Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 1
Tina Wakefield Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 2
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Fall, 2017 - Edition IV Table of Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 15 16 17 19 21 23
Cover August #1 Song September #1 Song October #1 Song Table of Contents Just A Thought Recovery Focus The Fruit of the Spirit Heart Attack? The Way I See It Under His Feet The Resurrection of Gavin Stone My Pappy Used To Say Country For The Good Life Top 100 - August, 2017 Country For The Good Life Top 100 - September, 2017 Country For The Good Life Top 100 - October, 2017 Country Gospel Music News and Events
Gayla Earlene Richard Mabry Marty Smith Jimmy R. Price Tina Wakefield John Penney Dr. Doug DeRamus Brad Wilson Roger Barkley, Jr.
26 27 28 30 31
Stella Parton Barbara Fairchild Gene Watson Growing the Industry What America Needs Are “More Teens Like Marli”
Tommy Smith Tommy Smith Tommy Smith Gene Reasoner Tommy Smith
33
FOF & FOP
35 37 38
Hadley Anne Butler Texas Music Makers Country Gospel Christian Country Radio Guide 2017 ICGMA Awards 2017 Branson Terry Awards
Chaplain Gary Rayburn Hadley Anne Butler Royel Clark
39 42 44 45 46 48
Tommy Smith
50
Way Out West How To Sell Your Music In Today’s Market Eastwood Movers & Shakers of the Country Gospel Industry Familiar Hymn
Terry & Debra Luna Chip Bricker Mike Merritt Tommy Smith Pam Ford Davis
If you have enjoyed our publication, won’t you consider a tax deductible sponsorship role by supporting the continuation of the quarterly published Christian Servant Magazine? Your sponsorship will be acknowledged in the publication. Contact Tommy Smith at: tommysmith4@juno.com or call him at: (903) 566-3347 for more details. God Bless You!
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 5
"Just A Thought" with Gayla Earlene Visit Gayla Earlene at http://www.gaylaearlene.com
Do You Qualify? As a Realtor, one of the first things I learned about a client wanting to purchase property is whether or not they qualify. And of course that refers to whether they have enough money on hand or if they have good enough credit to qualify for a loan. In life it seems anything we wish to acquire or in what social standing we desire to be is based upon qualifications. Do we look, walk, talk and have enough possessions to measure up? Whew, I'm under pressure here because I do NOT qualify!!! Do you remember in the 21st chapter of the Gospel of John when the Lord asked Peter, "do you love me"? Christians, we who have truly answered YES to this simple yet profound question are blessed beyond measure. We need no earthly qualifications to become a child of the King of Kings with a grand promise of eternal life. And I'm sure looking forward to the sites and sounds of that grand eternal heaven!! Mark 12:30 - And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 6
Recovery by Richard Mabry
Well, as always I wait till the last minute to write my article. But, then I realize God knows best. The word Recovery kept bouncing around in my head and if you know me, anything bouncing in my head could be dangerous. On the 25th of August my hometown of Houston was hit by Harvey. My brother and his girls live in League City, Texas and the water was rising. My brother’s home did not get water, but my niece’s home was flooded and they lost everything including two cars. My cousin’s in Kingwood lost everything as well. So the word RECOVERY came to my mind. Recovery, Webster defines as a return of normal state of health, mind or strength. The definition I see is UNITY. To see ALL people, churches, businesses and even media come together as one and pull each other out of this storm and help one another put our feet back on solid ground. I believe there is a song in this called, “Ride Out Your Storm” by Betty Jean Robinson. What she says in this song is even through the confusion and battle God is right there with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. WOW, isn’t that a profound knowledge to know that God Loves you that much? We should never lose sight of each other and always remember that we do not have to live through a storm or catastrophe to Love one another and to help one another. Yes, as a family we may not always agree, but we can always agree not to agree without violence. My prayer is for peace and speedy recovery to all the flood victims, but that when the storm winds die down and we pursue a path of recovery that we not lose the feeling we have now of Love towards one another. As I said we may not always agree, but we can agree that as long as we “Put God FIRST” in our lives and treat each other as we would want to be treated, then nothing, I repeat NOTHING can harm us, not even a little thing like Harvey. Recovery, 1 Samuel 30:8, And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.” Recovery, simply put, RESCUE. Richard Mabry Director for “I Love America Revival Tour” Deuteronomy 31:8 903.262.8280
Visit the “I Love America Revival Tour” on Facebook! Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 7
“...It’s time to stop trying to do everybody else’s job and focus on what you’re called to do…” by Marty Smith
Wouldn’t it be great if we all did what we were called to do? Think about this for a minute. We’ve got so many people worried that they won’t be seen on Facebook, or they don’t have enough likes that they get sidetracked with trying to be popular and not doing what they are called to do. We need to quit focusing on other people’s ministries and focus on what we’re called to do. We cannot be as effective as we would like to be if we focus on someone else’s calling. As a member of the body of Christ, each one of us has a specific calling. Do what you’re called to do. Let your friends do what they are called to do. Your ministry cannot be as effective if you’re trying to be someone else. We each must do what we are called to do. My calling as a radio disc jockey is not the same as the artists in the Christian Country music genre. However, when we work together our ministries complement each other and more people are brought to Christ. If I spend my time trying to do their ministry instead of my own, I may chase someone away from the Gospel. Our ministries are not about us, they were never intended to be about us. Our ministries were given to us by God to glorify Him. Use the talents you have for His Glory. It’s time to stop trying to do everybody ele’s job and focus on what you’re called to do. Do your part, what you are called to do, and let the others do their part, what they are called to do. A car has many parts to make it work to its fullest potential. An alternator cannot say, “Well, I’d rather be the brake shoe so I’m going to do that instead.” The Oil Filter cannot say, “I’m going to do the radiator’s job because I can be noticed more or get more likes”. It’s crazy to think that way, but aren’t we the same in this way of thinking? We sometimes worry that we won’t get noticed if we’re not in the spotlight. If we’re not with the popular crowd, our ministries will not thrive. God did not call us to be in a social club on Facebook trying to get more likes and followers. He’s called us to, “Go out into all the world and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ”. We have one job to do and that is fulfill our mission that God has given each one of us. Each mission is different, but it is specific to each one of us to bring glory to our Father in Heaven. Imagine how things would be if we all just focused on our calling and used our gifts for His Glory. Suddenly, being popular on Facebook doesn’t seem that important.
Marty Smith is the morning host of Heaven’s Country (www.heavenscountry.com) and host of the internationally syndicated radio show, “Todays’ Cross Country (www.todayscrosscountry.com). Tune in to his morning show on Facebook Live each weekday morning at 6 AM MTN Time. You can email him at: martysmith@todayscrosscountry.com
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 8
The Fruit of the Spirit by Jimmy R. Price www.jimmyrprice.com The tremendous work of the Holy Spirit is so vital to the life of every born-again believer. In fact, Jesus told Nicodemus, “Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.”(John 3:5) Even to get saved, we must be “born-again” by the Holy Spirit! At conversion, the Spirit takes up residence in us and continues His work. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher and Comforter. He even speaks to the Father on our behalf when we don’t know what to say. Perhaps the greatest miracle the Spirit does in our life as a Christian is to produce “fruit” through us and in us. Jesus taught (actually commanded) that His disciples bear fruit. Sometime after his conversion experience on the road to Damascus, the apostle Paul wrote to believers at Galatia, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Gal. 5:22) While “differing” spiritual gifts are given to individuals according to God’s plans for the ministry (teaching, preaching, prophecy, etc.), the “fruit of the Spirit” is produced in the Life of every believer. LOVE: Love for God and for each other. Jesus taught that we must Love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind…and to Love our neighbor as our self! Love is the greatest of all commandments, but it takes the Holy Spirit to produce it in us! JOY: the Joy of salvation…the Joy of being forgiven…the Joy of being a child of God…the Joy of knowing Heaven is awaiting us …J.O.Y…Jesus…Others…Yourself. Real Joy is a fruit that comes from within! PEACE: Peace with God…Sin separated us from God, but Jesus (the Prince of Peace) took our sins and nailed them to the cross so that we could be reconciled to God! Now we have “the peace of God that passes all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7) LONGSUFFERING: also known as patience or endurance. The Bible says for us to “wait on the Lord” (Psalm 27:14). “Wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:7) Patience does not come naturally for us. We must allow the Holy Spirit to help us endure! GENTLENESS: or Kindness is something that seems to be rare in the world we live in, but our Lord is “A God of great Kindness.” (Nehemiah 9:17) Kindness towards others demonstrates that God is working in us. The Bible says, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another…” (Ephesians 4:32) GOODNESS: The Holy Spirit does good things in us and through us! None of us are “good” on our own, but God is good all the time! With the Spirit’s help, we can and should, have a good attitude, and a good outlook and a desire to do good works! FAITH: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) It means we believe God and take Him at His word! God said it, that settles it! Believe it! MEEKNESS: Humble…submissive to God’s will…the absence of pride…the opposite of rebellion. Meekness is not weakness, but power under control. Jesus was meek and lowly…the lamb of God. TEMPERANCE: (self-control) is Impossible… apart from the Holy Spirit! But with God, Paul writes, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13) Not willpower…but God’s Power…Not my weakness…God’s strength! Each and every one of these “fruit” are accomplished in the life of believers, but only as a result of being: born of the Spirit…filled with the Spirit…walking in the Spirit…submissive to the Spirit! “Quench not the Spirit.” (Thessalonians 5:19)
The result: Much Needed…Awesome Fruit! Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 9
Jimmy R. Price www.jimmyrprice.com
DJ's thank you for playing my New release "IF" on Canyon Creek Records Compilation volume 39. Most of all a heart full of gratitude, and love goes out to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, not only for giving me the talent to write and sing songs of praise, but for the sacrifice Christ made on the cross to see that all of us could receive the promise of mercy and forgiveness of our sins. When people that I meet for the first time ask what kind of songs do I write? I simply say, “Love songs for Jesus”. ~Jimmy R. Price
Find us on the web at: www.christianservantmagazine.com or www.issuu.com/christianservant
Heart Attack? by Tina Wakefield www.tinawakefield.com
In each person’s life there comes a time when something just feels “not quite right!” For many it’s nothing more than just something they ate or a muscle spasm, but for countless others the discomfort grows worse, symptoms begin to multiply and a life and death situation begins to unfold- A Heart Attack! You see heart attacks don’t just happen without a cause or without a sign or symptom even though it may be subtle- there are always indications that something is not functioning correctly. Most of us simply ignore the small signs- feeling slightly tired, a little short on breath at times- all these are easy to overlook and explain away, but when the shooting pain down the arm or in the jaw starts and doesn’t let up, we take notice and begin to question what’s wrong? It’s only when a severe situation arises that we take the time to take a long, hard look at ourselves, and our life to discover the source of the problem. Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 10
Continued from previous page.
Why is it that in our spiritual lives we allow the small things to spring up and grow ultimately choking out the Spirit of God? We run here and there, read this book, listen to this speaker; meanwhile, the Spirit of God that lives within us is trying to speak through all the clutter we have allowed it. Take control of your spiritual health just as you do your physical health. If you sense something is just not right, take the time to investigate the source of discomfort whether in your physical body or spiritual. It is easier to correct a problem and stop it from escalating into a major problem than to address something in the middle of a catastrophic event. A checkup for your heart would consist of checking your blood pressure to make sure the flow of blood is unobstructed from vital organs. At times a blockage can be found and treated so the heart does not suffer damage. In a spiritual heart attack- the spirit can be blocked from moving freely in your life. Little things over time that are allowed to exist creep into our hearts blocking the free flow of the Spirit of God. As the Bible states in Song of Solomon 2:15 “Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.” The little weights and sins we allow and tolerate over time create a major issue in our lives, choke the Spirit of God and our heart is in stress- You find yourself spiritually blocked! If you do not seek treatment for a clogged artery a heart attack and even death may not be far away. Spiritually speaking, if you do not repent and seek the spiritual healing from God a spiritual heart attack or even spiritual death may not be far in your distance. Why would we not care for our spiritual heart just as our physical heart? Proverbs 4:23 “keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life.” Matthew 12:34 “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” We learn a lot about an individual’s heart by the words they speak, take care of your heart – Your Life Depends On It! You might ask what kinds of things could cause a spiritual heart attack? Many struggle with unforgiveness- just not able to forgive someone in your life for an action you felt was wrong, being unjustly treated by someone close to you. You may have things God has dealt with you about letting go of; such as an addiction, and attitude, a friend that has bad influence in your life, or a spirit of doubt in your life. Anything that does not let the Spirit move freely in your life is obstructing your relationship with the Father. Nothing is worth facing a Heart Attack finding yourself in critical condition even facing death.
How’s Your Heart? You can purchase Tina’s music on her website! www.tinawakefield.com You can also visit Tina at:
Featuring Gene Crain on Steel Guitar
LATEST RELEASE! from Gayla Earlene My prayer is that as you listen to this album, you will feel the presence of God and realize that there is nothing this world can offer that can compare to the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your heart through Christ.” Includes both the break out hit, “A Miracle On His Mind” and the chart climbing release, “King Of My Heart”. You can preview and purchase this CD on Gayla’s website at:
www.gaylaearlene.com Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 11
…the way I see it by John Penney, The Christian Outlaw www.johnpenneymusic.com
www.canyoncreekrecords.com
Pray for all the victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria & Nate. A lot of news out there about a lot of things going on in this world today. Our hearts are saddened for all the people that were affected by these Hurricanes and the flood waters that have brought such devastation to so many. Yet when we see the country come together in such a tremendous way to help bring comfort to those who are suffering and hurting then it does make you proud to live here in the United States where people help people no matter what. Nobody notices your color, religion or race. That is the way that I was raised and that is the way I see Americans. Our country has a big heart. Also keep our leaders in your prayers as they make the huge decisions that will guide the course of the recovery and rescue efforts that are underway even as I write this. May God guide and direct each one as they lead in every area in which they have control. Of course, there are always those who find fault in everything that is being done even in the hard times, but the best thing we can do is keep praying because as Christians we know that God is there with all of us and He will sustain us through it all.
Production, Recording, Distribution, Compilations, Radio Promotion We are accepting tracks for our next compilation NOW! CALL US TODAY! (903) 566-3347
We at Canyon Creek Records, Inc. and The Christian Servant Publishing Company, BMI, strive to help artists that believe with all their hearts that GOD has called them to use their talents for HIS glory. If being a Christian artist is your heart’s desire, then contact us at (903) 566-3347, or e-mail us at tommysmith4@juno.com.
So, pray for these people. The one thing that jumps out at me as I watch all that is going on with this terrible tragic event is that I see Jesus in everything that is happening there. I see it in the faces of the ones who are being saved and I see it in the faces of the ones who are saving them. There is a huge amount of good being seen there. As Christians, we know that our Savior is the one that is guiding the hands of the men and women who are working so hard to save so many. Please pray for all those involved.
That`s the way I see it…… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 12
UNDER HIS FEET by Pastor Dr. Doug DeRamus You can visit Doug DeRamus at: www.facebook.com/dougderamus
Heb 2:6-8 (6) But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? (7) Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: (8) Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. Vs 9 -- BUT WE SEE JESUS. There is not one thing that you have the power and dominion over if Jesus is not the head. Nothing can stop the church, when Jesus has His proper place in the BODY. HEAVEN IS THE THRONE AND EARTH IS THE FOOTSTOOL Acts 7:48-49 (48) Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, (49) Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? KJV The HEAD (JESUS) is on the throne and the BODY of Christ has the feet on the EARTH. If it creepeth, if it moves, you're the boss. Adam was given dominion of everything that creepeth on the earth. (Gen. 1:26) Adam was given power over all flesh. Jesus the last Adam was given power over all flesh. John 17:2 - As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. KJV When you are "ONE" with HIM, everything is under your feet. The authority of heaven manifest in the earth. Heaven is my "throne", (AUTHORITY) and the earth that we walk in and the earth that we walk on, is the "footstool" under that authority. That place of the interface where Heaven and Earth meet is God's place of REST. HIS PHYSICAL BODY was SEED for HIS SPIRITUAL BODY Heb 10:5 - Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: KJV We are the BODY prepared spiritually. We are the place of HIS REST. We are the place where HEAVEN and EARTH meet. We are the place where the WILL of HEAVEN is done in the EARTH. We are the place where His KINGDOM COMES in the EARTH as it is in HEAVEN. We are the manifestation of HIS GLORY. The cross is the gate of paradise. It is the place where vertical and horizontal crosses. On the cross Jesus reached up and got hold of heaven with one hand, and reached down and took hold of the human family with the other hand, and he says,
"I will bridge the gulf." Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 13
PO Box 1570 West Plains, Mo. 65775 Dan Duncan 417-372-1129 revdanduncan@hotmail.com
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
The Flag - James Payne Loved Me Too Much - Del Way Pardon Me - White River Church Out Of The Country - Dan Duncan Country Side Of The Cross - Mike Manuel Good Morning To The Lord - Cliff Waddell He Is The Song - Paul Winchester Rolling With The Flow - The Ishmaels
9. Fresh Water - Loretta Hummel 10. Have You Seen Sue - Brian Cagle 11. Because Of Calvary - Bev Kirby 12. Paid In Full - Ann Webb Davenport 13. First Load Out - John Minick 14. Heaven - Joyce Chastain & Spirit Wind 15. It Is Well With My Soul - Gene Breeden
Radio Stations! Get your copy of the new Gospel Jukebox comp disc! Call Dan Duncan at 417-372-1129.
Judy Bailey Thank you fans and Christian radio for such strong support. I am so very humbled by your kindness. Most of all thank you God for giving this Kentucky girl the gift of songwriting and a voice to glorify your name with. It is your will Lord that matters not mine. Judy Bailey - judybailey54@gmail.com Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 14
“The Resurrection of Gavin Stone” by Brad Wilson Visit Brad Wilson and Higher Purpose Entertainment at: www.higherpurposeentertainment.com
One of the many blessing being a producer of inspirational and faith based films can often be the response we receive after people see our films. Sometimes they are not all good! But when they are they can be really good. I’m always thankful for any good response but I can’t remember when I’ve been as moved as I was, on many levels, as when we received the below email regarding a recent film I was involved with called “THE RESURRECTION of GAVIN STONE”. Certain things have been excluded to protect the identity of the sender. This is probably not the place to do this, but I wanted to thank you for the movie “The Resurrection of Gavin Stone” I am older now, but I accepted Christ at the age of 18. I go to church every week and yet this movie touched me deeply. I don’t tend to watch Christian films. They seem cheesy to me (sorry). I watched this one because Brett Dalton was in it and I enjoyed him in “Agents of Shield”. I watched this movie and I cried. I don’t cry at movies, ever really. The next morning I watched it again and I cried again. I repeated this for about a week. Somehow this movie helped me to not give up and walk away from church or God. I am a transgender male and honestly society says I’m not worth it. This movie helped me to turn more to God, to read the scripture and to truly worship Him. I have gained deeper appreciation for God, His love for us as children and in our Savior Jesus Christ. So I wanted to send you this late night message to tell you that what you do is worth it because it helped at least one person, more than you could ever know. It helped me. Thank you again. How many times have we all said “If we can just help one person out there with something we say or do then it’s all worth it”. I say it almost daily! THIS person said a film that I helped make helped him! Thank God! Anyone who has ever had these words said about a contribution they have made is thrilled! Especially if it involves your ministry, whatever ministry you’ve been called to do. As I read this email over a few times something else came to mind. I will admit that certain times in my life I have been guilty of judging people on different and various levels. I think a lot of us have been guilty of this at some point. I’ve seen a lot in my lifetime and I don’t remember a time when SO much judgement is going on in this world. Is it our job to judge? Of course not. God makes that very plain and clear in his Word. I’d like to say I will never judge again but I’m human. What I will say though is that I will do my very best to not judge. In the Bible it says God is no respecter of persons. In other words we are all precious in His sight. Instead of judging someone we may not understand let’s pray for those people. Wouldn’t the world be better off if that’s what everyone did? Let me encourage all of us to have more love in our hearts for others. Everywhere we look someone is hurting. EVERYWHERE. I believe everyone you see in your day to day walk is hurting in some way. I know I am and more than likely so are you on some level. What an opportunity we all have to be God’s servants on this earth and let Him use us to bring hurting people to Him. That’s our job. Jesus said “Love one another as I have loved you”. Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 15
“My Pappy Used To Say…” by Roger Barkley, Jr. www.rogerbarkleyjr.com
If you are someone who pays attention to commercials like me, you may see the climbing trend of law offices offering services because of something gone wrong with an operation, medical equipment, medical procedure, or a company that knew its product was inferior but put it on the market anyway. It seems that having faith in something is a thing of the past. Trusting a product to last or expecting a company to stand behind its product has all but disappeared. I can completely understand how disheartening that is and can be somewhat depressing. I once again find myself quoting James Garner from the old TV Western “Maverick” in saying “My Pappy Used To Say…” that a man’s handshake was his bond. Simply put that come what may when someone gave you his word, or when someone told you they would do something, shook your hand, and looked you in the eye that you could depend on them to deliver. Whether it was a product or just their word to do a task it was as good as a written contract signed and sealed. When our faith is put in the wrong person, we will always be let down. I know this all seems very depressing thus far, but let me tell you that there is hope. Faith in Jesus Christ will not fail! Having faith is sometimes not easy. We live in a time that we need to see something in order to believe. Faith is believing in something that we cannot see. We have faith that the sun will come up in the morning because we have seen it, but is that truly faith since we have seen it before? Stepping out in a new direction, taking a stand when everyone else is sitting, voicing your Christian Belief in public, all takes faith and courage. As you take these steps and increase your faith, you will be that person that someone can rely on by a hand shake and their word. You will be that person of faith that starts to build this nation back to the Godly Principles in which they were built upon. Those commercials would be a thing of the past because we did what we said we were going to do. The Bible says that if we have the faith of a mustard seed that we can move mountains. (Matthew 17:20) Wild Mustard can grow to the size tree here in Kentucky about 10’ with a stalk firm enough for a bird to build a nest in its branches. In essence that plant gives life and shelter just as your faith shelters your life. Just think if you grew that faith from a mustard seed to an acorn. How awesome would it be to have faith the size of a Mighty Oak? I know I am not there yet, but I’m trying.
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 16
August, 2017 # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
SONG TITLE Why Should I Worry On The Sunny Banks Like Every Day Is A Sunday I Want To Thank You Lord The Creek Please Help Me Jesus More About My Lord Don’t Hate The Sinner I Won’t Take Less Than Your Love If This Is All There Is Lay It Down Mustard Seed Faith
ARTIST Tina Wakefield Chris Golden Shenandoah
# 26 27
The Reed Brothers Terry Davis Eternal Vision Julie Reese
28 29 30 31 32 33 34
Mike & Doris Merritt
35
Jamie Lynn Flanakin
Arkin Terrell Branded Chuck Hancock Gena Roberts Good God Hamilton Don’t Unpack Your Bags Miles Pike Let’s All Go Down To The Tim Atwood & Mandy River Barnett Good Ole Days Roger Barkley Do Yourself A Favor Terry & Debra Luna The Church Pew Cliff Waddell He Was Standing Wade Phillips A Good Song Sunday Drive What’s A Valley Kali Rose Only Jesus Rene’ Jones If Jimmy R. Price More Daddy’s Like Andy Marli Humphrey Rise & Shine Brooks Crossing
36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
SONG TITLE Black Sheep Headed For Higher Ground Believe What You Say Wayfaring Stranger God’s Not Me Unanswered Prayers I’m Gonna Meet Jesus Keep On The Sunnyside Come On Back No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus If That Mountain Don’t Move When The Sun Of Life Goes Down He’s Coming Back Think About The Cross
ARTIST Tommy Horton Tim Livingston Cassidy Huckabay Cindy Hughlett Bryan Carroll Gina White Cody McCarver Marla Ratliff Mercy Mountain Boys Joy Roberts Les Taylor Waymasters
Debbie Bennett Jeremy Duggins Kevin Rowe & Heaven Above Prodigal Sons Get Out Of The Boat Mark Carman Wingin’ It Bruce Hedrick What A Wonderful World Michael Knight Thank God I’m A Darlene Jennusa w/ Changed Man Larry Granger One Wave At A Time Cash Creek Old School Jim Sheldon He’s Alive Walt Mills Getting Back To Our Wyatt Nations with Roots Cassie I’m There Buddy Jewell You Never Change David Lemons
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August, 2017 # 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75
SONG TITLE Brand New Man Angels By Another Name Sittin’ Around My Father’s Knee Here I Stand King Of My Heart Rest Daily Bread The Morning After Meet Me There God Is Real Praise You I’m Gonna Be There Well Worn This Ain’t No House Of The Blues Chain Breaker Forever In The End The Old Red White And Blue Hammer Down The Dress In The Window Watching Demons Scatter Where’s The Family Follow Your Heart Home If The Statue Of Liberty Could Cry Dusty Road I Ride For The Brand
ARTIST Curtis Dykes Steve Bridgmon
# 76
SONG TITLE He Will Carry You What You Gonna Do 77 Church Mountain Joy 78 God’s Country Caleb Howard 79 Magnificent Miracles Gayla Earlene 80 From A Bottle To A Bible Peter Christie 81 Fourth Man Walking Tony Stampley 82 Been There Too Johnny Jones 83 For You And Me The Steele’s 84 I Love You Jan Harbuck 85 Hold Him In Heaven Fonda Kizzee 86 When The Thunder Rolls Matt Carroll & Family 87 Line In The Sand Lisa Daggs 88 Lost In God’s Grace 89 Where I’m Going Allen Frizzell 90 Trophy Of Your Grace Crimson Ridge 91 Revive Me Lonnie King 92 First Day Of Tomorrow 93 Your Will Ron Hughes 94 God’s Got A Miracle Jerry Branscomb 95 The Good Ole Days 96 Who I Am Steve Warren God’s Not Slipping 97 Around Stephen Rew 98 I Always Meant It Mike Manuel 99 Let’s March On Brent Harrison 100 Can’t Praise Him Enough James Payne
ARTIST Victory Express Micki Farington Michael Lee Trinity Wennerstrom Herman Trulove Adam Pope Del Way Ronnie Horton Chuck Day Barbara Fairchild John Penney Heath Knox Rachel Taylor Johnny Rowlett Stella Keri Randell Ricky Russ Judy Bailey Bev McCann Sheree & Stephen Melinda McFarlin Freddy Redmon Kristi Miller Tommy Smith Carol Barham
Jayne Carter Heart To Heart
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September, 2017 # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
SONG TITLE Please Help Me Jesus Mustard Seed Faith The Creek Headed For Higher Ground Wayfaring Stranger If That Mountain Don’t Move I Want To Thank You Lord I Won’t Take Less Than Your Love
9
Good God
10 11 12 13 14 15
Don’t Unpack Your Bags More Daddy’s Like Andy Why Should I Worry Wingin’ It I’m There Believe What You Say Like Every Day Is A Sunday If When The Sun Of Life Goes Down Keep On The Sunnyside Old School On The Sunny Banks Don’t Hate The Sinner No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus I Love You Angels By Another Name
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
ARTIST Terry Davis Chuck Hancock The Reed Brothers
Cindy Hughlett
# 26 27 28 29 30 31
Les Taylor
32
Jamie Lynn Flanakin
33 34 35
SONG TITLE Rise & Shine Unanswered Prayers Get Out Of The Boat Do Yourself A Favor More About My Lord Lay It Down Thank God I’m A Changed Man If This Is All There Is What’s A Valley God’s Country
36
Heaven Above
Tim Livingston
Mike & Doris Merritt Gena Roberts Hamilton Miles Pike Marli Humphrey Tina Wakefield Bruce Hedrick Buddy Jewell Cassidy Huckabay
41
Shenandoah
42
Jimmy R. Price
43 44 45
Waymasters Marla Ratliff Jim Sheldon Chris Golden Julie Reese Joy Roberts Chuck Day Steve Bridgmon
37 38 39 40
46 47 48 49 50
Watching Demons Scatter He Was Standing You Never Change A Good Song Getting Back To Our Roots Let’s All Go Down To The River God’s Not Me Only Jesus I’m Gonna Meet Jesus The Dress In The Window Come On Back Black Sheep Hold Him In Heaven He’s Coming Back
ARTIST Brooks Crossing Gina White Mark Carman Terry & Debra Luna Eternal Vision Branded Darlene Jennusa w/ Larry Granger Arkin Terrell Kali Rose Michael Lee Kevin Rowe & Prodigal Sons Stephen Rew Wade Phillips David Lemons Sunday Drive Wyatt Nations with Cassie Tim Atwood & Mandy Barnett Bryan Carroll Rene’ Jones Cody McCarver Steve Warren Mercy Mountain Boys Tommy Horton Barbara Fairchild Debbie Bennett
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 19
September, 2017 # 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75
SONG TITLE Sittin’ Around My Father’s Knee Trophy Of Your Grace What A Wonderful World Here I Stand Praise You Daily Bread Lost In God’s Grace Path Of Lest Resistance Follow Your Heart Home Where I’m Going God Is Real King Of My Heart Who I Am Let’s March On God’s Got A Miracle I Am In Heaven Where’s The Family When The Thunder Rolls Revive Me Fourth Man Walking Back To God For You And Me First Day Of Tomorrow The Church Pew Line In The Sand
ARTIST Mountain Joy Stella Michael Knight Caleb Howard Fonda Kizzee Tony Stampley Rachel Taylor Gemma Adams Brent Harrison Johnny Rowlett Jan Harbuck Gayla Earlene Melinda McFarlin Tommy Smith Bev McCann Marcia Hudson Mike Manuel John Penney Keri Randell Adam Pope Reba McEntyre Ronnie Horton Ricky Russ Cliff Waddell Heath Knox
# 76 77 78 79 80
SONG TITLE Meet Me There Those Good Ole Days Before Him Your Will I Always Meant It God’s Not Slipping 81 Around 82 Can’t Praise Him Enough 83 The Time Has Come The Old Red White And 84 Blue 85 Love Found Me 86 One Wave At A Time 87 The Flag 88 From A Bottle To A Bible 89 Victory Sweet Victory 90 Brand New Man 91 Just Show Up Why Can’t Christians 92 Share The Love 93 Rest I Wouldn’t Trade America 94 For The World 95 Heart On My Sleeve 96 If Jesus Sang Country 97 Shoot For The Moon 98 Home In Paradise 99 Survivor 100 One Christ Fits All
ARTIST The Steele’s Sheree & Stephen CrossFire Gospel Band Judy Bailey Kristi Miller Freddy Redmon Carol Barham Donna Morgan Ron Hughes Lisa Daggs Cash Creek James Payne Herman Trulove Branded Cross Curtis Dykes Christian Davis Shellem Cline Peter Christie Mike Leichner Mary James Corey Farlow Amy McAllister John Petrovich Carla Jones Russ Nottingham
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October, 2017 # 1 2 3
SONG TITLE Mustard Seed Faith More Daddy’s Like Andy If That Mountain Don’t Move
4
Good God
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
14 15 16 17 18
Wingin’ It Believe What You Say Old School Don’t Unpack Your Bags Wayfaring Stranger I’m There The Creek Hold Him In Heaven When The Sun Of Life Goes Down Please Help Me Jesus If Trophy Of Your Grace Angels By Another Name Unanswered Prayers
19
Heaven Above
20 21
Keep On The Sunnyside Do Yourself A Favor Watching Demons Scatter Thank God I’m A Changed Man Headed For Higher Ground Like Every Day Is A Sunday
13
22 23 24 25
ARTIST Chuck Hancock Marli Humphrey Les Taylor Gena Roberts Hamilton Bruce Hedrick Cassidy Huckabay Jim Sheldon Miles Pike Cindy Hughlett Buddy Jewell The Reed Brothers Barbara Fairchild Waymasters Terry Davis Jimmy R. Price Stella Steve Bridgmon Gina White Kevin Rowe & Prodigal Sons Marla Ratliff Terry & Debra Luna Stephen Rew Darlene Jennusa w/ Larry Granger
# 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
SONG TITLE No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus Love Found Me You Never Change The Flag I Always Meant It I Won’t Take Less Than Your Love God’s Country I Love You Getting Back To Our Roots What’s A Valley A Good Song God’s Not Me Where I’m Going I’m Gonna Meet Jesus Those Good Ole Days Rise & Shine Path Of Least Resistance Line In The Sand Before Him Let’s March On Here I Stand I Want To Thank You Lord When The Thunder Rolls First Day Of Tomorrow Getting In The Word
ARTIST Joy Roberts Lisa Daggs David Lemons James Payne Kristi Miller Mike & Doris Merritt Michael Lee Chuck Day Wyatt Nations with Cassie Kali Rose Sunday Drive Bryan Carroll Johnny Rowlett Cody McCarver Sheree & Stephen Brooks Crossing Gemma Adams Heath Knox CrossFire Gospel Band Tommy Smith Caleb Howard Jamie Lynn Flanakin John Penney Ricky Russ Shellem Cline
Tim Livingston Shenandoah
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 21
October, 2017 # 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75
SONG TITLE Praise You Lost In God’s Grace God’s Not Slipping Around Daily Bread God’s Got A Miracle Your Will Follow Your Heart Home Don’t Hate The Sinner He Was Standing I Wouldn’t Trade America For The World Fourth Man Walking Black Sheep The Dress In The Window Lay It Down God Is Real Revive Me Back To God Victory Sweet Victory For You And Me I Am In Heaven What A Wonderful World Who I Am The Time Has Come Heart On My Sleeve One Christ Fits All
ARTIST Fonda Kizzee Rachel Taylor Freddy Redmon Tony Stampley Bev McCann Judy Bailey Brent Harrison Julie Reese Wade Phillips Mike Leichner Adam Pope Tommy Horton Steve Warren Branded Jan Harbuck Keri Randell Reba McEntyre Branded Cross Ronnie Horton Marcia Hudson Michael Knight Melinda McFarlin Donna Morgan Mary James Russ Nottingham
# 76 77
SONG TITLE Just Show Up If Jesus Sang Country Let’s All Go Down To The 78 River 79 Can’t Praise Him Enough 80 Get Out Of The Boat 81 Shoot For The Moon 82 Rest 83 The Morning After 84 Home In Paradise 85 Why Should I Worry 86 Survivor 87 Judging Judas A Cross Between A 88 Sinner And A Saint 89 Less Of Me 90 King Of My Heart 91 Another Day I Can’t Erase The 92 Message 93 The River Runs Red 94 You Are 95 Rolling With The Flow A Rugged Cross And An 96 Empty Chair 97 If They Knew 98 Must Be 99 A Fathers Prayer They Will Never Take 100 Jesus Out Of My Heart
ARTIST Christian Davis Corey Farlow Tim Atwood & Mandy Barnett Carol Barham Mark Carman Amy McAllister Peter Christi Johnny Jones John Petrovich Tina Wakefield Carla Jones Jeff Bates Shenandoah Chris Golden Gayla Earlene Colt Barber Tim Livingston Ava Kasich The Bates Family Ishmaels Eagle’s Wings Lin Butler The Oxendine Family Eternal Vision Jim Chaney
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 22
COUNTRY GOSPEL MUSIC Congratulations from Canyon Creek Records to all it’s artists who so deservingly received these awards at the 2017 61st Annual International Country Gospel Music Association’s Convention and Award Show Kristi Miller Took home the Gold Cross Female Artist of the year award. This talented young lady really deserved that award. She works very hard at her craft and her last three releases to radio have been excellent. She is a songwriter, singer, she’s acted in several Christian movies, she’s a stage comedian, has a monthly Christian Newspaper in her hometown of Berea, Kentucky and if that isn’t enough she’s a real pro at playing many different stringed instruments. We are very proud for Kristi.
Mike and Doris Merritt These two truly deserve the ICGMA 2017 Duo Of The Year Award and the ICGMA Album Of The Year 2017. Everything about this couple is world class. They are loving, caring Christians, and set the example that Christ expects from all of us, to strive to be more like him. These two represent Country Gospel with the highest of integrity. Mike is an Ordained Minister and Pastors a Cowboy Church in Oklahoma. They are constantly ministering in music at concerts each and every month of the year. Besides their Music & Ministering, they also take care of their working ranch. Mike writes great Christian Cowboy articles for magazines. Doris still branches out and performs with the Nationally acclaimed all girl group “The Girls Next Door”. Congratulations Merritts. Julie Reese Julie received the ICGMA Female Horizon Award 2017. This one was a shock, not only to Julie but also to us at Canyon Creek Records. Not that she didn’t deserve it, she truly did! It just caught us by surprise because she’s only been in this industry for such a short period of time. Just goes to show you when you’re great, and she is, good things are going to happen. Julie’s release to radio “Don’t Hate The Sinner” was a huge hit for her this year and she worked hard to make it the success that it has been. Her vocals are right on pitch when she performs and she sings every song she writes with heart. We look for even bigger things to come her way next year. We are proud of Julie.
Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 23
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David House David is one of the smoothest male vocalists in the Christian music industry. His whole personality is very laid back. He is the kind of person everyone loves to be around. David and his wife Barbara are soul winners. That is all David thinks about. It is obvious when you listen to the songs he has written and released to radio. Everyone needs a good friend to call on when times are rough and David is that kind of a friend to all of us in this industry. The combination of being extremely talented and an outstanding Christian landed him a tie with Chris Golden for the ICGMA Gold Cross Male Vocalist of the Year 2017. Keep on with those great songs, Brother. The Reed Brothers This group of young men are so very, very talented. That is the best way I can start off describing them. They are an outstanding live band with awesome vocals and they know how to write or pick a great song to record. They are true-blue about ministry and though they are good enough to be on the road full time, they keep their day jobs so that every weekend they can perform at benefit concerts to help raise funds for whatever the need might be. They love helping others. It is very understandable that they received the ICGMA 2017 Award Of Excellence and the ICGMA 2017 Video of the Year Award for the song “The Creek” which Canyon Creek Records had the honor of releasing to radio for The Reed Brothers. We love and admire this group. They are dedicated, hard working young men. Joy Roberts Joy Roberts released a beautiful song this year on Canyon Creek Records titled “Let Me Live”. The words to this song are so touching. They are a baby’s point of view before being aborted. Joy sings this song as though she is that little baby speaking out and you can feel the emotion in her heart when she is conveying the story. ”Let Me Live” took home the ICGMA 2017 Song Of The Year Award. That says a lot for the ICGMA members. They’re the ones that vote for these awards and make the decision who will receive them. Our members still want to keep it all about Christ and what He teaches and that it is exactly what they did when they awarded this song as “song of the year”. God hates abortion. Joy has since made a video of this song and I would encourage any of you who knows someone that is contemplating having an abortion to get a copy of this video and take it to that person. After viewing it there’s a good chance that they may have a change of heart and a baby’s life might be saved! What a song Joy. Mike Leichner We were so very proud of Mike when he received the ICGMA 2017 Male Vocalist of the Year Award. This is an appropriate award for him. Mike is an excellent vocalist with a smooth baritone voice. He loves to sing songs about God, Country and Family. When he sings patriotic songs he sings them with great conviction. Mike is an ex Marine who is now a Pastor of a very large church in Kansas called The Ark. When someone tells me they have served or are serving in the military, that tells me they are servants to others, and are willing to lay down their life for all to be free. Just like Christ who called himself a servant, when you are a pastor of a church you have to have a servant’s heart. So that should give you an idea of the kind of man Mike is. A servant. Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 24
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the ICGMA members for thinking highly enough of me to present me with the ICGMA 2017 Living Legend Award. I have been in the music industry for over 56 years. You presented me this award in July of 2017 and I turned seventy July 31st 2017. That made for a great birthday present. I have received just about every award you can think of by numerous organizations and I am very proud of them all, but this years award as Living Legend and being placed in the ICGMA Hall of Fame in 2014 means more to me than you could ever know and I thank you. I also would like to say a big thank you from all the writers and staff of Christian Servant Magazine, they are Mike Merritt, John Penney, Terry Davis, Terry and Debra Luna, Chip Bricker, Jimmy R Price, Brad Wilson, Tina Wakefield, Marty Smith, Royel Clark, Gayla Earlene, Doug DeRamus, Roger Barkley Jr, Richard Mabry, Creative Director Anna Smith and Rhonda Hamilton who is our Design Director and Digital Director. We are all very grateful that you have honored us with the ICGMA 2017 Print Media Award. Once again, Thank you.
NEW
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CHUCK HANCOCK To radio, friends and family. My heart is overflowing with love for you. Thank you so very much for believing in me and seeing to it that my Christian Music Ministry has blessed and been accepted by so many. I love God and it is an honor to serve Him in any capacity that He chooses to use me in. How grateful I am that "Mustard Seed Faith" made it to #1 in Christian Servant Magazine, Cashbox Magazine, and Christian Voice Magazine. All glory to CHRIST. Speaking of Christ I have just finished my first Christmas CD loaded with sixteen of your Christmas favorites. Radio be looking for my first Christmas single "Birthday Party For A King". A big “God Bless You� from my family to yours! Chuck Hancock Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 25
Stella Parton I enjoy writing about the artists that work so hard at their craft in this Country Gospel Music Ministry. Especially when they are driven to do everything in their power to do all that they can do, no matter what the cost may be to lift up the name of Jesus using their talent. It hurts me to hear so many artists say “oh not me” I leave His name out of my songs. I sure don’t want to sing about the “blood of Jesus” either. After all, that might cause someone to turn the dial on the Radio or TV and drive them away. To me that’s like saying there is no power in the name of Jesus and in many cases telling the Holy Spirit he can’t do his job. You will never hear those kinds of comments from Stella Parton. She loves Christ and knows his power. Her new release to Radio “Trophy Of Your Grace” makes these bold statements. Choose me Lord to be an example everywhere I go that I may exalt your Glory not mine. She is not afraid to tell the world that He is still in the healing business and that He came to save the dead in Christ and to give life abundantly to those that will come to know Him as Savior. Stella knows that God is a good father and a good father wants nothing but the best for his children. I spoke to Stella several times before she blessed me with the opportunity to release “Trophy of Your Grace” on Canyon Creek Records Compilation Volume 40 and this I can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, she loves Jesus with all her heart and soul and strives to be the best Christian Servant that she can. She wants to be a Trophy of His Grace. This release will bless thousands upon thousands and that is what a Christian music artist should strive for. To contact Stella go to her website: www.stellaparton.com or message her on her Facebook page.
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Barbara Fairchild Barbara started singing at a very young age. She cut her first single at the age of fifteen. The song received a little regional airplay, just enough to give Barbara a little confidence in herself and the gift that God had given her. After Barbara graduated from High School she was determined to make her dream come true and moved to Nashville. Not long after moving there she met with Billy Sherrill one of the best record producers in Nashville. Billy was a top Producer and A&R man for Columbia records at the time. He took an interest in Barbara’s singing style and signed her up with Columbia. Her first single released by Columbia in 1969 was called “Love Is A Gentle Thing”. It was a minor hit as well as her next single to radio “A Woman’s Hand”. By 1970 she’d had several Top 40 Country hits. Hits like “Thanks For The Memories”, “A Girl Who’ll Satisfy Her Man,” and “Loves Old Song.” Then in 1973 she scored a touchdown with her first number one song “Teddy Bear”. It charted # 1 in the Country charts and also became a huge hit in the Pop Charts. The song was nominated for a Grammy that year. She followed with another Top 10 hit in 1974 “Baby Doll”. After that the hits just kept coming, like “Let Me Love You Once Before I Go”, “Standing In Line”, “Mississippi” and many others. Barbara had accomplished her dreams but she still wasn’t totally satisfied. You see Barbara knew Jesus and had since a very early age. Her talent had come from Him and she was ready to use it to glorify her Lord. She teamed up with Connie Smith and Sharon White to do a Gospel project titled “Love Never Fails.” That’s all it took for Barbara to want to serve CHRIST for the rest of her life. She still sings her Country hits but if you come to one of her concerts you are going to hear the Salvation Message and be given a chance to receive Christ as your Savior. God blessed Barbara with a Christian husband and together they have a wonderful ministry. His name is Roy Morris, one of the nicest, most Godly men you will ever meet. He too is a great Gospel singer and has worked and performed with the best in our Christian music industry. Like Barbara, Roy has released at least a half a dozen or more great Gospel CD’s. Barbara has a new Christian single out to radio titled “Hold Him In Heaven”, released to radio on Canyon Creek Records Compilation Volume 40. The song is headed straight for the top!! It’s awesome. Barbara and Roy have been working the Branson, Mo. music scene for years. This year they are back out on tour. If you would like to have them come to your church or a concert venue you can reach them at www.barbarafairchild.com or go to her Facebook page. While you’re visiting their website be sure to purchase a few of their CD’s. They have many to choose from. I promise you’ll get a real blessing from them!
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Gene Watson Whenever you mention the name Gene Watson to anyone who loves Country music they always follow with comments like “I love his singing” or he is the “best singer ever in Country music”. Gene has been a Country music star since the early seventies. Though he had many releases to radio in the past his first big charting song came in 1975 “Love In The Hot Afternoon”. It was a huge Country radio success as well as one of the most played songs on Jukeboxes that year. He had great follow ups like “Fourteen Carat Mind”, “Should I Go Home (or Should I Go Crazy)”, “Paper Roses”, and in 1979 his signature song “Farewell Party”. I knew of Gene long before he ever had this kind of success. Like most of us he was a struggling artist. Gene was born in Palestine, Texas but grew up in Paris, Texas. We both had the same manager, Russ Reeder. Russ was Gene Watson’s greatest fan. I lived in San Antonio and would go to Houston to meet with Russ and it never failed that he would say “I have a Country artist that is going to rise to the top of the Country music scene one day”. I was in the Rock n Roll industry at that time but I loved Country music. Russ would also elaborate that Gene was maybe just a little too clean cut for the times. Those days “Outlaw Country” was huge. Gene’s appearance and style of music wasn’t exactly “Outlaw”. You know the old saying “You just can’t hold a good man down”, well whoever started that saying must have been talking about Gene Watson. Soon he was dominating the charts with one hit song after another. He became one of the industries biggest Country stars. Every time you turned on the television, he was on there. Another thing Russ would always bring up about Gene in our meetings was that Gene loved to sing Gospel music. Gene, being raised in the North East Texas Bible belt knew CHRIST, and loved to sing for him. Gene worked with several Southern Gospel groups in the area as a young man. He always honored God by recording Gospel music when he could. In the latter part of 2016 Gene released a song written by Larry Gatlin on Canyon Creek Records Radio Compilation called “Help Me”. As always, Gene performed this song in his signature style. “Help Me” became # 1 in Cashbox Magazines “Country Christian” Top 100 and in Christian Servant Magazines “Country For The Good Life” Top 100 in March of 2017. Gene now has a new release on Canyon Creek Records Compilation Volume 41 titled “Old Roman Soldier”. He has had this song in his heart for many years waiting for the right time to release it. You can feel the compassion and love in his heart for Christ when he sings “Old Roman Soldier”. The song is on his new Gospel CD “My Gospel Roots” Gene Watson. I hear the anointing all over this song and I look for it to bless, bless, and bless those that get the privilege of hearing it. It will be on the market for purchase soon. Tommy Smith
www.genewatsonmusic.com
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 28
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Growing the Industry by Gene Reasoner There is plenty of debate about how to make our Christian Country Music Industry grow. Many hours of discussion have been rendered on this subject. To some degree, this debate has produced growth here and there but it never seems to be enough. Artists struggle to book dates that pay enough, struggle to get radio to play their music and have trouble budgeting for quality recordings. If there were only a formula or a magic wand to wave that would cause this on-going struggle to go away so we could concentrate on ministry! Who wouldn't want that? There are obvious answers. Make sure we are in the perfect will of God. Keep Jesus first in our music and our industry. Walk in love. Be givers. I believe what our industry needs the most is UNITY. Many have fallen into the trap of competition. When having a number one record, or the most listened to radio station, or winning awards becomes the driving force of what we do then I believe our priorities are out of order. REALITY CHECK! The Christian Country Industry is not that big of a deal! Christian Country Music is barely a tiny speck on the music horizon. We are tiny! Too many of us think we are a big deal. But we're not! So what's my point? My point is this: GET OVER YOURSELF. If you think God can't get the gospel out without this music you are wrong. Sorry to shock you but God can make it just fine without us. Especially when we can't get along with each other. We wonder sometimes why we don't see more people come to Jesus when we sing and many times it's because they don't want to be like us. When they see jealousy, hear us badmouthing each other and in general not getting along, they don't want anything to do with that. Number one songs don't mean anything if we can't get along. Awards mean nothing if we don't walk in love. Artists need to get along. Radio stations need to get along. Record labels need to get along. The love of God is the answer. Frankly, I'm tired of the conflict among us. I'm ashamed of it and will not be part of it. Let this be a wake-up call! What we need most in Christian Country Music is UNITY. We all work for the same Jesus. Let's act like it. Let's help each other. All of us are different but we work for one cause, the cause of Christ. We can do this...it's the only way our industry will grow and have the intended effect on those that hear our music. PEACE & UNITY to all. Cogitate on this.‌Gene Reasoner
Thank you radio for playing and charting "I Won't Take Less Than Your Love" at # 8 in September’s 2017 "Country For The Good Life" Top 100 in Christian Servant Magazine. We would also like to thank all our friends and fans for your Prayers. Doris is holding up well as she battles cancer but we know God still heals so please keep praying. God Bless! Visit our Music Page to hear samples and to order your copy today!
Congratulations Doris Merritt 2016 ICGMA Female Vocalist of the Year! Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 30
Marli Humphrey
What America Needs Are “More Teens Like Marli” by Tommy Smith
If you are not familiar with the very talented Country Gospel singer Marli Humphrey then I hope by the time you finish reading this article you will do your best to seek out her music. She will bless you. Her first release to Christian radio “More Daddy’s Like Andy” is a song about one of America’s favorite television shows. The Andy Griffith show. She sings about the goodness and kindness that Andy had for his son Opie and how Andy not only taught Opie to strive to live a good moral life but he always set the example of living by what he preached. Now that’s a good father. Marli is speaking out in this song for most of today’s children. A huge part of America’s families don’t have a father and if they do, the fathers will choose drugs or alcohol over the well being of their family. Though Marli sings this song with an upbeat attitude I can definitely feel her heart hurting for the millions upon millions of teens that would like to have a daddy like Andy, a good, loving father just like our father GOD. Marli will tell you she is one of the lucky ones. She has great parents they do everything they can to make her dreams come true. Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 31
A Canyon Creek Records promoter Radio promotion for your music! Bradwilsonpromotions.com (818) 538-6490 Continued from previous page.
Her dad is a true Rodeo Cowboy and Marli takes after her dad. She loves to Rodeo. Marli’s mom Joni Humphrey is Marli’s business manager and is extremely proud of her daughter. Marli has a huge voice for someone her age. I believe she could end up being a super star. When I asked her if she wanted to have a career as a Christian entertainer and recording artist, she said that is her dream. She told me she does have a backup plan incase it doesn’t work out that way and that’s to go to college, also to take a course in Cosmetology. This young lady is very smart and a real go getter. Marli’s song “More Daddy’s like Andy” has made it to # 2 in The Christian Servant Magazine’s “Country For The Good Life” Top 100 as well as # 2 in Cashbox Magazine’s “Country Christian” Top 100 for October 2017. This is her first release out to Christian radio and to chart that high is phenomenal. I don’t think she’ll have much time to work as a Cosmetologist with the bookings coming in for her to spread the WORD through her music! I think she will be America’s next Christian Music Sweetheart. After all, Christ can use “More Teens Like Marli.” Pastors if you would like to have someone very special for your youth, and other members as well, Marli is your girl. You can call Joni at (903)276-1988. Visit her on Facebook at Marli Humphrey or Marli Humphrey Music or go to her Website: marliatlast.com.
Hey all my favorite DJs and Fans! A big Texas thank you for making my first release to radio, "The Time Has Come" such a huge success. It charted at # 18 in Power Source Magazine’s Christian Country Top 100. Be looking for my new release "I Know There's Angels" on Canyon Creek Records Compilation Volume 41. May it be a blessing to all. You can contact Donna on her Facebook site Donna Morgan - Gospel singer. Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 32
FOF & FOP Chaplain Gary Rayburn 2 Timothy 1:7 ‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.’ FOF & FOP are the two things that stop most Christian people from achieving what God has planned for their lives. FOF, ( fear of failure) and FOP, (fear of people). So many people today are missing out on God’s abundant life of joy, peace and victory because they are living in a spirit of fear. They are afraid to make a decision, afraid to confront issues, afraid to step out, afraid of the past, and afraid of the future. Guess what friends fear is a weapon of the enemy, God has given us power and that power comes to live in us the moment we accept Jesus as our Savior. We have the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. I remember God speaking to me to start a tape ministry back in 1999 and I remember thinking I can’t do that I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I remember that fear coming over me of what if I fail. We need to turn that coin over and think what if I succeed what will happen then? God has a plan for our lives, a good plan to prosper us and to bless us if we will just step out in faith. I remember driving across I-64 in Oct 2000 and hearing a message by a preacher named David Ring on the radio that day. David was born with Cerebral Palsy and is hard to understand at first but as I listened to his testimony that day the Holy Spirit just seemed to tune him into my Spirit and I found myself captured by the Holy Spirit. David talked about turning a life victimized into a life of Victory. I remember at the end of that message that day He said I’ve got Cerebral Palsy what’s your excuse, why aren’t you doing what God has called you to do? I threw my hands up in the air driving down the road and said OK God I surrender. I will start your tape ministry. I will do what you have called me to do. That was 17 years ago. Today Receiving In God or (Rig Ministries for short) is closing in on 2 Million tapes and CD’s that we have produced and given away free of charge to people all over the world. We use testimonies, great Country Gospel Music from lots of different artist all across the Country and some great sermons by people like James Payne and others that have come on board and partnered with us here at Rig Ministries. We receive calls from people all across the Country everyday here at Rig Ministries from folks who are testifying of how the CD’S are changing their lives. We receive several calls each week of salvations from our listeners who have prayed and asked Jesus to come into their heart after listening to the CD’S. God has given us a vision for Rig Ministries to tie ourselves to other Ministries and Churches so that we can work together to stretch a huge net across all of America and to the uttermost parts of the world. It’s time for Rig Ministries to get out of the boat and walk on water! And remember this friends, Jesus Loves you and we here at Rig Ministries love you too. This is Chaplain Gary Rayburn and we will talk at you later...
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 33
If you love your Country Gospel Music, then you will love…
Christian Servant Outreach Ministries
“Country For The Good Life” radio show. Featured every week on these stations at times listed below.
WHHV AM Radio, Hillsville, VA. - Airs at 3:00 pm Fridays & 10:00 pm Fridays WGFC AM Radio, Floyd, VA. - Airs at 3:00 pm Tuesdays 3:00 pm Fridays KCWM 1460 AM & Internet, Hondo - San Antonio, TX. - Airs at 10:00 am Sundays 94.7-Buck FM & Internet. Jerome, Idaho - Airs at 2:00 pm Sundays WGNZ AM FM Radio & Internet, Dayton, Ohio - Airs Saturdays 10:00 pm Sundays 6:00 am Camp Meeting Radio, Internet, TN. - Airs 2:00 pm Sundays VOTL Radio.Org, Internet, KY. - Airs Saturdays at 10:00 am Sundays at 4:00 pm KWNS 104.7 FM, Winnsboro, Texas - Airs Sunday Mornings 5:30 am The Ranch 104.1 FM & Internet, Tyler, Texas - Airs 8:00 am Sundays Heavens Country Radio, Internet, CO. - Airs 2:00 pm Praise Radio, Internet, Alberta, Canada - Airs 2:00 pm Spirit Country Radio, Internet, South Bend, IN. - Airs Tuesdays 9:00 am Sundays 9:00 am 94.1 FM Inspirational Country & Internet, Abilene, TX. - Airs 8:00 pm Saturdays & 8:00 pm Sundays The Davis Family would like to wish each and everyone that has a chance to read this magazine a very Blessed and Joyful Judea-Christian holiday season. They know Christ as their Savior and it’s their heart’s desire that all will come to know Him in the same way. Take the time to help those families this Holiday Season that have been devastated by the recent storms and fires that have destroyed everything they own. Be More Like Jesus! Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 34
Hadley Anne Butler
I had the honor to see this young lady perform and sing in West Plains, Mo. A couple of months back. I was so impressed with the way she handled herself in front of audience and espescially her outstanding true Country Gospel singing style. While listening I thought to myself this just proves there is still real hope for traditional Country and Country Gospe music. So many young teens are choosing to sing this style of music once again. I find that amazing since the church has tried to remove all the old Hyms and replace them with on the wall songs written by a church music director the night before Sunday morning. Don’t get me wrong like everyone else I like to hear and learn a new song once and awhile. Not one that is shallow in message and has no anointing on it. I’m talking about those five word songs that that hardly ever mentioned the Father, Son and Holy Ghost but mention’s a lot of Me, Me and I, I. After listening to Hadley Anne Butler and a large number of other young artist perfom that weekend I am convinced we are about to see real Country Gospel back again. Now it’s time to let Hadley inform you about her dreams and goals herself. ~Tommy Smith
Hey ya’ll, I’m Hadley Anne Butler. I am a Texas girl who was born in Waco, Texas and grew up in the small town of Meridian, Texas, raised my parents; Dan and Teresa Butler. I have two siblings who are my constant supporters and friends, my older brother, Jacob, and my twin sister, Lauren. Without them I’d be nothing. Furthermore, I attended and graduated from Meridian High School in 2016 as the senior class valedictorian. In high school, I was extremely active in rodeo, 4-H, FFA, varsity sports and singing. If there’s one thing to know about me other than my singing, I have always held a vast passion for the sport of rodeo. From growing up learning from my mom, Teresa Butler, and her past accomplishments in and out of the arena, always pushed and inspired me to follow in her footsteps. I have and will always strive to be at least half of the competitor as she was. Anyhow, in high school I was blessed to be a member of the Texas High School Rodeo Association, and the Central Texas Youth Rodeo Association, where I was highly competitive as a 4X THSRA State Finals Qualifier and a 4X CTYRA Finals Qualifier. Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 35
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My high school accomplishments in the arena blessed me with so many opportunities. I am currently on rodeo scholarship at Weatherford College, coached by Johnny Emmons, where I am a sophomore breakaway roper and goat tier. Sadly, this will be my last year rodeoing for Weatherford as I will be transferring to Tarleton State University to rodeo and finish an Ag. Business degree with a minor in Equine Science, next fall. I have been beyond blessed by the sport of rodeo, and have held such a love for this sport for so many years. I couldn’t ask for a more humbling lifestyle to be a part of. In addition, along with my love for rodeo, I have always held a passion for music and singing. When I was younger, at about 8 years old, my twin sister, Lauren, and a family friend, Sarah Schmidt, started singing at all sorts of events around Bosque County. Eight year olds, singing karaoke tracks around town made for quite the show! Known as the “Chickmunks” originally, we began singing at nursing homes, as well as Christmas, Valentines, Fourth of July celebrations, and many other events. As we grew older, we changed our group name to “GypsyBelle” and continued to sing at nursing homes, wineries, etc. around surrounding counties. In the fall of 2012, we began recording an original CD called “Count on My Love” and released it in the Fall of 2013 as freshmen in high school. Along with releasing our CD, we interviewed and played on 106.7 “The Bull”, country radio station out of Waco, Texas. After the CD release, we continued to sing as a group, and sadly after graduation we parted ways in schools on separate ends of the state. With that being said, after parting ways I was driven to continue singing so I picked up the guitar in December of 2016 and began teaching myself the basics. I learned the chords quickly, and still have a lot of learning left to do, but with learning the guitar and writing original material I felt directed to enter the ICM Talent Showdown in Decatur, Texas in June of 2017. God definitely knew what he was doing, because I won the showdown by performing one of my original songs, “Livin’ a Given Life”. Furthermore, which brings me to where I am today. I will be competing at the national ICM Talent Showdown in Nashville, TN in November. After the showdown, I will begin working with Terry Beene, Chuck Hancock, Tommy Smith, and Joy Roberts, all of whom have been such blessings in my life, on an original CD and will be releasing a single for the New Year. I am honored to join this family and begin such an exciting journey that God has called me to follow. Watch my YouTube channel, HadleyAnne Music, for some of my latest originals and keep an eye out for a single release in the near future! I hope my music leaves you inspired, motivated and empowered to live your dreams. Have a blessed one, Hadley Anne YouTube: HadleyAnne Music • Facebook: HadleyAnne • Blog: hadleyanneb.wordpress.com
David House Thank all of the International Country Gospel Music Association members for honoring me with the 2017 Gold Cross Male Vocalist of the Year Award. Also a big thank you to Radio, and all my Christian music brothers and sisters for your loving support. Glory Be To God, David House
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"Texas Music Makers" “We're Planting Goodness, Harvesting Fruit and Sowing Seeds of Love Through Christian Music". by Royel Clark
Being a “Christian” is not an easy thing to be! Sometimes nonbelievers and doubters come at you either straight on or from behind. That’s why it is SOOO important to keep your guard up. Maintain a positive attitude. Be honest and forthright and put Christ first and foremost in your life including your ministry. I am traveling more this year than ever before and I meet a variety of folks from various religions. You sure do see an array of hot, cold and warm “believers”. We need to ALWAYS put the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit in the light and center stage. ONE little wrong word or move can disrupt the spirit. We can NOT please everyone BUT we MUST be aware of our surroundings and minister accordingly. However NEVER compromise God’s word. It always helps to know where you’re going and understand the people and the beliefs of the venue… Church (cowboy/contemporary or traditional), Opry, convention center or in the recording studio. I always strive to BRING GOD to the event, GIVE GOD to the people and GROW GOD in their hearts and minds whether I’m producing or mixing projects here at Anjel Music Studios or singing on the stage. Christians are tough and sometimes more judgmental than the world. Just give the best you got to God and HE will sustain you and carry you through the valleys, over the mountains AND THROUGH the storms of your life…AMEN and AMEN. Here is a short interview with a gifted and talented singing duet Don & Judy Earley… AKA “EARLEY PRAISES”. I promise you will be blest by their hearts, their ministry and their music. How long have you been married? We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary on August 26th. Is there a secret to your longevity? Try to understand that you and your spouse are “one” in body as well as Spirit. It takes effort and hard work for two individuals to become what God has planned for their lives. Always put God first and obey His word and pray for His way in your marriage. Not always easy but so rewarding. Do you write your own songs? The Lord gives me (Don) the melody and the words at the same time. Just as if I heard it on the radio. I write the songs down and the Lord does the rest. How many songs have you written? 104 What is your most memorable ministry experience? When we have someone come up to us after a concert and tell us how the words of the songs ministered to them. That means so much more than compliments on our singing. GOOD EXPERIENCE We sing in many large venues, but it’s a joy for us when we sing at Nursing Homes or Memory Care Homes and we see them slumped in their wheel chairs completely disinterested until they hear an old gospel song. They perk up, with a smile on their face and start singing along. It’s amazing to see! Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 37
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NOT SO GOOD OR BAD EXPERIENCE? We were scheduled to sing at a new place we’d never been. We got there and set up our equipment, turned the TV off and did our concert. Most of the people were in wheel chairs, had been watching TV and didn’t seem too excited to see us. We got home that evening and a message was on our phone from the lady who booked us wondering where we were. She had a room full of people waiting. We had gone to the wrong place!! They had the same name on the same street and we went to the Nursing Home instead of the Independent Living one. We were sick about letting the other ones down, but they did let us come back. How many CD projects have you recorded? Seven, working on number eight What songs are you most noted for? Holy is Our God, He Did It All, I Would Choose Jesus, and I Believe What suggestions or words of encouragement could you offer to any new upcoming singing couples (Duets)? In all situations remember you are representing the Lord and act accordingly. Put others first and He will guide your ministry. God makes singers have different levels of talent. Use your talent the Lord gives you and multiply it for His Kingdom. Remember, “it’s all about Him.” How can you be contacted? Home phone: 817-284-0702 Cell phone: 817-296-8156 e-mail: earleys41@att.net PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to have an interview OR your ministry in the “Texas Music Makers” column, please contact me. Til’ next time…www.royelclark.com or eMail: royelclark@sbcglobal.net or call: 214-923-5892. Reach me on these media networks:
Country Gospel Christian Country Radio Guide Country Music For The Good Life! Music for your listening pleasure! www.941icr.com with Ricky Russ, Abilene, Texas - 24/7
www.spiritcountry.cc with Joe Brashier South Bend, Indiana - 24/7
www.hleradio.com with Hunter Logan Jennings, LA. - 24/7
www.heavenscountry.com with Marty Smith - 24/7
www.kcwm.net Owner: Mike Carr Sundays 10:00 am CST with Tommy Smith San Antonio, Hondo, Texas
www.am1420wrcg.com with Jim Foster Columbus, GA - 24/7
www.wgnzradio.com with Tim Livingston Dayton, Ohio - 24/7 www.theranch.fm Sundays 8:00 am CST with Tommy Smith Tyler, Texas 947BUCKFM.com Jerome, Idaho 2 PM Sunday Mountain Time Country For The Good Life
www.cgcradio.com with Gene & Micki Farington Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. - 24/7 www.campmeetingradio.com Camp Meeting Radio Cookeville, TN www.SmallestGiftsMinistries.org SGBN Radio 24/7
www.praypraypray.net Praise Radio w/ Bryon Fester Spruce Grove, Alberta - 24/7 www.votlmedia.org with Billy R. Douglas Livermore, KY - 24/7 ridingpointradio.playtheradio.com Riding Point Radio - Leighton Nunn 24/7
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Thanks to all that participated to make the 2017 Convention such an astounding success!
See you next year for the 2018 ICGMA Convention and Award Show: July 19, 20, & 21st, 2018. JOIN US! CONVENTION & AWARDS SHOW VENUE: West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis Street, West Plains, MO 65775 www.civiccenter.net
Visit The International Country Gospel Music Association on the web at: www.icgma.org Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 41
Terry Awards 2017 A Huge Success for Branson Entertainers www.bransonterrymusicawards.com The entire theater was packed to see the best of Branson’s extraordinary Singers, Dancers, Musicians, Actors and of course the best produced Shows of the Year as they received the awards they’re so deserving of. These groups of mega talented stars work extremely hard. There are 365 days and nights of entertaining the audiences that come to Branson, MO. from all over the world. They see the best Family, and in most cases, Faith based shows on the planet. Terry Beene is the founder and producer of this outstanding Award show and with the help of Terry’s best friend Chuck Hancock, this year’s show went as smooth as glass and entertained to the very last. Congratulations to Terry, Chuck, and the entire staff for your hard work and the outstanding job you all did. Now, The Winners Are… Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 42
(Joe Riley) Comedian Of The Year ---- James Sibley Fiddle Player Of The Year ---- Melody Heart Band Of The Year ---- Branson Famous Baldknobbers Band Lead Guitar Player Of The Year ---- Steve Ragsdale Female Vocalist Of The Year ---- Kari Garrison Male Vocalist Of The Year ---- Mike Walker Instrumentalist Of The Year ---- Bobby Blackburn Music Track Production Of The Year ---- Forever Young Living Legend Award ---- Buck Trent (Chisai Childs) Humanitarian Award ---- Larry Allred Lifetime Achievement Award ---- Shoji Tabuchi Pioneer Award ---- Cliff Braschier Drummer Of The Year ---- Rob Blackburn Little Big Award ---- Dreams A Classic Rock Fantasy Keyboard Player Of The Year ---- Jim Garstang Steel Player Of The Year ---- Gene Mulvaney Dinner Show Of The Year ---- Tribute To George Strait – Dinner Show Uptown Café Tribute Artist Of The Year ---- Elvis Lives! Jerry Presley (Aloha) Bass Guitar Player Of The Year ---- Michelle Poe Vocal Group Of The Year ---- AYO (Voice Of Glory) Vocal Duo Of The Year ---- Tammy & Tonya Bilyeu Gospel Group Of The Year ---- New South Production Show Of The Year ---- Illusionist Rick Thomas Morning Show Of The Year ---- All Hands On Deck Matinee Show Of The Year ---- Janice Martin (Cirque) Show Of The Year ---- Clay Cooper Entertainer Of The Year ---- SIX 1st Responder Award ---- Officer Caleb Teig
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Sacramento, California – the Capitol city of California, the home of the NBA Sacramento Kings, by Terry & Debra Luna The “City of Trees” and the home of Christian www.thelunasonline.com Country artist Lisa Daggs. We recently talked with Lisa as she was preparing to leave town to go on tour for a few weeks. Lisa Daggs was born in Los Angeles, California; the family moved to Sacramento when she was three years old. While attending grammar school, Lisa took an early interest in music and dance and enjoyed participating in various stage productions, eventually majoring in music while attending college. She subsequently moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music; however, the path to success took a detour as she was not totally sold out to God. She worked with a few all-girl bands in and around Nashville, did some vocal demo work, became frustrated and eventually moved back to Sacramento. After a few run-ins with the police, in November of 1989, Lisa found herself on her knees praying to God to help her. He answered her prayers, providing a path in her career to appear on several Gaither Homecoming Videos, mainstream stages and venues and the opportunity to record her debut CD, Who Are You, which launched a very successful career.
Way Out West
“Well Worn,” Lisa’s most recent chart-topping single, is a song that she wrote for her mother. The track is the first release from her Regardless project. The newest single from that same project, “Love Found Me,” is currently rocketing up Country Gospel charts nationwide. Add “Producer” to Lisa’s many accomplishments, as she is credited with producing a new project by Ronnie Horton, “That’s What I Do.” In addition, Lisa is working in Nashville, putting final touches on her brand-new Christmas project which is available for pre-order from her website. Lisa Daggs is presently working alongside Chuck Day, Buddy Jewel, Marty Smith, Christian Davis, Jeff Bates and others as they present the Inspirational Country Music Talent Showdown. The event, in conjunction with the ICMA, is being held at various locations in Texas, Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, California with the grand finale in Nashville, Tennessee to audition artists and provide invaluable feedback and coaching for their songs, stage presentations, appearance, and performances. More information can be found at www.inspirationalcountrymusic.com. Lisa Daggs describes her message as one of sobriety, “Broken people can be healed! And we are all broken in one way or another,” she said. As always, our God is faithful and He continues to bless Lisa and answer her prayers to help her. She is devoted to delivering her message of recovery and healing through the talent that He has given her. Many have come to know Jesus through her ministry. Be sure to visit Lisa Daggs online at www.lisadaggs.net for tour dates, product, and latest news. Until next time…. Happy trails from Way Out West!
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How To Sell Your Music In Today’s Market by Chip Bricker I’m often asked, How can I sell my music? Well, in today’s Internet driven society, it is not as easy as it might seem. The following are some options you should consider. E – sites Internet sales sites designed to sell music should have your material there. iTunes, Amazon etc, are great sites to have your music on. There are also many other sites that target specific demographics within the Christian market that would be great to get your material on depending on the target demo you are trying to reach with your music. Once you have your music on these sites, then you should send the links to these sites, as well as samples of your music out on social media to drive folks to the sites. For example, if your music is really in the traditional country style, you might check out I2Irecords.com. They offer a great outlet for shopping by the traditional country fan. Several traditional country gospel artists are being added by the day. Physical stores It is almost impossible to get your independent music into major market stores today due to buy-back rules and incredible fees and commission rates per project. An example is as follows; A record company sold 20,000 units to the dealer that stocked Kmart, Walmart, and Target. The distributor pays wholesale for the product then deducts their percentage for selling it, takes out the store’s percentage and the fees to use the store space. If the store does not sell the product within 180 days, then the store charges an un-stocking fee as well as a chargeback for the product. So it ends up costing the artist about 20% more than what they sold it for to the distributor in the first place. On the other hand, if you know that you have thousands of followers and they will for sure buy whatever product you put out, then by all means go for in-store sales. Your own website If you can afford the cart fees for this, I believe this to be a very valid way of marketing your own material and yourself as well. You can use social media to drive buyers to your website where you give them a sample of your material and give them a chance to order the physical product or download the album right there. While visiting your website, the potential buyer can also learn more about your ministry and other products or services you may offer. Third Party Marketers This is probably the cheapest and most widely used methods today. One example would be CDBaby.com. They also will link you to Amazon, Rhapsody, etc. They charge a fee for this and also make sure that you pay and/or have paid your mechanical licensing for the songs that someone else owns the rights to. You still should use social media as well as your own site to send potential buyers to these sites through the provided links that they provide. These sites will also track the use of any material, that they represent for you, if it is used in other social media ways. But that’s another article. Physical On-Site or On-Table Sales Still, the majority of Christian artists sell the most products on their merch tables at their concerts. If you are not doing concerts, you probably aren’t moving much merch. Organize your merch table where all products are in plain view with the merch you need to sell most being the most visible. Have your merch folks know your product well and be able to guide the buyer to the product that has that one special song that they want. This means a lot to the buyer when the merch seller shows knowledge of the merchandise. Keep the merch table neat and friendly with as much detail about your ministry as it can possibly have. This method has the highest profit potential and is the most personal, and that’s what is missing in most Christian artists sales today. Thus, sales are at an all-time low. Remember, keep the Main Theme, keep the Main Thing, and that is God’s Message FIRST! Until Next Time, Chip Bricker (Chip Bricker has a Bachelors Degree in Marketing from Baylor University and a Masters in Consumer Behavior.. Chip has also played for many music stars and produced or played on more than 20 #1 singles as well as more than 100 charting Singles in various genres of music. chipbricker@cableone.net)
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EASTWOOD by Mike Merritt http://merrittcowboyministries.com/
Life is full of surprises, some good and some bad. We all get the chance to deal with them and how we handle situations shows what we are made of. I spent much of my life working cattle, everything from catching them bad ones to gatherin’, sortin’, brandin’, and changing bulls to steers. You just had to love it and wouldn’t miss a chance to do it. Had a call from one of my horshoeing customers and he needed a horse shod, so the next morning I was at his place when the sun came up. Walking up to the front door I noticed a BIG bay horse with a blaze face and a white sock or two standing in the trailer. I had to take a double look cause that horse looked familiar. Walking back to the trailer I asked Donnie about that horse in the trailer. He said that was “Al” and we were gonna put shoes on him. Al was IFR saddlebronc horse of the year in 1978 and belonged to Wing Rodeo Co. That answered my question about the horse, but why did he need shoeing. Donnie said that he was riding him in the off season to keep him in shape. So I dug out my tools and shoes, went to work and within an hour “AL” was walking on iron. While I’m putting up my tools, Donnie said that he and “Eastwood” were gonna pen some cattle, he had another horse if I wanted to go. You just don’t turn down a chance to work cattle and Donnie, all 5’6”, is gonna ride “Al”. Heck yea I’m going!!! We gathered up another horse, stopped and loaded up “Eastwood” and we are going to it. Arriving at the ranch and unloading horses Donnie lined me and “Eastwood” out as to what we needed to do. Without wasting anymore time, we tightened up our saddles, mounted up, and the games began. “Al” forgot he wasn’t rodeoing and when he felt Donnie hit the saddle, he showed us why he was bucking horse of the year, kickin’, twistin’ and bawlin’. Last thing I saw was the back of Donnie’s head as “Al” jumped over a stack of cord wood. Me and “Eastwood” lite out after him, finally catching up and Donnie asked what took you boys so long to get here, we got cattle to pen. That was Donnie, take care of business first. We rode on down to that creek bottom and spotted the cattle, as they started drifting away from us, we struck out after them. “Al” had got all the buck out of his system and we were covering some ground. I just caught a glimpse out of the corner of my of “Eastwood” heading in the wrong direction, I took a good look and saw that his horse had taken the bit and was looking straight up. We had a run a way!!! I watched as horse and rider disappear in the brush and thought “that’s gonna hurt”. If you ever rode through the brush at a high rate of speed, you know what I mean. Meanwhile, me and Donnie kept pushing cattle, when I got the chance I hollered at Donnie; “I think Eastwood is in a storm”. Donnie never checked up, he just hollered back to me, “He shouldn’t been over there in the first place.” After a short while I looked towards the brush and out comes “Eastwood”, his hat is missing, shirt ‘bout tore off, and he is whooping and riding to us. “Eastwood” falls right in place, no words spoken and we penned the cattle. Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 46
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Have you ever looked up and been in the wrong place or situation in life? Sometimes it happens to us even though we don’t mean for it to and we gotta get through the brush to the other side. We may lose our hats and rip some clothes but with JESUS in our lives, we WILL get through. As Donnie put it, he shouldn’t have been over there in the first place. GOD created us and gave us a brain to make decisions, HE also sent the HOLY SPIRIT to help us in life make good decisions. Donnie had the faith that he could ride ole “Al”. “Eastwood” knew he was in a storm and he never gave up, he scratched and clawed to ride that horse through the brush so he could get back to where He should be. Proverbs 4:11-12: I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along the straight paths. 12: When you walk, your steps will not be hampered: when you run you will not stumble. Faith will get us through, HE will guide us back to where we are supposed to be. GOD BLESS, Mgm.8.30.17
Thank you so very much to all of you who honored me with the award of "International Country Gospel Music Association 2017 Male Vocalist of The Year ". It is truly a blessing. Also a big thank you to all the DJ's that are playing my latest release "I Wouldn't Trade America For The World". God Bless You All ! Mike Leichner www.mikeleichner.com Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 47
Movers and Shakers of the Country Gospel Industry The International Country Gospel Music Association proudly inducted three of it’s members into the prestigious
2017 Hall of Fame The first Inductee for 2017: Chuck Hancock Chuck has been a member of the ICGMA well over 15 yrs. He has been a dedicated member. Always willing to serve and help others. Chuck stepped forward to accept the position of Vice President of the ICGMA about nine years ago and he has been a huge part, along with Dan Duncan, of keeping the ICGMA the most respected Country Gospel Convention and Award show in America. Chuck is an example that if you are willing to work hard and be extremely dedicated to the job you take on success will follow. Like the other Hall of Fame inductee’s Chuck has numerous responsibilities. He is a corporate owner of Jet Food Stores in Georgia. He is a tremendous Christian singer, songwriter and he is ministering somewhere at least two to three times a week. Chuck has had numerous number one songs in the charts including his latest release “Mustard Seed Faith”. Great success comes when you are dedicated and dedicated Chuck is to the ICGMA. With board members like Chuck and our other outstanding board members the ICGMA has lasted for 61years. Each year it just gets better and better. I look for it to last a long, long time. You might say that’s an ambitious statement. Friends, the ICGMA has the crème of the crop when it comes to ambitious board members and leaders. We still keep it Country and all about the Gospel. The second Inductee for 2017: Terry Davis Terry has been a board member for over ten years and like the other inductees has similar qualities of integrity. Terry is owner of U.S. Merritt Corporation in East Texas, which owns fourteen Burger Kings and numerous Taco Buenos. Terry loves to employ people; in fact he has a real love for his employee’s and their families. He has been known to help many churches with financial needs regardless of denomination. I’ve known Terry almost 19 years now and this I can tell you, he gives, gives, and gives, not just monetarily but also of his time. He gives motivational speeches and try’s to inform young people of what it takes to have and live a successful life. The first thing he will tell you is to put Christ first in all things you do. Terry believes without Christ in your life you cannot be complete or fully happy. The ICGMA is so blessed to have board members like Terry and is very proud to add him to our Hall Of Fame. Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 48
Joy Roberts
Joy Roberts would personally like to thank all the ICGMA members for voting “Let Me Live” the ICGMA Song Of The Year 2017. This is a real blessing to not only my family but to the entire Pro-Life community. Check out the new video of the song on our website: joyrobertsministries.com
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He will do whatever it takes to see that God is honored by our music. Speaking of music, Terry has just had a number one song in the charts for September 2017, “Please Help Me Jesus”. This is just one of the many number one songs that Terry has written and recorded. Terry is a real family man. He loves his wife Lynne, his daughter Georgia and son-in-law Tony, and his daughter-in-law Crystal that was married to Terry’s son Wayne who has gone on to be with Jesus. Most of all Terry loves his grandkids and spends as much time with them as he can. Terry is a leader and a Christian who not only talks the talk but also walks the walk. He is truly worthy to be in the ICGMA Hall of Fame.
Third Inductee for 2017: Benny Ray Wood I became familiar with Benny about two years ago. He is a vocalist for “White River” a legendary group in the Christian Country music field. Benny, the group, and a few other bands are pioneers of Christian Country music. Like so many of the groups from the 90’s White River slowly drifted apart and each went their own way. In 2016 the group reunited to help the ICGMA celebrate its 60th Convention and Award Show. When they performed the audience went crazy over their music and they sounded like they had never been apart. Once again they performed for our 61st Convention and now they have a new release out to radio. Both Gene Reasoner and Bruce Haynes, band members of White River, had previously been inducted into the ICGMA Hall of Fame. It was time for vocalist Benny Ray Wood of the group to receive the same honor. Benny was inducted into the Hall of Fame in July 2017 at our annual Convention and Award show. The ICGMA board members are very proud of, and thankful to White River for it’s many years of hard work and contribution to the Christian music industry. Benny Ray Wood like his other band mates spent years leading thousands to Christ using the gifts and talent that God has given them. The International Country Gospel Music Association loves to honor those who honor CHRIST. That’s what we are all about. Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 49
Familiar Hymn by Pam Ford Davis Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com
Our church had a weekly nursing home ministry; as volunteers, we presented a summary of the Sunday school lesson and led in singing. One of the residents exhibited clear signs of dementia. We were amazed when the little lady became lucid; she joined my husband in the singing of a familiar old hymn.
‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’ Joseph M. Scriven, 1855 (Public Domain)
What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!
Do you know our friend? “I do not call you slaves anymore, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father (John 15:15 HCSB).” ~Pam Ford Davis Devotionals are her first love in writing. Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Light from the Word, Coosa Journal, With God Daily, Mary Hollingsworth's The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter. http://www.pamforddavis.com
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged— Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer. Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge— Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear; May we ever, Lord, be bringing All to Thee in earnest prayer. Soon in glory bright, unclouded, There will be no need for prayer— Rapture, praise, and endless worship Will be our sweet portion there.
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Wyatt Nations Wyatt Nations Keeps It Country, and Keeps It Christian! Wyatt Nations current release to radio is out to reach the common man or woman and lead them to Christ. “Getting Back To Our Roots” is doing just that. The song is getting tons of airplay and great response from the listeners. Greg Dodson of Camp Meeting Radio brought up to me in a conversation we were having as DJs about different songs we were both playing. Greg said Wyatt's song not only touches his audience but it also touches him. Wyatt is a true storyteller. It is how you tell the story "in a song" that will grab someone. He just has that very special gift or I should say anointing. Take the time to visit Wyatt Nations’ website and listen to his music. Better yet purchase one or two of his projects and help support his ministry. www.wyattnations.org ”Getting Back To Our Roots” is currently # 34 in Christian Servant Magazine “Country For The Good Life” Top 100 chart.
www.wyattnations.org
Christian Servant Magazine a division of Christian Servant Outreach Ministry, Inc. A 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization Publisher: Christian Servant Outreach Ministry, Inc. Editor in Chief: Tommy Smith Creative Director: Anna Smith Design Director & Digital Director: Rhonda Hamilton Address all Editorial, Business and Production Inquiries to: Christian Servant Magazine, 15661 Hwy 64 E.,Tyler, TX. 75707 • (903) 566-3347 For Sponsorship Information contact: Tommy Smith • (903) 566-3347 • or Email: tommysmith4@juno.com www.christianservantoutreachministry.com • www.christianservantradio.com • www.christianservantmagazine.com Copyright © 2015 Christian Servant Outreach Ministry, Inc. dba Christian Servant Magazine • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED All articles are copyrighted and may not be reprinted or published without the express written permission of: Christian Servant Magazine, 15661 Hwy 64 E.,Tyler, TX. 75707 Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 51
Talented
Anointed
America’s newest First Lady to Christian Country charting at #6 in “Country For The Good Life Top 100”, Christian Servant Magazine and#6 in Cashbox Magazine’s “Country Christian Top 100”. To book Cassidy, or purchase her music visit her website: http://www.cassidyhuckabaymusic.com or https://www.facebook.com/CassidyHuckabayMusic Christian Servant Magazine - Edition IV, 2017 - Page 52