Open a dictionary, look up the word “instrument” and you might see a definition like this: a device used to produce music; or one used by another as a means or aid.  Next, look up the word “praise” and you might read  it defined as a mechanism to express a favorable judgment of or to glorify (a god or saint) especially by the attribution of perfection.  Put the two words together – instrument and praise – add the name Willie Bonds to the meaning, now what definition do you get? The answer: a group of anointed vocalists and musicians being used by God to exalt His name, led by one of His gifted saints who honors Him through words and song. Hence: Willie Bonds & The Instruments of Praise.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, to a church percussionist father and a music minister mother, Willie Bonds’ gift and love of music was discovered at a very early age.  He started playing musical instruments when he was four, and throughout his childhood and teenage years, received training in the areas of drums, piano, violin, viola and upright bass.

Over the years, he received numerous musical awards and achievements, including an opportunity to play in the San Antonio Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. He continued serving at his home church, Childress Memorial Church of God in Christ, while his love for gospel music continued to grow.

Willie later began to write, arrange and produce his own music.  It was during this season in his life that God led him to organize The Instruments of Praise (IOP).  Formed in 1996, IOP was the vision of a then 23-year-old San Antonio, Texas Christian who strongly believed there was a void of integrity in the music ministry.

Willie Bonds linked 19 vocalists and 5 musicians – comprised of his cousins and close friends – to serve as a unified vessel to exemplify God’s hand of love and compassion through song, worship and praise. Willie Bonds Ministries is committed to being the type of servants in which God’s presence, through the Holy Spirit, could flow freely through their lives in a miraculous way to reach the saved and the unsaved alike.  “God is looking for individuals with clean hands and pure hearts, and IOP is committed to not being glamorous or lifted up into anything except Him,” Willie says. “We want God, His presence, and His heart to be demonstrated not only through our lives, but through our songs. So, by allowing Him to use us, we will have the power to impact people in a spiritual way.”

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