus on Mondays and all of us still spend time together praying and fasting on Tuesdays.  We are helpless to do anything spiritually beneficial without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.  If we don’t have intimate time to hear from God we will be destructive in our actions rather than productive.

The spiritual attacks that we have endured this week are memorable.  Dreams, visions, prophesies, gripping fear, verbal assult & physical aggression were consistent.  The locals would tell you there are likely more witches than Christians here in North Devon.  Jesus is alive, but Satan is alive as well and he wants to destroy us.  However, as he desires to “swoop down, kill us and end our work” we respond with the courage of the LORD!

Demonic attack is a reality that drives us to our knees desperate for our King to shelter us as He has promised.  Because the Holy Spirit is our strength, we are willing and able to do more than humanly possible!  We choose to fight this spiritual battle because Jesus is “great and glorious”.  We are so grateful for the battle that reminds us to pray with more passion and zeal.

“Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hears and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 4:6,7 NLT)

We love to partner with you in prayer.  How can we be specifically praying for you and those you care about? Know that we are so VERY grateful for your prayers!  Please pray for our: [1] time and intimacy with Jesus [2] unity in the team [3] effectiveness and spiritual fruit [4] supernatural protection (hearts, souls, and minds) [5] health [6] marriages (Ian&Johnna Jeff&Melaine Boy&Ellena Eric&Mandy) [7] kids (Nadiya, Elijah, Eden and Kanani) [8] other servants (Landon, Chris, Connor, Kalei, Kauhi, Naili, Landrew) [9] preparation for the concerts and outreaches ahead [10] financial provision for what’s ahead & all our debts to be paid.

Also please pray for Scott Cunningham and his family (Wife, Megan and 5 daughters: Madison, Rileigh, Emaline, Sabella and Analise).  They arrive in England today and Scott will be leading our team for the next month here in London and then in Austria.  Scott is a music pastor and songwriter from Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa in California.  Every year Scott travels to Devon to do free concerts here with Creation Fest.  He has combined his great passion for God and his ability to communicate through song to create a powerful worship album called “Grace Amazing” and has just finished his new album “Till The Whole World Hears”.

“In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.”

(2^nd Peter 1:5-7 NLT)

We have now “finalized” our schedule for our last 3 weeks here in England.  We have dozens of events on our calendar during the next 20 days.  And it looks like after we serve in Austria, from August 6^th to 20^th, we will do three-day outreach events on the east coast.  We are praying about serving with Ken Graves in Bangor, Maine August 22^nd, 23^rd & 24^th.  Then serving with Joe Mann in Fort Wayne, Indiana August 29^th, 30^th & 31^st.  Finally serving with Tom Camp in Lafayette, Indiana September 5^th, 6^th, 7^th & 8^th.

We have a vision to do Friday night “Worship, Prayer & Communion” gatherings.  Then on Saturday all those that attended the gathering can go out and evangelize in the morning / afternoon and invite people to a Saturday night “Free Rock Concert” where the Gospel will be preached boldly.  Finally we meet again on Sunday morning for “Church & Baptisms”.  Please pray as we begin to plan these weekends with the local pastors that have invited us to come serve their communities.

“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”

(Proverbs 19:21 NLT)

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

PASSION FOR JESUS IN THE UK

July 8th, 2008

God Is Alive In England!  We are blessed and encouraged to walk these days out with you!!  It has been such a sweet encouragement to hear your responses and to feel your intercession at work.  The prayers, petitions and praises that we have heard about continue to strengthen us as we go around the world.  We know that those who pray for us and with us, are also the ones that the LORD is using to fill us with the power of the Holy Spirit as we walk forward while looking up.

"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel."

(Ephesians 6:10-20)

Isn't it interesting that wherever the LORD is moving, so is Satan? We don't mean to give our foe too much clout, but isn't it remarkable to walk and "feel" the battle that rages on.  Even our thoughts seem cloudy and dark.  Our hands seem worn and tired.  Our bodies seem to be breaking down with sickness.  And most importantly our hearts seem hard hit with explosive attacks from all directions.  Yet, our LORD is faithfully strong in the midst of even the most troublesome times.

“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.  The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

(Psalm 34:17,18)

Joseph declared to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people."

For our LORD is:

The Messiah, Creator, Baby born to be our Savior

Father, Redeemer, Hope of Glory, Friend of Sinners

All knowing, All powerful, Forgiving, Oh so Faithful

The Helper, My Maker, Living Stone, Our Mediator

Sinless High Priest, Messenger, Prince of Peace

Bread of Life, Holy One, Counselor, Beloved Son

King of Ages, King of Kings, Ruler over Everything

Immanuel, Cornerstone, Morning Star and Lord of Lords

Lamb of God, He is risen, Unto us a Son is given

Mighty One of Righteousness, Beautiful in Holiness

Chief Shepherd, One True Vine, You're the living Sacrifice

First and Last, Eternal Friend, Comforter, The Great I Am

We know that our LORD is King and yet we still plead with you to continue to pray for the Spiritual battle that rages on here in North Devon as we continue to faithfully follow.  Here are a few ways that you can continue to pray for us as we walk these days of trial and tribulation out with JOY and excitement!

Please join with us as we pray for: [1] protection (our hearts, souls, and minds) [2] our relationship with Jesus [3] practice for the concerts and outreaches ahead [4] unity and oneness as we serve [5] Eden and Elijah as they continue to be awesome encouragements [6] our health [7] for continued effectiveness and spiritual fruit.

There are MANY, MANY praise reports to share from this week J

Over the past week we have seen the church act like the church is supposed to.  Brothers and sisters have consistently blessed us with food, housing and even amazing transportation.  In fact…our bellies are full, all of us now have beds to sleep on and we have two 16 passenger mini-buses to move the 19 of us and all our music equipment.  Praise the LORD!

On Thursday, Universal Royalty (UR) invited a few members of tnG to come and do school work with them. Schoolwork consists of, teaching Religious Education courses, spending time with teenage students, and performing outreach concerts.   This is a HUGE deal, since Muslims, atheists or even pagans teach these religion classes.  RE courses usually include Satanism, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and “Christianity" which is really just taught as a Roman Catholicism lumped with Judaism.

During the classes students were able to ask various questions about, America, our faith and/or any other extremely random area of our lives. Questions began very general as you will read below, but our LORD always directed people right to Himself.  Here are a few examples of the questions that we were asked:

"Do you eat at McDonalds?” “Do you know anyone who has been shot?” “Do you like traveling the world?” “Is it worth it?” “How does your faith influence your music?"

Our response to this opportunity is to cry out to God, “LORD what a blessing to see Your hand at work in the schools of North Devon.  Thank You for Your favor and blessing as we walk these days out.”

We wish you could see the faces of these young kids as they heard about JESUS for the first time.  Many asked if the stories were even real as their rational and cynical brains tried to reason the stories of faith.  Students were awe struck as God made Himself known and spoke into their lives in practical and miraculous ways.

"I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father."

(John 14:12)

After lunch, tnG was given an opportunity to play an acoustic concert, where over 300 students voluntarily showed up and Jesus Christ was taught!  The maximum occupancy in the facility was 300 people, so people were literally filling the hallways and the surrounding areas just to hear the music and the message.  Please continue to pray for favor in Biddeford as Creation Fest continues to come near.  Pray for thousands of students to show up and be saved.  Pray for the teachers and leaders of Biddeford College/University as they continue to let the WORD stew in their hearts.

On Friday the LORD opened up the opportunity for us to teach a home fellowship of about 70 people.  It was an awesome time of fellowship, teaching and worship.  One powerful note is: God is moving in and through the students of Woolacombe.  Three of the young students are, Chris, Josh and Robby.  Please pray that God would continue to mold and shape them for the days ahead as they serve here in Woolacombe.

On Saturday the LORD allowed us to reach out to Bratton Fleming through a Creation Fest Road Show.  It rained and rained and rained, but God taught us so much about being faithful in the midst of even preaching and singing to the houses.  We know that the WORD of God doesn't return void even in the most intense situations.  Please pray for Bratton Fleming as we do a follow up time of worship and outreach on Thursday at the St. James Anglican Church.

On Sunday the LORD moved in our team.  We spent a day going to church together and seeing the LORD open up even more opportunities in Ilfracombe.  As the day moved on we spent a serious amount of time being real and praying for each other as the spiritual warfare continues to rage in and amongst our team.  It was extremely encouraging to see the LORD open up our team about bitterness, stubbornness and pride.

You know there is much more to say, but time and space will never be enough to tell of the glory of our LORD as He moves and glorifies Himself through us…His mere tools.

"Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God."

(1^st Corinthians 1:26-29) 

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

QUICK UPDATE

July 3rd, 2008

A few days ago, we came from the Philippines to the UK.  We traveled here with no accommodations or transportation worked out for the 19 of us when we arrived.  It was a BIG step of faith, as we trusted that Jesus would take care of us and He has!  We have been miraculously blessed with everything we need and more.

When we were boarding the plane on Wednesday to Hong Kong we were facing baggage charges of over $1,000.  So we all gathered up and prayed that the Lord would do a miracle.  As we put our luggage on the weight machine, the people checking the bags started writing down less weight than the scale said; they didn't charge us anything!!!  After all the bags were checked, the main guy helping us mentioned that he is a Christian.  So we just told him to, "Keep serving Jesus!"  Things like this confirm we are doing exactly what God has called us to.

On Thursday morning we arrived in London after a long 35-hour trip from our initial departure from Dumaguete.  The customs department tried to deny us access because we had no proof of where we were staying or how we would financially support ourselves for six weeks in the UK.  It sounds crazy to say, "We are musicianaries that trust Jesus to take care of our every need."  After much prayer we were allowed through because God gave us favor!

"The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him."

(2nd Chornicles 16:9a NLT)

After a 5 hour drive south to Devon, we arrived at Phil & Megan Pechonis' house in Woolacombe.  We were beyond blessed that night as we had hot showers, full bellies, and warm beds to sleep on.  Woolacombe is a beautiful surf community and we have met many wonderful people here that love Jesus.  Phil & Megan are a godly couple with four awesome kids that have really blessed to our team.  The Holy Spirit has used them powerfully for the last 7 years to run Creation Fest.  Please pray for their strength because they have SO MANY responsibilities during this season!

We are excited about what the Lord is doing here in England.  Several of the local brothers and sisters in Christ have great visions of what the Holy Spirit is going to do here in their community.  We have been greatly encouraged by their fervor for Christ, and their hearts of prayer.  It is always an encouragement when you meet people who wait expectantly on the Lord.

"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint."

(Isaiah 40:31 NLT)

On Saturday we served at the Creation Fest Roadshow in Barnstaple (North Devon).  The Take No Glory band played two full sets that afternoon, finishing with a 3rd set of worship songs that night with ALL the bands playing on stage together at the same time.  It was incredible to gather 13 different musicians that had never even met and see them all play music in unity.

The Creation Fest Roadshow was a great success, as new souls were added to the Kingdom, and existing believers were encouraged! It was a blessing to see all the volunteer staff serving non-stop for hours on end, all with cheerful attitudes.  Jesus was glorified, the church was unified, the weather was great, everyone was safe, and the Gospel changed lives.

One miracle that happened at this Roadshow is all the local churches coming together to put the event on.  We have been told this has never happened in the Barnstaple area!  After decades of each church doing their own thing, God finally unified them for this event.  This is an amazing example of how the church is supposed to be.

"Keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace."  "There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all."

(Ephesians 4: 3,5-6 NLT)

On Sunday morning, Pastor Phil Pechonis preached the gospel message in Barnstaple at the same place the Roadshow had been held.  Most local churches closed their doors that day and encouraged their fellowships to go to this joint service on the street corner.  There were about 700 people there and several came forward and gave their lives to the Lord.  We are anticipating great things in the weeks to come, and we are confident that the Holy Spirit has already started an awakening.  Jesus is alive here in England!

We have been spending a lot of time with another band that is also playing at Creation Fest, called Universal Royalty. They are a group made up of 6 brothers (from New York City) whose main focus is to preach the gospel and see lives transformed by Christ. They have a hip hop/reggae/rock feel, with lots of energy that really engages the crowd.  The Holy Spirit's anointing on their ministry is obvious as their faith and zeal for the Lord catches fire everywhere they go.  They travel with their mom and three wives.  This family is A LOT like our team!  Please pray for the ten of them as they spend 11 weeks serving here in the UK.

"But thank God!"  "He uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.  Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God."

(2nd Corinthians 2:14a,c & 2:15a NLT)

The Lord has graciously answered our prayers and provided housing for all 19 of us!  The Woods are staying with the Pechonis family.  The Vierras are staying with another local family and the rest of us are living in a church hall that has a kitchen and bathrooms.  Jesus also provided us a 17-passenger mini-bus to use while we are here.  So we have housing and transportation.  God is so kind & faithful!

Once again, we are excited for the things to come, and are asking that you would labor with us in prayer over the upcoming events here.  We have different small events throughout each week.  This Saturday we serve at another Creation Fest Roadshow in Bratton Fleming.  Please pray for the weather, protection, safety, financial provision, artists, speakers and that the Gospel will be heard throughout the village.

Another praise report is that most of our team has been sick during our time here in England, and now we are feeling much better!  So please be in continued prayer for our health.  We rely on the Lord's strength to help us persevere.  Christ is made perfect in our frailties, and this week has been a huge testimony to that.

"May God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.  Jesus gave His life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.  All glory to God forever and ever!  Amen."

(Galatians 1:3-5 NLT) 

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

PLEASE PRAY FOR US over 30 hours of travel tomorrow

"I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me."

(Psalm 34:4)

June 26th, 2008

Praise the Lord!!! We just found out tonight that we will have transportation picking us up from the airport in London and taking us all the way to Devon.

We are leaving early tomorrow morning and will be traveling for the next 40 hours or so. Please continue to pray for the team's health, strength and endurance as we continue to follow the LORD to Devon, England.

In addition, please ask the LORD to continue to supply our food, lodging, and transportation for the days ahead. We are expecting God to do what only He can do. We know our Savior and Lord will provide all of our needs! Pray that hearts of the Devon area would be soft and open to the gospel, and that we would be bold ambassadors for Christ for His glory.

Praise the Lord!!!  The Vierra family has been blessed with airline tickets to travel around the world with us.

Please pray for the Vierra family, as they will be staying here in Dumaguete for an extra 5 days after we leave.  It seems that the LORD has given them several opportunities to continue to minister and love on the people of Dumaguete. It is hard for us to be apart from them, since we are all family, so pray for all of us in that matter that the Lord would keep us unified.

We pray that you are blessed and encouraged today as you continue in the faithfulness of our Lord.  Your prayers, petitions and praises are felt whether near or far, as the Lord is comforting, healing and doing signs and wonders in our midst.  It has been such a blessing to walk these days out with you as we all see the Lord move in awesome and amazing ways.

Here are a few highlights that will hopefully encourage, embolden and enrich you as you continue to follow our Lord faithfully today.

From small prayer sessions with the students, to large-scale concerts and revivals, we've been humbled and amazed at how glorious our God is.

"Taste and see that the Lord is good.  Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!"

(Psalm 34:8)

Wednesday June 18th, The LORD blessed us with an outreach at Siliman University.  In fact the students were all full of tears, and amens as we met and prayed about how the outreach would be most effective for the LORD's glory.  Honestly, the emotions in the room were extremely thick as we could all see that the hand of the LORD had united and prepared our hearts for what was to come.

Isn't it amazing to watch the LORD move throughout the body!  Seriously, He, the LORD Jesus Christ, put several men and women from different cultures and backgrounds in a room together to love on a college campus through music and teaching!  Amazing!!!

The scene was set for an amazing night as many students labored in constant prayer over the concert and the message that was to be spoken.  Our team was encouraged and blessed to see many people praying with such a heart for their brothers and sisters.  Throughout the concert Ian and Eric shared from the CD as the rest of the team ministered to the students through music and prayer.  (On a side note:  We are blessed with an amazing team that is constantly giving all of their heart, soul, mind and strength to love the lost and challenge the church as a response to the awesome love of our LORD!!!  We are blessed!)  Several young men and women received prayer and were encouraged to follow hard after their LORD.  As the concert closed up and worship was coming to an end it seemed as if the choir of Heaven was let loose upon the room.  It was amazing to be able to hear about 1000 students sing their hearts out to the LORD in surrender and sacrifice. 

After the concert, the Principle contacted tnG to comment on the outreach and give his invitation to come back any time.  What a blessing to see the LORD continue to open doors.  The LORD has given us incredible favor, and we know that it is because of the faithful students and men and women who have labored on their knees in prayer!

Thursday June 19th, the LORD provided an outreach in a town called Sibulan at an outdoor amphitheater. This was the same day the typhoon hit the surrounding islands.  The rain and the wind came down hard and started to flood the stage, and all our equipment started short-circuiting. We prayed that the rain would stop so that people would come, and the Lord stopped the rain for us! The night became an awesome time of worship, as many children joined in singing, dancing, and clapping their hands! The gospel was preached in their local dialect, and many came forward to accept the Lord! After that, we had an extended time of worship as the church engaged in joyful worship with us. Is there anything more precious than seeing many young men and women coming together and shouting in intimacy and innocence before the Lord?

Friday June 20th, the LORD allowed us to challenge a student ministry as they begin their school year.  The LORD brought such a joy to our hearts as we watched the youth worship the LORD with such excitement.  The passage that was taught on was Matthew 5:16, which says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven".  The LORD had several of the School of ministry students lead the teaching on being a light to the dark world.  The exhortation was to live out the fruit of the Spirit as our Light to the world.  Once again, worship was amazing and the students sang louder than the band.

Saturday June 21st, we were blown away by the opportunity to play at the Lamberto Macias Center! About four thousand people attended the concert, which was held in a huge sports-like complex. The School of Ministry and the PTA (Pastoral Training of Asia), along with many other churches came together to serve, pray and help with the event. 

A brother in Christ, who has a radio ministry here personally funded the entire event! What an incredible blessing! Pastor Joe of Calvary Chapel Dumaguete preached the gospel, and gave an altar call, to which 500-600 people came forward to either accept Jesus Christ as their Lord, or to rededicate their lives to Jesus! Praise the LORD!!!! Our new brothers and sisters in Christ were then taken backstage, prayed over and received follow up information on how to get plugged in to the local church.

The night continued in intense worship as the church almost drowned out the band as they sang their hearts out before the LORD!  That night was a miracle and we all left in a daze of God's glory. We all just said to each other, "What just happened?!!!" All glory be to the LORD!

Sunday June 22nd, we went to other side of island to a town called Alaman. We were in the middle of the effects of the typhoon that was stirring up the weather, and once again, we pleaded with the LORD that He would stop the rain so people would come. Once we started playing, the Lord stopped the rain, and the sun broke through the ominous clouds. About 25 people showed up, and we we're able to preach the gospel in a different way than we ever had. One man from PTA had the spontaneous idea to do a drama about a personal relationship with Christ. About 6-7 people came forward and accepted Christ, and we were able to pray for them and plug them into a local bible study. Right when we finished praying, the rain started up again!  Praise the Lord that souls were saved! What a miracle!

There are so many more details to these events, and so many more outreaches that happened that didn't even involve music, such as orphanages, hospitals, mental hospitals, and mountain ministries. But time and space avails us!

We want to thank you again all for your faithful prayers and support! We love you, and hope that you are encouraged by all that the LORD is doing. Our God is alive and well and is just looking for hearts that are loyal to Him, that He may show Himself strong on His behalf.

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

Open Door In The Philippines

June 18th, 2008

Praise the Lord!  The entire Vierra family is here with us in Dumaguete City!  They just arrived here today :)

God provided flights for the seven of them to get to the Philippines.  Now we are just faithfully waiting on Him to provide so we can book their flights for the rest of the tour.

Below is a recap of last week and all the craziness & abundant blessings.   We hope that you are blessed and encouraged as you read all that the Lord has been doing.  We also want to thank you again for your faithful prayers, and your emails of encouragement.  We read every single one and try to reply to all of them as well.  We are so uplifted by your words of love, wisdom and exhortation.

Our last full day in Hawaii was the best!  It was a Tuesday, so our entire team spent most of the day fasting, praying and spending time with Jesus.  During the afternoon, as the team finished packing everything up, Eric and Ian drove all around the island of Oahu to meet and pray with the pastors we did ministry with during the last month.  It was special to connect with SO MANY churches and be able to serve alongside such committed Christ followers.

That evening our new friends (more like family) up on the North Shore invited our entire team of 19 to come over for an "Aloha Send Off".  By the end of the night all of us were weeping together as the Holy Spirit moved us to wash each other's feet.  It was by far the most intimate time our team has spent together.  So blessed we were able to share it with Corky & Deanna and Poi's family.

We left Hawaii on Wednesday morning June 11th and arrived in Dumaguete late in the afternoon on Friday because there is an 18-hour difference.  We had an eleven-hour flight, then a 20-hour layover in Manila, and finally the hour flight south to Dumaguete City.  That was a trying time since everyone was hot, exhausted, sweaty and really hot.

During the layover we slept, or at least tried too, outside on the ground because they shut down the Manila airport during the evening.  We were blessed with numerous witnessing opportunities!  We worshiped the Lord out in the open with our guitars and voices as many Filipinos watched.  It was a fruitful night, although we were all exhausted, the Lord was our strength.  He gave us a great love for those around us.

"Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.  And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.  For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.  And always be thankful."

(Colossians 3:14-15)

We were grateful for this whole experience because trials strengthen each of us individually and also strengthen our team.  When we got to our base site in Dumaguete, we were above and beyond blessed by the facilities, and the food, and the AIR CONDITIONING!!!  Did we mention how amazing the food is?  We get to partake in luscious juicy Philippine Mangos every meal :)

The missionaries and staff at Pastoral Training of Asia are amazing servants of Jesus.  The love that pours out from them is encouraging and contagious.  We are so grateful for the grace God has given us on this trip.  However, the Lord is teaching us how to bless His name, even when the circumstances are difficult and we are operating on a couple hours of rest.

Friday night, a couple hours after getting off the plane, we were able to do a concert at Café Antonio in downtown Dumaguete.  After a handful of songs the band said good night and everyone at the concert yelled, "No, do more!"  So with no strength left, the band trusted the Lord for the ability and did about another dozen songs!!

After that, Ian and Johnna went to a radio station interview, where they were able to share about who Take No Glory is, what we do, and most importantly the Good News of Jesus.  The Holy Spirit was working in that radio station.  In fact, every time Johnna wanted to share verses about the ministry, the interviewer would turn to those exact same verses and read them right before she was able to.  This happened 3 times in three different parts of the Bible!!! There were multiple text messages that came into the station to ask questions.  Every question was somehow answered with the Gospel.  Jesus Christ, Him crucified and risen from the dead!

On Saturday morning we were able to participate in a children's outreach.  It was an incredible blessing.  We sang with the children, and lead them in worship.  We also performed a drama/dance to one of our songs "Lions Den".  We taught the children different hand motions to some of the praise songs, and afterward we handed out snacks and drinks to them.

The best part of the time with the kids was the opportunity to pray for each one of them, individually.  The Lord spoke through it and He prophesied over the children.  One mother came up with her 2 sons and asked for prayer.  We prayed for her family's health, financial provision, and spiritual fruitfulness.  We prayed over her two sons, that they would be dedicated to the Lord's work, and that many would come to know Christ through them.  When we looked up, she was weeping.  No doubt she didn't have enough food for the day, and she was doing the best she could to provide for her children.

A harsh realization came over us as we thought of all the things that we take for granted in life.  In the United States, we have access to clean water every day.  No one starves to death because there are so many options for food and shelter.  We have immediate access to pharmacies when we are feeling sick, and the list goes on.

Eden (Eric and Mandy's 4 year old daughter) also got up and spoke to the children that morning, reminding them that God loves us, and is always with us, even when we sleep.  She even paused for the interpreter in between sentences!!  The children were fascinated with her, and listened to her, undistracted.  Eden seemed to be in her element as she allowed the Holy Spirit to minister through her.

Jesus said, "Let the children come to me.  Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.  I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it."

(Luke 18:16-17)

Later on Saturday afternoon we heard the news that someone donated all their frequent flier miles that they had accumulated over the years to pay for Boy and his entire family to fly to Manila, and for the flight from LAX back to Hawaii at the end of the tour!!!  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!  The Lord, has once again, provided for His people He has called.  Be encouraged, if you respond in obedience to His calling upon your life, He will provide for you.

On Saturday night we played down at the beach.  It consisted of a long worship set, and some original tnG songs.  Well over a thousand people stopped by to listen!!  Ian and Eric both preached the Good News and exhorted people to make a commitment to Christ and to have a personal relationship with Him.  Over a hundred children showed up that night and worshipped with us.  The Lord anointed Eden to speak as well, as she encouraged the crowd that Jesus forgets all of our sins, and that He loves us, even when we mess up.  What is really amazing to note, is that she captivated the entire crowd, not just the children.

Eden, at just 4 years old, seems to have a huge ministry before her, and the Lord is already using her in mighty ways.  We need to continue to keep her in prayer, for protection, and fresh anointing.  The last couple of days has been a joy and a blessing to watch as Eden fully worship the Lord with eyes closed and hands raised, with intensity written all over her face.  We are constantly reminded that no one is too old, or too young to be a powerful witness for Christ!

"Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young.  Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

(1 Timothy 4:12)

On Sunday morning, we played at Calvary Chapel Dumaguete for both morning services 8:30am and 10:30am.  It was an awesome blessing to worship with fellow believers.  The house was packed out for each service.

Some of the School of Ministry students (from Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa) and some of our own team got the amazing opportunity to teach the children's Sunday School for the first service.  The Holy Spirit spoke through us and gave us the words to say, and the things to teach.  Many children were blessed, and some even stepped out of their comfort zone, and shared their testimony in front of all their peers.  God really worked miracles in those classrooms.  All of the teachers were in tears over what the Lord was doing in the kids, and in themselves!

After church our pastor, Carl Westerlund (the director of the School of Ministry), took us all out to a Filipino lunch buffet.  The food was, once again, amazing.  We are so grateful for the fellowship that we are able to partake in.

Later on Sunday evening, the Huff's, the Utile's, and Landon all went over to Calvary Chapel Dumaguete to play acoustic worship for the small bible study that was being taught in Cebuano (the local dialect).  In between worship songs, Landon was led to share about the time the Lord healed him in Hawaii, when he was suffering from SEVERE stomach pains.  The church was greatly encouraged by this testimony of Gods power.

God opened the door for us to play a full evangelistic concert at Sillman University.  Missionaries established this university in 1901 and we have been told they have NEVER let a band come do an evangelistic concert before.  So, all the locals kept telling us this is a VERY big deal that we are invited to play and preach the Gospel.  What great favor the Lord has shown us!

We just got back from the event.  It was packed with almost a thousand people there.  Eric and Ian boldly shared the Gospel with all the students.  They exhorted them to make a commitment to Christ and to have a personal relationship with Him.  Lives were be changed and the students were able to connect with the local churches to get discipled.  Hearts were convicted and refreshed as we worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth.  The Lord worked in supernatural ways as we witnessed spiritual revivals within the hearts of these college students.

"This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world.  It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God's wonderful grace."

(Colossians 1:6)

This Saturday June 21st at 7pm is the BIG free concert at the Macius Sports Complex.  Prayerfully, the local churches are expecting 5,000 people to be there.  Take No Glory is the only band playing and we will hand out as many free CDs as possible while also connecting the attendees to the local churches.  The Gospel will be preached and there will be a call to respond.  Right now there are almost 200 volunteers available to serve!!  Please pray for this important event.  May it transform Dumaguete City.

One very specific prayer request we have is that we NEED to have the funds by tomorrow morning for the entire Vierra family of 7 to join us for the rest of the tour!!  We have their itinerary scheduled so they can fly with us from Dumaguete to Manila to Hong Kong to London to Austria back to London and finally to Boston.  Now we just need to show up to the travel agent with the $.  We know God will provide just like He has every other time we have been in NEED.  Is anything too big for God?  The Lord owns the cattle on a thousand hills!  So please join us in prayer as we eagerly await the Lords miraculous provision!  We can't wait to tell you how He ends up providing for this :)

God gave us a Word today.  "WAIT"

"I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait on the LORD, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen you heart; wait, I say, on the LORD."

(Psalm 27:13-14)

Pray that the Lord would continue to open doors for the gospel to be preached, and that we would all be faithful to serve Him no matter what obstacles may come our way.

May the Lord bless you!

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

We Appreciate Your Love & Prayers

June 10th, 2008

Over the past several weeks it has been a blessing to communicate with you as we walk these awesome days out.  We have been privileged to weep and rejoice over your prayers, and praises as the Lord moves in and through you.

In fact, "Every time we think of you, we give thanks to our God. Whenever we pray, we make requests for all of you with joy, for you have been our partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.  And we are certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns...We pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For we want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return.  May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ for this will bring much glory and praise to God.  (Philippians 1:1-6,9-11)

While on the island of Oahu, we have experienced Biblical ministry that reminds us of the Book of Acts.  Many have accepted Christ for the first time, countless have made stronger commitments to our Lord, the gifts of the Holy Spirit have been very active, hungry homeless families have been fed, thousands of our CDs have been freely given & prayer meetings and Bible studies have been a daily event.

We have also done about two dozen outreach concerts or times leading worship at local churches.  It has been awesome seeing God's church work together as we have been serving alongside so many fellowships, all in unity working towards the same goal.  We could go on and on about how wonderful it has been here!

The most important update is that the Take No Glory team has grown from 12 to 19 people.  We are now 6 musician servants, 8 missionary servants & 5 kids (ages 5 months to 14)

While in Hawaii, God has made it CLEAR that the Vierra family of 7 will join us on this three month missionary trip.  It has been confirmed dozens and dozens of ways through: scripture, prayer, Godly counsel, dreams, visions, prophesy, words of knowledge & a great peace that surpasses all understanding.

The Vierra's are a missionary family.  The father's name is Boy (a Christian musician that has done a world tour before as a bass player) & his wife's name is Elena (she is gifted with and passionate about children's ministry).  They have 4 children, ages twenty-one to nine years old: Nailiulaikalani, Kaleihulalionahokulani, Kauhiwaiolaokalani & Kananiowaipiokaainaalii.  They also have a granddaughter that is 5 months old named: Nadiya.

The family has been faithfully serving the Lord here on Oahu and are well respected by ALL the churches we have been working with.  It seems that every believer we have met here knows and loves this family.  They are a righteous addition to the Take No Glory ministry.

During the last few days, the confirmation that they are called has continued with more incredible events. Both Boy and Elena have been unexpectedly released by their bosses to go on this trip.  Also, multitudes of prayers have been answered.  For example, our team was used to fulfill some of Boy's visions and desires to evangelize to his co-workers and clients at work.  In addition, more brothers and sisters in the Lord that know the Vierras have agreed that their family is supposed to go.

Boy and Ellen also found out a few days ago that it will cost over nine hundred dollars for them to get their families passports finalized by Wednesday, June 11th.  Without them ever telling Eric and Ian of this cost, both of the guys felt in their spirits during a Bible study that someone needed to give them $1,000 dollars.  We did not mention this to anyone though.

Well, during that Bible study our team was leading (we crammed about 50 people in a house that fits 20) a friend of the Vierra's came up to Boy and handed him a thousand dollars and told him "the Lord wants me to give this to you".

How awesome and exciting is it to see the Lord moving and directing His ministry for His glory?

Please continue to pray and intercede for the days ahead.  It is our heart that we would follow God faithfully and that our lives would bring Holiness back to His Holy name.

Please pray for the Vierra family and their travel arrangements.  We believe that they will be serving with us in the Philippines by June 13th or 14th.

Please pray for our continued unity.

Please pray for the Philippines.  The pastors, leaders, churches, outreaches, etc.  May God bring fruit that multiplies and remains as He moves through Dumaguete City, and the surrounding areas.

Since we sent our update last week we have recieved over a hundred responces from friends and family encouraging us and telling us they are praying and fasting for us.  Here are some encouraging words and scriptures that you have sent us over the past week that we thought we should share with everyone.  We pray that you are blessed and encouraged by it!

You need to "keep going forward and keep being immersed in the Word.  At the end of the day all we have to give is Jesus.  Nothing else!!!  Just keep going forward. Stand on what God has shown you and keep your mind and your thought life in check.  Being on tour can get demanding.  Watch your Mind, Body and Spirit.  So pace yourself,  you are not on a sprint but a marathon!"

Be ready for "spiritual warfare, when you are out on the frontlines. The enemy loves to use his familiar tricks, but I have found after 20 years of ministry that it is your Peace that he will ultimately go for.  There is all the usual stuff, like: family, your kids, having weird accidents, sicknesses, things breaking, money, and anything that will rattle your cage.  But he ultimately goes for your Peace.  If you keep your eyes on Jesus then pace yourself and keep going forward...   Remember, you only need five stones and a slingshot, not the armour."

"Jesus fed 5000 men, along with women and children with just 2 loaves and 5 fish, and then there were 12 baskets left over.  That is what our God is capable of doing.  He has led you all this way so far and will continue to lead and provide for all of you.  Read Proverbs 3"

I was lead to read (2nd Timothy 3:5) "But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."  The words endure hardship and fulfill your ministry jumped off the page.

Of course Matthew 6:25-34 always comes to my mind so I pray that His word, His truth speaks to you... "Therefore do not worry, sayings, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear? For after all thes things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own troubles...."

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

NOTHING is impossible for Him and we are able to do all things THROUGH Christ who strengthens us.  Second Thessalonians 3:3 says, "But the Lord is faithful who will establish you and guard you from the evil one." Where it says "faithful," it means literally that the Lord is "utterly to be depended upon." Amen!!!

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.  He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:12)

"For this is what the LORD says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink. This is an easy thing in the eyes of the LORD; he will also hand Moab over to you." (2 Kings 4:17,18) 

"It is written" 'I believed; therefore I have spoken.'  With that the same spirit of faith we also beleive and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence.  All this is for your benefit so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 4:13)

"The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make His face shine upon you

and be gracious to you.

The Lord turn His face toward you

and give you peace."

(Numbers 6:23-25)

Another thought that comes to mind as you travel.  In the other countries, women will have in Christ a new freedom that they do not have. Also, marriages will change by watching your families.  The simple holding of hands, smiles, hugs, serving each other, etc will be a powerful message.  Eph 6:5-6  Bondservants, be obedient.......in sincerity of heart not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers.....

"And he said to them: 'Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.  For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.  After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.  And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing;  but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it-lest you even be found to fight against God.'" (Acts 5:35-39)

There are so many things to be thankful for and I'm reminded of this particular verse in 1Tim. 1:12, which says, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to His service."

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

Humbled & Desperate As We Trust In The Lord

June 3rd, 2008

What you are about to read will come as a surprise to you.  It sure caught us off guard.  We are entrusting this matter to the Lord, and going before Him in prayer and fasting with bowed hearts, and surrendered wills.  This next week we are in NEED of your fervent prayers!!!  We have dozens of prayer requests, but one major specific change that is our focus.  If you would please reply to this email to let us know you are praying for us, and with us, it would be a great encouragement to hear from you.

"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

(Proverbs 16:9)

We believe God has called another family (seven people!!!!!!!) to join Take No Glory and come with us on this trip around the world.  During our time serving here on Oahu, a local Hawaiian named Boy, has been playing bass guitar with us at all our concerts.  Little did we know that the Lord was doing amazing things behind the scenes in his and his family's hearts.

Throughout the past couple of weeks the Lord has been showing Boy, and other people removed from Take No Glory, that the God is calling him and his family to leave everything behind and to step out in faith to join us.  The Lord has been confirming this specific calling through scripture, prayer and Godly counsel.  Even more than that, the Holy Spirit has directly spoken to all of us through supernatural happenings such as dreams, visions, prophesy and words of knowledge.  We can't deny they are "called".

"There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel-that will stand."

(Proverbs 19:21)

On Saturday night during Boy's family devotion with his wife and five kids they studied Isaiah 6:1-8 together. The verses speak of the Lord asking: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" & the reply is: "Here am I! Send me." After the dozens of other confirmations Boy had already received from the Lord during the last week, he felt that the Lord solidified his calling to Take No Glory through these verses.

The next morning after church, Boy shared with the tnG team how the Holy Spirit spoke directly to him through that scripture in Isaiah.  After A LOT of prayer we all agreed they were part of the team and we became a family of nineteen!

Later that evening, during communion at the 6 PM church service, the pastor got up and spontaneously felt led to read Isaiah 6:1-8.  As the pastor read, all of us were in shock and awe.  Jesus, in His goodness, once again established and assured the calling when this happened.

Please, please, please pray for us!!!  We are asking God for supernatural wisdom & faith in how to proceed.  We now have 19 people that will be traveling the world together. Before this happened, we have been completely desperate for the Lord to provide for every need. Of course He has done more than provide for our needs.  Jesus has lavished His grace, favor and abundance upon us.

"For with God nothing is impossible."

(Luke 1:37)

We have NEVER asked for financial support from anyone and have not felt led to do any fundraising.  We don't have a sponsor.  We don't have extra money in the bank.  In fact, we don't currently have the provision required to take care of the expected needs of the twelve that started the trip.  Regardless, we have no doubt that Jesus can and will provide for 12, 19, or more people.  Where God guides, He will provide. 

You can only imagine how we feel.  We have gone from desperation and dependence, to a speechless surrendering of our will that can be summed up as, "Really Lord, are You sure?  OK.  Your will be done.  Please don't let us get in the way of Your perfect plan."

Please pray for the Lord's miraculous provision, just as He has been so faithful to do so far.  Our God does not change.  He has been faithful, and we trust that He will be faithful in our present and future as well.  Pray for an increase of our faith.  For we know that if the Jesus has called, then He will equip.

"The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

(Luke 10:2)

If the Lord is raising up more and more laborers to serve with the tnG ministry, then the harvest must truly be ripe! Let's be encouraged church, and let us say "Yes!" to His calling - no matter how illogical, improbable, or impossible it may seem.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways", says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."

(Isaiah 55:8-9)

As far as an update on what has been happening, we are truly humbled by what the Lord is doing here in Hawaii.  There are so many praise reports!  The Lord has provided us with food, shelter, transportation, and unlimited opportunities to serve His people.  After doing well over a dozen events here on the island we have so many new friends to be praying for.  We are truly blessed by what Jesus is doing in and through these times of ministry!

A couple days ago, on Sunday, we were given the tremendous blessing to play worship for 3 services at Calvary Chapel Pearl Harbor.  Sunday reminded us of the verse that speaks of the Lord inhabiting the praises of His people.  We can testify to that verse because the Holy Spirit played through us and His presence filled the building.  God was glorified and lives were changed as His people responded.

We were humbled and encouraged by the staff at CCPH.  One woman said: "We are here to serve you, so that you will be able to effectively minister to others." We were so humbled by that statement, since it was our hearts desire to come and serve them!

So we thank you for your prayers for that event; the Lord is constantly going above and beyond all we could ever think or imagine to pray for.  We praise Jesus that others are praying for us with this verse in mind.

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.  Amen."

(Ephesians 3:20-21)

We love you, and are so excited about all that the Lord is doing. Thank you so much for joining with us in prayer today as we fast as a team.  Below is a few events we have planned this week here in Hawaii.  Less than two weeks and we will be in the Philippines serving in Dumaguete City!!  We have a couple dozen events already planned during the 2 weeks we will be there.  Pray the Lord will prepare us to do these one to three events each day while we are there loving the Filipino people and telling them about Jesus.

It would mean so much to hear from you.  Please reply to this email and let us know you are praying for us and with us.  It would be a great encouragement to hear from you.  Also please let us know how we can be praying for you?

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

Awesome Provision & Victory In Hawaii !!!

May 27th, 2008

Aloha!!!  God is doing things beyond all that we could ask or imagine!  He is challenging and changing His people! He is seeking and saving the lost!  He is alive!!!

Isn't that encouraging?!? He isn't a cardboard statue or even a brilliant masterpiece in a town square.  He is the living God over all creation who stands in the midst of all of our lives and says, come to me, I will make you new, I will never leave you or forsake you, I am the Alpha and Omega, I am the Redeemer, Restorer and the Righteous King who lived, died and was raised for you, I LOVE YOU!!!

So, does God want to move in and through you today as you seek to glorify Him? It seems like a question that we should be able to answer quickly, yet in the midst of the church it seems as if there is a serious lack of eager expectation of our Messiah. (By the way, as we are typing this we just received a call to pray for a brother who is in serious pain with gallstones.  What an opportunity to practice praying with expectancy!!!)

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

(Ephesians 3:14-21)

Today we pray that we would all come to the Lord with expectancy.  Wherever you are. Wherever you've been.  God is calling you eagerly wait and expect Him to move a world to receive His promises and react to His love.

Here are a few practical stories to testify that our Lord is alive and active today:

For the past month we have been praying that God would provide a van or two for our time in Hawaii, yet as we pulled up to the terminal at LAX there had been no clear distinction where or how the Lord was providing.  Upon arriving in Honolulu the Lord provided us with a cheap rental van and even more incredible - a free 15 passenger van for the whole month!  The Lord testified that His fingerprints were all over this provision when we found out that the pastor who drove that van daily left the island one day before we arrived and will return one day after we leave.  The Holy Spirit had both our schedules worked out without us ever discussing it!

Thank you for praying for the Jesus Loves You North Shore Outreach.  Over 80 kids received the Lord and many more were moved to make decisions to for the Lord.  We had the opportunity to see a community come together to love the lost.  Please continue to pray that God would provide fruit that lasts on the North Shore and that the church would continue to be unified and connected as they follow Jesus.

We have also seen the Lord provide us with housing and food for our time in Hawaii.  God has continually shown us His church being the church in the midst of our needs.  Time and time again the Lord has blessed us with hospitable homes that have shared the grace and peace of the Lord with our team.

“Lord, through all the generations You have been our home!  Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.”

(Psalm 90:1,2)

Dinners and prayer meetings have become commonplace in the midst of fellowship.  Almost every time we end with on our knees bent before our Father as a large family thanking Him and pleading with Him for His Spirit to fall on the Island.

So, "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you."

(Matthew 7:7)

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

(Isaiah 55:8,9)

The Lord also allowed us to spend time leading the North Shore youth group.  In fact the Pastor had asked us to pray and seek the Lord for an encounter of the Holy Spirit through worship.  That night was special because a whole room of students took a stand for Jesus.  Time was spent worshipping and praying over each other as the Lord ministered His love throughout the room.

We also have had the opportunity to lead life groups at some of the local Calvary Chapels.  God has given us some intense times of worship, fellowship and studying His Word.  In fact, spending time in the life groups has reminded us of what the Lord says in Hebrews 10:24,25, "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."

However the greatest moment thus far had to be last night.

After some amazing time with some students at a youth group "all-nighter", Landon had gotten REALLY sick.  In fact he was so sick and in so much pain that he couldn't move.  We all laid hands on him in prayer and had some of the guys stayed in the van with him while we continued to minister and lead worship.

A little while later Eric was told that it was time to take Landon to the emergency room.  Eric stopped what he was doing and asked the Lord for His leading.  Soon after Eric began to share with the kids that now was the time to come to the Lord and to seek His healing for Landon.  We figured that the Lord could take us to the ER to minister to someone, but it seemed as if the Lord wanted to use Landon as a testimony to show these kids that God is the healer and giver of life.

So we split the kids off in groups to pray and then a few of the  leaders went out to the van to pray for Landon.  As we prayed, it became evident that the Lord wanted Landon to stand.  After some prayer and a time of waiting we asked Landon to get up.

"Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well."

(James 5:14,15)

Landon arose fully restored!!  Some pastors testified later that they were given worship songs while we were praying.  Others testified that the Lord had given them prayers of thanksgiving before Landon was even healed.  A few even agreed that the Lord had told them to tell Landon to arise.

So at 2 a.m. we walked into a room of about 50 students who had been praying for Landon and began to testify and worship the Lord together.  What a testimony to all who were still awake.

“O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health.”

(Psalm 30:2)

We are so stoked and excited for what the Lord is doing here in Hawaii, but we are also preparing and looking forward to what God is going to do in the Philippians when we get to serve in Dumaguete City June 13th to June 25th.

"But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

(Philippians 3:12-14)

Joyfully serving Jesus,

TAKE NO GLORY TEAM

tnG Prayer Requests & MANY Prayers Answered…Be Encouraged !!!!!!!

May 20th, 2008

"We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us.  And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.  We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy."  (1st John 1:3-4)

The musicianary tour through Hawaii, Philippines, England, Austria, Maine, New York, Indiana & California has begun J

The first few days in Hawaii have been exceedingly and abundantly more wonderful than we would have ever thought or prayed for.  We have already done a handful of concerts and have seen so many prayers answered during this last week that our faith as a team and as individuals has been enflamed like never before. Amazing miracles have been the norm during this season of our ministry and the great things God has done only leaves us more humbled and excited than we have ever been.

PRAISE GOD FOR PRAYERS ANSWERED

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." (Psalm 100:4)

Last week before the team left for the world tour we were praying the Lord would provide for a new bass guitar, bass amp, and traveling case.  We were able to find the perfect set up for about half the retail price (huge blessing) and we almost bought it right away!  Then we realized we didn’t have the $1,200 we needed for it so we spent time praying as a team.  We knew that if God wanted us to have the equipment, He would provide in His way and in His timing.  The next morning we woke up and exactly $1,200 dollars was deposited in our bank account (unexpected tax refund!). We prayed, He provided and now we have an awesome bass that will help us be more able to serve at our outreach concerts and times of worship at churches.

The last day our team spent here in Orange County was full of the Holy Spirit impacting us spiritually, emotionally and physically. Tuesday, May 13^th will be a day none of us will ever forget.

Spiritually we were blessed as we spent the day fasting and praying as a team.  During the end of the afternoon, we had a small group gather to pray, worship and read the Bible.  We also had many friends and family call in to join us on speakerphone.  By the end of the two hours, our group was spread all over the room worshiping, some on their knees weeping while others were quietly dancing with big smiles of true joy.  The Lord was with us and we knew we were in His perfect will as we were ready to depart for the trip He planned and was allowing us to partake in.

Emotionally it was a very stressful time.  Mostly good stress, but still stress.  We bless the name of Jesus Christ because His love flowed through each of us and He kept a great sense of peace and unity among the chaos.  The great emotional moment we shared together was that night, during dinner, as we broke our fast together.  The Holy Spirit (through one of the tnG servants) gave the other nine adults on the team a single specific word that described what God was doing in their lives.  The words were: obedient, humble, worshipful, devoted, willing, passionate, joyful, zealous and loving.  It is very emotional just to type the words out because it brings to remembrance that great feeling of comfort and affirmation that only our King could provide.  Some of us wept as we all agreed it was the Lord speaking these words of Life.

Physically we were blessed in ways that are still shocking to realize.  That morning we were at the music store and someone we met at a concert came up to us and said “You are going to need this” and put about a hundred dollars into one of our pockets.  Later that afternoon another believer told someone on our team that the Lord told them to give our ministry something they had been saving in their Bible for a long time-it was a hundred dollar bill.

We have never once asked or even implied that we need or want people to support us financially.  We know God has guided us to this ministry and He will provide!  But for those two things to happen in the same day made us feel so taken care of by the Lord.

However, the greatest physical blessing happened that night after we ate dinner.  As we were finishing our meal (at Marie Calendar’s) and the waiter came up to our table and said “I don’t know what is going on, but someone paid for part of your bill and left a card for you”. It turned out a lady that we gave one of our CDs to, in the lobby about an hour earlier, charged her credit card $124 towards our meal, not knowing what the bill would be.  Our meal after taxes came to $123.24!

The card said: “To Take No Glory, thank you for the CD-it’s great!  Showing God’s love for you in a practical way and praying for your travel mercies!  Blessings, Misti (the lady in the lobby) God’s provision toward your meal.”  As the card was read and we realized what had happened a few of us teared up and were speechless.  Most of us wept.  We couldn’t contain ourselves.  Our Heavenly Father had once again shown His love to us through a person that we were trying to witness to.

The next morning it took 3 vehicles to drop off our team and all our stuff.  We almost had 50 bags (if we include backpacks and purses) that we were checking in and carrying on the plane.  Because we had so many extra bags and a lot of our items were over the size/weights limits our (unexpected) fees totaled over a thousand dollars. The first three thoughts Ian had when he found out was: [1] “Oh no, this is going to happen on all nine of our flights.” [2] “I guess we are gonna go hungry a lot, we already don’t have money for food!” [3] “Help us Lord.  You are faithful and we trust You.”  Within a couple minutes someone said they might pass some bags though without fees.

Ian quickly went up to the guy helping us and asked, “I heard you might let our bags through without fees.  Is that true!?!”  The fellow started laughing and replied, “I’ve worked here for 8 years. They never let bags through, but I’m going to wrap a couple together and it will save you a hundred bucks or so.”  “Thanks so much for helping” Ian responded and walked away.  Eric walked out of the terminal a few minutes later with a look of shock on his face.  “Ian, they are waiving EVERY fee. I don’t know why. The lady just said ‘God bless you’ and waived all the fees!”  We didn’t know if we should laugh or cry.  Bless the Lord J

"I will praise the Lord at all times.

I will constantly speak His praises.

I will boast only in the Lord;

let all who are helpless take heart.

Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness;

let us exalt his name together."

(Psalm 34:1-3)

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR US

"He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)

That God would be exalted, honored, praised and receive ALL the glory in everything we do!  For our continued unity and dependence on the Holy Spirit. That we would love, encourage and lay our life down for one another. For us to be diligent and self-controlled while also enjoying our time serving Jesus.  We wouldn’t set expectations in anything but God’s goodness and faithfulness. For us to maintain surrendered, humble and dependent hearts to the Lord. That we would be servants to all (esteeming others higher than ourselves). Pray for our safety & health. That we would continually put on the full armor of God, for protection from spiritual attacks. That we would remain steadfast in His Word.

We would effectively serve others while in Hawaii.  That God's Spirit would move in the hearts of the people there.  Pray for the ministries we are working with there: Calvary Chapel Central Oahu, Calvary Chapel Leeward, Calvary Chapel Pearl Harbor, Horizon Christian Fellowship Honolulu, North Shore Christian Fellowship, The Salvation Army, Waipio Grace Brethren Church and any other ministries the Holy Spirit allows us to co-labor with.  That we would bless, exhort and encourage everyone we co-labor with and everyone we minister to.

We have already freely given over 50,000 albums and each of them have “Unauthorized Duplication Is Appreciated And Encouraged” printed on them. Pray those CDs will continue to be copied by believers and used as effective witnessing tools. Provision to purchase 500,000 more CDs to give away as witnessing tools while on this tour. This will cost about two hundred thousand dollars to manufacture and ship them overseas.

For our provision to take care of our families and not be a physical burden on those we serve.  Pray that we will be able to sell our remaining vehicle so we will have the funds to cover our housing, transportation and food while we are in the Philippines (about five thousand) and Austria (about ten thousand). We need provision for housing, transportation and food while we are serving in England from Friday, June 27^th until Wednesday, August 6^th.  Provision for one or two RVs when we arrive back in the states on August 20^th.

The marriages (Jeff & Melanie, Ian & Johnna, Eric & Mandy). The kids (Eden-4 years old & Elijah-3 years old).  The servants (Chris, Conner, Landon & Landrew).

"A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

One other exciting opportunity the Lord has opened up is to use the Take No Glory house for missionary families while we are gone during the summer. The tnG home is a 1,600 square foot 3 bed, 2 bath home about two blocks from Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. The church actually has over 100 missionary families they prayerfully and financially support.  So the house will be a real blessing for them to use when missionaries are visiting.  Please pray for the host family: Isaac & Andrea Love. They will be serving the missionary families that stay here. What an honor it is that our home can still be used for ministry even when we’re gone!

We love you with the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Please reply to this email and let us know how we can be praying for you. If you would like some free copies of our album “Wake Me Up”, let us know your address and how many you are able to give away.

"I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.  Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." (Ephesians 3:14-20)

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

WE LEAVE FOR OUR 4 MONTH WORLD TOUR TOMORROW !!!!!!!

May 13th, 2008

WOW, So after 6 months of prayer and fasting every Tuesday, we have quickly reached the last Tuesday before the Take No Glory Ministry leaves on their 4-month musicianary journey around the world.  Tomorrow we leave to serve Jesus on three continents this summer and are soooooooooooooo humbled and excited for this opportunity!

Today is a special time to join us as we fast from food during breakfast and lunch and pray individually throughout the morning and afternoon.  Then before evening we'll gather together to pray in unity, worship through music and ask the Holy Spirit to speak through His Word.  Once the Lord is done speaking to our hearts we'll break the fast with a dinner feast.  The Lord is so worthy of all praise and Tuesdays have really been a time of blessing to everyone involved.  

If you are an Orange County resident, please come and join us tonight at 5pm in the "Plaza Village Clubhouse" -- 3101 S Fairview St, Santa Ana, CA.

If you are not local or can't join us physically at the clubhouse, then we encourage you to call (712) 432-3900 (Code: 3232914) at 5pm (Pacific Time) to be a part of the community conference call for prayer and worship over the phone.  You can go to the following link for more info (http://www.nocostconference.com/user_thanks.aspx?SID=op22oarm1s5q5m45ek4doe45).  Your phone call will automatically be sent to a speakerphone located within the meeting giving you an opportunity to pray, and to be prayed for, during this time of worship. It is truly a blessing when we all unite in prayer to God the Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Many people have asked us to give details about where we are going and what we are doing on this trip. There are 12 of us traveling together this summer to share the gospel through music.  However, these twelve don't fully represent the Take No Glory (tnG) ministry.  tnG is a ministry of people all over the world and from many different walks of life.  If a Christian prays for us, then they are part of the tnG ministry.  If a believer gives away copies of our CD, and uses the album as a witnessing tool, then they are part of the tnG ministry.  If someone financially supports us, they also are a part of the tnG ministry.  We state all this to say that only a small part of the tnG team is going on this musicianary trip!

There are three families and four single men that have left EVERYTHING (family, friends, homes, jobs, vehicles, opportunities & all material possessions) to go on this adventure.  Praise God all 12 of us have had the opportunity to become one big family living together for the last two months here in Santa Ana, CA.  What a blessing it has been so far as we are continually reminded that we must die to our flesh!  Please pray for our continued unity and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

The team of 12 will fly out of LA on Wednesday, May 14th and arrive in Honolulu, Hawaii at 8:30pm.  We serve on the island of Oahu for four weeks.  Then we travel from Hawaii to Dumaguette City in the Philippines.  We arrive in Dumaguette on Friday, June 13th at 8am and will be serving there for two weeks.  We will arrive in London, England on Thursday, June 26th and then travel five hours south to Devon.  We get to spend six weeks serving in Devon, England.  We will arrive in Millsatt, Austria on Wednesday, August 6th and will serve there for two weeks.  We finally arrive back in the US on August 20th.

When we serve on Oahu, we will be participating in an outreach called "Jesus Loves You North Shore" from Thursday, May 15th to Saturday, May 17th.  The outreach will focus on special ministry to the homeless of Waianae and Waimanalo to bring food, hygiene gift kits, supplies and of course we will be playing music and giving out free copies of our album "Wake Me Up". (By the way, if you don't already have a copy, let us know and we'll send some your way!) We will also do many other music/concert events at churches, in parks, at the beach, and more that we don't even know about yet!  We get to serve with Pastor Frank Figueroa and lead worship at Waipio Grace Brethren Church on Sunday, May 25th at his 10:45am & 6pm services.  After worship that night we will be hanging with the youth group from Calvary Chapel Pearl Harbor for an "all-nighter" where we will share music, testimonies, and whatever else the Lord would have. The next weekend, we will be leading worship at Calvary Chapel Pearl Harbor in Waipahu on Sunday, June 1st at their two services 9am & 11am.  Later that night at 6pm we get to play a concert there.  Before we fly to the Philippines, we are so excited to be invited over to Horizon Christian Fellowship on Sunday, June 8th to do the Bible teaching/preaching and worship for their church service.  Besides what we already have scheduled we anticipate the Lord has prepared MANY, MANY other opportunities for us to reach out to the people of Oahu.  Praise God we have housing provided for; however, we still have a great need for transportation while we are in Hawaii.  Please pray that the Lord would provide this in His perfect timing, and that we would use the transportation to help effectively serve others.

On Wednesday June 11th, we will be leaving Hawaii for the Philippines. We will be flying into the Manila International Airport. We will stay in Manila until the morning of June 13th, and then fly out to our destination: Dumaguete City. We get to serve there with the School Of Ministry from Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. We are very excited about what the Lord has planned.  We will likely be doing everything from large outreach concerts, intimate acoustic worship sets, street evangelism, preaching, construction and anything else we are guided to do by our hosts and the Holy Spirit.  We are looking forward to being able to serve the Filipino people, and reach them with the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Please pray that the Lord would work in and through us, that we would be sensitive to the Filipino culture, and that we would be an encouragement to the long-term missionaries who live there. Pray also for our outreach opportunities that God would be glorified.

On Wednesday June 25th, we will leave the Philippines, and fly into Hong Kong, where we have a 6-hour layover. From there, we will be arriving in London, England at 7am on Thursday. We will be serving five hours south of London around Devon for six weeks.  We are very excited about the invitation to be involved with CreationFest 2008! To learn more about this festival/outreach, check out this website: http://www.creationfest.org.uk/. The Lord has opened the doors for us to be apart of this amazing ministry where we will be using the large concert festival format to share the Gospel.  Whether its through playing music, helping with set up/tear down, serving with the prayer team or helping with the cleaning crew: we pray we would glorify our Lord through our actions and attitudes.  Please join us in prayer for our time in England that many would come to know Christ through this festival and that those who already know Christ would be strengthened in their walk with Jesus.  Also pray for the Lord's provision for our team in the area of housing, food, and transportation while we are there. We know our God is faithful; we put all of our hope and trust in the Him alone.

After our stay in the UK, we will be flying out to Vienna, Austria on Wednesday August 6th.  We have the exciting opportunity to serve at the International Missionary Conference that lasts from August 10th-16th in Millstatt.  When we are there we get to help with the children's ministry, cook/clean & also might lead in worship if there is a need.  Pray that hearts would be encouraged and strengthened in the Lord and that His calling would be made clear to all who attend.

Please fervently pray with us for all the things aforementioned. Pray that we would be united in Jesus, for the cities and countries that we will be in, that God's Spirit would move in the hearts of the people, that we would not set expectations in anything but Gods goodness and faithfulness, that we would be a servant to all (esteeming others higher than ourselves), for our safety/health, that we would remain steadfast in His Word, continually putting on the full armor of God, for protection from spiritual attacks on our team, and for our provision to take care of our families and not be a physical burden on those we go to serve spiritually.

We are so grateful for your willingness and availability to pray for us in these things, as our co-laborers in Christ. We are so blessed by your prayerful support, for in so doing, you are actually an integral part of this ministry! Also, please feel free to send this email update to your friends and family.

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do no lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galations 6:9-10)

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

April Update, Prayer and Praise, and What's Next

May 6th, 2008

During the Month of April we were blessed to serve at many events and churches all over California.  Please pray that the Lord will use what He did through us and continue to effect those we ministered to.  We were equipped to give away about 10,000 CDs at the various events we were involved in.

We were invited to play at a secular function called "Unity in the Community" in Long Beach, CA, at Roscoe's Chicken n' Waffles.  The Lord opened up the door for us to play worship songs and share the gospel boldly when we were there.

The next weekend we were able to play at the “Fight 4 Life” Concert outreach in Long Beach.  Then the next day we played worship for two church services at Hosanna Christian Fellowship.  That night we played at Angel City Café.  It was a long and fruitful weekend of ministry.

The next weekend we held a weekend of worship concerts in Northern California.  We did concerts and preached from 2^nd Corinthians 5:11-16 at Calvary Chapel Aptos and Lighthouse Christian Fellowship in Soquel.  On Sunday we lead worship at the Utile’s and Huff’s home church Calvary Chapel Santa Cruz.  This full weekend of ministry left us encouraged and edified by fellow believers who came to worship with us.

On April 28^th Jeff and Melanie Huff (the 11^th and 12^th member of our traveling team) arrived to the tnG house.  What a great team they are…so joyful and zealous for the Lord!

This past weekend the tnG team was given the opportunity to serve at the Pure Worship Conference at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. Eric and Ian hosted a 2-session workshop explaining the life of a musicianary, and the heart and challenges behind that particular ministry calling. It was a great time of refreshment hearing the stories of how the Lord supernaturally brought us all together, and the trials and tests of faith we each endured. The Lord has been so faithful!

PRIASE

We praise our God for the amazing Pure Worship Conference, and for the refreshing of our hearts through powerful teaching and challenging workshops.  We also praise Him for the opportunities He gave us to minister and be ministered to by fellow believers.

We Praise the Lord for His provision and His discipline. For whom the Lord loves, He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. We are grateful for His loving correction in our lives, refining us, and making us more like Him. Living in a house filled with 12 people has been a trying experience that has been teaching each one of us patience. The Lord is teaching us the art of dying to self, on a minute-by-minute basis.  We are all learning what it means to be a servant.

PRAYER

"He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)

Pray that as a team we could continually lay our flesh before God daily, and for hearts that are completely surrendered to Him.

Pray for continued unity in our team, that we would love, encourage, and lay our life down for one another.

The tnG team leaves on May 14th to start an outreach in Oahu (Pray that our hearts would be prepared to minister and serve the people of Oahu).

Pray for our marriages (Eric & Mandy, Ian & Johnna, Jeff & Melanie)

Prayer for interns (Chris, Landon, Landrew, Conner)

Prayer for the children (Eden-4 years old & Elijah-3 years old)

Prayer for Provision for upcoming trip to Austria

Prayer for the provision of an RV in August

Prayer for all believers everywhere to be completely submitted to Jesus.

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR tnG

The tnG house is currently being set-up as a missionary home for the summer where missionary families can stay for free if there is a need.

We will be in Oahu for various outreaches (4 weeks)

INVITATION

Please join us today in prayer and fasting. Please pray for the Lords will, His direction, and for His Spirit. Please let us know if there is anything we can pray for you for. We are the body of Christ, and if we all join together in a day set apart to seek His face, imagine what fruit could come from it!

"If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

PRAISE THE LORD

April 28th, 2008

Jesus replied, "Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem.  You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews.  But the time is coming-indeed it's here now-when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.  For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth."  (John 4:21-24)

I will praise the Lord at all times.

I will constantly speak his praises.

I will boast only in the Lord;

let all who are helpless take heart.

Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness;

let us exalt his name together. (Psalm 34:1-3)

PRAY FOR “PURE WORSHIP CONFERENCE”

-Pray that our Lord would be glorified

-Pray that young men and women would be reconnected and restored.

-Pray that the next generation of worship leaders would step up and lead the Church into His throne room of grace.

-Pray that the church of Orange County would be united.

-Pray that the Bands and Speakers would communicate the reality of Jesus Christ as a reflection of who He is and what He wants to do.

-Pray that Ian and Eric would communicate effectively what it looks like to mix missions and music.

PRAY FOR TAKE NO GLORY MUSICIANARY TRIP

-Continued Unity

-Hawaii:  Housing and food

-Philippines: Finances

-UK:  Need food, transportation, and housing

-Austria:  Finances

WHAT’S NEXT FOR tnG:

5.02.08 - Pure Worship Conference

5.03.08 - Pure Worship Conference

5.14.08 - Leave For Musicianary Tour

5.14.08 - Arrive in Honolulu

5.16.08 - Jesus Loves You NORTH SHORE outreach!

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

DEVOTIONS OR DEVOTION?

April 21st, 2008

As you and I walk through the day, let's ask ourselves if we are merely living lives that are conveniently situated with moments of devotion or are our lives living sacrifices unto the Lord that testify to a life full of devotion?

Let's check out what Charles Finney says,

"Devotion is that state of the heart in which everything - our whole life, being, and possessions - are a continual offering to God, that is, they are continually devoted to God. True devotion must be the supreme devotion of the will, extending out to all we have and are - to all times, places, employments, thoughts, and feelings.

For devotion is that state of the will in which the mind is swallowed up in God as the object of its supreme affection - in which we not only live and move in God, but for God. In other words, devotion is that state of mind in which the attention is diverted from self and self-seeking, and is directed to God - the thoughts, purposes, desires, affections, and emotions all hanging upon, and devoted to, Him."

"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1st Cor. 10:31)

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father... whatever you do, do it heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. (Col. 3:17,23)

"For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's." (Romans 14:7-8)

Charles Finney (1792-1875) originally published this article in the Oberlin Evangelist in 1839 underthe title "Devotion."  The article in its original form has been reprinted in a book called "The Promise of the Spirit" by Charles Finney, edited and compiled by Timothy L. Smith, and is available from Bethany Fellowship, 6820 Auto Club Road, Minneapolis, MN 55438.

We highly recommend that you obtain a copy for yourselves.

PRAISE

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." (Psalm 100:4)

Today we want to thank God for who He is, and what He has done in and through our lives.  Let's just take a minute and reflect on how faithful God is in the midst of who we are.

-Let's praise Him for the mere fact that our hearts are beating and our lungs are breathing.

-Let's praise Him for His creation:  The mountains, rivers and seas in the midst of the expanse of His creation.  From His billowing seas to His sparkling stars.

-Let's praise Him for His promises:  Salvation, Sanctification, Grace, Mercy, Hope, Peace, and LOVE.

-Let's praise Him for His faithfulness and goodness practically in your life.  He is more faithful than the morning sun.  He always has His best in store for you in the midst of His good will.

-Let's praise Him for His patience with us.

PRAYER

"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.  Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.  Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." (Ephesians 3:14-20)

Today let's spend some time specifically and practically praying for God's will in and through our lives.

-Let's pray for surrendered hearts to His will.

-Let's pray for Humility as we meet with the Lord.

-Let's pray for Dependant hearts.

-Let's pray for the Lord to send out laborers to the lost.  That many will say yes to Him as He calls. (Specifically:  China and India, middle east, Europe, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, and America as we watch it become darker and darker.) Maybe get out a world map and pray for specific countries as the Lord leads.

-Let's pray for the Lord to soften hearts for the purpose of doing life together. (Churches and para-church organizations together fighting the fight as one)

PRAYING FOR TAKE NO GLORY

-Let's pray for unity

-Let's pray for direction

-Let's pray for intimacy with the Lord

-Let's pray for kids (Eden and Elijah)

-Let's pray for marriages (Eric and Mandy; Ian and Johnna; Jeff and Melanie)

-Let's pray for interns (Ben, Chris, Landrew, Conner, Landon)

-Let's pray that we would glorify the Lord with all that we are in Hawaii, Philippines, UK, and Austria from May 14th-August 20th

WHAT’S NEXT FOR tnG:

5.02.08 - Pure Worship Conference

5.03.08 - Pure Worship Conference

5.14.08 - Leave For Musicianary Tour

5.14.08 - Arrive in Honolulu

5.16.08 - Jesus Loves You NORTH SHORE outreach!

FASTING - Isaiah 58:1-12

“Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast.  Shout aloud! Don't be timid.  Tell my people Israel of their sins!  Yet they act so pious!  They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to learn all about me.  They act like a righteous nation that would never abandon the laws of its God.  They ask me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near me.  'We have fasted before you!' they say.  'Why aren't you impressed?  We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don't even notice it!'

"I will tell you why!" I respond.  "It's because you are fasting to please yourselves.  Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers.  What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling?  This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me.  You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind.  You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes.  Is this what you call fasting?  Do you really think this will please the Lord?

"No, this is the kind of fasting I want: free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you.  Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.  Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless.  Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

"Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal.  Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.  Then when you call, the Lord will answer.  'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply.

"Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.  Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!  Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble.  Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.  The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.  Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.  Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes."

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

PRAY WITH US!

April 14, 2008

Paul says it so well, "So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins." (Colossians 1:9-14)

What a blessing to be able to pray for each other as we walk this life out! May our Lord continue to shape, change and challenge you as you wait upon Him today. May He feed you with His everlasting Word and satisfy you with His Spirit.

PRAYING FOR THE WORLD – This Week’s Focus: Fire Fighters for Christ

Fire Fighters for Christ is a distribution ministry solely dependent upon the grace of our Lord for support and direction. Its purpose is to freely give God's word in the form of Bible study teaching, personal testimony and worship music through tapes, CD's, DVD's and digital downloads.

Please pray for Fire Fighters for Christ as they continue to send the Word all over the world. The Lord has continued to open doors for more and more ministry in the midst of several cultures and languages in some the most unreached areas. What a blessing! Here are some additional areas that we could be praying for: Pray for more open doors to spread the Word by giving free CDs and digital downloads away. Pray for protection as they continue to serve. Pray for continued unity in the midst of freely sending out the Word.

PRAYING FOR TAKE NO GLORY

Please join us as we come before the Lord today. It is our heart that we would be lovingly exalting Him as He always is lovingly edifying, exhorting, and encouraging us to draw deeper into relationship with Him. Please pray that: We would be a ministry which blesses and encourages those whom we minister to. God would be exalted. We would avail ourselves to the Lord. We would have abiding relationships in the Lord. We would draw together as one. We would have Christlike attitudes. We would be diligent. We would be self-controlled. We would be servants to all.

Other specific prayer requests:

Lasting fruit in Long Beach and Santa Cruz

Intern Discipleship

Plane tickets

Freight for gear

CD replication for 500,000 albums

Finances

Dates for ministry

Equipment

RV

PURE WORSHIP CONFERENCE – May 2^nd & 3^rd

On Friday night May 2nd and Saturday May 3rd, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa will be hosting the Pure Worship Conference 2008. From great bible teaching, to practical workshops, to intimate times of worship, our desire is to draw near to God and for Him to draw near to us. We want to equip and encourage anyone who desires to serve the Lord with their musical gifts.

Please pray that God would continue to bring young worship leaders from all over the Orange County area. Please pray that thousands of young men and women would get involved. Please pray that hearts would be moldable and responsive to the Spirit of God. Please pray that lives would be transformed.

PRAYING FOR HAWAII - May 14^th - June 11^th

From Wednesday, May 14th through Wednesday, June 11th we will be engaged in serving several churches throughout the Island of Oahu, Hawaii. Please pray with us that God would continue to open doors for ministry. That He would soften hearts. That Calvary Chapel Pearl Harbor, Horizon Honolulu, Waipio Grace Brethren Church, North Shore Christian Fellowship and the various other ministries that we will be partnering with will be strengthened, filled and directed for the days to come.

Jesus Loves You North Shore: On May 16^th & 17^th we will be partnering with Horizon Honolulu, North Shore Christian Fellowship and many other local churches to reach out to the thousands homeless people who live in the area. Many of these people are working families who just simply cannot afford housing. Please pray that God would move in and through this outreach. That He would lead them and direct them over the days to come. Pray for Pastor Francis. Pray for Calvary Chapel Bible College, Indianapolis as they will be there serving and preparing the grounds for the out reach. Pray that God would sovereignly speak into the lives of all those who will be attending the outreach and get saved or stoked on Jesus Christ.

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

LET’S PRAY TOGETHER!

April 8th, 2008

Some of the most powerful stories etched into the scriptures have come to be when men and women simply wait on the God of all people, places, and things. In light of this reality, we as a team have been fasting and praying, and waiting on the Lord each Tuesday. We would love for you to join us each week. Please let us know how we can be praying specifically for you.

PRAYING FOR THE WORLD – This Week’s Focus: Gospel for Asia

This week it is our heart that we would all be praying for the ministry of Gospel for Asia. As you read below we pray that your heart is stirred to intercede for those who have yet not heard and for those who are going be spending time with those who are bruised, beaten and broken.

Pray that the Lord will touch hearts through each tract Gospel for Asia missionaries hand out. Go to www.GFA.org to read the story of how a Gospel tract and a native missionary reached Sandeep just in time. Pray that many people will be drawn to Jesus through GFA's ministry among those suffering from leprosy. Read a moving report of missionaries being Jesus' hands and feet to people in leper colonies. Please pray that the Lord will provide more bicycles for GFA's missionaries in Asia. Read about the significance of a bicycle to the ministry of one missionary in Haryana, India. Pray for a GFA missionary and new believers in Jharkhand who recently suffered persecution for their Christian faith.

PRAYING FOR TAKE NO GLORY

Please join us as we come before the Lord today. It is our heart that we would be lovingly exalting Him as He always is lovingly edifying, exhorting, and encouraging us to draw deeper into relationship with Him. Please pray that: We would be a ministry which blesses and encourages those whom we minister to. God would be exalted. We would avail ourselves to the Lord. We would have abiding relationships in the Lord. We would draw together as one. We would have Christlike attitudes. We would be diligent. We would be self-controlled. We would be servants to all.

Other specific prayer requests:

Santa Cruz this weekend

Intern Discipleship

Plane tickets

Freight for gear

CD replication for 500,000 albums

Finances

Dates for ministry

Equipment

RV

PRAYING FOR HAWAII - May 14^th - June 11^th

From Wednesday, May 14th through Wednesday, June 11th we will be engaged in serving several churches throughout the Island of Oahu, Hawaii. Please pray with us that God would continue to open doors for ministry. That He would soften hearts. That Calvary Chapel Pearl Harbor, Horizon Honolulu, Waipio Grace Brethren Church, North Shore Christian Fellowship and the various other ministries that we will be partnering with will be strengthened, filled and directed for the days to come.

Jesus Loves You North Shore: On May 16^th & 17^th we will be partnering with Horizon Honolulu, North Shore Christian Fellowship and many other local churches to reach out to the thousands homeless people who live in the area. Many of these people are working families who just simply cannot afford housing. Please pray that God would move in and through this outreach. That He would lead them and direct them over the days to come. Pray for Pastor Francis. Pray for Calvary Chapel Bible College, Indianapolis as they will be there serving and preparing the grounds for the out reach. Pray that God would sovereignly speak into the lives of all those who will be attending the outreach and get saved or stoked on Jesus Christ.

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

BLESSINGS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!

April, 5th 2008

If you are reading this blog, it is an attempt to connect with all those who know Ian & Johnna Utile, Eric & Mandy Wood, or any of the other members of the Take No Glory musicianary team.  We want to keep you updated and be united with you in the midst of what God is doing daily in HIS ministry.  If you would like to be updated regularly, please email us (info@takenoglory.com) and will add you to the email updates we send out.

Please pray for us!  We ask for prayer because of all the transition (we are excited about).  We know it is not our abilities or strength, but the Spirit of the Lord we can trust in.

"We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us.  And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.  We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy." (1st John 1:3,4)

2 MINISTRIES BECOME 1

After processing and praying through what God is doing through Take No Glory we felt that it was important to communicate the fact that this short blog is not trying to explain the ordinary man who is a part of the ministry, but the extraordinary God who is working in and through those who have availed their lives into His hands.

Thus, this is our short attempt to explain the unbelievable, undeniable, and unconditional hand of the living God who "accomplishes infinitely more than we might ask or think"?

"Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people. And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick-no food, no traveler's bag, no money." (Mark 6:6-8)

Consistently God sends out His messengers in pairs and asks men and women to stand up, step up and step out for his gospel and ultimately for His glory. Adam and Eve, Moses and Aaron, David and Jonathon, Peter and John, and Paul and Timothy are just a few examples of God's powerful pairs. Prayerfully this is our story of two families and two ministries leaving everything to say, "YES", to Jesus.

MEETING

On November 17th Ian and Eric met through MySpace and instantly surrendered to each other’s leadership on their first phone conversation. As the two began to share their hearts it seemed inevitable that we would all be doing ministry together in some way, shape, or form in the days to come. Who new it would only be weeks away?

On December 11th Eric flew out to SoCAL and spent four days waiting on the Lord. It was amazing to see the Lord unite the ministry and prepare us for the days ahead.

"A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

On January 24th Ian and Johnna flew out to the amazing weather of the Midwest and to do some ministry with Eric and Mandy for 10 days. The trip totaled 3500 miles and went from Fort Wayne, IN to Lafayette, IN to Atlanta GA, to Kernersville NC, to Philadelphia PA.

As we spent time together it became apparent that the Lord was going to speak to all of us about the future. The times of prayer and worship were amazing. In fact Mandy and Johnna just seemed to fit together vocally, just as Ian and Eric had fit together foundationally. What an amazing testimony of the Lord and how His Spirit can bring us together and unite us for His purposes.

"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." (Philippians 2:1-4)

One night while in Lafayette Indiana, a five year old boy and his mom came up and asked if we could pray for him. She said," today we just found out Wyatt has lymphoma, we need Jesus' touch. Could you pray for us?" That night we laid hands on a young boy who's Band-Aid on his neck seemed all too real. We bawled together and waited to see God's hand move...

"The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me." (Ps. 116:6)

Sunday night we partook in a worship service where Wyatt and his mom came forward a second time for prayer. Proceeding the prayer Wyatt exclaimed with joy, "Mommy, I'm better!". She said, "now Wyatt, here's your band aide, you're still sick." Wyatt responded, "But, mommy, I'M BETTER!"

On Monday we received a call while driving down to Atlanta. It went something like this: "Eric, this is Trent. I just wanted you to know that Wyatt went into the doctor today and got retested for lymphoma again... His doctor told him and his mom to go home. HE IS HEALED!"

This is just one of many stories that the Lord has shared with us to remind us that He is alive and well and still works in the midst of those whom He loves.

On February 15th Ian and Johnna flew out a second time to Indiana. (We questioned, for a moment, a very brief moment, ok like no moment at all, if they were called to a sub-zero climate, with no hills and no oceans, but availed little.) We had an intense time of ministry and saw God once again unite hearts and lives for His purposes. We also found out upon coming home that Chris, Landon, Conner and Landrew were going to be joining us as we travel all around the world. It was and is still prolific to us how God hand picked some fella's who loved Him and were specifically gifted for the ministry of Take No Glory.

MOVING

Over the next few weeks Eric, Mandy, Eden, Elijah, Chris and Landon were packing bags to move to Santa Ana as Ian and Johnna were throwing away everything to fit 8 new people into their home…soon to be 12 people!!!

"How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting." (Psalm 133)

On March 16th we all played for the first time together at Calvary Chapel Santa Cruz. What a blessing! The Lord has brought hearts together that want to serve and seek as God saves the world.

As of right now we are praying, playing and preparing for the days ahead. God has orchestrated a tour around the world this summer that will be taking 12 people from Santa Ana, California to Oahu, Hawaii, to Dumaguete in the Philippines, to the UK, then to Austria and back to the states through Maine, New York, Indiana & finally back to California. Please pray for us as we continue to follow our Lord faithfully. God has implanted our hearts with the calling of the Truth of God, to the world of God, for the glory of God.

While there is much to say and share we pray that the Lord would write His own love story all over your lives. You see, this story once again is not so much about a ministry, as much as it is the Messiah who works in and through the ministry and the man for His own purposeful glory. So may this encourage, edify, challenge and change you to be a story that watches Him "accomplish infinitely more than you might ask or think"?

LATEST HIGHLIGHTS AS OF APRIL 2008

SEEK AND SAVE THE LOST - Hundreds of people have been reconciled and restored.

WEEKLY FASTING & PRAYER - Every Tuesday as a team…please join us from where you are.

GROWING MUSICIANARY TEAM - Now 15 people all living in southern California from all over the nation.

MUSIC AS A MEANS TO THE MESSAGE - Always giving our music away freely.

HUMBLY GIVING CDs AS WITNESSING TOOLS - Over 35,000 albums in the last few months.

DIGITAL DOWNLOADS HAVE HELPED REACH INTERNATIONALLY - In just the first two days of April-2877 songs downloaded at 8.17 gigs.

NEW WEBSITE - www.TakeNoGlory.com

NEW MySpace - www.MySpace.com/takenoglory

NATIONWIDE TOUR - 18 states & 25,000 miles in about 3 months.

UPCOMING 5 MONTH WORLD TOUR - 12 people, 9 flights, 3 continents, 1 purpose.

NON FOR PROFIT STATUS - Donations are now tax-deductible through Foundation For Christian Stewardship.

DOWNLOAD NEW CD FREE - Our new album "Wake Me Up" can now be downloaded from our website...or let us know your address and we will ship a free copy to you.  In fact we will send you a bunch if you want to give some away!

Joyfully serving Jesus,

The Take No Glory Team

***UPDATE*** Take No Glory - Ian & Johnna Utile ***UPDATE***

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

To anyone taking the time to read this…we just want you to know that we love you with the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. God has continually shown Himself strong on our behalf and we have seen Him do many miracles in our lives this last year. We pray this update would strengthen Christians in their faith and challenge those that have not yet given their heart to Jesus. Jesus alone is the answer to ALL of life's issues. He is alive, and desires a relationship with all of us. FALL ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE AN INTERESTING SEASON Two years ago we made some major life decisions to abandon our relentless pursuit of wealth and success to follow Jesus…no turning back! Last year, during the fall, we began to feel God calling us to go to school to further equip ourselves for ministry. This meant leaving our family & friends, our church that we love, selling our home, walking away from Ian's promising career and leaving everything else that made us comfortable! HOW DID WE KNOW FOR SURE GOD WANTED US TO GO TO SCHOOL? While we were in Hawaii during Christmas, the Holy Spirit spoke to us through two pastors (on two different islands and during two different occasions) to tell us that we were called to leave Santa Cruz and move to Costa Mesa to attend the School Of Ministry and the School Of Worship in the fall of 2007. We had never met these pastors, but it was all confirmed through the Bible and in our spirits. It is a long story, which Ian loves to take an hour to tell every detail, but we just want to express how grateful we are that the Lord made His specific will so clear to us. "TAKE NO GLORY" IS THE LORD'S Johnna started writing songs and playing the piano & guitar when she gave up her old way of living and was born again in 1999. She truly has a gift! The album she just finished is a lot more about the team God brought together than it is about a single person. Johnna spent over four years in many studios working with different producers and engineers to complete this album. The Lord, without us asking or seeking it out, brought some of the most talented musicians to help with the CD. We continue to thank God for the role that Chuck Harris & Jeff Rickle played in this project. We are convinced that Jesus put this album together for His glory and our hearts desire is to give it freely to anyone the Lord will let us reach out to. A VISION + STEPPING OUT IN FAITH = HEAVENLY EXPERIENCE On April 24th the Lord fell upon Ian in a special way and gave him a vision for a CD release concert. He was up until about 4:30 in the morning writing the vision down. The vision was very clear…and just about everything came to pass as he had seen it - incredible!!! Over the next 116 days, God called us to take many steps of faith before the concert: order 10,000 CDs, fly Johnna to Nashville to finish the album, book a large venue for the show and when Ian quit his job to get ready to move – he spent all his time meeting with dozens of pastors from every different denomination in Santa Cruz to pray about the concert. On August 19th at 6pm we were absolutely unprepared to start the show, but God was glorified. At the event hundreds of people got on their knees before the Lord in response to the worship. We challenged people to take many CDs and share them with their family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, waiters, the guy pumping gas next to them at the gas station…anybody! We had the privilege to give away about 8,000 CDs that night to the hundreds of people at the concert. We have heard so many wonderful stories of how people have used the album to share their faith in Christ. HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE AND THOUSANDS OF CDS Many people have told us that they love to use the album as a witnessing tool! We are so grateful the Lord has empowered Christians to share their faith by handing out the CD. We have found that the album is unique because there is a paraphrased version of the Gospel Of John narrated after all the songs. This narration is the 9th track on the album and is called "Jesus Is The Word". WHY GIVE THE CD AWAY AND LET PEOPLE DOWNLOAD IT FREE!?! Because God spoke to our hearts that this was to be different than the way of the world. When Jesus sent out His disciples to minister to people, He explained that they should do it all without expecting anything in return (Matthew 10:8-10). Our great desire is to serve and minister to people so that the name of Jesus will be lifted up. We will not attempt to promote ourselves or entertain people. We are committed to promoting the Lord Jesus Christ and allowing Him to be the focus of all that we do. Rather than charge people to entertain them, we want to serve people and bless them with free ministry. This is simply the call that God has placed on our lives. UNEXPECTEDLY SOLD AND BOUGHT A HOUSE AT THE SAME TIME Three months ago we were moving to southern California. We had no employment, nowhere to live and our home back in Santa Cruz wasn't selling. So we drove down to look for a cheap apartment that we could rent, but every place we checked out told us we couldn't bring Johnna's piano or play loud music. Although it was very stressful, we had faith that the Lord called us to move and He would give us favor to find the right place to live. By God's hand we met a Christian realtor that offered to help us buy a new manufactured home. He wanted to help pay for our space rent for the first year because we were going to the ministry school. We had a peace about it, and were so excited that Ian went to call his family. When he called his mom she said she was dialing our number at the same time to tell us that we got a full offer on our house in Santa Cruz with a guaranteed close! In less than an hour we sold high and bought low with insurmountable odds stacked against us. It was one of the greatest miracles we had ever experienced. OUR FRIENDS BELIEVE IT'S OUR HOUSE, THE BANK THINKS IT'S THEIR HOUSE, BUT WE KNOW IT'S THE LORD'S HOUSE The week we moved into the Lord's new home, we felt led to take in a couple students that needed a place to stay. One of the guys from back home in Santa Cruz, Dan Gardner, got accepted into the School of Ministry a couple days before school started. Our couch became Dan's bed, our refrigerator became his grocery store and Ian became his big brother. Dan was a great blessing to our family during the 6 weeks he stayed with us. We shared many wonderful Bible studies, worship sessions and non-stop laughter. Two days before Dan moved in we invited one of the students from the School Of Worship to take our guest bedroom. His name is Sammy and he is a worship leader from Kenya, Africa. He borrowed money to fly out to the school not knowing where he would live and having NO experience with American culture. We could write a book about the glorious experiences we had with Sammy during the 7 weeks he stayed at the house. His wife is pregnant with their first child, so he went back home to be with her. He will finish school from Africa using the Internet to keep up with the classes. GREATER TRIALS AND GREATER JOYS Now it is November 2007 and life couldn't be more abundant and full of enjoyment (in the midst of intense spiritual warfare). We are so grateful that our Lord never allows us to experience more than we can handle. He is faithful and has been making us more like Jesus as we face our share of tribulation. It just gives us all the more excitement to go home to Heaven! IMPACTING THE WORLD IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST It seems that "Take No Glory" has become a ministry that the Lord has decided to use for HIS glory. We have thousands of hits to the website (www.TakeNoGlory.com) every day from all over the world. The new album, "Open The Door", is being downloaded from dozens of different websites and people are using it as a gospel tract to share their faith. We have now given away about 10,000 CDs since the concert and we have thousands of song downloads every week! It seems we have new people contacting us every hour to let us know how God has blessed them through this ministry. FRESH VISIONS * GREATER PASSION * HUMBLE DESPERATION Ian finds himself getting fresh visions for the ministry all the time. On the other hand, Ian believes Jesus will likely come back for us before you finish reading this and none of the visions will matter. With that in mind, our main focus is intimacy with our Lord and serving each other. Johnna continues to write new passionate songs to Jesus as expressions of her love for Him. As her gifts and skills are developed in school, she finds greater desires to minister through her music. She is eager to get back into the studio and work on her next project. We find ourselves desperate for the Lord more than ever before. We are constantly asking the Holy Spirit to take our lives and have His way with them. We would really appreciate your prayers! Please specifically pray for: the strength of our marriage, financial provision & that we will be diligent and responsible with our schedule. We love you and are here to serve you any way Jesus would allow us. Below is our contact info, please don't hesitate to write or call. Lord willing, we will respond to every email and voice message we get. Ian & Johnna Utile www.TakeNoGlory.com Take No Glory P.O. Box 28919 Santa Ana, CA 92799 Toll Free: (888) 825-3664 www.MySpace.com/TakeNoGlory