“Depending on the Lord. That’s been our biggest lesson over the last two years,” says Sam Allen of No Other Name.
DEVILLE – “Depending on the Lord. That’s been our biggest lesson over the last two years,” says Sam Allen of No Other Name.
No Other Name is to lead in worship Nov. 16-19 at Philadelphia Baptist Church, where Philip Robertson is pastor.
Over the last seven years, No Other Name has experienced highs and lows, the trio acknowledges. Most have been highs, but life has taught a few hard lessons too.
Money: “There were a couple of times when my husband and I looked at our bank account and wondered how we were going to pay the bills that month,” says vocalist Laura Allen, Sam Allen’s sister. “We took a step back and cried out ‘Lord, you’re going to have to make our finances work.’ Sure enough, God took control and everything worked out. God just wanted us to depend on Him.”
Parenting: “Having kids has been one of the biggest and most rewarding challenges of my life,” says Chad Smith. “It’s humbling to think that God put them in our hands to raise. I learned quickly that there is no ‘how-to’ manual on fatherhood. I know; I looked. But through hard times and good, ups and downs, God has taught me not to worry, but instead to trust him and as Proverbs says, ‘He will direct our path.’“
Ministry: Not only in their personal lives, but also in the life of their ministry, God has taught No Other Name that He is in control.
“We were discouraged, tired and just generally beat up. Chad and Laura were pulling fulltime jobs and raising their own families, I was overbooked as a fulltime student trying to get my music degree,” Sam says. “We didn’t know how much longer we could handle the demands of ministry, so it took God to step in and show us what to do with ourselves.”
The phone rang. It was Bill Gaither, who gave them an opportunity to sing onstage at one of his Homecoming events. That’s when it all clicked.
“Bill was so gracious,” Sam continues. “He said ‘I heard your CD and would love for you kids to come sing at my next Homecoming.’ Next thing you know, we’re on stage singing before 16,000 people. God was once again showing us how if we just set ourselves aside and depend on Him, we won’t be disappointed.”
That’s where No Other Name’s latest CD, “Reach Out,” enters the story. From the upbeat declaration of “It Was a Great Thing” to the worshipful “Near the Cross;” the encouraging “God Gave His Word” to the commanding “Reach Out,” No Other Name’s message is evident – it’s not about abilities, qualifications or merits. It’s about fully depending on God.
The album was a labor of love for No Other Name, and creatively, it’s their greatest achievement so far.
“I am so pleased with this album musically,” says Chad. “The music is obviously gospel-influenced. But we’ve taken it in a new direction. It’s creative and fresh whether you listen to it at home, on the car stereo, or even if you’re hearing it from the church stage.
“We take great care,” says Laura, “to write or select songs with lyrics that are both encouraging and doctrinally sound. Our target audience is the local church, and anything we do has to fit seamlessly into that environment. If a lyric can’t be backed up by Scripture, we won’t sing it. We start with a lyric and build the music around it.”
That technique is evident on “Reach Out.” The trio allows their gospel roots to shine through on the upbeat “Jesus In My Boat.” And on their haunting, powerful treatment of the classic “The Love of God,” the lyrics take center stage. The result is an album full of truth told through creative, interesting, progressive music.
No Other Name is to be part of a stewardship revival at Philadelphia. The church is in a Faith Forward capital campaign for multi-phase construction. Bill Stafford is to be guest speaker for the four-night event, with a 7 p.m. start time each evening.