June 2015 SGNScoops Magazine

sgn

SCOOPS ...........

Magazine

Also Featuring: Goodman Revival, The Kingsmen, Jeff Hawes of Karen Peck and New River, Tommy Brandt and Tommy Brandt II

table of contents 3

Publisher’s Point

6

Letter From The Editor

7

Life, Love, and Legends by Lou Wills Hildreath

11

11th Hour by Marcie Gray

16

Vonda Easley’s DJ Spotlight on Mickey Bell

18

The Kingsmen by Paige Givens

23

We’re All Human by Dr, Jeff Steele

25

Goodman Revival by Jennifer Campbell

30

High Notes with Kelly Nelon Clark

32 Erin Stevens’ Younger Perspective with Jeff Hawes 36

Our Mission SGNScoops exists to promote the gospel by unveiling what is intriguing and real about Southern Gospel and Christian Country music. With integrity, we aspire to strengthen Christians, highlight people who are fulfilling a call to minister and emphasize the music that inspires audiences and glorifies God.

Reflections by Sherry Anne

39 Tommy Brandt & Tommy Brandt II by Tina Wakefield 43

SGN Scoops Top 100 for June 2015

47

Adam’s Call by Jaquita Lindsey

50

Wisdom From Wells by Dusty Wells

55

Father’s Day Feature by Jennifer Campbell

58

Creekside Update

61

Christian Fitness with Laurette Willis

64

Silent Resolve and the God Who Let Me Down: Book Review by Vivian Belknap

68

Music Reviews for June 2015

72 Contributors

Publisher- Rob Patz Editor- Lorraine Walker Feature Editor- Craig Harris Layout/Design- Pete Schwager, Staci Schwager Cover Design- Stephanie Kelley Founder- Dr. Allen Smith

www.sgnscoops.com

Have a SCOOP to share? For news consideration, email us at news@sgnscoops.com

Publisher’s Point

by Rob Patz

Welcome to the June Publisher’s Point! I want to tell you how blessed we are having the best fans in the industry who read our magazine and come to our website daily. We were very honored this past month to be named Fan Favorite Website by the folks at Christian Voice Magazine! This is an honor and I want to thank personally Randall Wilds and John Lanier and all their great staff for their excellent work.

In May we honored our mothers and now in June we honor our fathers. I was very blessed to have a great example of an earthly father with my dad. He was a man of God who relied on his faith daily and taught me to live by faith.

I hope you’ve already made your plans to be with us at Creekside 2015, but if you haven’t, please read through this month’s edition. Check out the updates, look at the ads, and make a decision to join us for four great days of gospel music. You can email me at rob@sgnscoops.com or you can call me at 360-933-0741. We are going to sell out of the main hotel sometime this month, so if you want to be at the main hotel next to the Convention Center, you need to make your reservations through me now.

I want to take some space here to welcome our newest member of the SGNScoops team, Mickey Bell. If your local station doesn’t carry This Week In Gospel Music Presented by SGNScoops, you need to tell them to get in contact with Mickey. It’s a fun show and great for Southern Gospel radio.

As we close this month’s Publisher’s Point, I think of the love of our fathers and the amazing love we have from our Heavenly Father. May each and every father who reads this be blessed and have a wonderful day celebrating what God has given you.

Midnight Prayer

A Letter From the Editor

By Lorraine Walker

It’s June and I would like to wish all the fathers out there a very Happy Father’s Day. At the same time, I’d like to comment on a recent poll by Pew Research Center entitled, “America’s Changing Religious Landscape.” You can find it at www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changingreligious-landscape/. Posted on May 12, 2015, it shows that, “The Christian share of the U.S. population is declining, while the number of U.S. adults who do not identify with any organized religion is growing…”

Yes, the number declined from 78.4% to 70.6% of those that identified with Christianity. The source for this article was 2014 Religious Landscape Study, conducted June 4th through September 30, 2014. I know there were gasps of disbelief and horror among the church world at these figures. However, you can see this cup as half-full or half-empty.

I was amazed that there are still almost 71% of Americans who are Christians. You wouldn’t know that by the media or the political scene. I was watching one of my favorite series on television and became really disturbed at the religion bashing that was being shown. Hollywood has never truly reflected society’s beliefs, but it seems to be getting more skewed all the time. I would hope that as Christians watch the persecution that is happening overseas, they would become stronger in their faith and decide once and for all which side of the fence they will choose. Hopefully we will show our faith and what side we are on, by the choices we make; whether it is by the shows or movies we watch or even by those we vote for in the political arena.

How does this tie in with Father’s Day? I came across this verse from Proverbs, chapter 14, and verse 26: “He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge (NIV).” This of course can refer to mothers as well, but I thought it was fitting for June. The

fathers who fear, revere and worship the Lord have a security in the Almighty that cannot be found elsewhere. For their children, this faith will become a refuge that they can run to in their time of need. No matter what polls may say or media might shout, Christian fathers who teach their children about Jesus and show them the Heavenly Father’s love, can trust that God will be their children’s refuge as well. If every one of the 71% of Americans who believe in Jesus Christ actually feared the Lord and taught their children about Him, that percentage would not continue to dwindle but would grow.

Let us each grow stronger in our faith and be a living example of the love and truth that is in Jesus.

Along this vein, we have featured a group called 11th Hour on our cover this month. They are a lovely mixed trio who are becoming better known and whose music is being heard in more places than ever. We hope you enjoy learning about this trio and reading about their strong faith and urgency to share that belief with all they meet. Do we really realize that we are living in the last days? This is truly the eleventh hour of the Church and we need be more practical and more focused on sharing Christ with others.

11th Hour was the 2014 Diamond Award winner of the Sunrise Award for up-and-coming artists. Speaking of the Diamond Awards, be sure to read the update on the Creekside Gospel Music Convention in this edition and find out all the latest news about that great event and the Awards process. Let your voice be heard and become a part of Creekside. I hope to make the trip to Pigeon Forge this year and I hope you will too! Be sure to come and introduce yourself and let me know what you think of SGN Scoops. If you can’t make it, or don’t want to wait until November, write to me today with your thoughts, comments and suggestions, at lorraine@sgnscoops.com . Have a great month!

Life Love & LEGENDS

Gospel Music Hall of Fame Induction Nashville, Tennessee

by lou wills hildreth Two great friends from my past—Mark Lowry and Candy Hemphill Christmas—were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in Nashville on May 12, 2015, at Lipscomb University Arena. We offer huge congratulations to them and to all the inductees, a list that includes BeBe and CeCe Winans, Roland Lundy, Twila Parris, and the Giglios.

The Bridge Ministry created by Candy to feed the homeless, also received an Honors Award from the GMA. Judy Nelon, my Nashville colleague, covered the event for her promotions company, and reported great excitement for an impressive list of presenters that included Bill Gaither, Mike Huckabee, Amy Grant, Steve Green, and Reba McEntire.

When Judy was describing the induction of Mark Lowry by Bill Gaither, it brought back memories of the personal thrill of having Bill Gaither preside over my induction into the GMA Hall Of Fame in 2005. My LIFE has been blessed!

An exciting portion of my time in Nashville involved the early years of both Mark Lowry and Candy Hemphill Christmas who have become LEGENDS in

the gospel music world. I signed a 14-year-old Mark Lowry to a contract with my booking agency. Much later, his tenure with the Gaither Vocal Band created a forever niche in Gospel music.

Writing the lyrics to “Mary Did You Know” is just a portion of Mark Lowry’s talent. His induction into the GMA Hall Of Fame is highly deserved, and I am honored to have been a part of the journey.

We are also thrilled for the induction of a powerful young lady who has made an indelible mark on our industry. I was booking the Hemphills when Candy was a teenager singing with her family. She was a delightful guest on my early TV shows and has been a precious part of other projects. There are not enough words to express how proud I am of her and her husband, Kent Christmas, and the family. The GMA Hall of Fame Honor for Candy’s Bridge Ministry in Nashville is timely recognition, and there is no way to measure all the good that has been done by this organization.

I thank God for blessing me with those early years, working with the remarkable Candy Hemphill Christmas, and her family, the Hemphills. My LIFE in gospel music has had an abundance of LOVE and

PHOTO (B) A young Mark Lowry signed his first booking contract with Lou’s agency PHOTO (C) Candy Hemphill Christmas, guest of “Inside Gospel” with Lou and JP Miller PHOTO (D) Candy taping her Hill Country music video with Lou

LEGENDS! “Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not his benefits”(Psalm 103:1) gosplvideo@aol.com PHOTO (A) Mark Lowry with Lou Hildreth and Judy Nelon at their SGMG Lifetime Achievement Awards 2010

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11th Hour

What Are You Waiting For?

By Marcie Gray “While time marches on for a world in need of Jesus, you can find 11th hour using each moment for His glory.” What a great introduction for this Southern Gospel trio from Monroe, Louisiana! In 2007, at the tender age of 16, Amber Eppinette answered the call when she and a friend formed 11th Hour. Amber was at a revival when the Lord revealed to her that she was to take her music ministry on the road. Raised in a family full of preachers and singers, it was only natural that Amber felt comfortable when called to ministry.

Two years ago, Grant Gibson, from Jasper, Alabama departed Debra Perry and Jayden’s Call to join 11th Hour as second tenor. Jaquita Lindsey completed 11th Hour by filling the alto position. Hailing from Camden, Arkansas, Jaquita was introduced to Amber

by Nicole Watts Jenkins who was singing soprano for The Perrys at the time. Each member of 11th Hour brings significant vocal experience to the group, and the harmonies flow freely. Equipped with a unified mission, smooth harmony and cherished friendship, 11th Hour is blessed with a powerful ministry that spans the gap between generations.

11th Hour is gifted with a unique style, giving them a versatile approach to ministry. They are just as comfortable singing classic Southern Gospel music with friends like Greater Vision as they are leading worship for a youth camp, where they incorporate contemporary worship music into their repertoire.

Amber, Grant and Jaquita all agree that they are a very close-knit group of friends who enjoy spending time together, even when they’re on the road between dates. When asked to share a memorable moment on tour, Grant said, “We were singing at a church one night and during our introductions, a gentleman walked up onto the stage and interrupted the concert, insisting that we sing, “Have A Little Talk With Jesus.” We all just looked at each other, unsure of what was coming next, and before we knew it, the man ended up leading the entire congregation in the song.

“He was a veteran and had plenty of scars to show for it. He was pleased to share each scar with us at the product table, and if that wasn’t disturbing enough, he proceeded to pop his fake eye out right there at the table, in front of everyone standing there! When you tour 230 dates per year, you’re bound to run into some very interesting people, but that particular memory was one we will never forget!”

The group has been nominated in the Top 10 in the Singing News Fan Awards for “Favorite New Trio” for the past two years, and was awarded a Diamond Award in 2014 for “Favorite New Trio.” “It’s wonderful to be recognized by fans and friends who love your music, but it’s not the glory and fame that keeps us going when we get discouraged,” said Amber. “I’m always reminded by the Holy Spirit that this is a calling, not a job. Recently, God has shown me that when He places a call on a person’s life, He doesn’t take it away. We have a purpose to fulfill what God has set believers here to do, and even when we feel discouraged, we have to remember that our purpose and calling hasn’t changed.

When we stay focused on the calling even through challenging times is when we will start seeing souls saved and hearts turned toward Him, which is confirmation that we are doing what we are called to do!”

Jaquita shared, “I’ve been asked before why I won’t sing secular music. My answer is simple. I would

there’s a lot of fun in the process and there is nothing else I could see myself doing. We all have a purpose in life. God gives each of us abilities and talents and I believe it’s very foolish if you don’t use them for the Lord, but we just have a blast together singing and meeting new people. It’s different every time we get up on the stage.”

Greg Bentley from Crossroads Entertainment shared, “Crossroads has had the privilege of working with 11th Hour since 2012. We always do our homework before we agree to talk with anyone about a label deal, and when we started digging into the background of this talented group of young people, we knew we wanted to take the next step. Working with them - from

never use my talents for anything other than God’s glory. I was raised by a family of ministers. My parents and grandparents are both in the ministry and I’ve been singing in church since I was eight years old. I can’t imagine singing for any other reason but to use the talents God has given me to serve Him.” “Well, the girls got all spiritual,” said Grant, “but I have something to add. This is fun! It’s a calling, most definitely. That’s where it starts and ends, but

picking songs, doing the recording sessions, radio promotions and even publishing - we have found them to be steadfast and faithful in their goal of ministering through music. Now that we are starting on our third recording with them, (Steppin’ Out released in 2012, Picture This released in 2014) we are even more convinced that Amber, Grant and Jaquita are more focused than ever on presenting 11th Hour in the best possible way.

“Obviously, many fans and industry people are seeing what we see in them, as well. Their popularity continues to grow from album-to-album. We’ve already picked some great new songs for their new Sonlite Records release that they will be tracking in August, and expect this new 2016 release to take them even farther into the hearts and homes of Gospel music followers.”

Every artist has someone they look up to and

seek ministry advice from. 11th Hour is no exception.

Amber said, “Karen Peck is one person who has always been there for me with open ears. She has been a huge source of encouragement and has literally watched me grow up through the years.” Grant shared that Claude Hopper has been one of the biggest influences in his ministry life. “Claude has been around the block a few times and he has a whole lot of wisdom.” For Jaquita, Kelly Bowling and Libby Perry have both had a big personal influence on her life in ministry. These strong influences come from common ground. Each one of

these influences answered God’s calling on their lives and have been faithful to serve Him in ministry for many years. That same legacy is what Amber, Grant and Jaquita hope to pass on to future generations of Christian artists.

There is one song that never fails to move the hearts of those who hear it, and that is “Adam’s Fall,” recorded in 2010 by 11th Hour on their Gather Round project. The most important message 11th Hour can carry to their audience is summed up in this song and the words simply speak for themselves: “(Verse 1) As I journeyed through His precious word, I find where Adam fell and lost our souls, As I turned another page, I find His blood shed, For human race, and then I saw my own sin, My condemnation, without Him, Then I stood at Calvary’s place, and that’s where I found, Amazing Grace (Chorus) I saw You nailed, to the tree, Gave Your life freely, for unworthy me Heaven’s angels You did not call, rescued my soul, From Adam’s fall.” – Written by Amber Eppinette (2007) The territory is expanding for 11th Hour. Grant commented, “Within the next year, we hope to plan a trip out west and potentially overseas, as well. We are

considering options and always setting new goals.” The trio is excited about traveling to new places and singing where the Lord opens a door for them to go. “Concerts are a great way to network and make friends… whether it’s a fan or another artist. We’re just regular people and always trying to make new friends,” said Grant.

The Lord’s call has been answered by three talented, young artists. They share the love of Christ with everyone they come into contact with, knowing that the

return of Christ is imminent. Even their name seems to ask the question, “What are you waiting for?”

Find out more about 11th Hour by visiting their website: www.11thhourgospel.com. Look them up and help us express our appreciation to Amber, Grant and Jaquita, for taking the time to share the ministry of 11th Hour with the readers of SGN Scoops Magazine!

NOW SCHEDULING FALL 2015!

CALL TODAY TO SECURE A DATE FOR YOUR CHURCH OR SPECIAL EVENT! CLICK ANY ARTIST TO VIEW LIVE VIDEOS & HEAR NEW MUSIC!

T H G I L T DJ SPO Mickey Bell

By Vonda Easley Hey Ya’ll! Recently, I had the opportunity to ask Mickey Bell a few questions. He is coming back to radio! Are you ready? Here are my questions and Mickey’s answers.

Vonda: At what age did you land your first radio job? Tell us about it....

MB: I have always been a Southern Gospel music fanatic!

At age 14, my dad made a deal with a local radio station in Rainsville, AL to let me come and be a DJ after school. So I would ride my motorcycle and be in hog heaven. That feeling has never left me.

Vonda: Will you share your testimony with our readers?

MB: I was eight years old, coming home from a church singing when the words of one of the songs kept playing in my head. It was talking about being rejected from heaven.

I knew God was dealing with me, so when we got home I was able to kneel down at the ugliest brown couch I had ever seen but it became my altar as I gave my life to Christ.

Week in Gospel Music,” that aired on 40-plus stations in the US and Canada. I was forced to drop the show due to a tornado that hit our community. As a pastor, my ministry for that year was to help the 140 people who were affected by this storm. Now in 2015, God is allowing me the opportunity to bring the show back and be a part of the industry again.

It’s really because the artists missed me. They can’t stand not to have Mickey Bell in their life! So you need to make sure you listen to the show because you will laugh while you enjoy this best kind of music on this side of heaven.... and hell.

Be sure to visit us online at: www.thisweekingospelmusic. com to get your very own app that allows you to listen to the show and even listen to the previous shows you might have missed.

Vonda: Tell me about your family and about your favorite family vacation..

MB: My wife Wendy and our 15-year-old daughter Logan love to go on cruises and to the beach. We really love going on cruises where I get to emcee (hint hint). We just love going on cruises. Did I mention that I really love going on cruises especially the ones I get to emcee?

Vonda: What is your favorite restaurant?

MB: For cheeseburgers – Red Robin; For Steaks - Bright Star (Bessemer, AL); For Ice Cream - Cold Stone Creamery Vonda: Recently, you have started a new venture in radio, we want to know all about it!

MB: Back in 2010 I was able to host a radio program, “This

Mickey Bell’s new show is presented by SGN Scoops and can be found online at www.thisweekingospelmusic.com.

You can also find the app there for your handheld devices and listen to Mickey wherever you go! We are happy to have Mickey Bell back on the airwaves. Are you?

The Kingsmen Quartet | Decades of Following the Call

By Paige Givens

Few groups in any genre of music have been able to enjoy such a longstanding presence in their industry as The Kingsmen Quartet. Since their beginning in 1956, this beloved group of singers has continued to bring us songs of hope for the Christian life. Their quartet harmonies have provided a constant soundtrack for decades in a world that is continually changing. Listeners have enjoyed their Southern Gospel style, their incredible musical talent, and their powerful testimonies for almost 60 years. If you ask any member of this muchloved quartet what their secret is for remaining such a strong influence in Gospel music, they will tell you that there is actually no secret at all - The Kingsmen Quartet is simply following the call that God has placed on their hearts to minister for Him through song, and He is doing the rest!

Started by the three McKinney brothers in the hills of North Carolina, The Kingsmen would go on to steadily gain a large following in Christian music.

Many renowned artists have been blessed to call The Kingsmen home for a time. Such artists include El-

dridge Fox, Big Jim Hamill, Squire Parsons, Johnny Parrack, Anthony Burger, Ernie Phillips, Ed Crawford and Gary Sheppard. The group has received numerous awards, including Dove awards, Hall of Fame awards, and Singing News awards. The Kingsmen have five members past and present in the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, which are Eldridge Fox, Jim Hamill, Anthony Burger, Squire Parsons, and Ray Dean Reese.

The group is also in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Christian Music Hall of Fame. The Kingsmen Quartet currently consists of Ray Dean Reese, Brandon Reese, Bob Sellers, Chris Jenkins, and Randy Crawford.

While each member uses his wonderful musical talent to make inspiring music, he also brings other gifts to the table to make the ministry run smoothly. Ray Reese is the bass singer for the group and he also owns and manages The Kingsmen Quartet. Brandon Reese, Ray’s son, is the sound engineer and road manager.

Bob Sellers sings lead and manages the group’s strong social media presence online. Stage manager Randall

calling to do this. It was passed down one singer to the other. It’s been a great opportunity and we have been blessed. Longevity is first of all the Lord and secondly dedication to His call.” Being part of the group definitely takes hard work and dedication, as they travel to sing at more than 200 functions a year, which takes them away from home and family.

Crawford sings baritone and emcees the group’s shows.

Chris Jenkins sings tenor and is the product manager for the quartet.

Ray Reese attributes the longevity of the group to the calling that they all share. “We have always felt a

Chris Jenkins points out that although it’s hard being away from family, the friendship among the men make life on the road easier. “The camaraderie has been great on The Kingsmen bus with us from day one. We all laugh and cut up and have a good time and when you’re gone from your family and your home that long you’ve got to enjoy who you’re traveling with or it gets hard!”

Bob Sellers says, “We’re often privileged to experience God move in a real and powerful way, whether it be for salvation, healing, peace, or whatever those who respond are seeking. Those are my favorite moments, and they go a long way towards reaffirming that all the miles driven, birthdays and ballgames, anniversaries, sicknesses, etc. missed from being on the road 200 plus days a year are truly worth it.” These moments usually happen at the altar call given by the group at the

perspective. I still cringe a little when someone says they enjoyed ‘the show’ or use some other vernacular along those lines. Our greatest blessing is to see someone come to know Jesus as their savior, rededicate their life to Him, overcome an addiction, and leave a burden at the altar. The greatest compliment we can receive is for someone to say they felt the moving of the Holy Spirit and received a blessing. It’s not our doing, but His! We simply seek to be His willing vessels.”

The guys reminisce about some laughs they’ve had on the road. Randall says, “True story: Our tenor, Chris, had just joined the group when we sang in a service in Hot Springs, AR. During the second half of the program Chris went up to hit a insanely high note and

end of a concert. Ray Reese remembers one particular altar call experience that impacted him. “There was a big singing in Chattanooga, TN, one night and during the singing the invitation was given and there were so many people that came down to the altar. That was a great evening and a great thrill to us.”

Music lovers who are fortunate enough to experience The Kingsmen in person will see exactly what the group’s calling is about during the concert. Randall Crawford explains, “It’s about Jesus. Pure and simple.

We are going to have fun – but we are going to let the Holy Spirit have His way.” Randall mentions his favorite part of the concert. “Seeing the faces of longtime fans of the group light up when they hear one of their favorite songs. Seeing the folks singing along to every song. It lets you know your music is touching their lives.”

Bob points out that a Kingsmen event is more than just a show. “Oh, we still cut up and enjoy what we do without apology, but we’re careful to do our very best to let the message be proclaimed in a real where the rubber meets the road sense of the matter. All groups today sing in more church services than true concert settings and I’m sure to a degree that plays a role in furthering the ministry aspect verses just the entertainment

blew a bulb out of the lighting system for the stage!”

And Bob says, “Some of the funniest things happen at the product table. People are hilarious! I had a guy ask if we would sing the song ‘Louie, Louie,’ a song made popular by a Seattle-based rock group called The Kingsmen in 1963. He actually argued me down when I tried to explain that we weren’t the same group!”

The Kingsmen Quartet recently released an album entitled Battle Cry, which was produced by Jeff Collins at Crossroads Records. “As producer, once we had selected songs for this recording, Battle Cry, I felt

like we were going to have something special. The tracking sessions went really well and then when the guys came in for the vocal sessions and we had a few songs done, I knew we were going to have something special! Man, can this group of guys sing! I’ve been a Kingsmen fan since my teenage years and have produced many Kingsmen recordings over the years. Battle Cry will go down as one of my favorites.” Bob says, “Believe it or not, we all love every song on Battle Cry. We each have our favorites, but I honestly think every song could be released as a radio single and do very well.”

Ray mentions several upcoming Kingsmen Quartet events that you don’t want to miss: ● Singing in the Smokies, Bryson City, NC- July 2nd

● Silver Dollar City, Branson, MO- September 2 ● National Quartet Convention, Pigeon Forge, TN-September 28 through October 3 (performing Tuesday night and Thursday night)

Ray Reese talks about how the group’s name was formed in 1956. “The brothers became The Kingsmen because of Who they were serving in their ministry.

God, the King.” Today, the call to serve their King is still what keeps The Kingsmen singing and sharing His story six decades later.

● Shadow Valley Music Park, Fayetteville, TN- July 3rd

To learn more about The Kingsmen Quartet, visit their website at http://kingsmenquartet.musiccitynetworks.com/, and follow them on Facebook (Kingsmen Quartet) and Twitter ( @KingsmenQuartet).

● Assemblies of God Camp Meeting, Oklahoma City- July 10th

Photos courtesy of Singing News and Kansas Sellers.

● Seminole, Oklahoma- August 15th

We’re All Human

By Dr. Jeff Steele

Hebrews 13:5 says: “Through Jesus let us continually offer to God the sacrifice of praise.” As a young preacher I always struggled with that (seemingly) oxymoronic phrase. We think of praise as being that place of pleasure where we go at the end of the tough times and just bask in worship to God. You know…sort of like a Jacuzzi. On the other hand we think of sacrifice like we think of a firing squad. So the phrase is basically “let us offer to God the firing squad of a Jacuzzi.” See it makes no sense at all!

Now I have lived a while and come to this understanding. The sacrifice of praise is when we praise the Lord anyway. Take it out of the realm of praise for a minute. If in your GIVING you haven’t been made to miss something you really enjoy then you don’t know and haven’t experienced sacrificial giving. If you can afford to “give” and still enjoy the things you enjoy then it’s no SACRIFICE to give. It’s when giving forces you to miss something you love to do that it becomes a sacrifice.

It’s the same way when we praise. The sacrifice of praise is when you praise God when it doesn’t feel like you want to and you praise Him anyway. When things don’t work out like you planned and you praise Him anyway.

When John the Apostle was on the Mount of Transfiguration and saw Jesus and Moses and Elijah, doubtless he praised the Lord; who wouldn’t? But when he was banished to the lonely island of Patmos and was sentenced to die there as a crazy man and he praised the Lord anyway, that was the sacrifice of praise.

So I challenge you: in victory, praise the Lord. In defeat, praise the Lord anyway! In health, praise the Lord. In sickness, praise the Lord anyway. In prosperity, praise the Lord, but in poverty, praise the Lord anyway! In

life, praise the Lord, but in death, praise the Lord anyway.

Praise the Lord in companionship, but in loneliness praise the Lord anyway! Praise the Lord in popularity, but in persecution praise the Lord anyway!

On the mountaintop, praise the Lord, but in the valley, praise Him anyway. Praise the Lord at noon, but at midnight, praise Him anyway. When it’s clear and you can easily see the path in front of you, praise the Lord, but when the clouds have gathered and you can’t see the hand in front of your face, praise the Lord anyway. When you understand, praise the Lord, but when you don’t understand, praise the Lord anyway. When you’re strong, praise the Lord, but when you are weak, praise the Lord anyway.

If you have it, praise the Lord because of it, but if you don’t have it, praise the Lord anyway, in spite of what you don’t have! In so doing you will be offering to God not just praise but the sacrifice of praise.

You may ask, “Jeff, how do I offer the sacrifice of praise when my circumstances are so bad?” Get your eyes off of your circumstances that can and do change, and get your eyes on the things that can never change! If you are unemployed then praise the Lord because the Bible is still the Word of God! If your health is failing praise the Lord because you sins have been blotted out of God’s book and that will never change! If you invested money and lost it all then praise the Lord because your name is written in indelible ink in God’s book of life forever!

Sometimes in giving the sacrifice of praise we have to get our eyes off the circumstances of life that change and get our eyes on the things that never change…and praise the Lord anyway…for the things He’s blessed us with that are eternal.

K O , a s l Tu

Join Ken and Jean Grady and their guests for southern gospel news, concert updates and much more on the internet at www.gospelmusictoday.com

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By Jennifer Campbell The name Goodman is synonymous with Southern Gospel Music. This legendary group will forever be remembered for their timeless classics, such as, “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now” and “Who Am I.” While Howard, Vestal, Rusty, and Sam are now singing on Heaven’s shores, another generation of Goodmans has stepped up to continue the family’s musical legacy.

Tanya Goodman Sykes, Michael Sykes, and Johnny Minick are singing songs in the key of happy. What was thought to be a one-time special performance at Johnny’s church, River of Life Assembly of God Church, in Smyrna, Tennessee, has now blossomed into a new ministry. Goodman Revival seeks to not only maintain the uniqueness of the Happy Goodman Family musical style, but to also preserve the purpose of ministry: to share the love of Jesus Christ every time God opens the door.

Sometimes, it is evident that God works in mysterious ways. Tanya says the formation of this new ministry was a complete surprise, yet a tremendous blessing. She discussed their decision to move back to Tennessee: “When we first moved back here, we were

staying with Johnny and Sherry while we were looking for a house. One Sunday, I sang, ‘Who Am I?’ Just different things, and Johnny would play, and he and Michael would sing harmonies. Then one Sunday, we decided to sing, ‘Until You’ve Known the Love of God.’ We worked it up on Saturday night and we did it on Sunday. At that time, they were posting the services online and putting stuff on YouTube. I saw it on YouTube and it had like 10 or 15,000 hits. We were just shocked. A few months went by and a promoter called us. He said, ‘I want to know about how I can get Johnny, Tanya, and Michael to come and sing.’ We said, ‘We don’t have a group.’”

According to Tanya, the promoter wanted to schedule the group for a reminiscing night of Gospel Music, featuring Tanya, Johnny, and Michael, along with the Rambos and Hinsons. Tanya said they decided it would be fun, but they had to learn more songs to sing, since they had only prepared a couple for church.

She said someone got very excited about their limited performances and gave them the money to make a record. Soon the Gaithers wanted them to do a video and

as they say, they rest is history. That’s how Goodman Revival was born.

Goodman Revival has, of course, a strong musical influence from the original Happy Goodman Family.

As the daughter of Rusty Goodman, Tanya shares her father’s heart for ministry. So do Johnny and Michael.

Tanya added, “My dad was a stickler for a good song.

A lyric was really important to him and it was also really important that the melody marry that lyric and really represent what that lyric was about, so we all are very picky about songs. One of the things that Michael, Johnny, and I learned by example from my family is that you just need to use the gift that God put in you.”

The Goodmans garnered widespread popularity, but it was primarily due to their unique approach to Southern Gospel Music. “When the Goodman Family came on the scene, they were very different from what was really popular at that time,” said Tanya. “The quartets had a very polished, proper sound. The Goodmans were very reckless, and sang with great abandon, almost a revival meeting style. It was very different, but that’s who they were. They were very true to themselves. My dad always encouraged me to be true to who you are. Because that’s who God made you to be, that’s who He had in mind when He was mapping out the plan for your life. We really try to do that.”

Their debut project, Songs in the Key of Happy, embodies the Goodman style through songs such as, “This is Just What Heaven Means to Me,” “I Hold a Clear Title to a Mansion,” and “Look for Me.” It is through these songs that Tanya, Michael, and Johnny convey their purpose for ministry. They chose the songs carefully, ensuring that each one would tell a story or strike a chord with someone who hears it, just as each song has been meaningful in their own lives. Tanya shared, “When we started listening to songs that we might want to do, we were listening to actual vinyl.

Johnny would put the needle down and we’d listen to a bit of this one and go, Nah. Then he’d put the needle down on the next one and someone would say, yeah, put that on the list. A lot of times, one of us had a story about what that song meant to us, or a certain time when that song was sung. We tried to pick songs that really meant something to us because all of those songs are so much of who we are. I grew up listening to that music. Johnny grew up listening to that music and he and I were both involved in singing and traveling with the family since teenage years. Michael came to work for my dad when he was 23. We’ve been influenced by their legacy in many ways. We want to bring that kind of passion, enthusiasm and authenticity to our music

that I feel like they did.”

Sometimes, we don’t realize greatness, even though we may be standing right next to it. Tanya said she first realized the magnitude of the impact the Happy Goodman Family ministry when they were invited to sing for a Billy Graham crusade. She recalled, “When I turned 16, I started traveling with them. Granted, I was traveling all over the country with them and we performed with an orchestra and every seat would be filled.

People were being moved by that music and people were coming up and telling me how much my family meant to them. But I don’t think that I really realized it because I had grown up in that world. I was surrounded by all of these people; Dottie Rambo, the Florida Boys, the Cathedrals, the Rex Nelon Singers, and the LeFevres.

“They say, what’s normal is what’s normal to you. I don’t think I really realized the impact of it, but after I traveled with my family for a while, we were invited to sing at a Billy Graham Crusade. I think that was very huge for me because people have always looked at Billy Graham as America’s Pastor, and he is an icon of the faith in the United States. He is so revered, that my family would be so honored to step on his platform, and sing a few songs, that was very humbling, but it also made me realize that the impact of the message my family was singing about and the way that they presented it was a pretty big thing. I felt like that was such a huge honor and responsibility. It was humbling, but also I think it helped me realize at that time how widespread what my family was doing was becoming. The magnitude of it, that it was much bigger than us.”

For the majority of us, we could only imagine what it was like growing up Goodman. So what was it like spending time with a father like Rusty, along with Uncles Howard and Sam, and of course, Aunt Vestal?

Tanya reminisced, “It was great. For the most part, my family was just country people. They enjoyed having a picnic, getting in an aluminum fishing boat with a motor on the backend, or sitting on the bank with a cane pole. We spent a lot of time at the lake fishing. My aunts, they weren’t squeamish about putting a worm on the hook. I was a little bit of a tomboy, I liked to climb trees and I liked to read books. My family liked to laugh a lot. We liked to play jokes on one another.

Vestal, she was a rascal; she was one of those people who would hide in the doorway. She’d stand there 30 minutes just to jump out and scare you. My dad had a motorcycle for a while and he loved that. Sometimes, I would ride with him and if the concert was close, I

remember one time we rode it to Louisville. That was fun.

“We were just regular folks. My dad was a tinkerer. He mowed his own yard, he washed his own car, and he put a split rail fence out at our house. He enjoyed working with his hands and doing stuff around the house. It was just a regular, old school family. We would always get together at Christmas. We would get together at Vestal and Howard’s house. Everybody would bring something and Vestal would do a lot of cooking and we would bring a dish or two or three. We would cram into one room, and open presents, and it was really great, back in Kentucky.”

Having grown up with a close-knit family, it’s easy to understand why Tanya continues to be close with her own family. She considers motherhood a calling on her life and feels blessed to be a mom. Tanya shared, “Probably the best day of my life is when I became a mom. My girls are grown, one of them is married, the other one’s engaged, but they’re still my babies and I still have a soft spot for them. That was the greatest day, when I realized that here’s this little person that we are bringing into the world and they’re going to go out into the future without us and someday their lives will touch people in this world. It was a real, monumental moment in my life.

“When I was younger, we were traveling quite a bit and the children were really small. The older they got, the more that I thought I should stay home because they needed me. That was my first calling. The older they got, it seems like I would travel less and less.

Eventually, I came off the road entirely. I loved traveling and singing. But I don’t have any regrets. My kids, they’re my first ministry, and I’m glad that I stayed home to raise them. Everyone’s different, that’s no criticism of someone who is doing things different. That’s just what God put it in my heart.”

Everyone has a role model, someone they look to for advice, a helping hand, a constant support. For Tanya, this person was her dad. She said, “He taught me a lot. He had very high standards for himself. He worked very hard on anything that he did. He had a great work ethic and he expected me to have one as well. He would tell me, ‘When you’re up there singing, don’t be lazy, open your mouth all the way, stand up straight, and if you mess up a word or a note, just keep right on going. Don’t draw attention to yourself.’ He said, ‘It’s important to hit the note and get it on pitch, get the melody on pitch.’ Because teenage singers want to do every lick in the book, even if it’s poorly executed, he said, ‘don’t do all of those curly Q’s and all

of that foolishness. You sing that song and you get the note right and you make sure that people understand the words you are saying because those words are important. And if there’s any room left to put a curly Q in it, then you worry about that last.’ I learned a lot from him.

He was my greatest influence.”

“Two other people were great influences on me,” Tanya continued. “One was George Younce.

George was my buddy, when I was down or discouraged, or just needed a grandpa to talk to. I never knew either of my grandfathers. They both passed away before I was born. I know George wasn’t that much older than my dad, but he kind of had a grandfatherly way about him. He would sit and talk to me and listen to me and encourage me. I appreciate that. Another person who is a very maternal figure to me is Connie Hopper.

She’s such a Godly, kind and nurturing person. She sets the bar very high for other females in our business.

She’s one of a kind, a real treasure. She has a quiet beauty and dignity that I really admire.”

In the footsteps of her musical mentors, Tanya shares the following advice to new young artists. She stated emphatically, “You need to be prepared to work very hard. It’s not all about, ‘I’ve got some songs in my pocket and I’m going to make this hot record and set the world on fire.’ Use your talent where you are.

If there’s something there that the world needs to hear, God will make room for your gift. He’s got a plan. Take every opportunity to serve and give back, going to sing for somebody in a nursing home, a little gathering, or your church homecoming, something that may not seem very glamorous. That’s where you learn how to be vulnerable up there on that platform and how to hear God’s voice and follow His leading, and to be something meaningful for Him.” During the interview, Tanya opened her heart concerning the most difficult time of her life, the loss of her father, Rusty Goodman. She shared, “He was ill for a while and when he passed away, he had been gone from us for a little while already. He was just such a strong person and he was always young for his age. If he decided he wanted to lose a few pounds, he went out and bought a bike and started biking, when he was like 48. Now, people do that all of the time, but back then, people didn’t really do that. People would pick on him and say he was silly, like a little kid, but he was bigger than life, young at heart, and he was such a bold figure and he was so strong. When he got frail and was slipping away, that was really hard to watch. It was hard to experience the loss of him a little at a time.”

Even in the valleys of life, Tanya has grounded

her trust in the Lord. She said that many songs have been a great encouragement to her during these difficult times, including “You Are for Me.” She stated, “When I was going through a really dark time, I would put that song on my mp3 player with my ear buds in and lie in my bed at night and listen to it over and over and just remember that God is for us. He created us in His likeness and He has a plan for us and He hasn’t forgotten us or left us. Another song that’s been really meaningful to me is the Carol Cymbala song, ‘He’s Been Faithful.’ One of the things I love so much about that song is when it says, ‘when my heart looked away, the many times I could not pray, even then You were faithful to me.’ There are times when we don’t even know what to pray. We don’t know what to do. We don’t know what to say. It sounds cliché, but He’s as close as the mention of His name. All we have to do is call on Jesus and He is right there. He’s ever-present and He is faithful, even when we forget that He’s faithful.”

God is always faithful in every aspect of our lives. As one of Tanya’s favorite scriptures says, “‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your

name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you’” (Isaiah 43:1-2 NKJV). Tanya added, “Just realizing that God loves us so much that we are His very own, His precious treasures, that has really encouraged me.”

Goodman Revival is on a musical journey. God is guiding each and every footstep along the way. With their rich musical heritage and God’s leading, they will certainly garner success as they sing songs of praise to Jesus Christ and share their stories of faith and trusting the Lord, even when life gets a little rocky. They are not afraid of what the future holds, because they know the Lord will walk beside them, through every note sung and every mile traveled. Tanya, Michael, and Johnny strive to encourage everyone they meet through song. Just like the Happy Goodmans, Goodman Revival surely wouldn’t take nothing for their journey now. For their journey together has just begun!

Visit Goodman Revival at www.goodmanrevival.com and on Facebook to keep up with their travels, concert dates, projects, and more.

High Notes

By Kelly Nelon Clark

Stay connected John 10:27-28a (KJV) “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they will not perish.”

While enjoying some family time at the pool, I was making some pictures and accidentally dropped my phone into the water. I scrambled as fast as I could to get it, hoping it would be okay. I dried it as well as I could. I opened up the back and pulled the parts out so it could dry. I even put it in some rice to help dry it out. I tried everything I knew but to no avail.

For the next few days, I was without my phone, my lifeline to family and the outside world.

I never realized how much I depended on my phone for communication. I felt like I was disconnected to everyone and everything. I couldn’t talk to my friends; I couldn’t look on social media to see what was going on in others’ lives. It was really an eye opener. The feeling I had was similar to one I have had before.

You see there are times that we are disconnected from the Lord. There are several things that cause us to feel this way. Sin will separate us from the Lord.

We need to pray daily that God will cover us and keep us from the sins that the Bible says so easily beset us.

Have you ever had times when you are not in tune with God, and you feel like you can’t even pray? Our sin disconnects us from God. Lack of spending time with Him also disconnects us. The old saying is so true. The more time you spend with a person, the better you get to know them.

God wants us to come to Him with everything. How do we do that? We get to know our God better by reading the words that He wrote for us in His Word, the Bible. He speaks to us in His Word when there are no answers for the problems in our life. Prayer and thanksgiving connects us with the Lord. He longs to hear from you. He waits for you to call on Him. I can just imagine that He smiles when we call His Name.

I challenge you to make the effort to spend more time in His Word and in prayer. It will make a huge difference in your life. When everything is in the right order spiritually, everything else will start falling into place.

Southern Gospel NY 3250 Big Ridge Road Spencerport, NY 14559 585-329-3840 585-208-0916

www.sgny.net Help Spread the news We are bringing Southern Gospel Music Back to the Rochester, NY Area

Introducing Bob and Joyce Spamer of Spencerport, NY They have a mission to bring Southern Gospel Music back to the Rochester, NY area and are asking that you pray God’s blessings on what they are doing. It has been a real struggle they say, as there as not been anyone in the area to promote Southern Gospel for years and with God’s help and your Prayers they believe this will be a success. Do you know someone in area? Tell them about SGNY and join us in prayer for Bob, Joyce and Southern Gospel NY

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YOUNGErPERSPECTIVE

Jeff Hawes

BY ERIN STEVENS From the writer…

Within the past five years, if you’ve had the privilege to experience a Karen Peck and New River (KPNR) concert, your eyes and ears would quickly be drawn to the young man full of life and passion who stands alongside Karen and Susan night after night. There is not a soul more devoted to carrying out the message of Christ than the phenomenally talented and gifted, Mr. Jeff Hawes. After 10 seconds of meeting him, you will discover his love of this great music, but more importantly, his ever present, tender heart of service with each word he speaks and sings. Dive into this awesome interview with Jeff himself. It’s all yours, brother!

Erin: For those reading that may not know, what’s the story behind your transition from English teacher to full-time gospel singer back in 2010?

Jeff: The story of how I went from being an English teacher to singing with Karen Peck and New River is such a GOD thing! I previously taught high school Senior English at Pisgah High School in Alabama. In 2009, KPNR came to a church near where I live. I could not wait for that concert because I had only seen them live once, and they quickly became one of my favorites.

After the concert, I spoke briefly with Karen and Susan.

I had zero intentions of mentioning anything about me singing or having pursued a singing career in the past.

Susan immediately asked if I sang or played an instrument. I felt like the Lord said, “Here’s the door.

Go for it!” I shared with her that I did indeed sing and played piano. She said that maybe they could use me sometime in the future if they ever needed a piano player in my area for concerts. Honestly, I didn’t think another thing about it.

About two months later, Devin left KPNR, and they needed a new singer. Susan shared with Karen my name and said they needed to call and see if I was interested in auditioning. They didn’t have my phone number, but Karen searched my name on Facebook, and by some miracle, I had my cell number listed...CRAZY! She called, I auditioned, and after two weekends on the road, they offered me the job. It truly was a dream come true.

Just the year before, I had given up on dreams of singing, after being a contestant on the Gospel Music Channel’s reality show, Gospel Dream. I made it to the Top 12 in the nation, but was eliminated when the show taped in Nashville. It was so heartbreaking for me.

However, all the while, God was orchestrating exactly where I needed to be and who would reach me.

I

Erin: How do you ‘recharge your batteries’ when you’re off the road?

Jeff: When I’m off the road, I recharge my batteries by having quiet time. I love watching reality TV, which means I don’t have to think very much, and can fully relax my brain. I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend, Shainah, and we love watching movies and taking picnics. I also find it crucial to spend time at my local church and soak up as much God as I can throughout my off days. It’s key for rebooting and retuning to what God wants me to do for His kingdom.

Erin: What song do you sing night after night that has been impacting your heart the deepest? Why is that?

Jeff: It’s a new song called, ‘Pray Now.’ Little did Kar-

en know when she co-wrote this song, that she would be going through the toughest time of her life during this season. Her husband has recently been diagnosed with cancer, and they are really in the middle of a storm right now. However, the Lord has shown us in His Word that we should pray about everything. He tells us the model prayer is The Lord’s Prayer. It truly covers every part of our lives. It is the title song of our new CD. Every night I have to remind myself to sing because I get so caught up in the lyrics of the song. To look out in the crowd and see the hands being lifted to heaven, almost as if they are praying right there, during the song, is unbelievable. It’s so not about us and all about HIM! Erin: It wouldn’t be a ‘Younger Perspective’ interview, without this next question… What’s your ‘can’t live without’ favorite food?

Jeff: My can’t live without food is definitely chicken fingers. I am a chicken fanatic. I love chicken in every way, but the fingers are the best! I also have a routine of drinking green tea multiple times a day, and I MUST have my peanut butter granola breakfast bar every single day.

Erin: What was life like growing up in Flat Rock, AL? Jeff: Life growing up in Flat Rock, Alabama has been such a blessing. It is a very small, rural town where everyone knows everyone and you still wave when people pass by and take time to catch up about the latest news while you’re pumping gas at the local gas station.

I have the fondest memories of sitting outside the gas station and soaking up the knowledge from all of the older retired men. I would sit next to Dad as all of the men would solve life’s problems. Sadly, out of all the men who gathered around the pumps, only my dad and I remain. It seems as if they faded as quickly as the vapors in front of us. Sometimes, when I’m home, I will ask Dad if we can go get a honey bun, a grape coke, and sit outside the store and wait for the next generation to swing by.

Erin: What has God been speaking to you through your daily devotions that you’d like to share with the readers?

Jeff: Recently, I have been feasting on the idea that God loves me and desires a closer relationship with me. As a young person, I have always dealt with self-worth issues and the enemy knows exactly where to kick me.

I have learned to continually pump my brain and soul with positive views and realize that His love for me is not about me at all. When He looks at me, He sees

the blood of Jesus Christ and this ultimately takes the pressure off of me. I think it is so important for young people to understand early in life that the God who created the entire world LOVES us. We don’t have to be anything other than what He has created us to be being unique and different makes us who we are. This means we have different talents, different gifts, and different ways to help build His kingdom. We can’t all sing the same way, sound the same way, look the same way, or even feel the same way....Be who God created you to be!

Erin: Top three artists on your iPod? Top three books you’ve recently read?

Jeff: Avalon, Natalie Grant, and Kari Jobe. I love music.

I especially love Gospel music, and I can appreciate all forms whether it is Southern, Country, Contemporary, Black Gospel, or Hip Hop; however, my favorites are mixed groups. I love the sounds and personalities of blended groups. Maybe that’s a good thing, since I sing in one!

I also love to read. Right now, I am currently working on a master’s degree in English Education; so pretty much all I have time to read are my textbooks.

I also love any Beth Moore devotional. I currently finished Believing God! It is excellent! I just ordered Christine Caine’s newest release Unstoppable and I can’t wait to open it up. I love books that breathe life into my spirit!

Erin: Hunting or fishing? Beach vacation or city sight seeing? Paisley or stripey ties? Football or baseball?

Jeff: I love being outdoors but I’ve never been into hunting. When I was younger, I spent a great amount of my time fishing with my dad, but have little time for that now; however, it is extremely relaxing. I love the beach and could seriously live there. I also love city sight seeing, too. When it comes to ties, I’m more of a solid color guy with a striped shirt or shirt with patterns.

I’m a skinny tie guy all the way! Also, I am a HUGE Auburn Tigers Football fan, which is brutal traveling with these Georgia Bulldog fans.

Erin: Speak from your heart to the person reading who may feel unworthy of God’s love and grace.

Jeff: As I mentioned before, God loves us! It’s when we feel and accept this truth that we can walk in victory and begin to live the life God has given us. Because Jesus Christ came to this earth to die for us, we can become conquerors over ANYTHING! So no matter what you and I are going through, we can make it. Joy will

come in the morning, and God’s blessings and victory are waiting on us! Pray Now, reach out and grab all that God has for you---just as you are!

A huge thank you to Jeff for taking the time to stop by today and share from the depths of his heart! If you’ve been beaten down, or have maybe let your relationship with Christ recently fall by the wayside, may today’s encouraging words from Jeff help you remember how much the Lord loves you, and how His Word can breathe life into your soul again. I know personally, Jeff’s honesty sparked a new desire in me to give the Lord every fiber of my being from now until I draw my final breath. I pray you felt that same challenge, dear reader.

And that’s my take on it.

(Connect with Erin, your Younger Perspective writer, on Twitter: @photosforkeeps & Instagram: @photos_for_ keeps. Who would you like to see her interview next??)

Exodus Facebook: exodus-southerngospel Www.exodus-southerngospel.com Exodus.southerngospel@gmail.com Contact info :256 438 9944

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Reflections with “All Rise”

The judge enters the courtroom. The bailiff orders all to rise. Court is now in session. Your accuser, the Plaintiff, files to the right of the courtroom, while you, the Defendant, go to the left. You are sworn in and the hearing begins.

my hands were soiled with a grey substance that resembled tar. My mother walked in and she tried to help by brushing it out. Shortly after, she looked down and her hands were not only stained, but also, her ring was tarnished! Whatever did we get into?

Judge: “Please state your full name in front of the court before you make your statements today. We will begin with the Plaintiff.”

As far as I knew, I was completely innocent! I hadn’t touched anything that even remotely resembled this substance. I drove straight from my house to the venue, unloaded the car and began getting ready—never did I see or encounter any sticky substance along the way. I ran outside, looked around my car and inside my car; I saw nothing. I went back to my product table; I saw nothing. There was no trace of this compound that my mother and I were seemingly covered in, despite it spreading on us. It was not exactly easy to remove either!

Plantiff: “My name is ‘Accuser of the Brethren’ (Rev 12:10), your Honor, and I intend to prove that the defendant is guilty...”

[Break from the courtroom] I thought of this scenario at a Mother/Daughter event I was leading. Moments before the service began, I went to the bathroom to freshen up. As I looked in the mirror, I noticed a stain of some sort on the right side of my hair. I quickly tried to wipe it off. When I looked down,

I cleaned up as best as I could but felt discouraged by my dark, blemished hands in contrast to my

light, pretty outfit. Naturally, I wanted everything to be perfect and felt that I looked soiled. I kept thinking, “But I didn’t do anything. It’s not my fault this is on me. I am not guilty.” Yet, I would look down at my hands and the evidence was contrary. Somehow my hands were stained, and I could not remove the mark. I was dirty.

[Back to the courtroom] Judge: “I have heard the facts and have seen the evidence implicating you in this case. What do you have to say for yourself?”

Defendant: “Your Honor, I did not mean to do it. I did not know what I was doing” (Luke 23:34).

Judge: “Is this your only argument? Have you any witnesses or anyone willing to advocate for you?”

Defendant: “No, your Honor. My witness is in Heaven” (Job 16:19).

Judge (scoffs): “Alright then, in light of the evidence presented here today, I find the Defendant…”

Voice (from the back of the room): “Wait!”

Judge: “Order in the court! State your name please and reason you are here.”

Advocate: “I am the Defendant’s Advocate (1 John 2:1) and ‘very present help in time of need’ (Psalm 46:1).

‘Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us’ (Romans 8:33-34). ‘What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?’”

(Romans 8:31).

[Break from the courtroom] I have actually been in court before for a parking ticket.

While I couldn’t deny the fact that my car was parked on the street past the allowed time, I did try to weasel my way out by stating why it happened. Truthfully, the judge didn’t care. The facts were the facts: the parking time had expired. However, the judge did choose to execute mercy on my situation and lessened the punishment (i.e. fine) from what it should have been to a reduced amount.

Truth be told: we are all guilty—the facts are

the facts. None of us are without sin (Rom 3:23), none of us are without “spot or wrinkle” (Eph 5:27), and if we claim to be, “we deceive ourselves” (1 John 1:18).

I am so thankful for Hebrews 4:14-15, which states: “We have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God… for we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” And, because He paid the price for that sin (Rom 3:24, Eph 1:7, Col 1:14, Heb 9:15) with His own perfect life, we can “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16).

[Final return to the courtroom] Judge: “Case dismissed.”

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Father & Son Tommy Brandt & Tommy Brandt II

By Tina Wakefield Once in a while, a father-son duo will enter the ministry field together to touch the lives of thousands of people across many boundaries. Tommy Brandt and his son Tommy Brandt II are one of a select group of father and son teams that are active in the ministry field of Inspirational Country Music today. The Brandts share faith, family, and God in quite unique venues not common to your average group or soloists. They perform over 200 dates per year across the United States in such venues as stadiums, churches, barns and rodeo arenas. Their unique style of Country, Southern Rock, and Gospel cause them to have great inroads to audiences of all age groups and various walks of life.

Tommy Brandt grew up in Indiana where his father was a carpenter as well as a bar owner. Tommy grew up listening to songs on the jukebox as a child and his favorite one was Charlie Rich’s, “ When We Get Behind Closed Doors.” After Tommy was older his family moved to Florida where his teenage years brought a more rowdy musical influence, and his favorites included the music of Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams, Jr. and others.

Tommy moved away from home when he was only 16 years old and began a cowboy lifestyle by working on a large cattle ranch. It was at this time in his life that he joined a local Country band. Tommy began to write songs and play the guitar for the band, but his real break came when the lead singer relocated to another state and Tommy filled in. He was such a natural fit for the lead singer that the band grew, developing a huge fan base for their group, New South Band.

It would seem that this lead singer would find fame in the Country music industry except for one encounter that changed his direction. Tommy Brandt met a beautiful preacher’s daughter named Michelle who introduced him to a new way of life. The two began attending church together and Tommy found that he liked having this sort of influence in his life. He soon left the Country band and turned his focus toward a life with Michelle that included serving God. Tommy married Michelle in 1998 and began to focus his music on songs that would inspire others to live a clean, family- and God-centered lifestyle. For those who love the wonderful blends of Country and Soft Rock, but often find that the influences in mainstream Country and Rock collide with clean living, Tommy Brandt and Tommy Brandt II offer a faithfriendly option.

Tommy Brandt II is only 13 years old, but at almost six feet tall looks much older. This young man has accomplished many things since the age of three when he first appeared on stage. He has now performed over 1500 times to crowds as large as 160,000. He is a very talented guitar player and has played on stage with such artists as Eric Church, Jake Owens, and Little Big Town. He is the only teenager to be nominated in the Top Five Instrumentalists of the Year, along with

legends Ricky Skaggs and Dennis Agajanian.

Brandt Senior says, “It is almost an indescribable feeling watching my son next to me on stage. I can see a little of me when he performs and communicates with the audience. I can hardly hold it together sometimes.” Brandt Senior is sure his son will “…supersede our current ministry and go on to be a great tool for God.” He adds, “I used to joke with him when he was little that I would be his bus driver when he got older.

He answered me by saying, ‘God’s going to give me a jet airplane for my ministry!’ He has always been full of faith, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets his jet.”

“Our son has a special anointing on his life,” continues Tommy. “At 13, he is the youngest artist endorsed by Guitar Center. He is already preaching, singing, playing, and ministering at youth events across the country and is sold out on serving Christ for the rest of his life.” When I asked Tommy Brandt II or “Brandt” as he prefers to be called, what it is it like to perform with his dad, Brandt replied, “It’s a real blessing. I am so glad I have a father who would let me have a shot at the gun so to speak.” He continues, “The way you see him on stage is exactly the way he is off stage.”

The heart of ministry for this father and son lies in reaching those who may not attend a traditional church service and who love Country or Southern Rock music. “Our focus is to be encouragers through the teaching of faith in God and use this teaching for youths, marriages, finances, and life in general.” This ministry is also focused on helping the spread of Inspirational Country Music across the nation and strives to see multiple tours across the country increasing the ministry they have now.

Even when taking a break from the road, the Brandts remain focused on their ministry, spending their down time working on bookings, preparing for upcoming events, and of course maintaining the bus. As much as I am sure Tommy Brandt II likes washing the bus, he says, “For fun, I like mudding, four wheeling, dirtbike riding, swimming, surfing and hanging out with friends at a bonfire; but most of all I like playing the guitar.” Tommy’s true love is the guitar but his father says, “He plays anything with strings on it as well as a little on the piano.”

The future of the Brandts and Inspirational Country is very exciting as more artists are incorporating that Country and Soft Rock sound with clean encouraging lyrics. This movement is centered in faith in God and it is no surprise that God moves in these events with salvation, hope, and restoration. Young Brandt has experienced God’s healing and restoration in his life. “I cracked my head open when I was four and they said I would die; but the next morning when they performed a CT scan they said there was a literal white halo around my head that was keeping the pressure on my brain.”

His father states that, “God always shows up, sometimes at the last minute in a way we didn’t expect, but He is always on time and never lets us down.”

Both of these great artists aim to grow musically and spiritually while they continue spreading the good news of Christ. It is worth noting that Tommy Brandt

has had over 16 number-one songs and has received many, many awards through the years, and the latest ones include the ICGMA 2014 Living Legend Award, the CCMA/ICM 2013 Male Vocalist of the Year, and the ICGMA 2012 Evangelist of the Year.

In an exciting side note, these artists have been cast in a television series called Big Sky. This series has a feel much like Bonanza or Gunsmoke, and will portray life in the 1860’s Wild West. Filming will begin late this summer and Tommy, Michelle, and Brandt will be cast as the Millhouse Family. You may contact Tommy Brandt at www.tommybrandt.org and Tommy Brandt II at www.tommybrandt2.com.

Charlie Griffin A Day Off! A Collection of Holidays!

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N C Gospel Music’s Newest & Favorite Duet

Campbell & Rowley

New Covenant

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May 2015 This chart was compiled from a list of reporting stations. Each month we will be adding more stations.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

McKameys Bowling Family Karen Peck and New River Wilburn and Wilburn Three Bridges Kingsmen Greater Vision Littles Booth Brothers Mark Trammell Quartet Shellem Cline Brian Free/Assurance Browders Legacy Five Wards Guardians Perrys Canton Junction Williamsons Jim Brady Trio Kingdom Heirs Tammy Jones Robinette Old Paths Browders Bev McCann Masters Three Dennis Cook Dunaways Steeles Collingsworth Family Eighth Day Higher Hope

Pure Satisfaction That's What I Miss The Most Pray Now Nobody Like Jesus When God Does the Doin' Battle Cry Put Out The Fire It's A Wonderful Life Touch Of The Master's Hand God's Been Faithful That Saving Song Where There's A Will He Has A Way Time Machine Who Is This Man Coming Out Of Bondage Somebody Prays When He Comes Walking On The Water Dig A Little Deeper Shout Steppin' Out In Faith Just Preach Jesus I Like Life Ordinary People He Took The Nails Smile It's Amazing What A Prayer Can Do One Pair Of Hands Mercy Built A Bridge The Beatitudes Song It Matters To The Master He Is Mine Jesus Walks With Me

33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75

Dixie Melody Boys Valor 3 Joseph Habedank Tim Livingston Jeff and Sheri Easter Caleb's Crossing Ernie Haase/Signature Sound Inspirations Lore Family Danny Norman Sounds Of Victory Mylon Hayes Family New Vision Gold City Heavenly Sunrise Mercy's Reflection Meadow Lane Zane and Donna King HighRoad III Goodman Revival Tony Burchette Tim Menzies Rod Truman Hyssongs Griffith Family Glorybound Quartet Linda Foster Tony Bates Talleys Sunday Drive Anointed Watts, Rowsey and Bean Bledsoes Taylors Greater Vision Doug Hudson Bama Blue Grace Pauline Patterson Clyde Felton Jr. Blackwood Brothers Conners His Heart Quartet Austin and Ethan Whisnant

What Remains Of Me Hallelujah He Has Risen The Beauty Of The Blood More Than Enough Anything But Happy Isn't The Love Of Jesus Something Wonderful Happy People I've Found A Faithful Friend The Only Way Out Is Through Thank You How Good God's Been To Me There's Still A Refuge That's What Love Looks Like Power Of The Cross He Died A Savior Oh What A Difference Praise The Lord Anything Don't Weep For Me What A Happy Time Better Hurry Up I Was There I'm Gonna Make It Lead Me To The Rock I'm Here Because Jesus Went There All Because Of Grace Please Tell Me Again Livin' Right What You Leave Behind This I Know He Has Risen Faith I'm Glad I'm Saved I Want The World To See The Blood Hasn't Ever Changed If They Could See Us Now He Arose One Prayer Away Lord Forgive Me Long Gone The Field Of Blood Sailing Safely In 1+2+3

75 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 84 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

Troy and Tammy Burns Chuck Wagon Gang Lorraine Howard/Lora Long Gospel Truth Trio Mark Trammell Quartet Adams Family Rita Broyles Bruce Hedrick Kevin Conley 11th Hour Kevin N Jennifer Campbell and Rowley McCray Dove Band Hoskins Family Quintin McGinnis Charlie May LeFevre Quartet Down East Boys Eamonn McCrystal Erwins Matthew Hagee John Penney Mike Holcomb Randi and Wendi Pierce Lori Jonathan Trio

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The Blood Of The Lamb His Love Will Lead Us On Pray Pray Pray Home Don't Stop Running When God Shows Up Jesus On A Hard Drive Jesus On My Mind Big Enough Jesus Is In The House He's Still Doing Miracles Today It's Not About You They Wouldn't Forgive Me Land Of Endless Tomorrows Where the Heavens Meet The Sky House Of Prayer He Left No Stone Unturned Shed A Little Light A Living Prayer I Choose To Be A Christian Until Then WWJD I Choose The Lord Home Where I Belong It's Always Darkest Before The Dawn

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Adam’s Call

By Jaquita Lindsey This month we feature Adam’s Call, an upcoming trio from Nashville, TN that is quickly becoming a fan favorite. The independent-labeled trio consists of Bobby Davenport, Melissa DuVall-Karjala and newly added Riley Dodson. Adam’s Call got their start in 2012 as an all-male trio. But God brought about a change, bringing together the current mixed trio that they are today.

Adam’s Call has already been recognized for excellence, having been nominated for four Diamond Awards, including Christian Country Album of the Year, Sunrise Artist, and Video of the Year. The trio is known for songs such as “You Deliver Me” and “Don’t Give Up.” They just had their first national charting release with the single “Back to God,” debuting at #64 on the Singing News charts. Bobby tell us, “We are currently working on a project now that has 12 amazing, powerful songs that we are sure will be an encouragement to all.” The album has yet to be named and is due to be complete by late summer or early fall.

Bobby Davenport lives in Hendersonville, TN and sings the lead/tenor part. He occasionally plays the piano in concert and also serves as manager for Adam’s Call. He started singing at age nine and fell in love with Southern Gospel music early on. “I grew up

listening to great groups like The Hinsons, The Perry Sisters and The Martins,” says Bobby. “After growing older and fearing that I may never be able to sing on stage, I chose to take a production role with a trio in Southern Gospel. There were many nights that I cried to myself because I felt that I was not carrying out my calling. Thankfully, God had a plan. Now, I have been blessed to work alongside some of the greatest artists in the industry.” Bobby owns a graphic design company called Dalex Design Group that keeps him busy while at home. He also occasionally does some studio background and demo vocals.

Melissa DuVall-Karjala makes her home in Franklin, TN, along with her husband Joe Karjala. She has a powerful, unforgettable voice. Melissa has been named Nashville’s Female Demo Singer of the Year every year since 2006. Most all of her time is consumed with music, whether by writing or recording in the studio. She also enjoys playing her guitar. “I enjoy a variety of music. I can listen to anything from Elvis to The McKameys, Gold City to Natalie Grant!” Melissa says. When asked what her least favorite part of traveling is, she replied, “No sleep! It is very tiring, balancing it all. But I do love seeing new places and meeting new

people.” Any down time is filled for Melissa by spending time with her husband and their kids: Jacob age 12 and Sydney age nine.

Riley Dodson has been the baritone for Adam’s Call for only a few months, but is no stranger to music. This talented young man comes from Dickson, TN and has a family history of Bluegrass Gospel. He enjoys playing his mandolin, the acoustic guitar and the bass guitar. Riley tells us, “I have been singing for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my dad had a group called The New Tradition. My mom worked for The Opry for many years. All I have ever known was music!” He adds, “I have always been influenced

by Southern Gospel, with my biggest influence being Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver.”

Riley is very much a music lover at heart and is also an avid sports fan. When not on the road or working at the Tennessee State Park, he can be found spending time with his family, playing basketball or catching up on the latest sports scores.

I asked Bobby what his goals are for Adam’s Call for 2015. He replied, “I would like to see our ministry spread to new areas but most importantly, to see souls added to the kingdom. Without the goal of salvation, our ministry travels in vain. We all see the importance to minister to believers and the non-believers as well. All three of us grew up in church. But each of us,

in one way or another, found ourselves running from the call that God had placed on our lives. I’m so thankful for the faith that was instilled in us by our parents early in life! That faith is what brought each of us back to the path that God had planned.”

Recently, Adam’s Call sang with the popular family trio, The Talleys. Lauren Talley Alvey shares her thoughts on the group. “I love seeing young people who are excited about serving the Lord through song.

Adam’s Call definitely fits that description. They sing a variety of musical styles, but their close-knit, pristine harmony ties it all together. I’m looking forward to hearing more from them!”

After a recent trip to Florida, they had this funny story to share: “We had a few hours before a concert so we decided to visit the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida,” Bobby tells us. “While driving around seeing the historic buildings, we decided to check out the Fountain of Youth. It required a trolley tour around the city. While trying to park our van, we encountered a large peacock that decided to block the road. We tried everything from honking to clapping in an effort to shoo this bird out of the road. We then we all jokingly tried to figure out what sound a peacock made, each of us taking our turn making crazy sounds! Finally, we gave up and decided to just back up. The peacock then let out a very loud YELP and moved out of the way. I think it was laughing at our attempts!”

Prayerfully, this young trio will make huge advancements this year. They certainly have the ability to sing their way into your heart. To keep up with Adam’s Call and their upcoming dates, head over to adamscall.com!

Wisdom from Wells

by Dusty Wells Not sure if it is because I am getting older and maybe a little wiser; okay…maybe I like to think I am getting wiser with age. But nevertheless, I have been thinking quite a bit lately about the whole concept of what so many of us daily deal with, needs and wants. That which we think we need and that which we just have to have or want, and vice versa. We need it desperately! We can’t live without it! We want it so bad! I think you get the picture and most likely you have said or thought those same things.

Webster, in all of its greatness of definitions, has this to say about needs and wants. Need is defined as something that a person must have; something that is needed in order to live or succeed or be happy. Want is defined as: to desire or wish for (something).

I think you know where I am going with all of this, but just allow me to share my heart a bit. God’s word has the following to say about needs and wants: Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Psalms 37:4: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 23:1: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” (NKJV)

Of course, I could go on and on with so many other scriptures that were written and spoken about needs and wants, and all God has to say about them. For me personally, here is what I have found to be true. I daily have all kinds of needs and wants constantly tugging at me, due to so many things that transpire during the day that cause me to desire more.

But what I have found on this journey, as of late, is this: the wants and needs are okay for us to have and deal with. They really are. It’s okay for me to want to lose 20 pounds or so. It’s okay for me to want a new suit. It’s okay for me to want that incredible new flavor of coffee from Tim Horton’s. It’s okay for me to want to go lay on the beach.

We all have wants and its okay. We just have to make certain the wants don’t distract us or hinder us in the journey of pursuing more of Him, and the path of making

certain we are praying for the needs that daily surround us.

For me, I need to be more like Jesus. I need to encourage others instead of pulling them down and talking bad of them. I need to take time for my family and friends.

I need to strive to become more of a better man of faith and Godliness. I need to share more of Jesus with those all around me.

So many needs and wants, and once again, it’s okay. It really is. We just have to make certain we look at those needs and wants in our daily lives and take time to focus them in the right order, thus enabling us to become a better person with all that we are so graciously entrusted with.

I am praying for you today. I pray that you will slow down, no I really mean slow down, and take a long look at all that surrounds you, and ask God for clarity on your own needs and wants. Let Him give you the desires of your heart as you pursue more of what you want and need.

You are so loved today my friends, and you are so valuable.

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Father’s Day Special Jesus Gave His Life For Love

By Jennifer Campbell

My dad is one of the best examples of Christ’s love that I have ever known. I thank God for the strong fatherdaughter bond that we share. Whether we are traveling the globe or enjoying time at home, he constantly gives me unconditional love. He loves me so much that he would truly do anything to ensure my well being, safety, and health. That’s how fathers and mothers are – or should be, in a perfect world. They would run into a burning building, or dash in front of a moving truck, in an effort to protect their children. So how much more did our Heavenly Father love us? So much that He gave His only Son to show His love for us. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God didn’t just give His Son’s life for one or two people. He gave His only Son for every man, woman, boy, and girl on this earth.

When was the last time you said, “I love you,” to someone you know? Was it this morning at breakfast? Or last night before you went to bed? Sometimes, we just get busy. Before you know it, a day, a week, or even a month may go by before we realize we have not recently told our loved ones how much we love them.

Funny, isn’t it? How can we become so busy that we do not tell the ones we love that we love them? Sure, they

know this already; however, we all have an inherent need to be loved. We all need to hear those three little words every now and then. Of course, sometimes love is shown in a different way and requires no verbalizing whatsoever.

Consider the love of Jesus Christ. He didn’t just send us a card on our birthdays. He didn’t send us a text message, follow us on Twitter, or befriend us on Facebook. And He didn’t make a phone call, send a letter, or e-mail us either. No. Jesus Christ died to show us how great His love is for us. I John 3:16 says, “This is how we know what love is; Jesus laid down His life for us.”

The Bible clearly states that love is the selfless act of Jesus giving His life for us. He loved us so much that He endured the agony of the cross, so that we might have eternal life in Heaven. The Son of the living God went above and beyond every gift ever given in the history of mankind. He gave His life. Not just for a particular person of a certain race, culture, socioeconomic status, or other demographic statistic. Jesus Christ died for every single person on the planet.

given to his favorite charity, or even said a kind word to anyone. But he believed that Jesus Christ had the divine power to redeem him of his sins. Jesus said, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Jesus Christ extends the same grace and mercy to you. Romans 10:9 states, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

There is no special prayer or secret code. It is simple enough that a child can understand. Just call on the name of Jesus Christ. Believe that He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who arose on the third day.

Put your trust in Jesus Christ today and you will be saved. He will cleanse your sins, mend your broken heart, and fill your mind with peace that passes all understanding. There is hope in Jesus Christ. He is closer than any friend, brother, or father you will ever know on this earth. He loves you more than you could ever imagine! That’s why Jesus gave His life: for love.

As Jesus Christ hung on the cross, He thought of you. He knew you needed redemption. He knew you needed a friend. He knew you needed to be loved.

He didn’t die for fame or fortune. He didn’t die to have His name engraved on a plaque in a prominent place or have His picture on the cover of People Magazine.

Jesus Christ died to cleanse us of our sins. I am a sinner. You are a sinner. We are all sinners. The Bible says that everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). God’s Word also states, “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5). It doesn’t say that He was pierced for the transgressions of criminals, murderers, or abusers. It says He was pierced for our transgressions. He bore all of the pain and suffering for everyone. Why? Because that is how much He loves us.

No matter what you’ve done in your life, there is no place beyond the reach of Jesus Christ. He can make the vilest sinner clean. Maybe you have taken drugs to the point where you think life is pointless.

Perhaps you have consumed enough alcohol that you have medical concerns being raised. You may be abusing your family, whether physically or verbally. In spite of all you have done, there is forgiveness found through Jesus Christ. As Christ hung on the cross, one of the criminals hanging next to Him said, “Remember me” (Luke 23:42). He had likely never walked through the door of a church. He may have never read the Bible,

sarah.........piano anna grace........fiddle kiley........guitar

country gospel at its purest www.highroadmusic.com For booking information 615.568.4866 highroad3@168management.com

Find us on

By Lorraine Walker Creekside Gospel Music Convention is coming soon to beautiful Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Join us as we listen to great Gospel music, enjoy the majestic Smoky Mountains and have a great time in fun and fellowship with other fans and artists of Creekside. Please reserve your ticket soon on the Creekside website (link below).Creekside tickets are free but must be reserved.

Please make your plans to join us in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on November 2nd through 5th at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center.

Our news this month includes the unveiling of more artists and special guests. Creekside is known for excellent showcases Tuesday through Thursday afternoons, exciting evening concerts every night and the worshipful, intimate Midnight Prayer.

Monday night is the Lou Hildreth Honors, where the legendary Lou Hildreth joins us to celebrate the life of a guest artist that has done great things in Gospel music.

Stay tuned to find out who this year’s honoree is!

Tuesday night we will present the 2015 Diamond Awards. You won’t want to miss this evening where

we honor the best in Gospel music. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Jerry Goff and Little Jan Buckner-Goff as our hosts for this special evening. The Diamond Award voting continues now on the SGN Scoops website, so drop by to click on the link and vote for your favorites in The Diamond Awards Top Ten. Make sure your voice is heard and vote today! www.sgnscoops.com/2015diamond-awards.

Wednesday and Thursday nights we continue with great music and special guests, as well as the Red Back Hymnal Choir.

Artists confirmed to date include the Freemans, the Guardians, Jordan’s Bridge, the Hoskins Family, John Lanier, Exodus, Ascension Quartet, Billy Hodges and

Live Creekside Updates Every Week!

Rob Patz of Coastal Media has been chatting with Vonda Easley of Strictly Southern With Vonda Easley, live on the air every week, bringing updates about Creekside. Be sure to listen to Strictly Southern With Vonda Easley, which can be heard every Friday at 10am CST on www.wpilfm.com.

Fall Tree Photo Courtesy of Wolfgang Staudt

CREEK SIDE GOSPEL MUSIC CONVENTION

NOVEMBER 2- 5

2015

Modern Accommodations

Experience Good Gospel Music In Beautiful Pigeon Forge

Concerts

Familiar Faces Convention Space

Tourist Attractions & Natural Beauty

SCOOPS ..........

sgn

many more. Keep checking Creekside updates on Facebook and on the web. If you like to hang out with your favorite artists, the Exhibit Hall will be filled with artist booths and the singers waiting to chat with you.

This year we have VIP Packages, which include lodging, tickets and special events. VIP guests will be invited to a special backstage party as well. Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2015 rates start as low as $176 Per Person* (Based On Double Occupancy.) Call Rob at 360-933-0741 to reserve your room today.

Keep watching for more exciting announcements.

Don’t miss four days of great Gospel music, fellowship and fun. Artists and attendees, please call Rob Patz for more information at 360-920-4057 or email him at rob@sgnscoops.com.

Final Notes Creekside Gospel Music Convention would like to hear from you! Tell us what you want to see and hear in November. Creekside also needs your help. If you would like to volunteer through various promotional activities throughout the year, or with onsite tasks during the convention, please email Rob at rob@sgnscoops.com.

For more information, latest news and artists scheduled to appear, visit the Creekside page on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/Creeksidegospelmusicconvention.

You can find Creekside on the web at www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com.

Magazine

Midnight Prayer

Smoky Mountain Convention Center Pigeon Forge, TN www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com

No More

Obese Children!

By Laurette Willis, CHC Childhood obesity rates are alarming. Some say we are the only generation who may outlive our children. That ought not to be, and we can stop it NOW! We all know how important exercise is to our child’s growth and physical development. Lack of exercise is partly responsible for the growing childhood obesity epidemic in our culture. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the U.S., the percentage of overweight children aged six through 11 years has almost doubled since the early 1980’s. The percentage of overweight adolescents has risen by nearly 300 percent!

Statistics show the startling frequency of weightrelated disease in children: 60 percent of overweight children already have one risk factor for heart disease 85 percent of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are obese 25 percent of overweight children are already showing early signs of type 2 diabetes Approximately 20 percent of newly diagnosed cases of childhood diabetes are type 2, associated with obesity. This figure is up from 4 percent in 1990.

The trend seems to be affecting pre-school children, too. From 1994 to 2001, overweight among children aged 2-5 years, increased by 42 percent.

Considering that overweight children often become overweight or obese adults who model poor dietary and exercise habits to their children, the cycle continues until someone decides to break the destructive cycle.

What’s the Answer?

Get the right nutrition – and get moving!

In addition to eating more healthful unprocessed foods from a wide variety of sources, getting rid of gluten from the diet, and incorporating the 90 essential nutrients, exercise is vital to growing bodies.

Children who are active on a daily basis develop

stronger muscles and bones, and are less likely to develop health problems such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure in later years. Daily physical activity is also linked to regulating a child’s mood and enabling her to sleep better.

It’s been estimated that toddlers require 30 minutes of structured physical activity every day. An additional 60 minutes of playtime is also recommended.

Since we all want to be good role models for our children, making fitness a part of our daily routine will benefit them – and us at the same time! You can break the cycle and start a new fitness tradition in your family.

Exercise helps adults maintain a healthy, consistent weight, and it can also help relieve stress and keep a balanced mood, sleep better, and combat some chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. The CDC says adults should participate in moderate physical activity (such as brisk walking) for 30 minutes at least five days a week.

Here are some fun and easy activities you can do as a family to help make fitness a habit and invest quality time with your children.

Activities with Infants and Young Children Whenever possible, go outdoors and enjoy being active in the backyard, local neighborhood or park. This gives little ones the opportunity to interact with their environment, too.

Stroll-Along: Stroller exercise classes and groups are growing in popularity. A search on the internet will help you find a group near you. While it may seem that Mom is getting more of a workout than baby, it’s also a great way for you to interact with other mothers in your area. StrollerFit has classes at YMCAs and other locations across the U.S. Of course you don’t need a group to stroll along!

You can also take your baby out in a baby sling or carrier and take a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

I Can Dig It! Playgrounds with sandboxes enable baby to play outdoors in the sand with his own toys and you don’t have to worry about him falling on the hard ground. Bring a bucket and shovel and help build the castle of your dreams!

Mommy and Me Exercise Classes: Check to see if there are exercise groups in your area that encourage mother/child participation. More areas are offering PraiseMoves classes (“The Christian Alternative to Yoga”) for adults and children. If there are no Certified PraiseMoves Instructors in your area yet, work out to a DVD with your child or start a group in your area. Contact PraiseMoves for information (http://praisemoves.com).

If You Plant It, It Will Grow! Don’t have a garden?

Perhaps the local school has an area in need of some flowers. Does your neighborhood have a community garden?

Toddlers will enjoy watching the plants grow, and you’ll get a good workout, too.

Catch, Jump, Bark and Dance! Indoor fun can be as simple as rolling a ball back and forth or playing “catch” or “kick the ball.” Depending on your child’s age, a mini-basketball came is fun, as is jumping rope to simple rhymes.

Make believe you are different animals. Say the name of the animal, and then both of you move and sound as if you were that animal.

Wanna dance? Turn up the music – and shake it loose (dancing is GREAT exercise and lots of fun, too)!

Incorporate Scripture: Faith and fitness are a great

combination! Playtime is an ideal opportunity to include simple memory verses such as, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). A Bible promise book is a good resource.

While playing “catch,” for example, whenever you catch the ball, say part of the verse for that day. Have your child complete the verse (and vice-versa!).

Act out different biblical accounts (Noah, Jonah, Daniel in the lion’s den, David and Goliath, and the parting of the Red Sea) and Jesus’ parables from the New Testament.

While doing sit-ups, toe-touches, push-ups, say scriptures aloud to help keep you “pumped up!” Several Christian fitness programs (such as PraiseMoves) include scripture with their workouts for children and adults – to help keep you fit in spirit, soul AND body!

Lastly, have fun! You have the opportunity to show your child that it feels good to move our bodies – the bodies God gave us to care for and enjoy. You can break the cycle of childhood obesity in your generation and see your grandchildren and great-grandchildren become fit witnesses for Christ!

Laurette is a Certified Health Coach, published author, and Founder of PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry. You may contact Laurette at the email address above, 918-458-1800 or www.PraiseMoves.com.

Join Laurette at www.Facebook.com/LauretteWillisPage ©2015

Read SGN Scoops On Your Kindle Check out SGNScoops.com today to see how!

w e i v e R k Boo

By Vivian Belknap

“EVIL MAY HAVE CAUSED THE DAY, BUT LOVE RULED IT.” Stanley Rylon Hall, April 14, 1933—September 11, 2001.

Within her book, Silent Resolve and The God Who Let Me Down, (Publisher: WestBow Press (May 23, 2012)) Susan Van Volkenburgh shares her heart and bears her soul as she is taken on a journey she did not plan. On September 11, 2001 Susan’s world was forever changed as she and her family learned of the loss of her father, Stanley R. Hall, from the tragic events of 9/11. He was on board American Airlines flight 77, the plane that crashed into the Pentagon.

It’s apparent from the first page that Susan loves and reveres her father. This book is very well written; after 10 years of attempting to put into words the roller coaster ride of emotions she expe-

rienced, the reader will actually feel her grief and despair as she realizes her children will grow up without their grandfather, she will never hear her dad’s bass voice singing in church again, and her dad will never grow old.

Susan’s honest questioning of her faith and the God who seemed to have let her down, turned His back on her, and became totally silent is helpful to all of us as we deal with tragedies in our own lives. She continually goes back to the Bible where she reads how Job dealt with his losses. And she quotes Proverbs 12:21, “…no harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble,” and Psalms 91:11, “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” If that’s true, then Susan ponders, “How then did this happen? Where was God in all this?”

Susan comes to the realization that none of and life? Yes of course, but she is stronger today us have a right to demand anything from God. He’s and her faith has been renewed. not obligated to answer any of our questioning. She All of us have suffered grief during our lives reminds us that our God is sovereign: Job 38:1-2, 4, and because of God’s love and grace through those 6-7. times; we are able to comfort others, as we’ve been “For the steps of a good man are ordered by comforted. There is much comfort in the words of the Lord” (Psalms 37:23). Susan reminds all of us Susan Van Volkenburgh: “Evil may have caused the that since this scripture is truth, “therefore each step day, but love ruled it.” taken must pass before the sanction of God,” and “It is a strange comfort to know that nothing can befall you without God’s approval.” She reminds us of Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Susan believes she would never have written about her father’s life had it not ended so tragically, and she believes that some good has come from this tragedy. I believe her writing of Silent Resolve and The God Who Let Me Down has brought healing to her. Is there still an empty place in her heart

Producing Music and Video for the World-Wide Market

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Music Reviews for June

by Cyndi Lavonne & Justin Gilmore

This month we welcome two reviewers to SGN

Scoops. Cyndi Lavonne and Justin Gilmore re view two projects by Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. Cyndi is new to the reviewing process but Justin has a blog where he reviews new music year-round. You will find his link at the bottom of the feature. Be sure to let both of these great writers know what you think!

This project is over 40 minutes of praise and worship. You will find yourself going from toe-tapping praise to handraising worship. I highly recommend you purchase your copy today.

One of These Mornings – Blends classic quartet and big band sounds. It makes you want to stand up and have a good old fashion, tent meeting, clapping good time.

Happy People – This song tells of how we should be happy all the time. Happiness is contagious. Happy people shine.

So if you are walking around with a frown on your face take a listen to this song and turn that frown upside down. Let God’s love shine through your face.

Thank You For Saving Me – Simply Beautiful! “Oh how sweet the love of Jesus,” the first words of the chorus really say it all. This is a prayer of praise we should pray every day.

Love Walked In – A Country Gospel tune that makes any good Southern girl want to sing along. You can’t listen to this song without finding yourself joining in and singing along by the last chorus.

HAPPY PEOPLE ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND Label: StowTown Records Release Date: May 5, 2015 Members: Ernie Haase (Tenor), Devin McGlamery (Lead), Doug Anderson (Baritone), Paul Harkey (Bass), and Wayne Haun (Piano)

CD Review by Cyndi Lavonne:

Jesus Changed Everything – A song of hope. If you have struggles in your life you will find yourself clinging to the message in this song.

Let Your Love Light Shine – Smooth. The best description I can write. This song reminded me of some of the great Contemporary Gospel music of the 80’s as it just has a wonderful, flowing feel.

Angels Everywhere – A beautiful classic quartet song. As I listen to this song I can imagine 50 to 60 years ago with four gentlemen standing around an old fashioned microphone. This song really takes us back to the roots of Southern Gospel Music.

It’s Good to See the Sun – A peaceful soothing song full of beautiful harmony and a beautiful message.

Joshua Led God’s Children – A great Southern Gospel quartet harmony song. If you love quartet music you are going to love this song right down to the classic bass singer slide.

A Soldier Fighting To Go Home – This song reminds us of the battle we live every day. We should remember every day that we have been given the privilege of serving Christ and one day we will have a great reward of eternal life.

I Do Believe – In this song we hear a familiar prayer, “Lord I need some answers.” The words continue with, “I do Believe You are the One”, “My Lord, My God.” This song both reminds us what we believe and why we serve our Lord and Saviour.

Final Thoughts - Review by Justin Gilmore: This record is definitely among the best of the year as well as among the best work this quartet has ever done! Ernie Haase and Signature Sound continues to impress me with their creativity and masterful production quality.

Each member turns in incredible vocal performances with the standouts being Doug Anderson on “I Do Believe,” Devin McGlamery on “Thank You For Saving Me,” Paul Harkey on “A Soldier,” and Ernie Haase on “Jesus Changed Everything.” This is a great collection of songs, each well written and thoughtful.

My only critique would be that while I love “It’s Good To See The Sun,” I feel that it is somewhat out of place on this recording. With that being said, I loved this record and look forward to hearing these songs performed live in concert!

This is also a fitting conclusion to the unforgettable tenure of Doug Anderson with the group. Anderson gives some of his best performances on this CD. I wish him the best of luck in his solo ministry. He will be greatly missed.

This is a MUST BUY period, whether you are a fan of EHSS or not! 4.5 Stars!

For more information and to purchase this project, visit http://www.erniehaase.com/

THE INSPIRATION OF BROADWAY ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND Release Date: May 5, 2015 Available: www.erniehaase.com only Executive Producer: Ernie Haase Producer: Wayne Haun Orchestrated by : Wayne Haun Label: StowTown Records Featuring Special Guest: J. Mark McVey Members: Ernie Haase (Tenor), Devin McGlamery (Lead), Doug Anderson (Baritone), Paul Harkey (Bass), and Wayne Haun (Piano and Vocals) CD Review by Justin Gilmore This special project has been in the works for some time and it has finally been released. Ever since I heard their rendition of “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” on Oh, What A Savior, I have been looking forward to this CD and DVD. Ernie Haase and Signature Sound are well known for their outof-the-box style and this project is an example of this fact.

Musical theater and Broadway has been a treasured part of American music history. It has produced some of the most incredible talents including award-winning star of Les Miserable, J. Mark McVey. EHSS struck up a friendship with McVey and they teamed up to record this landmark project. They gathered 13 of the most memorable Broadway standards and put their Signature Sound to them.

Wayne Haun masterfully produced and orchestrated this project once again showcasing his unbelievable talent. The vocals are absolutely superb! They truly capture the magic of these songs and take them to the next level.

Rather than break down every song, I will focus on some major highlights.

Devin McGlamery shines throughout the project

including “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.” Doug Anderson also gives several incredible performances taking solos on “I Got The Sun In The Morning,” “Together (Wherever We Go),” and “The Impossible Dream.”

Paul Harkey blew me away with his rendition of “Ol’ Man River” which showcases his amazing upper register. J. Mark McVey turns in a beautiful performance of his signature song “Bring Him Home” which he sang as “Jean Vel Jean” in Les Miserable. Lastly, Ernie Haase takes the lead on “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” giving a performance which is an absolute masterpiece in my opinion.

All in all, this is a fantastic recording that fans of EHSS and Broadway will love! 4.5 Stars.

DVD Review by Justin Gilmore: Recorded live in Wabash, Indiana this spectacular concert video includes all 13 classic songs from the studio project plus five other Broadway standards. Not only did McVey and EHSS come together to record this album, they also decided to take it on the road with this video being a part of this incredible tour.

Produced by Ernie Haase, Wayne Haun, and J. Mark McVey, this video captures the fun and excitement of a Broadway show and the energy of a typical EHSS concert.

The combination of Gospel and Broadway is a unique blend, but a great blend as evidenced by this project.

The rapport between the group and McVey is great fun to watch. Ernie Haase and J. Mark McVey serve as emcees of the festivities while Wayne Haun serves as conductor to the orchestra.

In between songs, McVey shares anecdotes from his days on Broadway and his introduction to EHSS. Each member shares what these songs mean to him as well.

Signature Sound sings “Get Away Jordan,” which is a favorite of McVey’s. McVey gives a stirring performance of “The Music of The Night,” from the The Phantom of The Opera.

«Bye, Bye Baby» (from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) featuring Wayne Haun, “Defying Gravity” (from Wicked) featuring fellow Southern Gospel and StowTown recording artist Taranda Greene, and “Let The Sunshine In” (from Hair) are also included on this video.

Highlights of course include J. Mark McVey’s beautiful and emotional performance of “Bring Him Home,” Paul Harkey’s powerful rendition of “Ol’ Man River,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” featuring the incredible soaring vocals of Ernie Haase.

Before the last two songs, each member gave parting words of wisdom. The group inspired people to go out and play their part in this world, inspire others to live in peace and love, do not take for granted the little things

in life, make the most of every sunrise and sunset, and to make meaningful friendships.

The following really stood out to me. Devin said, “At the end of the day, people don’t care about how much you know, until they know how much you care.” What a powerful statement!

This is must buy for those who are fans of EHSS and Broadway music as I said above! I enjoyed every second of it! 4.5 stars.

Thanks to Cyndi Lavonne for her engaging review above. You can contact Cyndi through SGN Scoops at sgnscoops@gmail.com.

Thanks as well to Justin Gilmore, one of the newest feature writers for SGN Scoops. You can see more of Justin’s reviews plus interviews with artists on his blog, Southern Gospel Spotlight, here: http://tgilm66138.wix.com/sogospotlight.

Contributors SGN SCOOPS

Rob Patz is the President and CEO of Coastal Media Group.

Rob has an 18 year history in radio hosting the nationally syndicated radio show, “The Southern Styles Show” since its beginning in 1993. Rob is also the owner of the internet’s #1 Southern Gospel station, SGMRadio.com. In 2009, Rob Patz acquired SGNScoops.com, including the all- digital Scoops Magazine and the Diamond Awards. Rob has taken part in several Christian television projects working in front of the camera and also has helped create several syndicated television programs as well. Rob does voice work for various outlets including fortune 500 companies as well as emceeing concerts and special events. Email Rob at rob@sgnscoops. com.

Lou Wills Hildreth appears on the Gaither Homecoming Videos, and is a founding member of Texas First Family Of Gospel Music, the “Singing Wills Family.”

She helped pioneer Christian television as host of “Wills Family Inspirational TV.” After moving to Nashville in the sixties, she was the first woman to own an artist management agency. Lou is an inductee of the Texas Gospel Music Hall Of Fame, GMA Gospel Music Hall Of Fame, SGMA Hall Of Fame at Dollywood, and the Christian Music Hall Of Fame. She is a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Of Sacred Music from Louisiana Baptist University. Recently, Gaither Homecoming Magazine named Lou in the “Hall Of Honor” series, and the Southern Gospel Music Guild gave her a “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Lou is celebrating a 65th wedding anniversary in 2011 with Howard, and they live in Houston near son Dr. David Hildreth and daughter Kathryn Mumaw, and 4 grandchildren. Visit Lou at: http://louhildreth.com Christian Health & Fitness Expert Laurette Willis is an author with Harvest House Publishers, and the Director of PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry with DVDs, a training program and PraiseMoves

Instructors on four continents (http://PraiseMoves. com , on Facebook http://on.fb.me/PraiseMoves.

Laurette invites readers to get started on the road to better health and fitness for spirit, soul and body.

For a free, easy- to- follow 21 day program visit: http://ChristianFitnessKit.com

com

Stephanie Kelley is a public speaker and owner of QueenO-Q, a blog featuring coupon match-ups, freebies, samples and information on frugal living. She is married, has three children and lives in Washington State. Queenoq.blogspot.

Canadian-born Lorraine Walker has a love for Jesus Christ, music and writing. The combination of these passions has produced artist features and monthly columns for Southern Gospel publications including SGM Radio website and SGN Scoops Digital magazine. Lorraine desires that the power of the written word will glorify her Lord and bring readers closer to the love, peace and majesty of the Almighty.

Email Lorraine at lorraine@sgnscoops.com Jennifer Campbell is a singer, songwriter, musician, and middle school English teacher from McAlpin, Florida. Along with her passion for teaching, she has an even greater passion for ministering to others, sharing her testimony of how she was born lifeless and how Jesus raised her up to live for Him. Jennifer is a member of the Florida Worship Choir and Orchestra and has performed with them at Brooklyn Tabernacle, Carnegie Hall, Central Park, and Times Square. She serves as a group leader for Women of Faith, designs websites, and writes an inspirational blog at HYPERLINK “http://jennifercampbell.net/blog.htm” \t “_blank” http://jennifercampbell.net/blog.htm, and a food and travel blog at http://jennifersjourneys.net Learn more about

Contributors SGN SCOOPS

Dusty Wells is a man of many talents and multiple skills, from his speaking engagements across the country, to traveling and encouraging various artists in the Christian music genres.

Dusty has a passion that is evident from the moment you meet him.

Dusty is a man who remains passionate and secure in the calling and destiny upon his life. He has come to realize the importance of finding purpose and clear direction for not only his life, but also the lives of those he comes in contact with, no matter what stage of life they may be in.

Growing up in a very dysfunctional home, surrounded by all types of abuse, Dusty had every excuse to be a failure in life. He grew up on welfare, having to steal his daily necessities of life at times, being surrounded by drugs, alcohol and pornography. He was raised by a mother who was married multiple times, living in a housing project on the wrong side of town. But in the midst of what seemed to be complete devastation, God had different plans of success for Dusty. At the age of 14, a precious couple took time out of their own lives to invest in Dusty…thus leading Him to the Lord. His life is a testimony of God’s relentless love and deliverance, and is one of the most triumphant stories told in modern Christianity. Dusty is confident in the fact that if God can do it for him, He can do it for anyone, no matter the situation.

Dusty and his wife of 33 years have four children, and two grandbabies with one more on the way. They make their home in Nashville, Tn. Joan Walker grew up with music in the house and first heard Southern Gospel in her early teens. With almost a quirky (some may say ‘weird’) need to make sure words are spelled correctly and the apostrophes are in the right place, she enjoys proofreading the articles for the SGN Scoops magazine each month...and looks beyond the letters and commas to the wonderful words each writer has written. Joan counts it as a blessing in her life to be part of SGN Scoops!

Pete Schwager is a web developer and graphic designer with a passion for Christ. He was born in Santa Rosa, California and moved to Oregon where he spent most of his life. He now lives in the quiet town of Ringgold, Georgia and enjoys living in the country with his family.

You can find him online at http://peteschwager.com

Staci Schwager helps with marketing and communication with her husband’s web design company, Cre8able Media. Together they make a great team! Staci being the “talkative” one, loves being able to communicate one on one with clients and organizing ideas. While Pete on the other hand is diving into the design and coding aspects to make the real masterpiece!

Most of Staci’s days are filled with preparing homeschool lessons for her kids, couponing, gardening, tending to her chicken flock and spending as much time on the beautiful, country land God has blessed them with.

My name is Tina Wakefield and I am currently Music Minister for Amazing Grace Worship Center in Alabaster, Al. I have led worship for over 18 years as well as teach adults how to live everyday life in Victory as a Christian. I enjoy playing and singing Gospel Music whenever and wherever I am invited. I currently have three Cd s available on my website at www.tinawakefield.com and just released my first music video with Godsey & Associates called,” The Choice” available on YouTube. I write a lot of the music we sing at church and also record my original songs. My family is very ministry oriented with Pastors, Teachers, Musicians, and Singers. My heart’s desire is to spread the gospel of Christ through any and all open doors that I receive.

Contributors SGN SCOOPS

Dr. Jeff R. Steele is a pastor, conference speaker, singer, songwriter, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is currently the Senior Pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Cullman, Alabama. Their services are webcast worldwide; they have a weekly television program and host an annual Jubilee each August that attracts hundreds from around the southeast. Dr. Steele is beginning his eighth year there. As a songwriter Jeff has been credited with 17 Number One songs in Christian music as well as four BMI Gold Medals for Great National Popularity as measured by Broadcast Performances. He has also been recognized by BMI as Christian Songwriter of the Year on several occasions.

The group, The Steeles was featured across the nation and was seen on numerous magazine covers, feature articles, television and radio programs during their ministry on the road. Jeff is still writes songs and articles, sings on occasion and speaks in conferences and revivals. Jeff is married to Sherry, his wife of 31 years and they have three grown children. Visit Jeff on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and at www. jeffrsteele.com.

Erin Stevens is a uniquely talented shutterbug, singer, guitar player, writer, blogger, and social networker.

She is the owner/operator of Photos For Keeps By Erin. Along with running her own business, she is the official photographer for Abraham Productions (API). You will find her behind the lens at all API events, along with working behind the scenes on their social media. She also travels full-time on the road with her family’s gospel group, The Stevens Family. Photography is her passion and singing for Jesus is her calling. For several years, you have known her as our very own “Younger Perspective” writer. Check out her photography website www.photosforkeepsbyerin.com and her ministry website www.stevensfamilymusic.com.

Sherry Anne Lints, a Doctor of Chiropractic, singer, speaker, actress, writer and fitness trainer, was born with a bilateral hearing and speech impairment. She appeared in the films, Clancy and The Perfect Gift and was a special guest on 100 Huntley Street, in Ontario, Canada.

She is a contributing author for the book, Modern-Day Miracles and released her second CD, Keep on Prayin’, July 2012 and has

opened for many of the Gaither Homecoming Artists. Additionally, Sherry Anne helps lead worship and drama at her church. For more information, visit: www.SherryAnne.com.

Vonda Easley is the owner of Hope’s Journey Christian Ministries and the voice of “The Strictly Southern Show” at WPIL 91.7 in Heflin, Alabama on Fridays

Vivian is the marketing manager at KKGM in Dallas/Fort Worth Texas, as well as hosting a program on Sundays where she features national, regional as well as local artists. She also brings news of upcoming concert events in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and surrounding area. Vivian has promoted various artists in this area for over 10 years beginning with Phil Cross and Poet Voices and later Sharron Kay King and Jerry Bennett to name a few. She has spent the past several years promoting Southern Gospel, Inspirational Country Gospel and Bluegrass in this area in order to preserve this part of our heritage.

Jonathan Edwards began his radio career on KWFC 89.1 FM in Springfield, Mo. At KWFC he worked in news, sales and was an on air personality, creating the very popular Ozark Gospel Showcase. He has been nominated for two Singing News Fan Awards and garnered the coveted Paul Heil Award from the 2012 Diamond Awards. He travels full time with Faith’s Journey and currently hosts the syndicated radio show SGN Scoops Radio.

Contributors SGN SCOOPS

After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a Mass Communication degree, Craig Harris has been in the journalism field for more than 15 years, working daily as both a photographer and writer at one of the largest non-daily publications in the state of Tennessee. He has experience in feature writing, news writing, action photography, portrait photography, web-site maintenance and layout. Craig has been a part of numerous awards, both collective and individual honors in the journalism field. He has had articles published in numerous newspapers and magazines on a variety of subjects, most notably in the world of sports.

Craig’s Southern Gospel interest dates back for approximately the same time span, having closely followed the industry since the later portion of the 1990s. He also performed for seven years with a local trio prior to joining the SGN Scoops staff.

David’s distinctive sound and his ability to blend perfectly with a variety of vocalists has made him a valuable commodity on live events as well as in the studio. His compassionate and gentle spirit makes him more than an artist, it makes him a great friend!

David began singing at age 6 with family. In 1990, he filled in for the Speer Family and later that year he became the lead vocalist for The Trailblazers. In 2002, Staton filled the lead position with Priority. While with Priority, the group was the resident gospel group at the Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, MO and they performed for over one million people in one year. After the group disbanded in 1995, David continued to write for artists in many different genres of music while occasionally performing solo. It was during this time that his song, “Every Knee Shall Bow”, recorded by Dottie Peoples, was nominated for a Grammy Award. His song, “Together We Can” was adopted as the national theme song to bring awareness to violence in schools. The music video (Together We Can) that featured many Atlanta based artists was shown at the 1999 Grammy Awards show, which helped launch the careers of artists like R&B’s Jagged Edge, India Arie, and 4.0. In 2004, David partnered with Mike LeFevre to form The LeFevre Quartet. During the seven years that he was the lead vocalist, the group had many hit songs and won many awards. After leaving the LeFevre

Quartet in 2011, Staton began working on a solo project and also began singing with Palmetto State Quartet. The group appeared on television and toured with country music superstar, Wynonna Judd while Staton was there.

Through the years, artists like Gold City, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Kingsmen, Singing Americans, Dixie Melody Boys, Imperials, Dottie Peoples, Ball Brothers, LeFevre Quartet, Palmetto State Quartet, Priority, Trailblazers, The Greenes, Ivan Parker, Brian Free and many more have recorded David’s music.

From 2005 to 2013, Staton was the Executive Vice President for Song Garden Music Group in Nashville, TN. In recent years, the National Quartet Convention has asked David to be a part of an industry advisory panel to help artists who need assistance and training. Not only has David made a mark as an artist, he is passing on his talent and knowledge to new artists, influencing and shaping the future of Gospel music.

Kelly Nelon Clark is the daughter of Gospel Music icon, the late Rex Nelon.

As part of her father’s group, The Nelons, she blazed a musical trail bringing a fresh new sound to the traditional Gospel quartet style. That sound and style influenced a generation of Gospel music performers and can be heard today in the styling of groups like the Martins, Point of Grace, The Crabb Family and more.

As The Nelons broke new ground, the Gospel Music industry repeatedly recognized their excellence. The group won four GMA Dove awards as well as multiple awards from readers of Singing News Magazine. Kelly was named female vocalist of the year on four occasions and received favorite alto vocalist award 3 times. At one time, Kelly was the most awarded artists in the history of the Singing News Fan Awards. The music industry at large also recognized The Nelons with 3 Grammy nominations.

Today, Kelly currently performs throughout the United States, Canada and Europe with her husband and two daughters as The Nelons. The group is featured in hundreds of churches and concerts each year. The Nelons have been part of Gaither Homecoming concerts sharing their music with thousands of Gospel Music fans in sold-out arenas across the country. For more information, visit http:// www.kellynelon.com/.

Contributors SGN SCOOPS

Marcie Gray was born and raised in sunny California, yet always dreamed of moving to Tennessee.

She had planned to move to the south as a young adult and sing with a gospel group, after being inspired to do so by her Great Uncle, Alphus LeFevre. Though it took longer than she had expected, in 2011, her dream of moving east finally came true when her husband, Don, retired from the CHP. They packed up their two youngest daughters, three dogs and two horses and headed east. What a blessing to finally be where the tea is sweet, the Southern Gospel music is plentiful and there’s a Cracker Barrel on every corner!

Spend ten minutes with Marcie and you’ll learn that she is rarely lacking for something to say. Her passion for Southern Gospel music, combined with her instinct to be behind the camera, makes journalism a very enjoyable outlet for that “Type A” personality she has been affectionately labeled with by her family and friends.

Marcie is a worship leader, vocalist and songwriter. She has directed choirs of all ages and given voice lessons for many years. Her solo CD, “Carry Me Home” was released in September of 2014.

Having family in ministry has given Marcie a desire to support those who are on the road sharing the gospel through song. Visit her website at www.graydoveministries.com to learn more!

Lynn Mills is a talented writer who has a passion for music, specifically Gospel music. Lynn authors the site Lynn’s Chronicles where she shares her experiences attending various concert events and what people can expect should they want to attend. Also featured are CD & DVD Reviews, Devotionals, Photos, Video and News tidbits. Keep up with Lynn online at http://lynnschronicles.com or on facebook @ http://.facebook.com/lynns.chronicles

Hi, my name is Dean Adkins and I am honored to be a part of the SGN Scoops family. Perhaps some background information would be beneficial. I am sometimes called “Professor” because I was a Biology professor at Marshall University for 31 years and I retired in 2004. I grew up listening to gospel music (or as it is now termed Southern Gospel Music) and many of my relatives (Adkins, Toney, Booth families) are gospel singers/musicians. I collect records, primarily LPs, and SGM related items. Over the years I have studied the history of this genre. I would like to use these articles to describe events and the mind-set of the 1950s and 60s – sometimes called the Golden Age of Gospel Music.

Alpha Source Media Group is lead

by Candi Combs and was born out of a strong desire to support the ministers who share the gospel on the highways and byways of life.

Combs says, “These artists and their families spend their days selflessly bringing the life-changing message of Jesus to crowds large and small. We want to do all we can to support them!” In 2015, Candi will have a law degree from Liberty University and will provide a full range of legal counsel. This component will bring the highest level of support to those who also desire legal representation.

Bethany Cook is a 25-year-old medical student from the great state of North Carolina. In her early years, Bethany grew up on the road as the daughter of an evangelist. In her teen years, the family came off the road and made their home in Burlington, NC. where her father is now a pastor. Being an avid Southern Gospel fan from an early age has lead Bethany to meeting many different artists and making many friends along the way. With a history of devotional writing for family and friends, she looks forward to opening up her writing and allowing you to see a little more into the lives of Southern Gospel Music artists. Bethany is set to graduate from college in June 2015 with a degree in Medical Assisting.

Contributors SGN SCOOPS

Sheri began singing while traveling with her abundantly talented family, led by her father John LaFontaine, a minister for over 48 years. In 1994 with Grammy nominated singer Jeff Easter producing, she recorded her first solo project, Takin’ My Place.

Shortly thereafter, Sheri received a call from the top promoter in southern gospel, Frank Arnold and was asked to join his group, The Arnolds on the road. After several years of traveling Sheri felt the Lord leading her to focus on her solo career and songwriting. In 2004 she signed a songwriting contract with one of the industry’s top recording labels, Daywind Music. Her songs have been recorded by Kim Hopper, Karen Peck, Sue Dodge, Brian Free & Assurance, Misty Freeman, Three Bridges, The Whisnants, The Browns and many more.

Paige Givens is a Christ follower, wife, mother of two boys and kindergarten teacher to 18 five-yearolds. She is a writer, reader, singer, studier, and teacher of words. Paige lives in Hayden, Alabama with her husband of 10 years, Chris Givens, and their sons Parker and Peyton.

Paige loves to blog about faith, writing, music, and teaching. Her goal is to serve the Lord by inspiring others to be who He has called them to be. You can listen to her music and read her devotionals at www. paigegivens.com.

Jaquita Lindsey holds the alto position for the Southern Gospel group 11th Hour. The group was originally based out of Monroe, LA but recently relocated to Hendersonville, TN. She comes from the small town of Camden, AR. She is also a licensed cosmetologist. In her spare time, she enjoys being crafty and spending time with family and friends. She’s been singing since the age of eight, but realizes that it’s much more than just singing. “Anyone can show off their talent. I’d rather hear someone that shows that they are anointed!” For more information on Jaquita, visit 11thhourgospelgroup.com

Matt Baker resides in Lenoir, NC with his wife, Ashley, and children, Bella and Bennett. A gospel music lover, Matt spent time on the road full-time with Promise of Murfreesboro, TN, before moving into church ministry as the music minister at Ambassador Baptist Church in Hudson, NC.

Justin Gilmore, 22, a resident of San Diego, California, graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a B.A. in History in June of 2014. Passionate about Southern Gospel music and its history, he decided to venture into the blog world in January starting Southern Gospel Spotlight in order to share his love of this great style of music.