News
Pat Barker to Leave Mark Trammell Quartet
I am one of those who was saddened to hear about Pat Barker leaving The Mark Trammell Quartet in a few weeks but I am old enough to realize that, to everything, there is a season. Although I do not like change, I do know that change is rarely as bad as I think it will be. God has a plan. I wish Pat the best and hope to see him singing again one day. Please keep The Mark Trammell Quartet in your prayers as they try to find a replacement for Brother Pat.
Harold Gilley Passes Away
I learned this afternoon that Harold Gilley passed away. I’m still in a bit of shock as I didn’t know he was sick.
I first heard Mr. Gilley in the mid-1990s when he was with Palmetto State Quartet. I’d not paid much attention to bass singers at that time as I preferred tenors but he instantly became a favorite and I thought if he stayed with PSQ long enough, he’d win some fan awards. He was only with them a couple years and then I lost track of him.
In 2003, he joined Danny Funderburk and Mercy’s Way. I was thrilled that one of my favorite tenors and my favorite bass was going to be singing together. I attended the National Quartet Convention that year and had the blessing of meeting Mr. Gilley for the first time.
It was six years before I heard Harold’s name and saw him again at the National Quartet Convention. As he would come to my mind I would pray for him so I was very sad to hear of his death today.
It reminded me again how short life is and how important it is to shine God’s light everywhere we go because we never know when the next breath will be our last.
Chris Allman Has a Blog
Although not new news, I just found Chris Allman’s blog a few days ago. You may know Chris as the tenor for Greater Vision; however, God has also gifted him in being able to write well and communicate Scriptural truths and insights. I read several of his entries today and, although I am not a blog reader, his is a blog worth reading.
Gwen Wilkerson goes to Heaven
I found out this morning that Gwen Wilkerson, the wife of the late David Wilkerson has gone Home to be with Jesus. Once again, our loss is Heaven’s gain. Her family said she “went to be with Christ with great peace and even anticipation.” What a way to go! As much as I am saddened by her death, I know she is rejoicing to be with her Savior and to be reunited with her husband.
I never met Mrs. Wilkerson but I’ve always thought of her as the epitome of a faithful woman. She was married to the same man for 58 years. She was faithfully by his side as he followed God wholeheartedly in a calling that couldn’t have been easy for her. I suspect Brother David would not have been as effective without her love and support. In Proverbs 31:10, Solomon asks, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Brother David obviously found one and now she’s once again at his side.
This morning, I ask you to once again pray for the Wilkerson family. Losing both parents within 15 months of each other cannot be easy but I pray they feel God’s grace and that they draw even closer to Him during this time.
Janice Eleton Goes to Heaven
I found out yesterday that Janice Eleton, the mother of Channing Eleton passed away last week. I know there are many who have prayed for her for a while, and the answer finally came–maybe not in the way we would have chosen but God never makes a mistake.
I didn’t know Mrs. Eleton well but I always enjoyed seeing her and was touched by her sweet spirit. It was obvious that she did not need to be the center of attention but was very supportive of her husband Earl and their children.
The older I get, the more I realize how much of a vapor life really is. When you’re young, you feel like you have your whole life ahead of you. As you get older, you realize how much time is behind you and you learn the importance of making sure every moment counts. In the scope of eternity, our life on earth is not very long at all.
Please keep Earl and Channing and the rest of the Eleton family in your prayers.
Update on Jack Laws
The latest update on Jack Laws is that he is home but still needs 3 bypasses, 2 valves replaced, his teeth pulled, his sugar regulated and his blood pressure regulated. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. Troy Burns is keeping people updated on his family’s Facebook page.
Howard Hayes Receives His Payday
A day after I heard about Howard Hayes having cancer, I heard of his Homegoing. What a day of rejoicing this is in Heaven but, for those left behind, this is a sad day. I only met Howard briefly a few years ago but I love seeing the Hayes family sing. Their love for God and their love for each other radiates through each of them and it was a blessing to meet the patriarch of this group.
I debated on whether or not to post this video but, when I heard of Howard’s death, it’s the song I wanted to hear. I pray it’s a blessing to you too.
Please keep the Hayes family in your prayers.
The Copenhavers in the Studio
Yesterday, I had the unique privilege of attending a concert by the Copenhavers at Gaither Studios in Alexandria, Indiana. This was the first concert of theirs I’ve ever been to but the fact that it was also a live recording made it that much more exciting. All the songs they sang were written by Bill & Gloria Gaither, some with the same arrangements and some with a Copenhaver flair. I won’t give you the song list now but be watching for their new CD.
Tribute Quartet’s Bus Catches Fire
Friday afternoon around 5:00 p.m. the Tribute Quartet lost their bus when the rear passenger tire blew and caught fire. I am so thankful that no one was hurt but, in a way, for people who live half their lives on a bus, it’s got to be similar to losing a home. Buses are very expensive to replace. Plus most of the clothing on the bus was burned as well, another expense they weren’t counting on. Everything happens for a reason and God’s hand of protection was definitely on them even though satan would love to see them discouraged and defeated.
Please pray that God will encourage their hearts, that He’ll give them the strength to go back on the road next weekend and that He will restore ten-fold what the devil’s stolen. I noticed on their website that they encourage people to write in with their prayer requests. Now is the perfect opportunity to return the favor by lifting them up to the Throne. We serve a faithful God.
If God lays it on your heart, I’m sure they would also appreciate your support however you feel led to support them, whether monetarily or just with a note of encouragement. You will find their address on their website and, while you’re at it, you may want to purchase a CD. 🙂
Phil Collingsworth Home from Hospital
Thank you to everyone who has been praying for the Collingsworth family. The latest Facebook update states that Phil is home. He is still recovering so we need to keep praying but God is answering and I praise Him for that!
I’m a firm believer that, when you ask someone to pray for something, you also need to share the praise report when God answers. I’m doing both with this post: asking for continued prayer but praising God for His marvelous work.
Thank You, God, for hearing our prayers and thank You for the work you are continuing to do in and through the Collingsworth Family. You are so faithful and we love You.
