2004
February
New Ground - New Places - New Faces - Mar 2004
No where to slow down ? that?s what February 2004 has held for our trio. Last month I told you that I would fill you in on our Cruise to the Bahamas - we spent the last week of January in Nassau and Coco Cay, Bahamas - it was a great time!!! Twenty seven New Ground Fans made the trek with us on a five day/four night cruise - singing for the Lord on the Sovereign of the Seas - and like I said last month - somebody has to suffer - LOL. We enjoyed being with many of our gospel music friends and being a part of the Sonshine Promotions!! I gained five pounds!!! Shhhh!! Dale didn't notice!
After we finished the cruise we worked our way back home to Alabama. We spent our Friday night in Perry, Florida at the First Assembly of God. We were also so surprised when our great friends, Bobby & Dorothy Byrd, showed up for the concert. They were on their way to Auburndale and stopped by to be with us!!! From there it was on to Columbus, Georgia and the listening audience of the great DJ - Jim Foster. We enjoyed that night at the Shady Woods Baptist Church - this church loves sangin!!!! We then headed to Sumiton, Alabama to Faith Worship Center. Our awesome friends, Bryan & Priscilla Glenn are members at FWC and were instrumental at getting us at their church. But before the singing - Priscilla's Mom fixed an awesome lunch - so needless to say - I gained an extra pound there - thanks Brenda - we're coming back soon!!! Then it was off for a very spirit filled singing service - this is a great church!!! But the highlight was Bryan and Priscilla's Daughter, Kristina, coming up on stage with us and singing our latest release - "When He Comes For Me". This five year old can rip it!!!
First weekend in February finds us in Jacksonville, Florida cutting a five song video!! Then from there we head to Gulf Shores, Alabama and sing at the Island Retreat Campground. It was good to see our friend Bob Whitehead. The next morning finds us at Romar Beach Baptist Church in Gulf Shores and our friends Donna Casey and Claud Payne came over from near Pensacola - then we all went to eat at one of mine and David's favorite places - Sonny-s - don't ever mention a Sonny's BBQ - David and I will be first in line!!!
Our second trip to Sumter, South Carolina was made on February 13th. Paul & Donna Shannon of Paul's Promotions definitely know how to treat the artists - they had a BIG Cookout at their home in Manning, South Carolina for us, Greater Vision and the Kingdom Heirs. We ate them outta house and home - and it was all soooo good!!! Then we made our way to Patriot Hall in Sumter for the sold-out concert!!! Our Saturday night service had to cancel - so we just kinda took it easy on Saturday - we drove over to Atlanta and went bowling - since I broke my elbow - I do good to even break 80 now - Dale had a few good lanes - but I have to give it to David - he's a pretty good bowler - don't tell him - we don't want him to think he has anything on us - LOL!!! Sunday morning we were with the great people at Trion Heights Baptist in Trion, Georgia. We just love being with our extended family there. You see, we are not really related to the Howell Family - but we tell everyone that we are - they are so awesome to our group. After the great service we all went to Aunt Lou's house for lunch. There was Aunt Lou, Aunt Jessie, Aunt Ne Ne, Uncle Wallace, Aunt Ressie, Aunt Ethel and cousins that we didn't even know we had - just kidding - it was so great - and this family can really cook!! Aunt Jessie had to make her special Fruit Salad for Dale and I cannot go to Trion, Georgia without getting my supply of Chow Chow from Uncle Wallace. I told you they were our family - they feed us really good!!! Sunday night found us in the community of Brooklyn, Alabama. This is where my Dad was raised - it was good to see so many of his friends that he grew up with and to see Bertis & Sue Gilley!! My Mom & Dad, Uncle Horace & Aunt Bobbie Fortner were able to be with us and David's Mom & Dad and his wife Stacy and children Brandon, Chelsea and Celeste were able to spend a special Sunday night with us. It is so good to have the support of our families.
Another new place - the third weekend we made our first trip to West Virginia. Paul & Donna Shannon promoted a concert in Charleston and gave us the opportunity to bring our ministry to a new area. Again, we were with Greater Vision and the Kingdom Heirs - awesome concert! It was good to see Tom Wade and meet lots of new people in WV - we sure hope we get to go back soon. Saturday night we made our first appearance at a Coffeehouse. It was at the Oasis Room in Morristown, Tennessee. Our friend, Richard Jones, made this possible. We truly enjoyed singing to the patrons at the Oasis - thanks Ms. Nadine for a great time. Sunday morning - we are up for a return visit to the Montvue Baptist Church in Morristown. This is the home church of our great friend, Wesley Vaughn. It was good to see his Mom & Dad, Debbie Posey, Pastor Leroy & Mrs. Libby and Wesley's Fiance , Amanda - they have a wedding date set for June 11th - congrats go to the couple. But I will tell you - we don't go to Morristown, Tennessee without going to our great friends home - Jack & Carol Fleemon. These two are the neatest couple that you would ever want to meet - and their home is absolutely beautiful. But I gotta brag on the great meals that Mrs. Carol prepares. This lady can cook!!! If we went to Morristown more often I would weight 500 pounds!! They are so precious!!! We always enjoy their love and fellowship!! Sunday night - we are headed toward home - but not before we stop off in Knoxville, Tennessee at the Olivett Baptist Church. This is the home church of the Jeff Treece Band. It was good to see Jeff & Dusty - they made it for the invitation!! They had been in Alabama singing!! Thanks to Jimbo & Mr. Frank Treece for making this night happen. Also, it was good to finally meet David McGill. I've been talking to David for about three years on the phone and he came over to meet us - and even sang a couple of songs. I'm sure that you remember David from his days with the Kingdom Heirs and his signature song entitled "Test of Time". Great job David.
We will be at the Gospel Music Expo in Tupelo, Mississippi the 27th of February. We enjoy going to the Barnes Crossing Mall with our many friends that share the stage the last weekend of February. I'll be writing more next month on our last weekend in February!!
Make sure that you come and see us when you can!! Check out our web site at [url=http://www.newgroundministries.com]http://www.newgroundministries.com[/url]
Until He Comes,
Robbie Maxwell
New Ground
[url=http://www.newgroundministries.com]http://www.newgroundministries.com[/url]
Master’s Voice - Mar 2004
The more and more the Lord allows me to travel and minister, it becomes more and more obvious that people should not, and most of the time, cannot, travel and sing if they are not called to do so. There are so many sacrifices.
Whether it is missing your spouse, missing your children and all the neat things they do for the first time, or whether it is having a more stable job, or having "free time," there is a lot of things that are given up in order to be doing this; but we sure count it all joy! Trust me, we aren't complaining. I just want to encourage everyone to please pray for the men and women (and their families) who give their time and their lives in obedience to God's perfect will.
Another thing -- it is sometimes easy to get caught up in wanting more, doing more, singing more, etc., and there is nothing wrong with any of that if God is orchestrating it, but I have learned just very recently to really cherish what my Master allows me to do. I get to know that I am loved by the very Author Of Life. He saved me, and on top of that, He allows me to travel and sing with my very best friends in the whole world and tell everyone about what Jesus did for us! Yes, what a God we serve. Allow me this --> It is such a miracle to find...."her." Just ask our baritone, John Tidwell, who is newly engaged, what a miracle it is to find the girl God created just for him. To at least the same degree, it is such a miracle to be placed in a ministry with three men that I trust with my life and my family's lives, love unconditionally, and share the same passion and calling with. It really should be against the rules to have as much fun as we have sharing the gospel with folks. Of course, the miracle of all miracles is when Jesus changed my life forever! Lord, help me if that ever becomes ordinary!
Master's Voice
[url=http://www.mastersvoice.com]http://www.mastersvoice.com[/url]
Southern Sound Quartet - Mar 2004
Southern Sound is getting geared up for a year of Southern Gospel Singing. We firmly believe that we were put on this Earth to sing for God, and we intend on doing that as long as the breath in our bodies allow us to do so. We have so much to be thankful for, and I won't bore you with all those details for you surely must have a similar list. My but isn't God good!
The annual Grand Ole Gospel Reunion is again in August of this year and we will be there all three days this year. In fact, Southern Sound is supplying the sound equipment for the events scheduled at the Hyatt this year. This is one of the highlights of our year and we are really looking forward to seeing all our pals again, even Jonathon Sawrie. Also SogospelNews is throwing their annual bash in very late July and we will be there on Saturday evening this year.
I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you a thought that has been running through my mind and has brought both joy and a quickening chill to my heart. Has anyone considered that the much reviewed and discussed movie "The Passion Of Christ" could be ordained of God? Could He be trying to tell people of this world that His soon coming is much sooner than we might think? I can't help but believe that the God of all Mercy would certainly give everyone at least one final push to accept Him. The name of Jesus has recently, been uttered by more people than at any other time in history. That alone causes me to stop, think and pray.
We have a new piano player joining us in late May or early June, and I will have more on this in future articles. Right now we're trying to keep it under wraps for just a while longer. Now, last but not least, we have our annual homecoming at Fohs Hall in Marion, KY on September 25th at 6:30pm. Our featured guests this year are non other than Sunday Edition. We look forward to being in concert with Amy, Chris and Deon. You folks should plan on attending this event, for it will be a lot of fun. Full of pranks, laughter, sharing, and a lot of good Southern Gospel singing!
Be sure and check out these web sites:
[url=http://www.southernsoundquartet.com]http://www.southernsoundquartet.com[/url]
[url=http://www.zionmusic.com]http://www.zionmusic.com[/url]
Yours in Christ,
Ben Harris
Southern Sound Quartet
6340 Spera Pointe Crossing
Nashville, TN 37076
615-883-7375
Eddie Crook Artist of the Month - The Duvall Family
Trion , Georgia is probably the stereotypical sleepy little southern town. The Rand McNally Atlas Company lists their population at 1,700 and I'd say that might be generous. I can envision a couple of stop lights, some mom and pop stores, a gas station and of course a Post Office. I'm sure that Trion is a close community where everyone knows all of their neighbors on a first name basis and of course everything that's going on in town. However, there is something going on in Chattooga County that maybe most residents are not aware of but that many in the Southern Gospel nation are watching with great interest.
The point of interest is The Duvall Family. Jeff Duvall, his wife Amy and best friend Clay Parker make up this curiosity. Weekend after weekend after weekend they load up on their bus and head off across the country to sing the songs they have written. But that's where the similarity with a thousand other groups ends. When the Duvalls step on stage something wonderful happens. People of all sizes, shapes and ages respond to their humble, yet excited, presentation of the timeless Gospel message in song.
Eddie Crook for years has called it "magic". You can't teach it, buy it, steal it or manufacture it. You either have it or you don't. And Eddie should know this rare commodity when he sees it. He has seen it first hand with such artists as The Goodmans and The McKameys. "I can't explain what's going on exactly with The Duvalls, I just know that our Company is liking what we are seeing and the reports that we are hearing. But more importantly, the people across the country are liking what they are seeing and hearing!" states the legendary producer.
Humble beginnings are the foundation that The Duvalls are based upon. All three accepted Christ as their Savior at the ripe old age of seven. Amy and Jeff were both raised in Pastors' homes and grew up in strong churches. In fact as teenagers Jeff, Amy and Clay were all in the same youth group. Amy told this writer "it wasn't long after Jeff came into the picture that we began singing as a trio and we realized that we had something special. All of us loved the Lord and we all loved Southern Gospel Music! So that's what we have been doing ever since!"
In May 1997 Jeff and Amy were married. Their desire to have a family seemed like it would be only a dream due to medical issues. "We were just about ready to give up on ever having children" states Amy. "Just when it seemed hopeless God showed up and showed out! He blessed Jeff and me with two beautiful, healthy children Lucas and Eli! They are true gifts from God and we know in our hearts that they are!"
Clay Parker also comes from a strong spiritual family. Clay told this Singing News Magazine writer "My parents taught my sister and me to fear the Lord and to keep His commandments. I am so grateful of my parents and their unwavering support through the years." Clay is single and resides not far from Amy and Jeff. Clay has a passion for songwriting. He and Jeff pen the vast majority of their material including their current single "Go On Ahead". This heart - wrenching ballad tells the story of Clay's Grandparents and their wonderful love story that spanned sixty-five years of marriage.
If the current trend continues it won't be long until North Georgia sees less and less of The Duvalls. The phone is literally ringing off the hook for appearances by the family. "Right now we have more dates on the books than we ever have had" states Jeff. "We are so blessed!! I just don't understand everything that's going on in our ministry. All I know is that we don't want to ever get a single heart beat in front of the Lord. We have to stay in His will for our individual lives and the group corporately!" As this writer was researching this story, The Duvalls were returning from their most successful weekend ever! The trip had been five nights long and taken the group through several states in the North Eastern part of our country. "The Northeast and the Mid West have been so good to us" Parker said. "We can't wait to go back to those areas!"
MorningStar Records' Dave Wilcox thinks it won't be long until the entire Southern Gospel Music fan base is cognizant of The Duvalls and their music ministry. "These kids are uniquely special! It's been years since I have seen people across the board embrace a new group like they have The Duvalls. The last one I can recall with this kind of launch appeal was The Bishops!" That's tall cotton for these young people to be compared with. Wilcox continued "I am thrilled that radio has jumped on the Duvalls' single "Go On Ahead". From small town markets like Hazard, KY to large markets like Indianapolis to the powerful Solid Gospel Radio Network the response has been exceptional!"
Mr. Crook, Mr. Wilcox and their MorningStar team in an effort to continue to help the Duvalls to grow their ministry this year have formulated many plans. There is a new album in the works, lots of visits planned with media outlets and aggressive tour support just to mention a few. But through it all, you can rest assured that Jeff, Amy, Clay and their families will always remain just humble people in awe of what God is doing in their lives and their music ministry. How refreshing!
he Duvalls can be contacted by calling 706-506-9001 or by writing to 130 Monroe Green Road Trion , GA 30753 or by visiting [url=http://www.theduvallfamily.com]http://www.theduvallfamily.com [/url]
By W. David Seibert
The Couriers - Alaskan Cruise - Feb 2004
Join "Authentic Christian Ministries" on board Holland America 's msOosterdam, leaving out of Seattle, Washington on June 26 and returning on July 3, 2004. This seven-day Explorer Cruise will cruise Hubbard Glacier and travel to Juneau , Sitka , Ketchikan and Victoria , BC . We'll enjoy the wonderful splendor of God's creation and be blessed by great singing, speaking and fellowship with other Christians. We're anticipating many church and ministry leaders joining us on this trip for a much-needed time of retreat and refreshing.
Joining us on this trip are Phil and Jan Enloe, Sherman Andrus, The Classic Imperials, The Wehry Family, Lynn Swizinsky, Purchase Family, Dr. David Bishop, Bob Ricci, Rev. Alan Humphries and others.
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 Sherman Andrus |
 Classic Imperials |
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For more information and to down-load a brochure on line click here:
http://www.inspirationcruises.com/html/authentic_christian.html
Or call Inspiration Cruises directly at 1-800-247-1899
Wings of Grace - Feb 2004
Before we began calling ourselves Wings of Grace, we were known in our hometown as "Cheryl and the girls." Through a tragedy in our family in 1996, the Lord revealed the name "Wings of Grace" to Cheryl, so we got a trademark on the name and off we went as "Wings of Grace." Of course like most groups we started out with no equipment and no bus. As our bookings began to pick up each year, we prayed about our next steps for our ministry, and God provided a way for us to purchase sound equipment and a bus plus record our first project. Each year it is so amazing how God's love is so freely poured out on our ministry. Even when we get to the point of despair, HE always reassures us, that he has us sheltered safely within HIS wings of grace, mercy and love.
Our mission as Wings Of Grace is to do as God wants us to do through Him, and when we sing, it is not to be entertainers, but to spread the good news of the love of Jesus Christ. We share the message that Jesus is alive and through His blood, He offers salvation to all that will accept His precious gift. We want to spread encouragement and hope to fellow Christians and the biblical message of eternal life to all that will believe in the only begotten Son of God. The Lord Jesus is the only way to Heaven. He is truly the Way, the Truth and the Life, and no man can go unto the Father but by trusting in Him.
For the month of February, Wings of Grace was in Mount Airy North Carolina for a concert at Flat Rock Church of God on 2/7. We spent Valentine's day with the folks at Proximity UMC in Greensboro, NC for a Valentines Banquet and concert. Our next stops are at Not Ashamed Independent Baptist Church in High Point, NC on 2/18 and SouthSide Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC on 2/29. So, make plans to join us at one or more of our singings this year. Check out our Schedule page for additional singing events/times on our website [url=http://www.wings-of-grace.com]http://www.wings-of-grace.com[/url]
Beginning February - April, every 4th Thursday of the month, from 2-3pm, tune into AM950 WPET (Greensboro, NC station) for the Home Town Southern Gospel Music Hour. In this segment, Wings of Grace will be featured along with two other groups local groups Called Out and Heavenly Vision.
For more information about Wings of Grace, please visit our website. For booking information, please contact us at via phone or email, the contact information is below. Until next time, may God keep YOU sheltered safely within HIS wings of grace, mercy and love.
In Christ,
Cheryl, Tara, Lindy and all of Wings of Grace
3704 Clay Street
Greensboro, NC 27405
(336) 621-0219
[url=http://www.wings-of-grace.com]http://www.wings-of-grace.com[/url]
The Dunaways - Not Far from the Zinnias - Feb 2004
This month I want to share an experience that I lived through and how I came to trust God more than ever!
In 1996 we recorded our first family project. I remember praying through the spring of that year while I was out in my yard planting flowers. I would stick a zinnia in the ground and say "Lord, now do you really want us to do this, are you sure?" I just want your will.... but God never told me yes or no. I never felt clear on it, but Randall felt ok with it so I gladly went along.
That summer we indeed traveled to Big Stone Gap, VA to Mr. Charlie Maggard's to cut our first family record. It was dark when we arrived so we just went on in the motel. The next day, when we started over to the studio, I was so amazed to see that there were zinnias blooming all down the sides of the road! It was my answer and I knew God was talking to me.. Yes, I want you to do this....
Fast forward to August 1999. We had just built a small recording studio in our home in South Mississippi, and had released a few songs to radio. None of them really went anywhere, but just to enjoy doing it was a dream come true for me and the studio was just icing on the cake. I had some close friends, and Kanah was about 13 years old at the time. We would spend hours in the studio writing, singing, and recording, making our music. It was a very happy time for me.
One day in June, my husband let me know that he felt he was being called to pastor a church 3 hours north. I couldn't believe it because it seemed that God was just beginning to answer some prayers in my life. I remember climbing in our old van that The Dunaways had traveled in and crying my eyes out. I didn't want to leave my friends and my family, and I didn't want to give up our music. But it did seem that God was calling us to leave. So with a broken heart we said goodbye. Our kids 15 and 13 were devastated. Through that time we stood on one verse of scripture and trusted God. Matthew 19:29
Only a few weeks went by and I was determined to keep going where our music was concerned. I used a storage room and put my studio equipment back together. We even made a trip or two to Nashville to talk with different ones about recording a new project and trying to find direction with our music ministry.
One night we were asked to sing at The Neshoba County Coliseum. We were on stage and I completely fell apart. I began to cry and I couldn't stop. It was a horrible night to say the least. Over the next few weeks I poured myself into church work and tried to keep going, but I began to notice that my speech was different, my words were scrambled. I would say things backwards and stutter and sputter. I just couldn't talk or remember things well. This scared me enough to visit a Dr. because I was afraid I might be having mini strokes or something.
He gave me the surprise of my life when he took my hands and told me I was suffering from clinical depression. I never dreamed that is what it was. But I soon found out he was right! I got
to the place where I could not function. I stayed to myself most of the time. God only knows how I held it together at church because I was in a mess. I tried to keep going for my husband who had not yet been elected as pastor. I was very sick and I stayed that way for the next year and seven months.
Still in my depression but fighting it, we had rented a building downtown and moved my studio there. The building was the old Busy Bee. Just get Marty Stuart's book if you want to know about that place. Anyway, two ladies, Betty Seward and Rachel Evans came by and told me they had written a book. They asked if I could record an audio version of it. I said yes, I will try. The story was about a girl who was orphaned as I was. There were so many similarities in their book that seemed to be about my own life that it was really odd. They didn't know me from Adam's housecat.
At the end of the session the lady asked me. "Don't you want to know the name of my book" I said yes..Instead of just telling me, she turned over to a page and read about them working in the cotton fields. She said we always planted zinnias at the end of the rows because we knew when we caught site of the beautiful flowers we would soon reach the end of our row. "The name of my book is: "Not Far From The Zinnias"
I almost fainted. Now if you can't see what was happening here you are poor blind and naked! After so many years and such a long time of sickness, God was giving me hope that the flowers would bloom again and the birds would sing again and the sun would shine again! God had remembered me being on my knees in my flower garden talking to him many years ago.
Not too long after that the Lord began to heal me of depression. I am totally healed today! We went on to record Born Again Experience and then Beautiful Day and here I am telling you
about it! To God Be The Glory!
If he chooses to send sickness my way again, or take away the things I love, I pray that this experience has caused me to firmly stand on his word and trust him. Knowing that the zinnias "will" bloom again!
Until Next Time
Tammy Dunaway
The Dunaways
[url=http://www.dunawaymusic.com]http://www.dunawaymusic.com[/url]
Southern Sound - Feb 2004
We are looking forward to a year of fun events, some in places we have never been before, such as the Michigan area. We will also be at the SoGospelNews.com convention on July 19th this year and we are really looking forward to this event. I get to tease Deon in person a bit, and be on the program with my good friends the Imperials. Terry, Jim, Sherman, and Armond created a sound that in my opinion has yet to be equaled. They were and are the best.
We will also be at Grand Ole Gospel Reunion again this year and we are so much looking forward to that. Charlie Waller is a great supporter of the old quartet music I grew up on, and it is always a lot of fun being at one of his events, if not totally surprising, for you never know what to expect next. We will be with the Wilburns in Caledonia MI in early March, and this is a first on two levels. First we have never sung in that area, and secondly we have never appeared with the Wilburns. I am looking forward to both. In early July we will be performing at the Shadow Valley Festival in Fayetteville, TN, and this is a first for us as well. Mr. Carlton Brady has been sponsoring this event for many years and we look forward to being with Carlton on July the 1st.
The National Quartet Convention seems a lifetime away, but in reality, a couple of blinks of the eye and it will be upon us. This year will be much like the others, a lot of work, but for evermore worth the effort. It is the premier Southern Gospel event of the year.
We have a new piano player joining us in late May or early June, and I will have more on this in future articles. Right now we're trying to keep it under wraps for just a while longer. Now, last but not least, we have our annual homecoming at Fohs Hall in Marion, KY on September 25th at 6:30pm. Our featured guests this year are non other than Sunday Edition. We look forward to being in concert with Amy, Chris and Deon. You folks should plan on attending this event, for it will be a lot of fun. Full of pranks, laughter, sharing, and a lot of good Southern Gospel singing!
Be sure and check out these web sites:
[url=http://www.southernsoundquartet.com]http://www.southernsoundquartet.com[/url]
[url=http://www.zionmusic.com]http://www.zionmusic.com[/url]
Yours in Christ,
Ben Harris
Southern Sound Quartet
6340 Spera Pointe Crossing
Nashville, TN 37076
615-883-7375
Southern Harmony - Feb 2004
We have been so busy we overlooked our article last month. January was very busy with us trying to get 2004 booked. As of the first of January, we have an exclusive agreement with Century II Promotions. We look forward to working with Daniel Johnson, who has recently been employed by Sonny Simmons to book his roster of gospel artists.
February looks to be a good month for southern Harmony as we travel through the southern states. We have paired with our home church, Vincent Revival Center - Pastor Tim Tilman to do the music portion of a four night crusade to be held in Meridian, Mississippi. This type of work is what you could say is Southern Harmony's forte. We look forward to being involved in many of these crusades throughout the year.
As most of you know things never stay the same, we are currently auditioning sopranos. We have been much in pray and have been assured God is going to send the right person to fill this position. If you know of anyone, please contact Don Garrett (205) 814-9192 or (205) 672-7862 or email
God Bless!
Don Garrett
Southern Harmony
[url=http://www.southernharmonyonline.net]http://www.southernharmonyonline.net[/url]
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