2007

LeFevre Quartet

We are so grateful how the industry, fans and churches all across the United States have accepted and supported The LeFevre Quartet. In the past two years since the formation of the group, we have been honored and humbled by being named Horizon Group of the year (2006) by the Singing News and Break Through Artist of The Year by SoGospelNews (2007). We want to send a great big THANK YOU out to Sogospelnews.com for featuring a short monthly column where you can hopefully get to know us a little better and keep up with some funny things that happen to us on the road.

I’d like to use our first article as a short introduction to The LeFevre Quartet for those who may not know who the guys are. First of all, my name is Mike LeFevre. For those of you who may not know, I am Eva Mae’s nephew. I started my professional career singing baritone for The Alphus LeFevre Singers. I later sang for The Singing Americans and then spent seven years with Gold City. I was blessed to receive several fan awards during that time and it has been great to see so many people that I haven’t seen in so long. After Gold City, I was one of the original members of Brian Free & Assurance. My wife Kathy and I live here in Gainesville, GA with our kids Jordan and Keelyl. I’d like to tell you about this great group of guys that make up the LeFevre Quartet.

Bringing up the bass for the group is Stacy Bragg. Stacy spent a short time with the prestigious Statesmen Quartet. We have been friends for many years. Stacy’s quick wit and sense of humor on stage not only keeps the crowds laughing, he makes life on the road funny ha ha. You will know if Stacy has driven the bus through your town, because you will probably have to go down to Home Depot and buy you a new mail box. Don’t ask! Stacy lives in Gainesville, GA with his wife Claudette and two little girls Emily and Maddie.

Our tenor singer is Gus Gaches. If you read the credits on the inside insert of cd’s coming out of Nashville, you are bound to have seen his name. There aren’t many artists who don’t call on his expertise as a background vocalist, song writer, engineer or producer when they want the best sound. I can honestly tell you that he is probably one of the best tenor singers I’ve ever heard. Gus lives in Goodlettesville, TN with his wife Tamara and two kids, Gus and Kylee.

Singing lead is David Staton. As a songwriter, there aren’t many artists in gospel music who hasn’t recorded his music. His first cut was ironically recorded by Gold City when I was a member. Since then he has lost count of the number of artists who have recorded his music. He does remember Jeff & Sheri Easter taking his song “There Is A Way” to the number one position. Vocally, he is admired by the best singers around. David lives in Pleasant View, TN with wife T’Juana and three children Austin, Grace and Katherine.

Playing drums for us is a good looking, 16 year old boy. He is my son, Jordan LeFevre. I’m extremely proud of him. He is not only a great drummer, he probably knows more about our bus and every kind of bus in the world than all of us put together. He loves buses so much, that I think once we get him trained on the driving, none of us may ever have to drive again. Jordan lives at home with me, his mom Kathy and little sister Keely.

Many of you will remember a long time ago, the Kingsmen hired an extremely young piano player named Anthony Burger. That young, excited kid went on to become one of the most respected musicians ever. Keep that in mind as you watch our 17 year old piano player, Trey Ivey. He is extremely talented and we are fortunate to have him be a part of what we’re doing. Trey lives in Flowery Branch, GA with his parents Kevin and Joan and sisters Jody and Marissa.

The greatest thing about having such a young band is that they love McDonalds happy meals and the toys keep them entertained for hours.

I know that this first article reads more like a biography of the group, but I just want to let people kind of meet the guys. They are not only some of the most talented guys I’ve ever worked with, they everyone have a passion for ministry and that is what God uses above everything. I look forward to sharing stories and different happenings each month through this monthly article.

Mike LeFevre
LeFevre Quartet
http://www.lefevrequartet.com

A Clean Record

We were on our way to church and were running a little late. (I should know better than to answer the phone on a Sunday morning…) Anyway, there we were, bee-bopping along with a good Gospel CD roaring in the player. As a rule, I don’t speed. As a habit, when Tim sees a police car, he says, “He got you. It actually gets on my nerves BECAUSE I don’t speed. I always say, “What is he going to get me for? I’m not doing anything.” Well, on this particular morning as I topped a hill going into town, Tim quickly said, “He got you.” I looked over and saw the police car, looked down at the speedometer, and realized that the speed limit had dropped as we reached the city limits. I pulled over as the blue lights began to flash and told Rebecca to hand me my driver’s license. She quickly asked, “Do you want me to start crying?” Rolling my eyes, I said, “No! Just give me my driver’s license!”

As the officer got to the window, I handed him my information. He began with the age old question, “Where are you going in such a hurry?” “Church,” I quickly replied, thinking that would have to help a little. He asked if I had anything on my record… speeding tickets, DUI, etc. I told him no. As he carried my license back to his vehicle to run a check, I looked at Tim and mumbled, “Oh, I forgot about the ticket in Florida last March.” I began to silently repeat – I’m blessed and highly favored in Jesus. I’m blessed and highly favored in Jesus. As the patrolman approached my window again, I was prepared to tell him I had just forgotten about the Florida ticket. He handed me back my info as he continued to write on his notepad. The words I’m blessed and highly favored in Jesus continued to roll over and over in my head. The officer then said something that surprised me. “Since there’s nothing on your record, I’m going to let you go with a warning this time.” (I guess the Florida thing didn’t show up.) I thanked him and then jokingly asked, “My DUI didn’t show up?” He just grinned while from the back seat, Rebecca groaned, “Oh Mother!”
As I pulled off, I began to think about the ticket I KNEW I had gotten. It should have shown up. I KNEW I didn’t have a clean record! Then I began to think of my past – and I don’t mean my past driving record. The Lord began to speak into my spirit about the way He has given me a clean record. I KNOW there are things in my past. I KNOW I don’t have a clean slate! But somehow, some way, God manages to get into the system and clean up our record. There are things in our past that should show up, but “As high as the heaven is above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 51 Once we accept Christ, there is no longer anything on our record. That’s what grace does for us. I don’t plan to get in my van and begin to speed everywhere I go because I got out of that ticket. I don’t plan to go out and commit whatever sin I choose because I’m covered by the grace of God. The realization of the sacrifice Christ made by shedding His blood on the cross makes me want to walk closer to Him. I don’t want to walk the perimeter of grace. My gratefulness to Him for His unfailing love and for cleaning me up makes me want to live right.

I have gotten only two speeding tickets in my lifetime… no DUI. The rest of my past, not including my driving record, is none of your business.

till next time…
Sally

Be listening for our new radio single release – “THE WORD IS OUT” – from our new album of the same title! Co-written with Daryl Williams. Released through the Rick Hendrix Company Comp 49 Cut 4.

For bookings or product, simply call 615-459-5119 or email us at for more information.

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Don’t forget the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky September 9th – 15th. The Quicks will be at Booth #1804 all week as well as appearing in several showcases. We hope to see you there!

Who Touched Me

We sing a song titled "Who Touched Me". It talks about the woman in the Bible with the issue of blood and how she suffered many years, she had cried so many tears, and she felt like all hope was gone. But then she heard of the healer coming to town and she traveled many miles to see him. She knew in her heart that just one touch from him would make her whole again. I picture in my mind the scene. I believe that there had to be thousands of people there that day, Many people yelling touch me, heal me, touch my child, I'm blind, I'm crippled. But this women didn't say a word. All she did was touch the hem of his garment. Jesus could feel her touch because of her passion. She knew that he could heal her. She knew that he was her only hope. And in the midst of everything that was going on around Jesus, he turned and said "Who Touched Me"?

Before we sing this song I talk to the people and ask them, who setting here is going through something, you may need a healing, you made have unsaved children, you may have marital problems, financial problems, etc. We go to our brother, sister, doctor, minister, books, everywhere but to him. The Bible says to take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there. Where is our passion today? Where is our faith?

Every time we sing this song, we see tears flowing. Jesus is waiting on you to call upon his name. In heaven today I'm sure there is a lot going on with Jesus sharing stories, saints shouting and rejoicing. But all he needs is for you to touch him. He will turn to heaven and say shh. "Someone needs me right this moment". You are already healed, your child is already saved, your marriage is healed, your finances are healed. You have to have the passion and claim it in Jesus name.

Be blessed!

2nd generation
http://www.2ndgenerationministries.com

Reflections - Aug 07

AUGUST REFLECTIONS ‘07

It’s that time again. Before you know it the swings in the park will be still except for an occasional breeze nudging them gently forward and back. The city pool will be drained and the corner Hawaiian ice stand will be closed for the season. The kids are gearing up to head back to school.

I remember like it was yesterday the mix of feelings that came flooding in the week or so before school began. On one hand, there was excitement about what lay ahead. (Would that cute kid Jerry be in my class again this year?) On the other hand, there was dread. Who will my teacher be? (Please, God… not Mrs. Lemerman.)

There was usually a new pair of shoes to get used to. I’ll never forget the year I started school with a pair of red velveteen saddle oxfords….a fashion statement that should never have been made. And sometimes there was a new dress or two…the kind with big floppy bib-type collars that were always in the way and sash belts that the mean red-haired kid wouldn’t stop yanking on.

I can’t walk through a display of school supplies without waxing a little nostalgic. The old school tablets had grayish paper and a texture so coarse it often contained splinters. Of course, the standard No. 2 lead pencil was a necessity, as well as a big gummy eraser. There were child-size scissors with blunt noses…no points allowed until fourth grade. There was colorful construction paper and a box of Crayons. I always wished for the box of 48, but got the box of 16; and although it’s a little late, one day a couple of years ago when Crayola celebrated their hundred and something birthday, I bought a box of 96 in special “anniversary” packaging and tucked them away…just because.

Although water color paints are now packaged, like everything else, in plastic, when I was a kid they came in a long, metal tin with the brand “Prang” scrawled across the top. The colors were brilliant and the metal box closed with a distinctive snap. I remember the class clown placing the soft bristles of the paint brush under his nose as though he had a mustache and we all giggled predictably.

Then, of course, there was the mandatory search for an empty cigar box to hold all the art supplies. This was particularly problematic because as a Church of God family, we didn’t smoke cigars or know anyone who did. So I had to canvass the neighborhood or beg one from the local drugstore.

I usually started the year with last year’s wooden ruler, and then at some point the fire chief would come in, tell us about fire safety and pass out new ones. (I was never quite sure what twelve-inch rulers had to do with fire safety.)

At some point soon after school began, the Superintendent would bring a gift from the school district for each classroom. One year he brought a huge, brightly colored globe that had raised relief areas where the mountains were. I was impressed. We couldn’t remember Mr. Brunges name, so we referred to him as “the man who brought the world”.

The first couple of weeks were usually pretty uneventful. The teachers were adjusting to the students and likewise the students to the teachers. But all too soon the scholastic honeymoon was over and it was time to get down to business.

I loved reading and spelling and was nearly always one of the last kids standing in the spelling bees; but arithmetic was another story. I seemed to be able to add all right, but subtraction was a bit of a puzzle. I couldn’t tell you how many recesses I remained in my seat toiling over unfinished problems. I just didn’t understand how everyone else finished before me.

One day a friend stopped by my desk to say “meet you on the playground” and glanced down at my paper. I was working the problems the way I always had…make 64 marks on the paper, cross out 37 of them, and then count what was left. (I never said I was bright.) She dropped her jaw and said, “Oooooh, you’re doin’ it the hard way.” I KNEW that! I knew I was doing it the hard way. What I DIDN’T know was the easy way, and before I could ask her, she flitted off to join the others on the playground. Another recess missed.

I wonder how often we as Christians are content to make observations and point out the shortcomings of others without offering any real answers. We make our judgments and comments and then hurry off to the ice cream social as if our holier-than-thou criticism alone were enough. People are struggling, and they need answers. They may be trying to solve life’s problems in the same old way, not realizing Jesus has a better way; or they may be actively trying to pursue a Christian walk, but need someone to come alongside and “tutor” them.

Although, I graduated a long time ago, I’m still in school. This life is a school, and God is always trying to teach me something. I just need to pay attention and learn as much as I can so I can help others … because there may be someone else doin’ it the hard way.

Still learning,

Janice Crow

The Older I Get

August is here, School is ready to start back and time is slipping away. I remember as a child growing up in Appalachia we didn't have a lot to do and I couldn't wait until I turned 16 to get my drivers license.It seemed like time just didn't go fast enough.Time was so slow that it took 2 hours to watch 60 minutes on TV. ha! ha! ha! Now it goes by so fast I don't even remember what day it is half the time.

Well times do change and so do we But Jesus said, "I am the same yesterday,today and forever and change not".I remember a song that The Chandlers recorded titled "I'm not getting older I'm just getting closer to home". To me that says it all. No matter how old we get were just getting ready to live again. Each day that I go to work people complain about this and that and I say "Look at it like this were one day closer to retirement".

One day we will be able to sit down and rest and time will mean nothing anymore cause were gonna live forever.Our new single talks about Heaven Holding Our Memories. The older we get we recall the memories of our childhood,years past and loved ones gone on, But those memories will live again one day when we go home!

Til next time,

God Bless

Kenny Hall
http://www.myspace.com/kennyhallmusic

Aaron & Amanda Crabb

Hello everyone.. Hope this finds you blessed.

Aaron and I have had a very couple busy months. We have been to the Bahamas, Alaska, and of course everywhere in between.

We are coming upon the date of the Crabb Family going different ways. Last weekend we held our Crabb Explosion in Cleveland,Tn and we had a time. There were lots of memories shared, which lead to a lot of tears, and laughs. As we all head out this next weekend, please keep each of us in your prayers. We are entering a new season in our lives. Change isn't always easy, but we know that with God all things are possible..

Aaron and I are putting the final touches on our album "After the Rain" which will be available August of "07". You may visit http://www.aaronandamandacrabb.com for more information. Also be watching to see when we may be in your area.

I want to share just a small bit of what Aaron preached at Crabb Explosion. God revealed to him the word depression. He took his text from Phil. 3: 13-14. Putting those things which are behind and pressing forward to the mark.

God showed him to break down the word depression. Take the de-the things that are behind us... You have press. Then remove the i factor- YOURSELF.. And you have on... **PRESS*ON..

Don't allow then enemy to keep you depressed because of your past or yourself. Press On.. Sometimes the past isn't always bad.. There are people that are holding onto things that God says that was yesterday I want to do a new thing. Don't be depressed, just press...

God Bless you all..

Aaron and Amanda Crabb
http://www.aaronandamandacrabb.com