Seeker & Servant and Ben Ford

A few months back, one of our fellow church members had diligently been in correspondence with a few gentlemen worshipers from our neighbors a couple of states over in Mississippi. Two of the gentlemen are brothers, Cameron and Chandler Wood who created Seeker & Servant back in 2012. The other gentlemen by the name of Ben Ford also tagged along for the ride. At the time of proposal, we didn't know what to expect but we were excited about the prospect of a live worship band.

When she first proposed this idea to the church, the older generation hesitated but the younger generation could barely keep in their seats. Immediately the younger side of the congregation began sharing their music, uploading YouTube videos, trying to get the older generation on board about bringing them on tour to our very own church here in Houston. Though it took some convincing, we we're finally going to meet a trio which would change our entire perspective of worship.

I'm going to brag on my church a little bit so bare with me. I have been in church for a number of years but Our Fellowship Christian Church is the first church where I finally learned what the words, "worship" and "praise" really meant. I have had the pleasure of listening to beautiful gospel singers in a crowd of hundreds but the intimate group we have in our church, well, we just LOVE to worship!

There are at least thirty scriptures which remind us how important worshiping our heavenly Father is and here at church, we take worship seriously. All that being said, I could not wait to have Seeker & Servant and Ben Ford lead us in a night of worship. Again, we didn't really know what to expect, but we we're definitely excited to see how this would all unfold. So, the wait began. For about three months, our congregation basked in the goodness of Seeker & Servant.

When Friday, April 12th finally rolled around, a few of us gathered in the church to help greet the artists when they arrived. Upon arrival, the jovial trio began unloading their gear and tuning up for the evening worship service. I don't know about you, but there is something quite different about hearing a band over a music app versus listening to them live. And this --THIS was extraordinary.

I pulled out my camera and decided to get some candid shots while Chandler and Cameron tuned their guitar and keyboard. I clicked away while their euphoric voices filled the room. Rhythmic piano riffs were bouncing off the walls and their harmonizing voices created a sweet sounding joy in my heart.

Next up was Ben Ford, a young charismatic gentleman who wore a smile since he entered the door. He strummed a few strings and my entire body came to a screeching halt. I literally stopped dead in my tracks while he spilled out the gospel between his guitar strings.

Then he stopped; tuning was over and I shook my head as if to clear my thoughts and get back to reality. I knew this feeling, it was a feeling of worship but I had not ever experienced it so quickly, I was shocked. But I yearned for more.

Unfortunately we had a wait a few more hours but I did have the pleasure of sitting down with the gentleman and get to know them on a more personal level.

Ben was definitely the class clown of the group, jubilant and energetic. He found himself in most of the conversation, adding laughter and charm to the entire group. I failed to mentioned that it was Ben's birthday that day and we couldn't help but to ring in a new year with some love while he was away from his wife and friends, instead, sharing the gospel with us here in Texas.

Cameron, the oldest, and Chandler shared a few details outside of the music life. They shared about their lives as videographers in Mississippi and how much they enjoyed that aspect but how different it was being on the road.

One thing in common they all shared was the short period of time on the road. All three of the artists shared their wedding vows over the course of two years. They all came into agreement that being away from their beautiful wives over a week was certainly not on the to-do list quite yet. They thoroughly enjoyed being on the road for seven straight days, playing back to back shows five days in a row and then head back home. Being a wife, I thought this was the cutest attribute I had ever heard. These twenty somethings were so in love, not only with Christ but with their gorgeous wives and I couldn't help but to blush for them.

After a couple of hours, the debut was upon us, Our members began trickling in and the nerves were starting to kick in. I don't know about Seeker & Servant and Ben Ford but I was surely anxious to hear them live and see how our congregation responded to their first live worship set inside the church.

Eight o'clock came sooner rather than later and Pastor Howard introduced Ben Ford and within minutes, the whole crowd fell into the Spirit of God. My camera fell to my side as I began swaying to Ben's words. He sung his testimony with comfort and excellence, tears fell from cheeks and arms were raised in surrender. Ben sent grace out with every word spoken and pleased the crowd during song changes. I had hoped he would sing all night long but his set concluded and he ended with a sneak peed up his new album which came out today. You can find it HERE.

Shortly thereafter, Cameron and Chandler came up as the main event and the worshiping duo did not disappoint. These brothers continued in proclaiming the power of Christ and it flooded the room, seeping inside the gentle souls of the congregation. Hearts were opened and souls were saved, their music flowed from ear to ear and resonated between the four corners of the church walls. Cameron shared a short message during intermission and wrapped up the worship night with songs enriching everyone inside the church.

For those of you who have not had the chance to hear these gentlemen, I highly recommended giving them a listen. You don't want to miss their Indie, folk-style and peaceful compositions. Their clean, flirtatious tones come together, complimenting one another with their instruments, all the while harmonizing with their kind, graceful vocals. Their lyrics are straight forward but submerge you with emotions sending you into worship and praise within minutes. You can find both bands on all your listening devices and apps and let's be honest, we could all use another reason to worship our Lord and Savior!

Like 1 Chronicles 16:23-31 says, Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”

Happy Good Friday,