Rick's Random Pics from Istanbul

Now here's Grant trying to communicate to our Turkish speaking drummer, Samuel; with Oljie interpreting... it was crazy and surreal at the same time!





The Crew... IMB boys on location!











note the aqua ducts on the left and the guy picking his nose on the lower right.











Everyday this was breakfast for me in Istanbul... hey lil' doggie! where do you think your goin'?

Balans Club Gig Pix - Istanbul, Turkey

On Wednesday night, while in Turkey, we did a club show. With Chris and Jordan not with us, we got some great help from a fill in drummer named Samuel! Thanks Samuel! (Samuel doesn't speak English and we don't speak Turkish, so it was pretty interesting getting the material together!)

To our knowledge, this was the first "praise and worship" gig in a secular venue in modern Turkish history! It's hard to know if this is absolutely true, but a great crowd showed up and a very cool time was had by all!

We hope to come back and do another show some day, but with the whole band next time!

Enjoy the pix!

Photograph by Ahmet Ferah

Photograph by Ahmet Ferah

Photograph by Ahmet Ferah

Photograph by Ahmet Ferah

Photograph by Ahmet Ferah

Photograph by Ahmet Ferah

Some Pix from Turkey

Rick, Grant and Trey have just returned to the US from Turkey. (Wish you could have been with us Chris and Jordan!) What an amazing time we've had.

We did all sorts of things, including shooting film for a music video for "This Generation" and other stuff - but also making new friends, encouraging people and being encouraged!

Enjoy the pix!

Three fifths on SONICFLOOd, high up on a balcony in Istanbul, Turkey.

Grant tries to get involved. The Blue Mosk is in the background.

Trey takes some time to chill between shots.

Rick meets some of the locals.

Even late on a cloudy day, the view of Istanbul - a city of around 15 million - is spectacular.

Message from Grant in Turkey!

What an amazing time we've been having in Turkey!

Rick, Trey and I are in Istanbul right now. (Chris and Jord's are keeping the home fires burning for this particular trip. We miss you guys!) We are using this time to do some filming which will be used in a music video for "This Generation". (Stay tuned for more info about that).

While shooting we have been enormously challenged, served and encouraged by the tiny, but totally "fired-up" church here in this city of over 15 million mainly Muslim people.

The followers of Jesus here are just awesome! The challenges they face are hard to comprehend. Yet they overflow with joy, peace and personal conviction. Most have been disowned by their families for their decision to follow Jesus. Persecution of Christians is common here.

We have had opportunity to meet and get to know several wonderful brothers and sisters. Today we attended a Sunday worship service with a group of about 20, mainly young believers. They sang songs of praise with a passion and gratitude that is uncommon in our home country. “Hallelujah! Hamd Allah!” Praise the Lord! Thanks to God!

That’s all for now!

They Got 'Cons'!

They sell 'Cons' even in Istanbul!... i'm breakin' my new ones in right here in Turkey. we are having a blast shooting our new video for 'This Generation' and leading worship for some brothers and sisters out here! (it looks like i'm doing the loser sign ... but those who loose their lives will be saved, so its cool :-))

Trey & Grant in JFK Airport

here we see a pair of Macs waiting to board the plane to Turkey with their owners.

Grant, Rick and Trey hangin' out in the Airport in NYC....