Encounter is currently on hiatus. If you would like to contact Travis or Brandee, please email travisandbrandee@encountertheband.com.
July 11, 2007
As you can see, there are many changes taking place within Encounter. Brandee and I will be taking the next few months to dream, train, write, and prepare for wherever God takes us next. We thank all of the past & present members of encounter: Tamara Crampton, Jason McElhoes, Brent Borthwick, Bryan Pue, Zane Erickson, Joel Worrall, Matt Schoberg, Sophie Suderman, Vic Penner, and Brock Bentlage. Be in prayer as we discover the next steps!
July 11, 2007
Earlier this summer, Joel announced his intentions to leave the band in Fall, to pursue his final year at Trinity Western U. He has been a loyal asset to encounter, and we wish him well.
July 2, 2007
Congratulations Matt & Danielle! Our bass player and close friend, Matt Schoberg proposed to his sweetheart, Danielle Cruze this weekend. We love you guys and wish you the best.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Yesterday, Brandee and I decided to head down to see Brent & Sharon and their family on Wind Word Ministries' boat. They are currently moored off of Cancun, Mexico, on an island called Isla Mujeras. We are very excited about spending some time with them, relaxing, worshipping and writing. We are bringing along some recording equipment so that if the holy spirit inspires us...who knows, maybe you'll get to hear a podcast episode of it! We'll keep you posted. We are really excited also, because Sophie is still down there, and we'll be able to spend time with her too! Matt is in nearby Jamaica, maybe he'll show up...
Love, Travis & Brandee
Thursday, May 31, 2007
I promised a podcast, and here it is!!! Click the link below to subscribe the the official Encounter band podcast! (You'll need to be using iTunes to download it, there will be more options to subscribe later.
The first "episode" is a free copy of "Rise Up," the final track of our last album. In the days and weeks to come, new episodes will become available, featuring live, spontaneous worship, guest worship leaders & more!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted here! Matt is in Jamaica, Sophie's traveling with our parent ministry, Wind Word Ministries (more about that, here) and Joshua Raymond, our stand-in bass player is in Peru with our church's interns. With all these guys missing, you'd think we'd be taking a break or something! Nope...We've lead worship at ACA 3 times this month, and also at Worship Without Fear.
Our home studio is finally finished, so look forward to hearing some cool worship podcasts in the coming weeks from Trandee Studios.
Some exciting news: We are going to be making our way out to Leduc, Alberta to worship with our friends at Daystar! More on that later.
Blessings!
Travis
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Well...we didn't win a Shai Award. However, we had an awesome little getaway as a band. ...and, it really is just an honor to be nominated. Let me tell you about the timeline of our last 23 hours:
10:00 am - We arrive at Abbotsford International Airport.
10:15 am - Matt arrives (late as usual)
10:30 am - We are cleared through security, Sophie has water bottle confiscated.
10:45 am - Plane is late arriving into Abbotsford
10:55 am - Plane was diverted to Vancouver, due to fog. Our flight is cancelled!!!!
At this point, we were pretty discouraged. on our way back out through the terminal, Sophie retrieves her water bottle :) Then, while the rest of the passengers waited in line to be told what to do, we booked a flight in Vancouver!
11:55 am - Matt got us to YVR in record time, airborne on the speed bumps on 0 Ave! We ran through the terminal in Vancouver, and we made it! Got changed in the terminal into our dress clothes, and made it to the awards in Edmonton just in time!
Like I said, we didn't win. But we had a great time! Brandee and I are so proud of our band, we are honored to call them friends, to call them members our family. We miss you Topanga and Tehillah, thanks to Ben and Jacqueline, (My brother & sister in law) for watching our girls. We'll be home soon.
Travis
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
We've just been informed that we've been nominated for New Artist of the Year, and Group of the Year for the 2007 Shai Awards in Edmonton, AB! The Shai Awards are Canada's Gospel Peoples Choice Awards. Starting December 13th, you will be able to vote for encounter at www.shaiawards.com! Stay tuned for more details.
Monday, October 23, 2006
The CMC compilation album, Sea to Sea: For Endless Days was released this week! Our song Speak to Me was chosen to be on this cool compilation album of many well known Canadian Christian artists, such as Brian Doerkson, Michael Larson and Starfield. Pick up your copy at the House of James in Abbotsford, or order online at the House of James website here.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Welcome
Tehillah Laura-Maya Klassen!
She arrived on Monday, October 16th at 11:16 p.m. She weighed 9 lbs and 15 oz. and was 21" long. Mom & Baby are doing great, resting at home. Thank you all so much for all your thoughts, cards, flowers & prayers! Be blessed.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Hey! Brandee and I are still waiting for baby...1 day overdue. We can't wait to head up to 100 Mile for the first weekend of November for the Awakening! More info here. Me and the guys were going to minister at the ACA Men's Retreat this last weekend, but Brandee, Topanga and I were all really sick! Thanks to everyone who filled in and did awesome! We really missed it. We'll be worshipping with you all at ACA at the end of the month.
Friday, October 6, 2006
Hi! We had an awesome time worshipping & hanging out with you all at WWF (Worship Without Fear) last night. There were probably about 200 kids, and we just loved it! We'll be back there on Dec. 7 - so come! It's loud, passionate and fun. They meet at the old Heritage Campus of Abby Christian, on Hwy 11.
More info @ www.gatewaycrc.org
Monday, September 25, 2006
ENCOUNTER ON PRAISE 106.5!!!!
Encounter was played for the first time on Praise 106.5 at 12:25 today! Please pray that our music is picked up and carried on the airwaves to reach the hurting and strengthen the weak. What exciting news!
Friday, September 22, 2006
And in a similar announcement to last week...Zane will no longer be ministering with encounter. He has been called and has a passion for great things in God and we honor and support him as he pursues that call on his life. As a brother to me, Brandee and Brock and a friend to the rest, we honor him for the year he gave us, and are excited to see what's next for him and his family.
We are heading out on a band retreat weekend, to seek God and pray. Please keep us in your prayers as we seek God for direction in the midst of a whirlwind of change.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Well, here we go again! Encounter is back up and running, getting ready for a busy Fall schedule that will include the birth of mine and Brandee's second child! We can't wait to meet her. We are excited to be a part of a monthly, multi-church worship event in Abbotsford called Worship Without Fear (WWF). More info on that to come. We're looking forward to worshipping with Eternal Life Church in Burnaby on the 17th, our home church Abbotsford Christian Assembly in October, as well as joining the men at the ACA Men's Retreat. Hopefully, our daughter, soon-to-come, will arrive on schedule :) Otherwise, we'll have to arrange our schedule around hers!
As always, God is working in our midst, and has brought some change to the appearance of the band, and has called Bryan to other things. We are sad to see him go, but excited for the way God is going to use him in the future! Be blessed, Bryan, we will miss you :( We are excited, though, to announce in the wake of Bryan's departure, that Brock will become our new drummer! Giddyup.
More later everyone,
Travis
Tuesday, Aug 22, 2006
Hey ya'll. Just wanted to write a quick note to let you know that we took most of the summer off to rest, recoup and write. Can't wait to worship with many of you in the Fall.
Be Blessed,
Travis
Friday, July 28, 2006
We had an awesome time of worship & hearing from God on Wednesday at REgeneration. WOW! Once again inspired by who our great God is and what he's called us to. We get the honor of worshipping with our home church at Abbotsford Christian Assembly on Sunday - and after that it's one month off! A rest and then off we go again!
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Heaven in our Hearts
Colossians 3:1-4
1Since you have been
raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven,
where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. 2Let
heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. 3For
you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4And
when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will
share in all his glory.
During my times with God this week,
I’ve been brought to the realization that we waste so much time on the
“meaningless” things of this life, worrying and becoming frustrated with the
temporal reality (this world), when we should be fixing our eyes on Jesus and
true reality—that lies beyond this life.
God has been bringing a perspective
change in my heart, and it has been causing me to focus my heart & mind on
heaven and the infinite future that awaits...That is where we belong, in a
world without pain or sorrow, where eternal bliss encompasses us!
When I think about our future, beyond
this life, I am so invigorated; wanting to complete this life and the race set
before me with passion and endurance.
In worship, consider how much “mind
time” you devote to thoughts of God and heaven. Are you being consumed by this
world and it’s temporary struggles? Or are you consumed with thoughts of an
eternal nature?
Recently, Brandee, Brock and I spent
some time together after an encounter rehearsal, worshipping and writing. This
song sums up what I’ve been saying:
Me and You
If everything was taken away
The walls came off this building
and the music didn’t play
I’d still be here with You,
Just me and You
If nobody else was standing here with me
I’d probably lose control
and fall on my knees
I’d still be here with You,
Just me and You
Blessings,
please keep us in your prayers,
Travis, Brandee & Encounter.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Any of you on myspace? Check us out at: www.myspace.com/encountertheband
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
We said goodbye to Sophie today, she'll be traveling in South America until August. Keep her in your prayers. To stay up to date on her trip, check out her blog at sophiesgone.blogspot.com
Tuesday, May 3, 2006
You can buy our album on iTunes! Click here to get it! (You'll need iTunes software to download it, get it at apple.com/itunes.
Friday, Apr 28, 2006 8:13 a.m.
The Summer gets busier and busier! We are going to be a part of REgeneration in Vancouver, on July 25! Awesome time of worship & the Word - Faytene Kryskow will be speaking! What an exciting time to be worshippers. God is amazing!
Monday, Apr 24, 2006 12:06 p.m.
Hey Guys! Just wanted to let you know that we'll be playing at the Wagner Hill's Farm for their "Assault on Addictions" event, on Saturday, June 22. We'll be on around 2 p.m., but the event runs between 10 am and 10 pm. Check out www.wagnerhills.com for more info!
Thursday, Apr 20, 2006
It's been awhile since I posted here... Matt came back safely from Mexico - Praise God for awesome things there. We're leaving for Lethbridge, Calgary and Lacomb on Thursday, June 8 - returning on Monday the 12th. We are also looking forward to possibly worshipping with churches in Kamloops, Nanaimo and North Vancouver in the coming months.
Thursday, Mar 23, 2006
Hey Everybody! Just wanted to let you know that Encounter will be in Alberta June 8 - 13, taping an episode of .wavFile with the Miracle Channel. We don't yet know the air date, but we'll keep you posted. We'll be leading worship in various places while in Alberta, more details on that coming soon... Also, a praise report - Bryan is back safe and crazy inspired after his trip to Ottawa with the PG Interns, please keep Matt in your prayers as he is off to Mexico to speak at
the YWAM base in Tijuana.
Thursday, Mar 2, 2006
"Speak to Me" has been by chosen by CMC Canada to be included on their nationwide compilation album "Sea to Sea: For Endless Days." Other artists to be included are: Starfield, Brian Doerksen and many more! The compilation album releases in October.
More information soon!
Sunday, Feb 19, 2006
Back at ACA again. Felt good to be home.
Saturday, Feb 4, 2006
Had an incredible time
at
Monday, Jan 30, 2006
Thank-you everyone who came to our CD Release and worshipped with us! Looks like over 240 people showed up and supported us! You all blessed us, and we move forward knowing we are backed by your support & prayers! Hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did! Big thanks to our families and friends.
If you didn't make it, or you didn't get to purchase a CD for yourself, you can pick your copy up at House of James, or order it here.
Blessings,
Travis
(Click on the article to read full size)
(Click on the article to read full size)
Monday, Jan 16, 2006
Have you heard our latest radio commercial? Have you seen us on the front page of the Bugel? Praise God for it all! We are so excited to experience God with you all the CD release! Don't forget to grab tickets soon! Blessings, Travis
Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006
Just finished our first radio commercial! Listen for it on Praise 106.5 during the next two weeks! Also, check out this radio station in Thunder Bay, ON, currently playing "Expecting More." www.cjoa.org
Wednesday, Jan 5, 2006
The latest edition of e-news is out. Didn't get one? Sign up here.
Friday, December 20, 2005
Big New Years Worship Event tomorrow! Hope to see you all at East Gate! Buy your tickets today for the CD release concert!
Monday, December 19, 2005
Had another great
worship service with East Gate! Pastor Brian brought a great word. After, we
all went to Mom & Dad Bentlage’s to celebrate Brandee’s 24th
birthday. Brent & Sharon, Mom & Dad Klassen, and the rest of the
Bentlage family was there, we had another listen to the entire album, this time
the production master, wow, it’s getting so close!!!
Monday, December 12, 2005
We get to hear the whole album tonight at a private listening! I am so excited! That means we are getting very close to releasing it!!! We are still looking at late January, but we'll release more details soon. PS - Check out the listen page for a bonus...
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Hey Everybody! We had
an awesome time worshipping with
Wednesday, November 23, 2005 2:22 p.m.
Brock finally gets to
go! He will be recording percussion tracks, Brandee will be recording the vocal
to "Be My King" as well. Tonight will also be our first practice
since the recording, it will be nice to spend some time together in worship.
This morning at band prayer, we spent time praying over the people who have
spoken and sown into our lives over the last couple years. We wrote our
thank-yous for the album as well, which we will post here soon. Before I do
that (in a couple days), we wanted to post a thank-you to
Blessings! (More Later)
Saturday, November 19, 2005 1:51 p.m.
Wow, what an experience! We are still slowly recovering from the physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally draining undertaking of recording our first album. Brandee still has one song to sing, and Brock still has to record some percussion tracks, but overall, our part is done. The project should be mixed and mastered by the middle of December, then it is printed and duplicated, ready for our CD release in January.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
For all those of you can't wait to get your hands on the new Encounter CD, we've got something that will help you pass the time. Travis and Brandee recorded "Entering the Throne Room," with Brent Borthwick in August 2004. It is a very powerful experience, and we're making it available for $15.00! Click here to be taken to the Wind Word site, where you can listen to a sample and purchase a copy for yourself!
Recording Day Twelve (LAST DAY!): November 15, 2005
Here we go, finishing strong! Great time at prayer, the band is pumped to see this album completed and released! Had Red Robins for lunch, felt really heavy.
We did something pretty crazy today. Our producer, Steve Klassen, was inspired to isolate Sophie, Brandee and I in separate recording booths, and have us pray for the people listening to this album. During the song, "I Know You Love Me," we each spent time praying for the listener, believing great things for their lives. It was a pretty impacting experience.
Thank-you God for using Steve, and keeping your hand of protection, inspiration and love on his life. You are his God and you love him, you are everything he needs.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Recording Day Eleven: November 14, 2005
Vocal Day One! Had a lot of fun! Brandee & Sophie are kickin it! Sounds like they've sung together for ten years... (Oh, they practically have!) Mom & Dad, Jesse, and Blake Bentlage stopped by for a while, and had lunch with us> Hot Tommy's for all who wondered! Wheel Ave and Townline, best food in the world! Wow!
Recording Day Ten: November 12, 2005
Guitar tracking day #2.
Zane &
Tomorrow we get to worship at ACA again! It' been quite a while. Pretty excited.
Recording Day Nine: November 11, 2005
Guitar tracking day #1.
Zane &
Inspiration for the day:
I am blind, Jesus, help me to see,
I am deaf, help me to hear.
I humble myself.
You know, the hardest thing for me personally during the creation of this project, has been to spend so much time away from my little family. Can't wait to complete the album and take a much needed break, spending precious time with Brandee & baby Topanga.
Thanks for your prayers as we head for the home stretch on this project!
Jake Hoggard (from Hedley) & his fiancé Tammy stopped by for a visit...
Recording Day Eight: November 10, 2005
2nd day of Keyboard
tracking. Awesome time with Steve yesterday! We are really starting to see
these songs come alive! We both had a banana bran muffin (with cheese), and
coffee & juice for breakfast. Just so you know... Prayer was great this
morning, it's been great every morning, Brock shared yesterday, Matt today -
what an awesome team. Got to have lunch with my beautiful wife and daughter at
Pizza Hut. 
STEVE - KEYS DAY 2
TRAVIS - KEYS DAY 2
Recording Day Seven: November 9, 2005
My turn...1st day of Keyboard tracking. It went really well! Had lunch at Hot Tommys. Thanks for praying.
Recording Day Six: November 8, 2005
2nd Day of bass
tracks... Steve says we're gonna go a bit crazy today! As in Loco! Had a little
We tried something really cool today. Brought the whole band in and recorded a live semi-spontaneous song! It was awesome, can't wait to release this album, praise God!
Chantel (Zane's wife, Brandee & Brock's sister) brought in lasagna for us tonight, that was awesome too! Thanks Chantel!
BROCK - LIVE AT THE STUDIO DURING RISE UP RECORDING
BEAUTIFUL BRANDEE!
BEFORE AFTER
MATT'S HAIRCUT: THE FULLET
Recording Day Five: November 7, 2005
1st Day of Bass. Had a late start. Matt thought prayer was cancelled... Hmmmm. Sleeping in...AGAIN. Just kidding. Cool bass stuff though. Great job, Matt! Wendy's for Lunch. Great ideas, Steve - you are a great producer! This is such an exciting time for us as a band! Thanks for your prayers everybody.
Recording Day Four: November 5, 2005
3rd Day of Drums... I think we're getting a bit tired... Got the weekend to rest & pray, worshipping with EastGate tonight. We pray, "God, meet us tonight, let your Spirit refresh our weary souls..." I think I am beginning to realize what "labour of love," refers to... Thanks for your prayers, don't stop! Wendy's for lunch. Aimee Odegard, another cousin, just completed the cover concept for the CD artwork. (It's coming...!)
Bryan - Day 3
Brandee & Topanga (Steve's sweatshirt)
Recording Day Three: November 4, 2005
2nd Day of Drums! What
happens in the studio...stays in the studio... Yup, tears flowed, blows were
exchanged, and we all got a little older and... wiser? Just Kidding, almost.
Recording Day Two: November 3, 2005
1st Day of Drums! After
completing the scratch tracks yesterday, we're ready to add drums. Steve
brought in an great drum guy to set up and tune
Bryan - Day 2
Producer/Cousin/Good Friend - Steve Klassen
Recording Day One: November 2, 2005
After 6:00 a.m. prayer, we headed over to the studio to begin our first day of recording. Matt, Bryan and Travis worked all day on laying down scratch tracks. Brandee and Topanga joined us for lunch at Red Robins. This is so much fun!