News
Plane Crash Claims the Lives of a Southern Gospel Group
Many southern gospel fans were in shock this morning upon hearing news of a plane crash that claimed the lives of Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber and Nathan Kistler, their assistant, Melodi Hodges, and pilot, Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa.
The crash occurred near Gillette, Wyoming, where the group was on their way to meet up with their Gaither Homecoming friends for an Alaskan cruise.
The first song I remember hearing the Nelons sing was “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” back in the 1980s, but when I think of the current group, the song that comes to mind is “Then Came the Morning.” I was impressed with Amber’s voice the first time I heard it, and she just got better as time went on.
Please keep Autumn Nelon Streetman and the rest of the Nelon and Clark families in your prayers.
A Death and a Recovery
By now, you may have heard that Henry Slaughter passed away Friday morning from pneumonia which was a result of COVID. I can’t help but think of Henry and Hazel without thinking of my grandparents. My grandparents recorded some records years ago and had the opportunity to meet Henry and Hazel during one of their recording sessions. I never had that chance, but I always felt like Henry was one of the faithful. He will be missed.
In other news, Steve Weatherford is finally home after being in the hospital since early October. He had quite a fight with COVID, and I wasn’t sure if he was going to pull through, but God … I’m rejoicing with his family while praying that God will continue to restore his health 100%.
I know that God answers prayer, and I can tell of instances where He has done miracles in my life, but I find it easy to become like the Israelites who would see God do amazing things and then the next day, they would forget all about it. God, help me to be faithful, to praise You for answered prayers, to trust You when You do not answer the way I want you to, and may I always be ready to give an answer for the Hope that lies within me.
A Conference Worth Watching
Many years ago, we became aware of Pure Life Ministries, a ministry that is dedicated to calling people to holiness. In 2000, they started an annual conference which we attended for several years. I have not been able to attend in quite a while so I am thrilled that they are live streaming this year’s conference. I just watched the first session, and I am excited to see how God speaks to my heart this weekend. They will be streaming the first session again tonight at 9:00 EST and tomorrow morning at 8:00 EST. Plus there will be several other speakers. I encourage you to make time to catch some of these sessions. You will find the schedule at the bottom of here. Below is the trailer which will give you more information. May we be bold followers of God in the midst of a crooked and perverse world.
Larry Hinson Is in Heaven
I received the sad news last evening that Larry Hinson of the Original Hinsons passed away unexpectedly. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to meet him and his wife, Jana, a few years ago. He will be truly missed. My prayers are with the family. This is the first song I thought of when thinking about Larry. He sings the second verse. I hope you enjoy.
Concert Withdrawal, Be Gone!
Does anybody else feel like it’s been way too long since they’ve attended a concert? I sure do, so I was thrilled to find Godsey Media’s HopeSings Concerts During Crisis. These are concerts that you can watch online. They are charging $20 per ticket, but your money is going to help artists who have been out of work for six weeks or so while the country has been locked down. Since I make much of my income traveling and doing events, I understand how difficult this time is and how much more so for groups that support several households through singing. This is not a time to think, “I can watch videos for free on YouTube.” This is a time to support your favorite groups so that they can continue to sing once the ban is lifted. Plus they would like to keep eating and paying bills before then.
I realize a lot of people are without work now, but if you still have money coming in and have some extra to share, I hope that you will check out the schedule and support one or more of the groups or artists who will be performing. For instance, tonight the Nelons will be giving a concert at 7:00. Then Saturday will feature Triumphant. On Sunday, Riley Harrison Clark, Gene McDonald, and their Surprise Quartet will be performing. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. One thing I like about this approach is that the artists aren’t just asking for money. They are willing to perform to an empty room while giving you a concert like you would expect to see in a concert hall.
Don’t forget to pray for these artists too. Many are feeling the strain of this time, so if you can’t support them financially, you can still lift them up to the Father and ask Him to give them strength and encourage their hearts. I’m so thankful to serve a God who has promised to meet all of our needs, many times using Brothers and Sisters in Christ to do just that. If you do watch some of these concerts, I’d love to know who you saw and how they ministered to you. God bless you all!
Dave Kyllonen Passed Away
I found out today that Dave Kyllonen, formerly of the Couriers, has gone Home to be with Jesus. Growing up in Maryland, the Couriers were popular on the one southern gospel station I could get but I only saw them one time outside of NQC, and that was a number of years ago in my current state of Michigan. I appreciated how the group never lost their focus.
My heart goes out to Dave’s friends and family. Please keep them in your prayers.
Les Beasley Passes Away
This morning, I awoke to the news that another southern gospel icon has gone on to Heaven. Although I’ve seen Les at the National Quartet Convention, I didn’t really know him. My impression of him was a man who loved people and always took time for them no matter how busy he probably was. He always seemed to be smiling. My heart goes out to those who were close to him. Please pray for the Beasley family and all those who knew and loved him.
Another Death in the Brady Family
The last couple years have been rough for Jim Brady and his family. Last year, Jim’s dad and sister went on to Heaven within a short time of each other. The other night, Jim’s older brother Chuck was killed in a car accident. Please keep the Brady Family in your prayers once again. May God grant them comfort like only He can.
47th Annual Singing News Fan Award Winners
The Singing News Fan Awards program occurred Wednesday afternoon. For those who haven’t heard who the winners were, I’ll list them below.
Soloist: Ivan Parker
New Artist: Goodman Revival
They sang the Happy Goodman’s hit song, “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now.”
Band: Kingdom Heirs
Dennis Murphy thanked everyone for their prayers. He mentioned that they’ve had a rough few years and commented on how God underestimates how much they can handle. The fact that they are still going, though, is proof that God is giving them strength in spite of the storms. It was a reminder to me to keep them in my prayers.
Mixed Group: The Collingsworth Family
Soprano: Kim Hopper
Tenor: Michael Booth
Radio Station: WJBX (Knoxville)
Pianist: Kim Collingsworth
Songwriter: Rodney Griffin
Alto: Connie Hopper
Lead: Ronnie Booth
Trio: The Booth Brothers
Young Artist: Riley Harrison Clark
Tribute sang “Nothing Stops the Savior’s Love,” which features Riley.
Bass: Eric Bennett
Baritone: Mark Trammell
Mark quoted Psalm 1:1 in his acceptance speech. He also commented about his ministry: “While it’s the joy of my life, it’s also the greatest responsibility other than providing for my family.”
Quartet: Triumphant
They then sang their popular song, “Saved By Grace.”
Song: Amazing God (Triumphant)
Album: Living in Harmony (Triumphant)
Artist: Booth Brothers
Gerald Wolfe and Jason Crabb hosted the evening. They began and ended the awards show with the song, “Bye and Bye.” At one point, Gerald talked about how, whether you like it or not, people are watching you. He told the audience, “I know you’re human so you’re not perfect but do your best not to disappoint those who look up to you.” This applies to all Christians.
Each group that had a song nominated for song of the year sang those songs. They are as follows:
Greater Vision: “Put Out the Fire”
Triumphant: “Amazing God”
Karen Peck and New River: “Pray Now”
Wilburn & Wilburn: “You Asked Him to Leave”The Whisnants: “Worry Ends Where Faith Begins”
Loren Harris Joins the Kingdom Heirs
The Kingdom Heirs announced yesterday that Loren Harris will be their new baritone, replacing Brian Alvey who recently left the group. It’s been a while since I have been excited about a group change, but I am very happy that Loren will be back on the NQC main stage this year. I won’t be attending the convention, but I plan to watch it online, and I’ll be making a point especially to see the Kingdom Heirs set.
