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So much has happened since our last regular newsletter and I can't wait to share all the good news with you!  First, God has opened up so many new doors for us that we are more booked up now than we have ever been in our 24 year history!  We still have another half-year to schedule, but we are off to a great start.  The new worship concert has been very well received and we are just so glad that God is using it and us to bring Himself glory.

Many of you have been praying for our computer situation (it died) and God did a miraculous thing in that, due to a simple communication error, Apple Inc felt the need to give us a new computer free of charge.  Crazy, right?  "My God will supply all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus".  I know computers is not the context of that verse, but I'm giving God the glory anyway!

Jessica and Ryan are working hard and doing well in college.  Jessica is almost to her AA degree.  Both of them are doing well in their own ministries too.  You can check out Jessica's new CD and web page at www.billandkarenitzel.com/jessicas-ministry.html and donate to Ryan's OAC evangelistic ministry at www.oacusa.org/staff-itzel.php.

Even Shannon is starting to come up with ways that she can lay up treasures in Heaven by saving her money to send Bibles to soldiers.

On the prayer request front, the cold virus has hit our house and we need your prayers that it will pass quickly and not hinder our singing.  Pray for us as we begin to think about writing songs and a direction for the next CD.  The funds have been saved for this project so we will be ready to go when the songs are completed.  My goal is to record an album that will be full of doctrine, correction, encouragement, and instruction.  Stylistically, we are looking in a couple of directions, but are hoping to bring a little something different this time.

Also, pray that more people will sign up for the cruise this fall.  If you are interested in going, now is the time to sign up!  Just call and make sure you tell them that Bill and Karen Itzel are your tour hosts.  If you'd like more information, go to www.billandkarenitzel.com/1/post/2011/10/bill-karen-itzel-officially-part-of-the-fall-colors-gospel-cruise.html

We are praying for 100 people to come along-side of this ministry as either one-time or monthly supporters.  You can read more about out non-profit ministry and tax-deductible donations at www.BKministry.org.  Your tax-deductible gifts are what make this ministry possible!  If you would like a brochure mailed to you the old fashioned way, just reply with your address and that request.


Ryan will be one of the teachers at the OAC evangelism training seminar in DC this year.  If you ever thought, "I like what Ryan does on the sketchboard and I'd like to learn how to do that", here's your chance.  For more information and registration go to www.oacusa.org. To see a video about the seminar, go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUGuiZsaQg8&feature=share. 

Make sure to “LIKE” our new facebook page:  “The Itzels”.  Also feel free to send us individual requests.  We have a lot of great thought-provoking discussions there and would love for you to be a part of it.

Jessica's first solo CD has been released.  It is called Revolutionary War and is a concept album about taking a stand and fighting the good fight of faith.  The songs include several original songs by Jessica like "Revolutionary War", "Rebelling Against the Weather", "Chained to a Lie", and "Always Singing".  There are also all new recordings of "Do Hard Things", "Island of Misfit Toys", and "Roll Call of Faith", and a special recording of "I have Decided".  You can order it from our online store.

The new CD is finished!  “UP” is our first full-scale worship project and the new tour is going to be very interactive.  Many of the songs are taken straight from scripture and a few traditional hymns are included too, so this is really an album of Psalms, Hymns, and spiritual songs!  Here is a rundown of the tracks:

Power and Might – This original rocker kicks off the album with an emphasis on how God is revealed in nature.  The Bible says, “The heavens declare the glory of God”, and that God is revealed through that which is made.  This song gives God glory for His creative work...and His redemptive work.

Step by Step – Karen and I did a bit of a word study in the book of Psalms on the word “Steps” and how God guides our steps.  The catchy chorus hearkens back musically to our “gospel” days and the verses are straight from the Psalms.

Love the Lord – This is a song by Lincoln Brewster straight from Matthew 22:37.   This is the greatest commandment and this infectious song is sure to help it get stuck in our heads. 

I’d Rather Have Jesus – This is the traditional hymn we all grew up with, but recorded in a very non-traditional way.  It is a very dynamic arrangement that is very contemporary in its style yet definitely keeps the lyrics and message front and center.

Psalm 100 – No surprises here, this song comes directly from...Psalm 100.  It is one of my favorite psalms and one of the first I ever memorized in school.  It is easy to sing along with and maybe can help you memorize it too!

When I Survey – I love traditional hymns.  We don’t sing too many of them, but every once in a while, I record one just because of the great lyrics and nostalgic feelings they bring from my past singing them in church.  This one is very special.  I did not realize it until the final mix.  Karen’s vocal here, I believe are the most pure and emotional performance she’s ever given.  When I was mixing, I had added some background vocals, but after listening to it, I felt I was just intruding on a very personal moment.  So this song is just Karen, a piano, and a cello, and a heartfelt look at the cross.

You are There – We have, in the past, recorded some very good praise choruses, but were kind of lost in the shuffle and not really known for what they are.  You are There is from the “Last Man Standing” album but is remixed with some changes.  Here, on this CD, this song takes on a new life as a praise chorus.

Names – This was a fun song to write.  Karen and I took a list of all of the names of Jesus throughout the Bible and wrote three verses using nothing but those names.  Fortunately, we found enough that rhymed to make it work.  The first verse is Christ the shepherd, the second verse is Christ the redeemer, and the last verse is Christ the conqueror.  The style reminds me of Last man Standing.

Let Everything That Hath Breath – We have always been fans of the band Petra.  In fact, my writing is probably closest in style to Bob Hartman as anyone, so, to record a song by Petra seems like the most natural thing to us.  This song is not a sing-along praise chorus like most of the others, but the theme is that of praise.  

Weak – The album closes with a praise chorus from the “Flawed” album that, like “You are there” got lost in the shuffle and gets to shine here.

I think that these vocals are the best we have ever recorded.  We really pushed ourselves vocally and did things that are not usually in our ranges.  I hope you all like the result.  I can’t wait for you all to hear it!  

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Ryan has officially been accepted as a missionary with Open Air Campaigners.  He will begin as an intern for the next 2 years or so as he raises his support.  We are just so proud that he has chosen this as his life’s work, and so proud that at only 16, God has given him a clear direction and is using him this way.  You can check out his ministry website at:  http://www.oacusa.org/staff-itzel.php

Jessica is currently working on her first solo CD.  She has written several original songs and is also re-recording several of her best songs recorded with the family.  The songs include:  Revolutionary War, Rebelling Against the Weather, Roll Call of Faith, Chained to a Lie, Always Singing, Island of Misfit Toys, Do Hard Things, and I'd Rather Have Jesus.  It should be ready some time early this Fall.