Out of the place of friendship and serving the Lord together at the International House of Prayer–KC, Marcus Meier and Tim Reimherr formed Merchant Band six years ago. Marcus needed an acoustic guitar player on his worship team and asked Tim to come on board in 2002. Ministering before the Lord for hours every day allowed Marcus and Tim the opportunity to develop in leadership and mature in songwriting. Just like the merchant who sold all he had for the pearl of great price in Matthew 13:45-46, Marcus and Tim are committed to giving their lives away for the treasure of knowing Christ.

Through the years Merchant Band has encompassed Marcus and Tim's worship team at the house of prayer. Band members have come and gone, giving support to creating the sound, but Marcus and Tim have been the crux behind fashioning unique songs. Like a greenhouse, the band offered both men the time and energy needed to cultivate their passion for writing lyrics and melodies that glorify God. Marcus and Tim are grateful for the opportunities Merchant Band has provided them, however they believe it is time for the band to come to an end.

"Apart from the light, you have no fellowship. Merchant Band allowed Tim and I to walk in the light together and grow in our separate callings," Marcus says.

Merchant Band released its first album in 2004, with a follow-up album in 2006. This summer Marcus and Tim are releasing their third and last album as Merchant Band, entitled Let the Weak Speak. This album is infused with both the anointing of the Spirit and passionate music.

"Being a part of Merchant Band has really been a time of learning the rhythm of when to step up and lead, and when to step back and get behind somebody else." Tim explains.

As the launching pad for Marcus and Tim, Merchant Band was just the beginning of their journey to create music filled with hunger to know the Lord. They will continue writing music as artists with individual and distinct callings. Their friendship will remain as they serve in the house of prayer and continue to give themselves to laying hold of the kingdom of heaven.

"I think Merchant Band has prepared me for the next leg of the race that the Lord has for me. It was part of the Lord's training in servanthood and leadership over my life," Tim says.

"What the Lord has formed in us through this season will always continue, not just in ministry but in our life's pursuits," Marcus says.