recent Knewsletters:

• E-Knews #8 (July 2001)
• E-Knews #7 (June 2000)
• E-Knews #6 (Sept 1998)

Inspirational Messages from past Knewsletters:

• Ta-Tonga-Mon-Thee (E-Knews #6)
• ...Already Torn... (E-Knews #5)
• Holiday Greetings 97 (E-Knews #4)
• I'll Wait... (E-Knews #3)

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E-Knews #7 - June 2000 

Dear Friends,
    Many of you, no doubt, have been wondering if I fell off the face of the earth.  Not only haven't you heard from me in awhile, you notice I haven't been doing many performances lately.  I apologize for being out of touch for so long...  No, I haven't given up on my musical calling, it's just that other priorities have taken precedence. 

   Over the past year I've sat down at least a dozen times with the intention of typing out a knewsletter, but each time I've been overwhelmed by "so-much-going-on-where-do-I-start" syndrome.  Add to that the fact that most of what's been going on has nothing to do with my music, and suddenly my knewsletter sounds like just a lot of whining and complaining.  Well, I just didn't want to do that to you.

    So, what follows here is a brief synopsis of what's happened in the past year, followed by a positive look forward.  Plus of course the usual newsletter stuff...

CONTENTS:
   - New CD Progress Report
   - What's been happening...
   - Special K ?
   - Closing Remarks...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New CD Progress Report
------------------------------------
   Despite numerous delays, I'm still at work on my next recording project, "Refugee", and light has appeared at the end of the tunnel!  I expect to have it available this summer.  It will include 13 or so songs, many of which you have heard at my concerts, including "Lament for Romania", "the Star-Spangled Banner", "Pressin' On", and the surprisingly popular "Up, Chuck", as well as a new arrangement of "You Are the One" sung as a duet with the song's composer Vicki Lynn Whitesel.  Also featured is my son Joe on percussion and possibly some other instruments.

   For those of you interested in a preview of the project, there is available now a "Pre-Release" promotional cassette featuring guitar-vocal mixes of 6 of the songs.  The cassette is available for $10, and comes with a $5-off coupon that can be applied against the purchace of the full-length cassette or CD.  Sales of this Pre-Release cassette will help fund the remaining studio time.  For more information, visit www.kyleknapp.com/disco.htm

What's Been Happening...
----------------------------------
    Last summer, Gail's father, who is 87 years old and in poor health, realized it was becoming impractical for him to live alone, and agreed (after several invitations) to leave his home in Massachusetts and move to Nebraska to live with us.  This of course led to the logistical problems of moving him across the country, figuring out what to do with his 87 years' of accumulated possessions, rearranging our home to accomodate a new member, and numerous ongoing lifestyle adjustments we could not have forseen.  We are blessed to have him here, but it has not been altogether an easy transition. 

    Meanwhile, our daughter Sarah, who had spent most of the past year toodling around the country, decided to come home - just after we gave her bedroom away to her grandfather!  So she had to share a room with her brother for awhile (as you can imagine, that arrangement got old real fast).  As soon as she saved up enough money, Sarah got her own apartment.  Then, in November, the aforementioned brother, Daniel, turned 16, got a license and a car, and is now terrorizing Omaha's streets. 

    Then there's our grandson (Gail calls him "grand one") Neal.  He is 2 years old now and is the most beautiful, intelligent, sweet-tempered, well-behaved, adorable child the world has ever known (we're not biased, are we?).  He truly is a joy to us, but he can also be a handful, and depending on his parents' work and school schedules, sometimes we see a lot of him.  (Isn't that what God created grandparents for, to be ready-made babysitters?)

    And how about the Y2K bug?  Ahh... while "the bug" was not the big scary monster that some of us feared, he IS real nonetheless, and lives at Lewis Art Gallery.  My part-time gig as bookkeeper and "computer nerd" became full-time as we realized our highly specialized but antiquated accounting/inventory management software would not handle the Y2K transition gracefully.  I spent several months evaluating replacement alternatives.  Now, having chosen one, I will probably spend the next year or so adapting it to meet the gallery's needs. (suddenly I'm a "programmer" again)

    As if we didn't already have enough stress, a couple months ago we decided to buy a house.  Aaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!!!  Actually it's a good thing - we stumbled onto a house for sale and fell in love with it.  The place had been on the market for months, at a reasonable price, but had not sold.  We believe God was saving it for us.  The conditions were right, and the purchase was surprisingly smooth and painless.  We've unpacked enough to feel somewhat settled, and the place really feels like home!  Gail and I have found we really enjoy just being here, spending time together, visiting with family, and entertaining company (c'mon over for coffee sometime...).

    We have been abundantly blessed, and lately our consciousness is permeated with a sense of gratitude.  God has been good to us.  Current circumstances limit the amount of travelling I can do, so there won't be a lot of cross-country tours for awhile (and you know how I love to travel), but that's okay.  As Solomon said "to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under Heaven."  There is a great deal of comfort and satisfaction in understanding that, at least for "a season", Heaven has ordained special purposes for me here, both in my family and (as you will read in the next section) in my local church.

Special K ?
---------------
   Many of you know that my education includes some formal Bible training, and that I've been involved for years in various aspects of lay ministry at my church.  In addition, I've long regarded the sharing of my faith and values through my music to be a form of ministry.  Well, evidently some others in my denomination agree - last year I was granted a Ministerial License by the Midwest District of the Foursquare Gospel Church.  Then just this month I accepted a commission as Assistant Pastor of our local congregation, Lighthouse on the Hill (www.lhoth.com),  with my primary responsibility being over worship/music (we be jammin' on Sunday morning!)  Yup... folks used to call me "Kyle K" - now you can call me "Rev. K"  (my wife calls me "Special K") 

   Just kidding about the title - I really don't care what you call me.  And don't expect me to be walking around with a collar or halo or anything - I'm still the same guy, except now I have authority to "marry 'em & bury 'em", as they say.  This will probably result in me doing more church gigs; but if you feel funny coming to hear me in a church, don't worry - I'll still be doing coffee houses and open mics when I have the opportunity.  

Closing Remarks...
----------------------------
    It's been a tough year for us in the Knapp household, but one full of rewards and growth.  Through much of the past 12 months I found myself identifying with Solomon, whose spiritual journey led him to conclude, "All is vanity, and chasing after the wind..."(Eccl.2:11)  More recent experience, however, has borne witness to St.Paul's promise: "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not lose heart" (Gal.6:9)  Perhaps the lesson to be learned here is one of trust - as Solomon wrote in one of his proverbs, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding - in all your ways acknowlege Him, and He will make your paths straight."(Prov.3:5-6)

   It goes without saying that this journey is fraught with unknown dangers, difficulties and doubts.  Let it also be known that there is peace and fulfillment, both in the journey and in its destination, for those who choose to trust and follow the Guide.  Therefore, inasmuch as most of us can identify with Solomon in his confusion, let us also choose to join him in his resolve: "this is the conclusion of all things: Trust the Lord"(Eccl.12:13) 

Keep on Trustin'
~kyle

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Kyle Knapp E-Knewsletter #6 - September 1998

Thanks for your support  

I apologize that it has been so long since my last e-newsletter.  It has been a trying time for me and Gail.  Not a terrible time, but the kind of circumstances that keep you so busy with some things that you don't have time for other (even important) ones.  My special thanks to those of you who have sent us gifts and notes of encouragement and/or held us up in prayer.  Also thanks to those of you who listen to my music and believe in my mission, as well as to those of you who continue to be our friends, even when we don't seem to have time for friendships.

What's Happening...  

As usual, we've had too many things going on, and my concert schedule often gets put on the back burner.  As a result I cancelled a 2-week trip I planned in the Northeast, because I just didn't have time to pursue the bookings.  Believe me, I never get tired of travelling or sharing my heart or doing music, but the phone-calling, letter-writing etc required to schedule a tour is a lot more work than most people realize. (Maybe I need an agent...?)

At this point I plan to focus my tour-scheduling efforts on next year, though I do have a few things yet on the program for the next few months, including doing a gig together with Terri Jo Dahlquist (at the "Blue Moon Coffeehouse" in Hastings NE 11/13), another "Sunday Night Revue" with Earl Bates (10/4), an evening at "Latte Da" (a really nice little coffeehouse in Harlan IA 10/24), and a return to "The Gathering Place" in St Louis MO (10/31).  For next year, I plan to limit most of my travelling to things I can do in a long weekend, with maybe 3 or 4 extended tours over the course of the year.  I hope to include more workshops/seminars in my schedule next year - seminars for church worship musicians, songwriting workshops, maybe some guitar clinics - we'll see what happens...

Some of my recent state of distraction as been a result of some important changes in my family life.  Our youngest son, Daniel, just started high school.  Our two older kids, Sarah & Joseph, have both moved out on their own.  While we love our kids, and worry constantly about how they could possibly survive without our supervision, I guess they grow up whether we want them to or not.  In some ways this has been a blessing - Gail and I have been able to spend more "couple time" (going out to movies, romantic evenings with the house all to ourselves, stuff like that) - but in other ways it has made life more complicated.  Sarah (who works 2 jobs and goes to college) seems to have a lot of trouble with cars - I often end up coming to her rescue (and she lives 20 miles away!)  Joe (who also works and is taking classes at the University) doesn't have a car, but he has taken an early adventure into parenthood... (read on)

Grandma & Grandpa?

Yes, it's true.  Joe's girlfriend Erin gave birth on April 19th to a 8lb-5oz baby boy, whom they named Neal Vincent Onkka Knapp.  (Check out the photo album on my website for baby pictures).  Joe and Erin are no longer a couple, which further complicates things, but Erin and Neal are part of the family now, and we love them all.  Joe is doing his best to be responsible, and watches the baby three nights a week (usually at our house), and we babysit a couple times a week.  This has tightened our schedule considerably, but Gail loves caring for the baby (she goes through withdrawal if she doesn't see him for a few days).

If you think Gail & I are too young to be grandparents, you're right; although you should see me in my reading glasses - I look more like my father everyday.  Gail, on the other hand, hasn't changed at all since I fell in love with her when she was 16.  Still it feels a little weird being married to someone's grandma...

As for Joe and Erin, well, we wish they had made different choices, but it's not always possible to learn from other people's experience - now they're learning some of life's lessons the hard way. But, for the record, Gail and I made poor choices too, and we are a living testimony to the abundance of God's grace.  Please agree with us in prayer that God will reveal Himself to Erin and Joe in their circumstances, and that both parents and child will know the riches of His love.

Narrowpath No More...

My business relationship with Narrowpath Records has ended.  That's okay - this is a good thing.  Narrowpath owner Greg Strange has been a good friend for a long time, and I expect this friendship to continue.  I want to thank Greg for his friendship and encouragement, for his excellent production/engineering work on the Burr Oak Acres album, and especially for his faith in me to undertake the project in the first place.

For the past several years, Greg has largely set aside his own calling as a musician and songwriter in order to promote other artists through Narrowpath.  Now, convinced that it is time for him to focus on his own music and ministry, Greg is discontinuing Narrowpath Records altogether, except as an outlet for his own expressions.  Please join with me in wishing him abundant success in his work.

Coincidentally (or perhaps Providentially), at the same time that Greg was making his decision to end Narrowpath Records, I began itching to record another album.  While I appreciate all that Narrowpath has done for me, I had hopes of recording my next project locally.  Not only would this give me more direct control over the project, but it would allow for the use of more local talent and support the music industry here in Omaha.  I accepted Greg's decision as confirmation that I was on the right track.

New Recording Project in the Works...

I have begun work on my next album, tentatively titled "Refugee".  Current plans call for it to be mainly acoustic/simple/"unplugged" like my last CD, but with a more agressive edge.  I plan to include "Refugee", "Y'shua is Coming", and "Lament for Romania", along with other songs you may have heard at my concerts.

The project is being recorded at Tesco Productions and engineered by Jon Guggenheim (hope I spelled that right, Guggie).  We've only just begun (hey, that sounds like a song title), but I hope to be able to release a CD sometime next year.  Keep me (and Tesco) in your prayers, and I'll keep you posted.

Internet Hoaxes

If you use email much, you probably get lots of junk mail, multilevel marketing solicitations, virus warnings, porn site invitations, chain letters, etc.  Beware of unsolicited offers, especially if you can't verify the source.  I've received promises of quick money, as well as offers of free shares in Microsoft Corp. and free vacations at Disney World.  I've also gotten chain letters requesting prayer and/or monetary assistance for lost/kidnapped children, poor people in need of expensive operations, and other allegedly desperate situations.  Most of these ask the reader to forward the message to 10 or more of their friends, thus multiplying exponentially the volume of junk mail on the internet.

Probably many email solicitations are legitimate, but many more are nuisance hoaxes or rip-off schemes. Please, PLEASE...! DO NOT pass along solicitations and chain letters unless you can independently verify their validity.  If I get offered another free Disney vacation I'll scream!

If in doubt, you might check out the US Dept of Energy's "Computer Incident Advisory Capabilities" (CIAC) website at  http://ciac.llnl.gov/ciac/CIACHome.htm  This site has lots of information on internet hoaxes and chain letters, including the recent virus scares, as well as the popular letters supposedly from Bill Gates and Walt Disney, Jr., both of which are bogus (Walt Disney had no sons!)

Special thanks to Greg Hogan and Doug Borton for their help in enlightening me on this subject.

Grace and Peace to You All,
~Kyle

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Ta-Tonga-Mon-Thee

Some of you know singer/songwriter Ken Byers (half of the folk duo "Country Jonah in the Fish"), but may not be aware of the tragedy that befell his family recently.  On May 9th, Ken's 19-year-old son, Sean, was killed in a freak auto accident on highway 92 near their home in Mead Nebraska.

The funeral was a sad affair - as you would expect for one whose life was so short - except for comforting assurance of Sean's own faith.  A number of Bible passages were read, including the words of Jesus from John 14:1-2 "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you... that where I am there you may be also" and John 11:25-26 "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die!"  These words, while common at funerals, were especially meaningful on this occasion, because Sean really believed them.

Ken believes even Sean's name contains a prophetic message.  Not his English name, but his Indian name (Sean's great-grandfather had been an Omaha Indian Chief).  His Omaha/Kiowa name was "Ta-Tonga-Mon-Thee" which means "Big Deer Leading".  "Everywhere he went, he became a leader," said Ken.  People were naturally drawn to him, even though he abstained from the practices of drunkenness and promiscuity that plagued many of his friends.  And when he died, some of those who had known him came to visit his home - not just to mourn, but to inquire about the faith that had made Sean different.  In John 12:24 Jesus says "Truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."  Ken and the family were encouraged to see that, even after its end, Sean's life continued to bear fruit.

The following is a poem that Sean wrote shortly before he died.  

"The Path of the Righteous Man"

The path of the righteous man
Is forged on all sides
By the iniquities of the selfish
And the tyranny of evil men
But blessed is he
Who in the name of Charity
And good will
Shepherds the weak
Through the valley of darkness
For he truly is
His brother's keeper
And the finder of lost children
     - Sean Byers (10/25/77 - 5/9/98)

 

Again, thanks to those of you who continue to hold me, my family, and my music and ministry up in prayer.  I believe in prayer, and in the power of God for every situation we encounter in life.  Feel free to let me know if you have needs I can pray for, questions I can answer, or if you'd like to know more about how a relationship with Christ can change your life.

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...Already Torn...
from E-Knews #5, March 98

There's a song I've been hearing a lot lately on the "modern rock" stations that has caught my attention.  It's called "Torn" (sorry I can't remember the artist's name) - some of the lyrics grabbed part of my heart the first time I heard them, and have stayed with me ever since:

"Nothing's right, I'm torn,
I'm all out of faith, this is how I feel
I'm cold and I am shamed, lying naked on the floor
Illusion never changed into something real
I'm wide awake and I can see the perfect sky is torn
You're a little late, I'm already torn"

I guess I responded to these words because, well, I feel like that sometimes: broken, ashamed, disollusioned, torn.  Truth is, whether we admit it or not, these words describe all of us, even those of us who appear to have all our stuff together.  "...you say 'I am rich and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' and you don't know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked..."(Rev.3:17)  It's too late for help, we're "already torn." 

But there's good news:  "...I advise you," the Lord continues, "to buy from Me gold refined by fire, so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be exposed, and salve for your eyes so that you may see."(Rev.3:18) And what is the price of such a purchase?  He offers a simple exchange - new for old:  new life in exchange for our old messed-up one - spiritual riches in exchange for our poverty - new white clothes in exchange for our old rags - His wholeness in exchange for our brokenness.  Jesus covered all debts with the price of his own body and blood, allowing himself to be "torn" for us.(1Pet.2:24)  Will you accept his offer?

Most of you know I am not a high-pressure evangelist, but if you would like to know more about this "new for old" gospel, or if you have other spiritual questions or prayer needs, write me.  I don't claim to be an expert, but I would be glad to share with you more of the words of life I've found in the Bible.

Feb.98

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Holiday Greetings!
from E-Knews #4, December 1997

Is it not ironic that as we enter another Holiday Season, war is brewing again in the Middle East? It was in this very region where (according to the Bible) life on Earth began. Here where Abraham first heard God's voice. This is the land that gave birth to the Jewish and Arab nations, as well as the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths. It was to this land that Mystics from the Far East journeyed to worship a new-born King, passing through (probably) the areas now known as Iran and Iraq as they followed that mysterious star. It was here in Jerusalem (about as far from Baghdad as Omaha is from Denver) where He who was called Prince of Peace was born. How is it that, after 2000 years of the preaching of His gospel of peace, the world is still at war?

Perhaps it's because this gospel of peace is not nearly as much a political or social philosophy as it is a spiritual one. While Christ promises "the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension"(Phil.4:7), it is often easier to respond to this world's troubles with worldly devices: bigotry, violence, deceit, politics. Christ calls us to love our enemies(Mt.5:44), but in this world it makes more "sense" to hate them. Likewise, the "religious" lines that divide us are often just as worldly as physical walls, and the guns and bombs we use to defend them. We seek to defend our "interpretation of truth", rather than seeking the Author of Truth, whose precepts can only be discerned spiritually. So-called "holy wars" usually have more to do with "religious politics" than with any kind of genuine spirituality.

There was once a Samaritan woman who tried to engage Jesus in a dialog about various forms and places of worship, and which ones were valid. Jesus sidestepped the entire question, saying "...an hour is coming when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall you worship the Father... God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."(Jn.4:21,24) The synagogue or church, the objects, rituals and holidays that accompany our worship are far less relevant than the personal, intimate communion that is possible between the heart of a man and that of his Maker. This is what God wants from us. Not our blood sacrifices, not our jihads, not our genuflectings, dovenings, pilgrimages, sh'mas, hail Marys, or prostrations toward Mecca. "True worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshippers."(Jn.4:23)

It is my prayer, as we enjoy all the trappings and festivities of the Holidays, that we would seek the "Gift" left under Bethlehem's star, more than those left under our tree. That we would desire, as the wise men did, to find the new-born Messiah, to know Him, to worship Him. To seek true spiritual communion with the One whose presence brings true peace. He has also promised "...you will seek for Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart"(Jer.29:13)

In our home we observe both Christmas and Hanukkah: We light the tree, and the menorah. We spin the dreidel and sing carols. We worship the Savior, and we celebrate the heritage that gave Him birth. Christ was born a Jew, among Jews, but His gift was not for Jews alone, or even for "Christians", but for any who would desire to receive.(Jn.1:12) Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwaanzaa, may this Season bring you closer to the perfect gift of God's love.

Dec.97

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I'll Wait...
from E-Knews #3, September 1997

I was hoping to tour the Northeast again this October, but a number of things have gotten in the way. For one thing, circumstances at home have taken away from time I would have spent in tour-arranging. As a result, my last several trips have been run in "crisis mode" with a great deal of energy spent scrambling for last-minute engagements, incomplete travel arrangements, poor communication, etc.

Perhaps the most significant factor revealed itself to me in the midst of a recent coffeehouse performance: I was singing "I'll Wait" and sharing about how easily we become exhausted if we trust only in our own strength, and how we need to rest in the Lord and draw our strength from Him. Suddenly the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to how poorly I was following my own advice. I've been wearing myself thin, with too little time spent on the simple things that energize us: family time, friendships, and fellowship with the Father.

So I've decided to postpone the New England tour until sometime next year, and after this weekend I won't be taking any additional overnight/out-of-town gigs for awhile. In fact, I'll probably take the music schedule prettly slow now through the end of the year, so I can re-connect with Gail (my wife, for those of you who didn't know), get refreshed at my home church (Lighthouse on the Hill in Omaha), and seek the Lord's direction for the future. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

"Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters.

And you who have no money, come, buy and eat.

Come, buy wine and milk, without money and without cost.

Why spend your money on that which is not bread, and your wages on things that don't satisfy you?

Listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in richness.

You will go out in joy, and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,

and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."
(Isaiah 55:1-2,12)

Sept.97

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