02/20/2008

Welcome to our first newsletter. We appreciate those of you who visit our website. We hope to keep you coming back often.

Category: General

Posted by: admin

Welcome to our first newsletter. We appreciate those of you who visit our website. We hope to keep you coming back often.

We had a great time ringing in the New Year with our friends the Lesters in Pontiac, IL. The city of Pontiac hosts a great event called First Night. We kicked it off at 6 p.m. and rotated hourly with the Lesters until the midnight hour. The crowds rotated in throughout the night. This was Tom’s last official date with the group and a memorable one. Snow began to fall just prior to the concert and roads were treacherous going home. The good news is all is well and we made it fine.

I had the opportunity to sing one more time with my former group, Crimson Gold, on Sat. January, 12. They hosted a benefit concert for my sister and brother in-law and their daughter Jessica in Fredericktown, MO. Jessica battled Leukemia for the last four years and was in attendance that evening. The Lord called her home the following Wednesday but it was great for the family to gather one last time at church. Over $5000.00 dollars was raised during this event. Thanks Crimson Gold for giving of yourselves during this time. Please continue to pray for Brad and Teresa Chapman as they deal with the loss of their daughter. The Lord used the music that we sing to minister to us during her final moments and during the visitation and funeral. These words will continue to hold us as we go through the healing process as well.

January 13th took us to 1st Assembly of God in Jerseyville, IL. Pastor Randy Cartwright and his congregation have recently started a monthly concert series at the church. We had a great service and a wonderful time visiting afterwards with the pastor and his wife over a nice meal.

Saturday, January 26th, we gathered with a whole bunch of our friends at Grace World Outreach in Brooksville, FL. Promoters Gene and Ann Young of YoungSong have began an exciting new concert series under the name Magnify Ministries. We were joined by fellow artists, Young Harmony, Sacred Harmony, the Chosen Ones and Bill Schell. This Gaither style program is filled with great music and powerful testimonies. Several decisions were made for Christ during this evening. Thanks to Pastor Garcia for allowing us the opportunity to share this ministry with the people of Brooksville.

On Monday, all the Magnify artists boarded the Carnival cruise ship, Inspiration for a week of fun, food, and ministry as we sailed to Grand Cayman and Cazumel. We were also joined by several newcomers to Magnify, including, 2nd Generation, the Nehrkorns, and Christian Country artist, Tim Goss. Tim Lovelace was our emcee for the week and kept us in stitches all week long. Pastor Garcia was our speaker for the week and kept us uplifted and challenged. At least 10 people received Christ during this five day cruise, making it a huge success. Tom joined us for a couple of songs on Wednesday night.

We were joined on the trip by former Gospel Four pianist, Dan Turos and his wife Laura. Dan is now pastoring in Michigan. It was great to have them with us along with Claude’s mother in-law Iva and cousin Barbara. Tom and Bonnie were also on the bus with us on the way home. I can’t remember when I have laughed so much.

I would like to invite all of you that can come to a special memorial concert for my niece Jessica. Claude and Rod have put this together along with our friends, the Chosen Ones, Southern Tradition and Sharon Cadle. The concert is Saturday, February 23, 2008 at the Roxanna Theatre in Roxanna, IL. All proceeds will go to help with hospital and funeral expenses for Jessica. This should be a special evening as we celebrate her life and share our Christian love.

Thanks again for visiting and I’ll update each month.

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