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2008
[ 19.05.2008 ] Songs of Praise... Spain
[ 19.05.2008 ] Maadi Community Church... Cairo
[ 11.02.2008 ] Roots South... Talladega, Alabama
2007
[ 17.10.2007 ] Out of the Ordinary Tour...
2006
[ 12.07.2006 ] Mongolian Worship Festival...
[ 08.03.2006 ] 2006 so far...
2005
[ 04.05.2005 ] Worship and Arts Conference, Portugal
[ 12.04.2005 ] Spring Harvest
[ 12.04.2005 ] Egypt
[ 15.02.2005 ] North America
>> Reports Archive >>
[ 19.05.2008 ] Songs of Praise...
It is not unusual to find Graham or at very least one of his songs on BBC's Songs of Praise but this particular recording was very special indeed.
Earlier this month Graham and band flew out to the Costa Del Sol for a day of recording and a unique evening concert in the grounds of the Castillo Sohail in Fuengirola. Hundreds of locals, ex-pats and tourists sang their socks off during the recordings and probably got a little burned too by the blazing sun that shone across the castle ruins for most of the day. 2 shows were recorded for the BBC featuring some very recognisable songs by Graham and some classic hymns. The first of the 2 shows will be aired on June 22nd.
The BBC very kindly provided free Paella for everyone in attendance that was cooked on a barbeque the size of a small house.
The evening concert began with local resident and one-time chart topper Yazz telling her story and then leading the crowds in worship with 'Indescribable'. Graham then took over and led us into the night with 'What Can I do', 'To You O Lord' and 'Amazing Love'.
It was a long, hot day but well worth the journey. Tune in on June 22nd for more!!
Click here for more images
Around spring time for the last 4 years Graham and band have been the guests of the Maadi Community Church in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. In the first year, 2005, a small band of 5 plus Graham spent 2 days with the church leading 3 services and a evening concert. This year the band (increased to 8) and a 20 strong choir from City Gates church in Ilford, east London led 2 prayer events, 4 services, a packed evening concert, took seminars and workshops and even managed some sight-seeing.
Maadi Community Church is a thriving community that reaches out into all sections of North African society. Many have sacrificed much to be there and it has always been a great privilege to be a part of their worship calendar. This year Graham was invited to lead the special 'Africa Live' service for the first time. This is attended mostly by the local African communities and definitely has it's own flavour. The City Gates choir, led by Steve and Velveta Thompson were exceptional.
The band and the choir were also involved in a prayer conference across the desert in Alexandria, where thousands of christians from across the region had gathered to pray and worship in a big tent. Leading worship in a setting where most of the congregation speak another language is always a challenge and even more so when that language is Arabic! There was a lot of swapping of instruments and singers as 2 cultures stood with each other with the common aim of touching Heaven.
Once again it was good to meet with old friends, make new ones and talk about coming back next year!!
[ 11.02.2008 ] Roots South 2008...
ROOTS is a Salvation Army event and community of people who are passionate about discipleship and mission in the 21st century. ROOTS South is based in Atlanta, Georgia and this year was the third year that Graham and the band had been invited to lead the worship sessions. This years theme was 'Others - the last, the least, the lost'.
Atlanta airport became home for a while on the 17th Jan as a series of events involving snow, baggage handlers and traffic cops ensured that our trip was not going to be ordinary. ROOTS South is held just outside Talledega in very rural Alabama. The state doesn't see much snow but on this particular weekend it got a years supply.
It is always a special time at ROOTS and this year was no exception. There was plenty of time to rest in God's presence and be encourage and envisioned for the 'lost'.
The weather did have an effect on the conference as the planned outdoor evangelistic gathering in Birmingham had to be cancelled but that opened the door for an impromptu 'concert' by Graham and band which led to a powerful message brought by Captain Kelly Goldfarb.
[ 09.10.2007 ] Out of the Ordinary Tour... The Final Leg
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| Graham and Raul rehearse at the Cambridge Corn Exchange. |
Graham last visited Yeovil Community Church in 2001 during the What Grace tour and it was great to be back at Gateway again to see some familiar faces and enjoy their excellent hospitality and facilities. Some had travelled from as far away as Bristol to enjoy and engage in a challenging and entertaining evening. It was great to have Raul D'Oliveira back on percussion, flugel horn and trumpet as he had missed the Irish leg. Raul improvised a stunning lament on the flugel horn that accompanied a period of prayer once again. There was also a rare playing of Honour The Lord from Out of the Ordinary.
The final night of the tour was by no means an anti-climax as Graham and the band were privileged to be a part of a weekend of events that culminated in a night of worship at the famous Corn Exchange in Cambridge. Local worship leader Wayne Saunders had 'paved the way' earlier in the evening and Graham simply picked up where Wayne had left off.
Every evening on the tour has begun with a vocal/spiritual 'warm up' into the hymn Holy, holy, holy and ended with the prayer song Shine Jesus shine. What happened in between changed every night and hopefully reflected the needs and prayers of those present.
Jesus never said 'All good things must come to an end' but for now the Out of the Ordinary tour has. And as though the continuity was planned, the merchandise table took delivery of Graham's brand new Christmas CD Dreaming of a Holy Night. Hope to see you all soon!!
For more images from the tour click here
[ 09.10.2007 ] Out of the Ordinary Tour ... The Irish Leg
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| Patrick was the first Bishop of at least one of the Cathedral's now named after him in Armagh. |
The Irish Leg of the Out of the Ordinary tour began officially outside the UK as Graham and the band arrived in Dublin. St Patrick's Cathedral is a vast, ornate space and so a 'toned down' sound was appropriate and well received by those in attendance. It is almost the perfect setting for Graham's more acoustic moments and Crucified Man could have been written for such a night.
Driving north to Belfast we were struck by the beauty of the countryside and the serenity of many places we may have only heard of in news bulletins. The event in Belfast was in contrast to Dublin as the venue suited a bigger band and bigger sound. Once again the medley of Only You Deserve the Praise and O Lord the Clouds are Gathering led us into prayer and intercession for the youth of our land.
It was back to a quieter evening on Sunday for St. Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh, where Patrick himself was Bishop in AD 444. Graham played a solo Crucified Man during Evensong and the band joined him later for a memorable evening.
[ 04.10.2007 ] Out of the Ordinary Tour ... The English Leg
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| Andy, Raul and Graham at Wrexham NEWI. Pic: Timothy Harman Used by permission. |
With half the band rendezvousing in Essex at 9am and the rhythm section driving up from Wolverhampton, Harrogate seemed a long way way up the A1, especially on a Friday, but to say it was worth it would be an understatement for what turned out to be, once again, a very unique evening.
Most people attending this tour have not really known what to expect but have gone away very surprised at having enjoyed a challenging and entertaining evening. It's not really a concert and it's not a church service. This is how some described their Friday evening experience...
"very much appreciated the prayerful atmosphere Graham (with the aid of the Holy Spirit) was able to bring into a large conference centre!!!"
"I personally felt such a huge sense of Gods presence and was moved right from the moment of everyone standing up and singing the first song together".
Wrexham's NEWI venue shares it's car park with Wrexham Football Club and the early crowds were there for the win over Lincoln City but the evening crowds were encouraged to use the same kind of enthusiasm and celebration normally reserved for such sporting occasions. Graham's composition based on Psalm 148 is a call to worship and the trumpet sound is a call to celebrate. Creation's King is a further exhortation to give 'Blessing and honour to Creation's King' while What Can I Do calls us to make everything we do a 'Hallelujah'.
The sponsoring of over 120 children through Compassion this weekend was indeed a way of expressing that 'Hallelujah'.
This weekend brings the opportunity to pray in yet another nation as we go to Dublin before heading north to Armagh and Belfast.
[ 27.09.2007 ] Out of the Ordinary Tour ... The Scottish Leg Pt II
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| Raul D'Oliveira has opened every evening's second half with his own composition 'Jesus Christ is Lord' Pic: Andy Pressdee |
Following on from Dundee, the 'Scottish' leg of the Out of the Ordinary tour arrived in Dunfermline, and then on to Strathaven before taking a short drive just south of the border and along Hadrian's Wall to Morpeth.
The old Lemonade Factory in Dunfermline was completely sold out on Saturday night. A recurring event every night so far has been the chance to sponsor a child through Compassion International. The people of Dunfermline 'raised the bar' as the highest number of sponsors so far on this tour signed up to help feed, educate and bring the gospel to a needy child. Perhaps it was the video presentation or maybe the talk by Graham, but probably it was the exhortation by Pastor Jimmy to 'beat Dundee's total'. Competition is always healthy especially when saving the lives of kids is involved.
Another recurring event on this tour has been the second half performances by multi tasking horn player Raul D'Oliveira. Each night Raul gives a brief testimony about how a well placed Gideon Bible changed the course of his life and then sings Jesus Christ is Lord.
The last time Graham came to Strathaven the heavens literally opened and the town was flooded as the rivers overflowed and the Church was hit by lightening. On Sunday night God was moving powerfully through prophetic word and song and there was a special leaning towards being filled with the Holy Spirit as Graham shared of his own experiences closing with Shine Jesus Shine, where the lyrics flow river flow are especially relevant.
One visitor said later 'I haven't been to church since 1994, and was reluctantly pushed into Sunday by a friend - what a night! The way Graham spoke; the way Raul played the trumpet prayer - it was super. I have found God again.'
The final date of this leg found us in the beautiful surroundings of Northumberland in the town of Morpeth. The local Leisure Centre was transformed into a kind of indoor marquee and it was once again sold out.
The night rested heavily on prayer as Graham once again used Only you Deserve The Praise to lead a powerful intercession for the youth of our nation, which led into an impromptu Peace to You which in turn led into a release of joy. 
One of the highlights of being in Morpeth was occured even before the event began. In the afternoon Graham and the band were joined by the pupils of St Roberts Catholic School who came to watch us set up and learn a little bit about how being in band works. They then sang to Graham Shine Jesus Shine complete with actions.
It's been said over and over again but it's true - every night has been different and unique - not feasting on yesterday's manna but looking for today's.
The quote of the tour so far has to be...
'The Out of the Ordinary CD has now replaced High School Musical 1 and 2 in our house and car..and it has to be played at full volume.'
Next stop: Harrogate and Wrexham this Friday and Saturday.
[ 21.09.2007 ] Out of the Ordinary Tour ... The Scottish Leg Pt I
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| Steve Thompson, Carl McGregor, Raul D'Oliveira, Graham, Andy Pressdee, Mark Willis and Stuart Barbour outside the Caird Hall, Dundee. Pic: Ian Black |
The 'Scottish' leg of the Out of the Ordinary tour began last night in style as the good people of the City of Discovery - Dundee - filled the Caird Hall. Once again there was celebration which turned to intercession and prayer.
'What an evening!!!!!!' exclaimed one happy attendee.
If you think you know Lord I Lift Your Name on high then think again! A, B, C, 1, 2, 3 etc... Every night so far has ended with the 'Shiney Song' as we've come to know it by, but always with good reason - to send us out into where the people are. 20 years on and there is still need for grace and mercy to 'flood the nations'. Tomorrow night Dunfermline and the Vine Church.
If you haven't bought yourself a ticket for a date on this tour yet you can do it by checking the dates and venues here
[ 10.09.2007 ] Out of the Ordinary Tour ... The Second Night
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| How much do you think you are worth. Pic: Andy Pressdee |
The Out of the Ordinary tour rolled into Romford, Essex last night. The Salvation Army organised event at the Queens' Theatre was a sell-out. A percentage of the profits raised are going towards an education programme in Zambia.
It is becoming clear that every night on this tour is going to be unique. 2 nights in and both events have been quite different. Graham led the all aged crowd in joyful celebration once again but also gave time for reflection, prayer and personal challenge.
Trumpet player Raul D'Oliveira gave a short testimony and performed his own composition 'Jesus Christ is Lord' - a latin groove that challenges everybody's sense of rhythm!
[ 09.09.2007 ] The Out of the Ordinary Tour Begins
The Out of the Ordinary tour began last night at a sold out St John's Church (right) in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. There is a great sense of anticipation at the beginning of this tour of what God might do as we all gather together. Last night was a great start as songs of celebration (Psalm 148) led into intercession (Only you deserve the praise) and thanks (What can I do).
The evening included a special presentation by Graham for Compassion International giving everyone a chance to sponsor a child.
Every date on the tour is sponsored by Compassion International. For more details visit www.compassionuk.org.
[ 12.07.2006 ] Mongolian Worship Festival...
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Sound of Heaven. Or: A vision comes true!
The aim; to worship Jesus, the King of all kings, over the nation of Mongolia drew 4,500 Mongolian Christians and Christians from other nations for three days to a venue outside of Ulaan Baatar, the capital city of Mongolia. On Wednesday afternoon, the opening day, they came from every corner – the young and the old, the poor and the rich, Christians from 70 different churches gathered together! Clouds of dust welled up when the big busses and packed cars made their way on rough roads.
For two weeks a team prepared the festival ground: they dug 40 provisional toilets, set up a camp site for 700 tents, and built a huge stage with a roof cover. And then it finally began – the soaring sounds of the Mongolian horse guitar announced the opening of the festival. After reading Psalm 148 in Mongolian and English the loud sound of the shofar filled the air.
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Twelve horsemen on their horses appeared on the hill, accompanied by worship music and the sound of the shofar they rode down the hill. Suddenly they stopped and erected a huge cross, then continued their ride towards the stage where they placed their colourful banners. Walter Heidenreich opened the first Mongolian worship event and shared how he got this vision years ago: In 1996 God called the Lüdenscheid band Tengerin Doo to go to the Gobi desert and do a concert for him alone. Years later, Walter Heidenreich came across another band, whose members also did concerts in Mongolia aiming to strengthen the nation by drawing on their old Buddhist and Shaman roots. It was felt that God was calling us to keep the land that he had already given us.
Thus the idea was born to organize a worship concert with the young but fast growing church in Mongolia. Especially in the year of its 800th anniversary Mongolia is recalling on its culture and considering its roots – this it is time to worship and exalt Jesus in Mongolia, the only true God, both in the visible and invisible world.
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The worship went on for 72 hours non-stop and was conducted by 17 Mongolian worship bands and several international bands: Graham Kendrick (UK), Andy Park (Canada), TNT (Germany), Sitos (Switzerland), Bridge Builders (Korea) and Tengerin Doo (Germany). There were alternately times of deep intimacy with God and times of abundant joy and prophetic proclamations. The presence and peace of God filled the whole campsite. In this atmosphere people got healed, delivered and were saved – and several received callings from God. Many Mongolians experienced God as their father in a very deep way, especially through the worship times conducted by Graham Kendrick and Andy Park.
It was exciting to watch the passion of the Mongolians; hour after hour they stood and worshipped - no matter the weather. Old ladies on crutches danced as passionately as the children did! Even during the night the worship wouldn’t stop but ring throughout the valley. Approx. 15 years ago the church in Mongolia had no songs, no music, and no voice to lift it up to God – today there is a vast variety of songs and musicians! Today we don’t need to sing any more on their behalf, but together we can worship our glorious Lord and join into their songs. He made our dreams and visions come true!
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Another highlight was the closing of the event with Tengerin Doo and Walter Heidenreich. The crowd was asked to turn toward the cross on the hill and everybody sang: “Majesty – forever I am changed by your love!” The 12 horsemen took their banners and carried them on their horses up the hill, accompanied by prayers of sending and blessing. Right now Mongolians and Western teams are travelling the nation of Mongolia and preach the gospel of Jesus. This young church in Mongolia will – according to its calling – carry the peace, healing and the love of Jesus to those nations where centuries ago Chinggis Khan spread fear and violence.
Click to see more photos and a video.
[ 08.03.2006 ] 2006 so far...
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| Graham at Roots, Atlanta 06 Pic: Andy Pressdee |
We are only 10 weeks in to 2006 and already it has been a very special year. In early January Graham and the band flew to Atlanta for the Salvation Army Roots conference. Roots is well established in the UK but fairly new to America and so it was a priviledge to be involved in helping to develop this unique and ground breaking event.
Later in January Graham and Steve Thompson joined UK worship leader Tim Hughes in Edmonton for Breakforth Canada, the 'largest equipping and renewal conference in North America'. Following Breakforth, Graham and Steve spent some time with Grace Outreach Church in Boston Massachusetts before joining the rest of the band at Vision New England's Congress 2006. This is the 4th year that Graham has accepted the invitation to lead at Congress and every year has been special. Last year the event was the location for the Graham's recent CD USA Live Worship. This year Graham was joined by 3 local backing singers and well as new band recruits Ray Ashley (Trombone) and Julian Wiggins (Saxophones, whistles and flute).
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| Graham with Andy and Gabi Alonso and Jean Pierre Camparato |
Shortly after returning to the UK, Graham flew to Egypt with Gaby and Andy Alonso for a week of training and teaching at a christian centre somewhere in the desert! This was followed by 3 days in Cairo with Maadi Community Church. MCC has three church services that were led by Graham and the band plus an open-air evening concert that was completely sold out.
At the beginning of March Graham, Raul D'Oliveira, Tim Oliver and Simon Dennis led an acoustic evening at Bristol's Clifton Cathedral, Graham Raul and Tim then drove to Cornwall to join Jesse Doyle, Henry George and Andy Pressdee for an evening at Carnglaze Caverns. Carnglaze is a tourist attraction boasting slate mines and underground lakes. The cave also hosts weekend concerts. This was Graham's second visit to a sold out Carnglaze.
These are a few highlights from 2006 so far. There is more to come!
[ 04.05.2005 ] Report from Worship and Arts Conference, Lisbon, Portugal
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| Graham with translator Paulo Pic: Andy Pressdee |
The 'Arte&Vida' Conference was held at the Centro Christao Vida Abundante (Abundante Life Church) in the back streets of downtown Lisbon at the end of April. Graham and 5 musicians (Jesse Doyle, Henry George, Tim Oliver, Andy Pressdee and Portugal's own Raul D'Oliveira) spent 4 days with the delegates leading worship, psalmsurfing, taking workshops, speaking, teaching and performing.
The conference was often intimate with Graham teaching and singing from the Psalms, reminiscing about his early days as a singer/songwriter and teaching from the scriptures.
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| Local hero: Raul D'Oliveira Pic: Andy Pressdee |
The concert on the Sunday night was great evening as Graham led the congregation through a time of celebration (Psalm 148, God of Heaven, Forever), reflection (To you O Lord, Peter at the breaking of the bread, Thorns in the straw) and adoration (How great thou art, The splendour of the King, Whole world in his hands) culminating in the prayer song Shine Jesus Shine and Do Something Beautiful.
Once again it was a moving experience to hear those words 'Fill this land with the Father's glory' ring out in yet another country.
[ 12.04.2005 ] Report from Spring Harvest 2005
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| Pic: Paul Gabb pkgabb@hotmail.com |
Spring Harvest is an annual event in the UK where some 40,000 people gather over 3 different weeks at 2 different sites, for celebration, teaching, worship, concerts etc... Graham has been a regular part of this event since it's inception 27 years ago.
This year Graham and the band were once again helping to lead in the Big Top every morning and evening at the Minehead site. As always, the worship was exhuberant, passionate and celebratory.
Graham introduced several new songs including I shall be clean again and Psalm 51 as well as new songs by Tim Hughes (Whole world in his hands), Chris Tomlin (How great is our God) and Matt Redman (Nothing but the blood). There was also the big band rendition of 'Be Bold' and the New Orleans Jazz version of 'Oh Happy Day'. There were many highlights, including an evening of 'Psalmsurfing' where Graham led about an hour of improvised singing from the Psalms.
[ 12.04.2005 ] Report from Egypt
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| Pic: Andy Pressdee |
Graham and 5 musicians spent 3 days in Cairo at the end of February. A local church in a downtown suburb hosted 3 'services' and an evening concert. The church meets under canvas and attracts many people to it's gatherings. Graham and the band led around 1500 people over the course of 2 days and greatly enjoyed the freedom to sing and play.
Before flying home the band were taking on a whistle-stop tour of Cairo which took in the pyramids, a trip on the nile, a camel ride, 'Garbage City' where many of the city's poor live, and a visit to an amazing 10,000 seat church that has been built from a natural ampitheatre on the side of a mountain.
Everyone enjoyed the wonderful hospitality and felt very priviledged to have been a part of this special trip and look forward to returning some time soon.
[ 15.02.2005 ] Report from North America
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| Pic: Phil Sheldrake |
Graham and band of 8 musicians and tour manager have just returned from a 10 day trip to Canada and the USA. First stop was The Peoples Church in Toronto. The church was hosting their first conference on evangelism with guest speakers including Ravi Zacharias and Peoples Church pastor Charles Price. Graham led worship at the conference, led at the 2 morning services and also led 2 evening ‘worship concerts’. The concerts were great nights of revelation, repentance and joy. Graham introduced several new songs including ‘Psalm 148 (Praise the Lord from the heavens)’, ‘Psalm 51 (Have mercy on me O God)’ and ‘God of Heaven’. The well below freezing Toronto weather did not stop many people from attending the events, helping to make them very memorable occasions.
Graham was also a guest on the Canadian TV show ‘100 Huntley Street’ where he performed 3 songs live.
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| Pic: Phil Sheldrake |
Mr. Kendrick and the band were very pleased to be invited back to the Moody Bible Institute’s Founder’s Week in Chicago, Illinois. Last year was a very special occasion and this year’s return trip was equally so. Moody is an incredible organisation with an amazing history. D L Moody began founder’s week nearly 120 years ago and to this day the Moody Church venue is packed full of people who have come to hear the gospel preached and to worship. This year’s theme ‘Who Is God?’ was a great gateway for songs like the old hymn ‘How great thou art’, ‘The Servant King’ and ‘Knowing you’.
Graham and the band were again just one part of an amazing program that included choirs, soloists and orchestras. They were also privileged to witness the change of President’s for the Institute as Dr. Joseph Stowell stepped down and Dr. Michael Easley took charge. An historic moment indeed.
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| Pic: Bob Hanson |
The final leg of the trip took the band back to Vision New England’s Congress ’05 in Boston for the third year in succession, where there were many opportunities to lead the large congregation in worship. Graham once again took the chance to introduce some new songs including ‘I shall be clean again’, ‘God of heaven’ and ‘Psalm 148’. With a team of speakers that included John Eldredge, Bart Campolo and Barry Black, Congress 05 was a dynamic, inspiring, Christ-centred conference that gave time and space to the Word and the Spirit.
