BY ROB CULLIVAN
May 18, 2007, Encomium which means “expression of praise.” Bandleader Devy Jamin, 30, a native of Indonesia, says he plays music at Oregon City Blessing, a Portland church, and adds that he was divinely inspired to start the band. “When God touched my life, I gave my talents to him to use me,” he says, noting he embraced his belief in Christ while attending college in Eugene. “God kind of shifted my vision to impacting people through music.” Jamin plays guitar and sings for the band and also serves as primary songwriter. Formed in 2005, Encomium draws on diverse styles, including emo, grunge, folk rock, punk and new wave.
The band credits U2, Coldplay, Switchfoot and Delirious? as inspirations, and its eponymous CD sounds at times like something Blink 182 might produce, with just a whiff of P.O.D. wafting through the atmosphere. “When I write music, I just use acoustic guitar,” Jamin says, adding that his band mates then assist him with the song arrangements. He says he writes songs in both English and his native language of Bahasa-Indonesian, and proudly notes his band has been profiled in the Indonesian press. Jamin’s wife, Sharon, is also Indonesian, and manages Encomium. She chuckles noting she pulls extra duty as the band’s photographer, merchandiser and roadie. “It’s a way to give my talent and time to God,” she says. Drummer Ariyanto Salim 29, loves hip hop, jazz and gospel, but says whatever he plays, he’s never far from his creator. “My heart has always belonged to God,” he says. “I can’t play too much music without his presence close to me. It doesn’t have to be Christian rock, just whatever music I play I need his presence close to me.” Isaac Munandar, 19, just joined the band and plays keyboards. Like the other members, he says his faith inspires him to perform. “I wanted to maximize every opportunity I had to do something for God,” he says. On that note, the band members say they’re trying to convey a hopeful message in a pop culture that’s not always receptive to it.
“Christian music conveys a lot of positive messages, be it for Christians or for others,” Salim says. “It brings good news to the world, whereas as we can see the secular music is becoming more and more immoral. Other than sex, money and stealing your boyfriend, they have nothing else to talk about.” Jamin says some bands popular in the secular world, like U2, combine their oft-expressed love of God with more worldly political issues successfully. Encomium, on the other hand, is essentially a plugged-in praise vehicle. “We are bringing a positive message of music and bringing a message of (Jesus’) love and mercy for everyone,” he says. Encomium has played youth centers and such festivals as TomFest, an annual Christian music showcase in Camas, Wash., that is distinguished by its emphasis on bands appealing to young people who sport tattoos and piercings and who might not feel comfortable at tamer Christian festivals. Indeed, Encomium’s members say they would even consider playing a secular setting if the opportunity presented itself. Devy adds that the band simply wants to make an impact, and recalls a pastor telling him that his church used the band’s music in a worship session. “There is no feeling like that, being able to touch people with music,” he says.
Encomium will play at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, in East Hill Foursquare Church Youth Center, 50 N.W. Fifth St. Admission is free. For a list of the band’s upcoming dates, visit www.encomiummusic.com or myspace.com/encomiummusic.
One of the famous Christian writer and author "The Rebirth of Music" said that rock music does not fit with church service. It is not only the music is too hard, but it could have the demon spirit even though it has Christian message. The rock musicians show too much of their own skills rather than give the glory back to God. Is this true? Devy Jamin (30), who is a full time web/ graphic designer in Portland (USA) and also leader of a Christian rock band will answer this question for you!
Being a teenager and exposed to the rock music in the 80's and more so in the 90's, music has always been a big part of my life. During my school years, you would find me doing my homework while singing along to the tunes in the radio. I have always enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music and the thought of being in the rock band has always been my dream. And now it's more than I can dream of, I'm in a rock band that glorifies Him.
My band name is Encomium, which means "Expression of Praise". People like our music; they always say that it has a unique and original sound. But most importantly, I believe they are blessed to see Christians who are doing something with their faith and gifts for God's glory and making positive impact to this generation.
I started using my musical gifts in a worship team at my local church. Ever since then, God's calling in my life grew stronger each day; to use music as a medium to make an impact in this generation for God.
Since I had been touched by God through this kind of music (rock), I felt that God has a purpose for me to reach out to the same type of people.
It is not weird or crazy when you become a Christian rock musician. When you're not following God's calling in your life, now that's weird!
Rock music is a bridge for me to share about Jesus and His love to this generation. There's a certain type of people who can only be reached with this kind of music. In many of our experience, at first the audience are a bit uptight, sitting down and reluctant to stand, but with us playing our tunes, the atmosphere starts to change. After the first few songs with the call to stand and come forward, people are ready and willing to worship and praise like never before! Everyone is jumping, with some nodding their heads and enjoying the music, as well as the presence of God. I believe after the concert, they will never be the same again when it comes to worship and God. I totally believe that God can use different types of music for people to experience His presence and love.
First of all, music comes from God. He's the creator of everything, and music is not excluded. All kinds / type (hard and soft) are meant to be used to glorify God. Satan, who can only steal, uses it for his purpose and fame because he knows music is very powerful. God invented it and He has given us the gift of creating it and using it to worship Him. It's time for us Christians to take back what originally belong to us.
Music has an incredible power and I believe it has the ability to amplify the musician's spirit. It all comes down to the heart of the person who's playing the music; are they godly, filled with the Holy Spirit? God is primarily concerned about the state of the worshipper's heart. Style and form are not issues that He cares very much about at all.
I believe we (as Christians) are experiencing the birth pains of another reformation in the church, where music and art that slipped out the Church's grasp are being claimed back by God's people. All kinds of music are being reclaimed for use in worshipping God. It must happen!
An important part of this journey will be helping the Church to be freed from such superstitions, paranoia and Gnostic thought patterns. Changing our focus of attention to the person who plays the instrument more than the music, Keeping an open-mind and realizing that we're living in a different generation, Putting off our personal preference and cultural distinctions, and not using them as an excuse to close down something we are afraid of or not familiar/ like.
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"Worship is an expression of the heart and our respond to His greatness!", says Devy Jamin, the band's leader, songwriter, and vocalist-guitarist. And for Encomium, through this "genre" of music called rock alternative; they find the best way to express their worship. To reach people for Jesus, that they may grow in relationship with Him, using excellent music, performance and personal testimony as a vehicle to deliver the Gospel message.
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Encomium originally started with few college students in Oregon and they played as a band since 2001. Outside the church, they also played at cafes and some festivals with the heart to win souls for God.
What happened when we express praises to God?
The songs that they sing are 'cutting edge' songs that you can hear from the mainstream radio. But the difference, these songs are filled with personal testimonies and the flow of the Holy Spirit.
Their first concert was at Silverton, OR where three people received Jesus Christ for the first time and several others who recommitted their lives. And recently, at East Hill Foursquare Church (Gresham, OR), where God used the song "Only King" to touch many lives in their youth ministry.
10 tips from Devy Jamin on how to effectively use music in delivering the Gospel:
- Every band member must have a strong personal relationship with Jesus.
- Should have the same calling, vision, and purpose for ministry.
- Committed to excellence in musicianship.
- Practice makes perfect.
- Heart of servanthood and humbleness.
- Spend time to pray and encourage one another.
- In everything, give thanks.
- Passion for Jesus, compassion for the lost.
- Funky Tee shirt is a must.
- And last but not least .... Have fun!
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