Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,
I am the light of the world: he that followeth me
shall not walk in darkness,
but shall have the light of life.
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 1
Congratulations
Les Taylor #1 Charting Song
If That Mountain Don’t Move Christian Servant Magazine’s Country For The Good Life Top 100 November, 2017
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 2
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 3
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 4
Winter, 2018 - Edition I Table of Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 14 15 17 18 19 21 23 25 26
Cover November #1 Song December #1 Song January #1 Song Table of Contents Light & Darkness Keeping It Country Country Gospel Music News and Events The Log Texas Music Makers A Fresh Start The Way I See It Country For The Good Life Top 100 - November, 2017 Country For The Good Life Top 100 - December, 2017 Country For The Good Life Top 100 - January, 2018 One Ordinary Life Heather Thomas Van Deren
Jimmy R. Price Gene Reasoner Tommy Smith Mike Merritt Royel Clark Roger Barkley, Jr. John Penney
27 29
On The Air A New Year With God
30 32 33 34
Mike Wellman Way Out West Donna Morgan Lincoln Perry
35
What Is A Music Producer & Why You Need One 2018 Just A Thought A Child Is Born, A Son Is Given Movers and Shakers of The Country Gospel Industry
37 38 39 40
Tina Wakefield Tommy Smith
Marty Smith Chaplain Gary Rayburn Tommy Smith Terry & Debra Luna Tommy Smith Brad Wilson Chip Bricker Terry Davis Gayla Earlene Doug DeRamus Tommy Smith
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Happy New Year! 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 I, 2018 - Page 5
Light & Darkness John 3: 17-21 by Jimmy R. Price www.jimmyrprice.com
Oct. 1, 2017 will go down in the history of modern day America as one of the worst disasters known to us! Late that Sunday night in Las Vegas, Nevada, more than 500 people were injured while attending a country music concert. Among those, at least 58 of them have died. Since then there has been an unbelievable amount of news coverage and comments on social media. The questions that were most asked were: Why? Who was this man? Was he a radical Islamic terrorist? Was he a White Supremacist? Was he an NRA member? Did he have ties to a political group? Was this racially motivated? Was this a grudge against someone? Did he just snap? I do not know all the answers to these and other questions! I do, however know the answer to the question of “why” he did this! President Trump got it right…..EVIL! Here are some “facts” that will help us all understand. 1. EVIL is a reality in this world that we live in! The Bible teaches that Satan is the “Prince of this world.” In John 10:10, Jesus says, “the thief cometh not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” John 3:19 says, “and this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were EVIL.” 2. Every person must choose to follow darkness (EVIL) or the light (Jesus). Romans 12:2 says, “And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” We are either “conformed” by the darkness or “transformed” by the Light. The one involved in this horrible act was definitely under the control of Satan! EVIL! 3. The “world’s” focus is on the wrong thing…How he did it! Would we feel better if he had driven a rented truck into the crowd, flew a plane and crashed into them, set off a bomb made of nails and a pressure cooker, or blew them up with a U-haul truck full of fertilizer? Adding to this terrible tragedy is the news media and political groups using this horrific act of pure EVIL to try to promote their own agenda! Over and over I’ve heard it said, “we must stop this.” What I did not hear from politicians, Hollywood actors and talk show hosts is that over a million babies are killed each year by parents in the U.S. and “we must stop this!” Today there are many that love darkness and reject the light! John 3:20 says, “For every one that doeth EVIL hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved (examined).” When we examine the deeds done in Las Vegas, the church shooting in Texas, and terrorist acts in New York City, it is clear to see that the motive was pure EVIL! There is no legislation that can be passed, no law written or enforced, that will prevent this EVIL from happening again. There is a law that is already written that Jesus spoke about, that if practiced, would do just that! He said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all they heart, thy soul, thy mind and thy strength…and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” On these two laws hang all the others. However these laws are a choice for each individual to act on, and can’t be forced on anyone by the government.
Continued on next page…
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 6
Continued from previous page.
www.canyoncreekrecords.com
This is TRUTH! John 3:21 says, “But he that doeth TRUTH cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest (clear), that they are wrought in God.” The TRUTH is: EVIL exists! EVIL is very prevalent in this world! EVIL is of the Devil! EVIL is the reason “why” people commit these heinous acts of violence! EVIL can only be overcome by GOOD! (GOD) GOOD and EVIL are both very real, but are not compatible! EVIL is a product of darkness! GOOD is a product of LIGHT! Darkness is due to the absence of LIGHT! But…there IS something we can do! A. Identify the darkness and its source! (Satan, sin, EVIL) B. Choose LIGHT! (Jesus) C. Take the LIGHT into the darkness!
Jimmy R. Price www.jimmyrprice.com
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.
DJ's thank you for playing my latest 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
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 7
KEEPING IT COUNTRY by Gene Reasoner
Our platform here is Christian Country Music. It's the form of music we use to take the Gospel of Christ to the world. It's how we speak to peoples' problems, how we encourage them and how we point them to Jesus as the answer to their problems. It's a tool we use to shine light into darkness. Some use other styles or genres of music. It may be contemporary, Rock or Praise & Worship. Classical, Inspirational and Bluegrass are also forms of music that add to the variety of genres that can carry the Gospel. I believe we should be vigilant to keep our music Country. As time goes on sometimes the music is infiltrated with other styles of music by well meaning people who maybe don't know the difference or they just want to jump on our bandwagon and they don't realize that their music really isn’t Country. For the last several years we've observed drastic changes in secular Country music. In the 80's and 90's traditional Country music made great advances because of artists like Randy Travis, Ricky Skaggs, Alan Jackson and others. People love the traditional sound of Country music. But then new artists brought the Rockin’ sound to Country music. The Telecaster became the driving force of a country band and the fiddles and steel guitars were pushed aside. Songwriters began to write songs that were more party songs rather than ballads and the younger audiences bought it in large numbers. This made a great change in the focus of the big record labels and Country music began to change as record companies chased the money. You may wonder why I'm talking about secular Country music so much. It's because our Christian Country music is gradually doing the same thing. The sound of our music has gone more toward a get down rockin’ sound and gotten away from ballads that usually carry a much stronger message. I was very involved in the early stages of Christian Country music. I remember when bands like White River, The Days, Mid South, Ken Holloway and a few others established a goal of making music that sounded like the traditional Country music we listened to on radio. The difference was the strong Gospel message added to it. It was amazing the affect it had on our listeners. We began to write songs that dealt with issues that we all face on a daily basis. Our songs addressed family problems, drug problems, relationship problems, fears that people face, sickness, death, grief.....but always presenting Jesus as the answer. Many times other bands and singers would tell us they wished they were doing music like we were doing. Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with songs that talk about heaven, streets of gold, or mansions on hilltops. Those songs have a place in our repertoire. But a steady diet of those songs won't help someone deal with the loss of a loved one due to suicide or finding out their child is gay or divorce or poverty and failure. The point is, our songs must have meat in them. We have to give people answers. Songwriters must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit when writing. It's important to write about common issues we all deal with. We have enough songs about Grandpa, the little church by the side of the road, or laying our heavy burdens down when we get home. We must write strong, relevant music. Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 8
Continued from previous page.
I'm a purist. When I say Country, I mean Country. Don't be afraid of steel guitar, twin fiddles and vocals with no vibrato. People are hungry for it because they rarely find it on the radio. Southern Gospel and other styles have their place but our music is Country. Let's keep our Christian Country music Country. It's what sets us apart from the rest of the music world. Having said all this we must be careful not to separate ourselves from those who do other styles of music to the point of breaking fellowship or creating division. There is a place for everyone and a place for all styles of music. God loves everyone and we must do the same. I’ll close with a line from an old White River song: I’ve got a funny feeling the Lord likes Country too. Cogitate on this..... Peace. Gene Reasoner
Americas sweetheart Marli Humphrey wants all DJ's and her fans to know how grateful she is that you chose her song "More Daddy's Like Andy" to be the number one song for December, 2017. This was a dream come true for this sixteen year old Christian Country singer. She wishes for all of you a healthy, joyful life filled with happiness for this New Year of 2018 and many more years to come. Be looking for a new release by Marli soon.
Once again Happy New Year! Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 9
COUNTRY GOSPEL MUSIC Heath Knox Heath is a new comer to the Country Gospel music industry. In a short period of time his success has been phenomenal. A DJ from a large Country Station referred Heath to me. Heath works in the Health Rehabilitation industry working with those who suffer from accidents, heart trouble, strokes, and other medical complications. My DJ friend had a stroke and was receiving therapy from Heath on a weekly basis. Heath told him that he loved to sing and was the music minister for his church. Not only did he love to sing but he also wrote Christian songs with a Country flavor. My friend asked Heath to sing a few of his original songs for him. He was so impressed by Heath that, knowing my record label Canyon Creek Records promotes this type of music, he called me and said “You have to hear this young man he is extremely talented”. I called Heath and he sent me a song that he wrote titled “Line In The Sand”. I knew it was a hit right from the start, especially when I heard Heath singing it. I referred him to a studio in the Dallas area to have the song cut professionally and the rest is history. The song was released to radio nationally and has been one of the most played, chart topping songs in the industry for the last five months. Needless to say we are all proud of him. He is a man after Gods own heart. Looking forward to hearing the new song Heath will be releasing very soon.
Wade Phillips Christian Country singer Wade Phillips has a new release to radio titled “Make Me More Like Jesus”. This is a song coming straight from Wades heart. He loves Christ with all his heart and soul. Wade is not only a great singer, songwriter but was a full time Pastor for a very large church here in Texas. You heard me right I said, “Was”. Just a few months ago he believed that God had called him to be in the full time Country Gospel Music Ministry. He resigned from his church and is now traveling letting all that he comes in contact with, know that Jesus is still in the forgiving business and Salvation is still available if they would just seek and receive. Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 10
Continued from previous page.
How do you know when someone has been born again? Simple. They will truly strive to be “more like Jesus”. Wade Phillips song “Make Me More Like Jesus” is a way of life that he and his entire family strive to live for each and everyday. Shouldn’t we do the same?
Jamie Lynn Flanakin This young lady has a unique singing style that no matter what kind of Christian music you like, she covers it all. Her vocals are excellent and the song choices she picks to release to radio are always a hit not only to the DJ’s that play her music but also to their audiences. Her new song “Free” was written by a young man we all know by the name of “Cowboy Roy” and with the combination of her singing and Cowboy Roy’s outstanding lyrics, the song looks like it is destined to be at the Top of the Charts. This young lady has a heart for God like you wouldn’t believe. She will spend every weekend ministering and singing her heart out raising money for anyone who has a real need, whether it be from a tragedy that has fallen upon them or bad health or many other needs. She lives by the words Jesus said, “Be your brother’s keeper”. To me Jamie Lynn represents what a true Christian should be, love, and kindness, always humble and ready to go wherever Christ leads. I look for Jamie to be one that has one hit song after another. She is definitely one that is not just called, but chosen by Christ to be a servant for HIM with her talent and He doesn’t make mistakes.
Tim Livingston Tim is a man of many blessings. God blessed him with a close loving family that sacrifices a lot of their time and resources doing all they can to lead the lost to Christ without wavering or complaining. A Godly father Rev. Norman Livingston and mother Velma Livingston raised Tim and taught him to live by strong Christian values like “honor your elders”, and “it is better to give than receive” and give he does daily. His dad Norman went on to be with the Lord a few years back. He was Tim’s best friend and mentor. The family owned a very large Christian radio station in Dayton, Ohio and Tim spent a large part of his youth learning everything he could about the family business. Dad was also a pastor of a church that is still going strong. Tim took his fathers place as Pastor of the church and is now in construction of adding thousands of square feet to the building and parking lot because it’s membership has grown so much. Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 11
Continued from previous page.
You would think a man couldn’t do anymore than that for Christ. Not so with Tim. He is a very gifted anointed Christian singer and songwriter. He is one of the few I have met, after being in the music industry for over 55 years, that can take a song and tell the story in a way that you the listener will feel like you’re living the story. That is a real gift. Tim is mainly in the Southern Gospel industry. I tell him he is really a Country singer because Country singers are famous for being the best storytellers through their singing than any other style of music. Tim’s latest release to radio “I Can’t Erase The Message” is one of those messages that anyone who has lost a loved one can really relate to. He sings it with such feeling it will bring tears to your eyes. This is a tremendous song of love.
Tricia Kry Tricia is not new to the music industry but is a fairly new artist to the Country Gospel Music field. She resides in the great state of Nebraska and has an absolutely outstanding voice. Tricia has what I call a Crossover style. It is a mixture of Contemporary Praise and Country Gospel. It’s something on the line of artists like Crystal Gayle or Martina McBride. She is an awesome songwriter and I think she will be considered an artist that radio will really enjoy playing. Her new release to radio is already getting a lot of attention. The song “Still With Me” is a comforting song, letting all know, that Christ will be with you in your roughest times. He will be there to comfort you and listen to your needs as you cry out to HIM. All of us will suffer the loss of someone or something we love so very much that the hurt can be just too painful to bear. Tricia reminds us that the Holy Spirit is with us always to help lighten the pain and give us hope. Great song Tricia Kry, thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Michael Knight Let’s get right to it. Michael Knight is great, great, great! That is the only way to describe his anointed voice, stage presence, and very personable honest ‘no put on’ personality. He will tell you he has lived a very rough and sometimes outlaw life, but make no mistake he is shedding that old life for a new one. This gentleman has one of the most soulful Country voices in the industry today. He now has his second release out to radio with Canyon Creek Records called “You Can Have It All” a song written by Del Way, one of my favorite Christian Country singers. The combination of Del Way’s writing and Michael Knight’s voice points to only one thing, winning souls. That’s what it’s all about in my book. Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 12
Continued from previous page.
Michael is a full time Christian entertainer and would love to be invited to your church. Believe me his testimony can reach some in your church, that you may not have been able to reach yourself. They will size him up and know that he, like them, has been on the wrong side of the tracks a few times. They will also quickly realize that he is never going back to that way of life. They don’t have to either. They too “can have it all” just like Mike has through Christ Jesus. Please have him come to your church. He can come with or without his band. That would be your choice and you won’t regret it!
Chip and Nikki Headley wish for all of you a very blessed and prosperous 2018. They are grateful for the strong support radio and fans have given them on their new single, "I'll See You Later", a song that touches the heart of all that hear it. It is Chip and Nikki’s desire to spread God’s word one song at a time and they surely have with . You may contact them for product or bookings by calling: 804-221-2491.
www.chipandnikki.com
CHUCK HANCOCK You know the old saying that good guys wear white hats? It must be true because you will never find a nicer more giving guy than Chuck Hancock. This man works so hard and is so dedicated to reaching those who do not know Christ through each song that he " writes and sings. His last song " climbed to # 1 for October 2017. His new release " " looks like it's headed the same direction. Chuck, Cynthia and the entire Hancock family wish for all of you a Blessed New Year full of love.
www.chuckhancock.com www.facebook.com/CHUCKHANCOCKMUSIC
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 13
The Log by Mike Merritt http://merrittcowboyministries.com/
I HAD JUST hauled in some fresh cattle , kinda restocking after the drought back in ’05 and ’06. Folks had to trim down the herds, just wasn’t any grass and the water was about gone. Me and my ole dog got these cattle situated across the creek where I had my workin’ pens at the time. This ole creek could get bank full purty quick and the only way to cross it was tractor, horseback, or just afoot, but it did keep the cattle rustlers shied away. One morning before I went to my day job, I wanted to check on this bunch of cattle, still had ‘em penned up. The creek was up so I figured I’d walk across that log that had been there since I was a pup. Just to appreciate the story, I tell you it was freezing weather and had some rain the night before so I had ‘bout everything on that I owned just to stay warm. As I eased up to that log, I took a purty good look at it and made me a plan. Gonna stay in the center, move slow so I don’t slip off into that cold water and get to the other side. Ever thang was going just as planned right up to the point of being in the middle of that log, and there I had a life changing experience. That ole log had served its purpose well for many years but today was the day it would be over. I heard a snap and the cold water was invading all that Carhart gear I had on. At least at that time carhart coveralls was not water proof. My feet hit the bottom of that creek and I saw my life in front of me. I was trying to grab on to anything and water just ain’t too solid. Finally got my fingers dug into the bank of that creek and started climbing and clawing my way back to dry ground. My body was shaking so bad when I did make it out I could hardly get them insulated coveralls unbuckled. I was afraid I was gonna turn into an ice cube if I didn’t get them clothes off and get back in my truck purty quick. After thawin’ out a little I started thinking I could’ve died right there. I would’ve been gone from my family, friends, and who was gonna take care of them cattle and feed my dog and LORD have I done everything you would have me do while I am down here on this little spread. You see, the Bible says in the book of Hebrews 9:27-28; Just as a man is destined to die once and after that face judgement. So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring home those who are waiting for him. If you don’t have Jesus in your life today, you need to know He is the only solid log you can stand on. We get so caught up in the fast lane of life, taking for granted that “our log” will always be here that we miss so much of what GOD has for us to do. Like enjoying the sunrise and the sunset, watching the grass grow, patching up differences with our families and friends, and working on ourselves so that when our log breaks , we leave a legacy, an example to the world as to what living a Christian life looks like.
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 14
"Texas Music Makers" “We're Planting Goodness, Harvesting Fruit and Sowing Seeds of Love Through Christian Music". by Royel Clark
Songwriting is an awesome gift that God has given to so many folks! It’s been said that if you can write a song that has a catchy melody, with a good beat and is short and sweet, then you just might have a #1 song in the market place. I guess that’s true for the most part, BUT music without a message is a lot of noise. Before I was saved I worked in the secular music industry for more than 15 years writing and producing songs every week. For me writing a song is easy BUT creating a lyrical masterpiece requires a deeper understanding of who we are, why we’re here, where we’re going and when it’s GOD’S time NOT ours. Some people go to songwriting school and that’s okay. But I recall at 7 years old, I was dancing to the beat, singing to the music and imagining myself on the big stage. Oh I went through many years of writing, rewriting and re-rewriting songs. I think you will agree with me that as a songwriter, we will be writing, re-writing and re-re-writing until God says enough. So, if you are a songwriter then please keep on keepin on and seek God for advice and direction. The ways of the world are stressful and misleading BUT GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU. Remember the greatest words are still to come. Listen to your heart. The Lord spoke to me and a co-writer of mine Emma a while back and we wrote a song that says…”He listens when we pray but HE only hears our heart.” THANK YOU JESUS! BTW…Thank you radio stations and listeners for playing and requesting my latest single “Don’t Miss Heaven By A Text”. Here’s a story of one of the hot music spots in Texas…The Wylie Opry! Family country shows AND country gospel shows presented by The Wylie Opry have been a downtown tradition in Wylie, Texas for 35 years! The Wylie Opry began from a vision of George and Clara Riley. It is the longest running opry in all of Texas! The first location of the Opry was in the warehouse district, on Cooper Street. It was quite a challenge when a train passed by because the sounds of the train would echo throughout the building, sometimes drowning out the band and the singers. Soon the Wylie Opry relocated in the heart of downtown Wylie where it still is today. Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 15
Continued from previous page.
In 2000 the ownership of the Opry went to the loving hands of Mr. LeGrant Gable. He worked for the Opry from the beginning and he does just about everything from being the owner, Stage Manager, Sound Manager, Public Relations and more! I’ve always thought of him as the hardest working man in show business! Aside from the wonderful family country shows, a great highlight of the Wylie Opry is the Friday night gospel shows each week where singers and groups come from near and far to present JESUS through a variety of genres with Country Gospel, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass and Contemporary Gospel music! The talented LeAnn Rimes was a regular at the opry before her leap to stardom. Today many young up and coming singers both country and Christian country brighten up the stage every week. They invite you to come by and check out what is new at the Opry. Currently, they can seat 250 guests and most nights all these seats are full. Reservations are recommended. The Opry would not be the success it is today without the support and help from friends behind the scenes (too many to mention them all) PLUS the TEXAS LEGEND BAND is one of the BEST LIVE bands in all of the opry circuit! Every show is video recorded and available to purchase. I have been on that stage many times over the years and EVERY moment is always special and memorable. If you haven’t been to the Wylie Opry Friday OR Saturday night concerts yet make your reservations now. The Opry is located at 111 N. Ballard Sreet in beautiful downtown Wylie, Texas. Showtime is 7:30pm. Call 972-442-3047 for more info and tell’em Royel sent ya! Til’ next time…God loves ya and so do I. www.royelclark.com Email: royelclark@sbcglobal.net 214-923-5892
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!
2017 ICGMA Duo Of The Year & Album Of The Year "Detour"
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 16
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.
A Canyon Creek Records promoter.
Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your heart through Christ.”
BradWilsonPromotions.com
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
Radio promotion for your music!
(818) 538-6490 A Fresh Start by Roger Barkley, Jr. www.rogerbarkleyjr.com
Multitudes of people will be joining gyms, pushing away from the table to lose those extra pounds gained over the holidays. They will be deciding what their new outlook is for the New Year. A resolution being thrown around more than the football during the game they fell asleep watching, will be spoke into existence just to be cast aside weeks later when they realize the absurdity of their over excitement of the season. Resolutions can be an exciting adventure in this ever changing world. However, the resolution can also be as a weight around your neck if it is an unattainable accolade. It can be a depressing situation to make you feel like a failure. I am not by any means saying to set your sights lower so not to be disappointed. I am however saying that before you make a resolution bathe it in prayer and fasting to ask God what that resolution should be. Maybe this coming year holds something grand from Him and he is anxiously awaiting that personal relationship with you in order to tell you what it is. The Bible says that he wants the best for his children. In order to find out what that is we must be in a constant communication with him. In conversation with him your resolution might just turn out to be a revelation of something that has been waiting for you. Now that is the way to start a year off right! Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 17
…the way I see it by John Penney, The Christian Outlaw www.johnpenneymusic.com
Everyday is a new day !! The Lord gives us something new every minute of every day. A lot of times I forget about many of the wonderful things that He provides for us. So here we are stepping out into a brand new year of life here in 2018 and I am so very thankful for all that God is doing in my life and in the lives of my family. Like the words of that old song, yes, even the bad times are good, yet sometimes life does seem to be so very hard on a lot of people and I do have reservations about why some things seem to be so bad in this old world. But then, I get to thinking, I had a defining moment in my life watching television one night when I was a much younger version of myself. Late one night I happened to be watching the Tonight Show on television and Johnny Carson had as his guest the Reverend Billy Graham. They were talking about life in general and Johnny asked him this question, “ if God is in control then why do bad things happen to good people” ? Well, the answer has stuck with me all these years and I use Reverend Graham`s response to tell this story every chance I get. In this way I try to help people understand why bad things sometimes happen the way that they do. Reverend Graham looked over at Johnny and I will never forget the words he said, he said, “ Johnny, there are two forces in this world, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is with us every minute of the day and night, He is waiting to enter your heart and soul at any time so that you may know peace and have everlasting life. It`s that simple, if you will ask for salvation then Jesus is always there. But also remember this, the Devil is out there too. And he is working hard to control lives and spread his evil ways, so we, as Christians need to always be there for each other and to lift up the Holy name of Jesus to a lost and dying world so that every man, woman and child will have the opportunity to know Jesus”. These few words from Reverend Billy Graham on the Tonight Show many years ago still resonate in this world to this very day. Yes, the Devil is out here among us and he is working hard to bring souls over to the dark side where sin and evil rule the day. I see it all the time and I am sure that you see it as well. What I am asking for in this New Year of 2018 is that we all come together as Christians and do the very thing that Reverend Graham told Johnny Carson that night so very long ago. Lift up your friends and neighbors, lift up the ones that you see on the street and be the light that shines in a dark world for Jesus. Lift up yourself in this New Year. Be the person that God made you to be. Be the one who made a difference. Be a Christian. May God Bless.
That`s the way I see it……
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 18
November, 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 If That Mountain Don’t Move More Daddy’s Like Andy Believe What You Say Old School Hold Him In Heaven Good God Don’t Unpack Your Bags I’m There The Creek Wayfaring Stranger When The Sun Of Life Goes Down If The Flag Trophy Of Your Grace Unanswered Prayers God’s Country I Love You
ARTIST Les Taylor
# 26 27 28 29
Marli Humphrey Cassidy Huckabay Jim Sheldon 30 Barbara Fairchild Gena Roberts Hamilton 31 Miles Pike 32 Buddy Jewell 33 The Reed Brothers 34 Cindy Hughlett Waymasters
35
Jimmy R. Price James Payne Stella Gina White Michael Lee Chuck Day Kevin Rowe & Prodigal Sons Chuck Hancock
36 37 38 39 40
41 42 43 Mustard Seed Faith 44 No One Ever Cared For Joy Roberts Me Like Jesus 45 Thank God I’m A Darlene Jennusa w/ 46 Changed Man Larry Granger 47 Before Him CrossFire Gospel Band 48 I Always Meant It Kristi Miller 49 Angels By Another Name Steve Bridgmon 50 Keep On The Sunnyside Marla Ratliff Heaven Above
SONG TITLE Line In The Sand Love Found Me Do Yourself A Favor You Never Change A Cross Between A Sinner And A Saint Getting Back To Our Roots Where I’m Going Your Will First Day Of Tomorrow I Won’t Take Less Than Your Love Those Good Ole Days I’m Gonna Meet Jesus Path Of Least Resistance Let’s March On God’s Not Slipping Around Getting In The Word Lost In God’s Grace When The Thunder Rolls Less Of Me Victory Sweet Victory God’s Got A Miracle Here I Stand A Good Song God’s Not Me One Christ Fits All
ARTIST Heath Knox Lisa Daggs Terry & Debra Luna David Lemons Shenandoah Wyatt Nations with Cassie Johnny Rowlett Judy Bailey Ricky Russ Mike & Doris Merritt Sheree & Stephen Cody McCarver Gemma Adams Tommy Smith Freddy Redmon Shellem Cline Rachel Taylor John Penney Chris Golden Branded Cross Bev McCann Caleb Howard Sunday Drive Bryan Carroll Russ Nottingham
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 19
November, 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 Daily Bread Another Day Follow Your Heart Home Rise & Shine Old Roman Soldier I Can’t Erase The Message I Wouldn’t Trade America For The World Watching Demons Scatter Revive Me Just Show Up Survivor For You And Me Can’t Praise Him Enough The River Runs Red Loved Me Too Much Wingin’ It You Are Must Be Pardon Me Heart On My Sleeve Church Out Of The Country The Morning After He’s Still The Master Judging Judas Shoot For The Moon
ARTIST Tony Stampley Kolt Barber Brent Harrison Brooks Crossing Gene Watson Tim Livingston Mike Leichner Stephen Rew Keri Randell Christian Davis Carla Jones Ronnie Horton Carol Barham Ava Kasich Del Way Bruce Hedrick The Bates Family The Oxendine Family White River Mary James Dan Duncan Johnny Jones Matt Carroll & Family Jeff Bates Amy McAllister
# 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89
SONG TITLE A Rugged Cross And An Empty Chair Home In Paradise Over And Over Good Morning To The Lord Sinner On MY Knees If Jesus Sang Country You Can Have It All Free I Know There’s Angels He’s The Song A Fathers Prayer Make Me More Like Jesus Come To The Table
Water Snake Revival Country Side Of The 90 Cross 91 Rolling With The Flow 92 I Surrender All 93 If They Knew 94 The Lighthouse 95 It’s Your Season 96 The Blood He Applies 97 Have You Seen Sue 98 I Can Feel His Holy Spirit 99 Get Out Of The Boat I Wish We’d All Been 100 Ready
ARTIST Eagle’s Wings John Petrovich Tina Wakefield Cliff Waddell Julie Reese Corey Farlow Michael Knight Jamie Lynn Flanakin Donna Morgan Paul Winchester Eternal Vision Wade Phillips Heather Thomas Van Deren Epp Mevin Walls Mike Manuel Ishmaels Lonnie King Lin Butler Charles W. Price The Norton Family Debbie Bennett Brian Cagle Pam Blackstock Mark Carman James Thomas Band
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 20
December, 2017 # 1 2 3 4 5 6
8 9
SONG TITLE More Daddy’s Like Andy Believe What You Say Hold Him In Heaven Old School I’m There The Creek A Cross Between A Sinner And A Saint Don’t Unpack Your Bags Trophy Of Your Grace
10
Heaven Above
11 12 13 14 15 16
Less Of Me Wayfaring Stranger Where I’m Going If Before Him Line In The Sand No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus Unanswered Prayers The Flag I Always Meant It If That Mountain Don’t Move First Day Of Tomorrow Thank God I’m A Changed Man Let’s March On Your Will
7
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
ARTIST Marli Humphrey Cassidy Huckabay Barbara Fairchild Jim Sheldon Buddy Jewell The Reed Brothers
28 29 30
Shenandoah
31
Miles Pike Stella Parton Kevin Rowe & Prodigal Sons Chris Golden Cindy Hughlett Johnny Rowlett Jimmy R. Price CrossFire Gospel Band Heath Knox
32
Joy Roberts Gina White James Payne Kristi Miller Les Taylor Ricky Russ Darlene Jennusa w/ Larry Granger Tommy Smith Judy Bailey
# 26 27
33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
SONG TITLE God’s Country Getting Back To Our Roots Love Found Me Good God You Never Change When The Sun Of Life Goes Down God’s Not Slipping Around I Wouldn’t Trade America For The World Angels By Another Name Those Good Ole Days Do Yourself A Favor Getting In The Word Victory Sweet Victory God’s Got A Miracle Keep On The Sunnyside I Won’t Take Less Than Your Love When The Thunder Rolls Old Roman Soldier One Christ Fits All Lost In God’s Grace Path Of Least Resistance Loved Me Too Much Another Day I Can’t Erase The Message I’m Gonna Meet Jesus
ARTIST Michael Lee Wyatt Nations with Cassie Lisa Daggs Gena Roberts Hamilton David Lemons Waymasters Freddy Redmon Mike Leichner Steve Bridgmon Sheree & Stephen Terry & Debra Luna Shellem Cline Branded Cross Bev McCann Marla Ratliff Mike & Doris Merritt John Penney Gene Watson Russ Nottingham Rachel Taylor Gemma Adams Del Way Kolt Barber Tim Livingston Cody McCarver
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 21
December, 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 Good Morning To The Lord Here I Stand Daily Bread God’s Not Me Mustard Seed Faith I Love You Heart On My Sleeve Church Out Of The Country For You And Me Can’t Praise Him Enough You Are The River Runs Red Pardon Me Follow Your Heart Home Over And Over Country Side Of The Cross You Can Have It All He’s The Master Still Sinner On My Knees Just Show Up Must Be He’s The Song A Rugged Cross And An Empty Chair Judging Judas Free
ARTIST Cliff Waddell Caleb Howard Tony Stampley Bryan Carroll Chuck Hancock Chuck Day Mary James
# 76 77 78
SONG TITLE A Fathers Prayer Wingin’ It Make Me More Like Jesus
ARTIST Eternal Vision Bruce Hedrick Wade Phillips
Heather Thomas Van Deren 80 Rise & Shine Brooks Crossing 81 I Know There’s Angels Donna Morgan 82 I Surrender All Lonnie King Dan Duncan 83 It’s Your Season The Norton Family Ronnie Horton 84 Water Snake Revival Epp Mevin Walls Carol Barham 85 Revive Me Keri Randell The Bates Family 86 Home In Paradise John Petrovich Ava Kasich 87 Shoot For The Moon Amy McAllister White River 88 I Can Feel His Holy Spirit Pam Blackstock Brent Harrison 89 The Lighthouse Charles W. Price Tina Wakefield 90 Have You Seen Sue Brian Cagle 91 Rolling With The Flow Ishmaels Mike Manuel 92 The Morning After Johnny Jones Michael Knight 93 If Jesus Sang Country Corey Farlow Matt Carroll & Family 94 The Blood He Applies Debbie Bennett Julie Reese I Wish We’d All Been 95 James Thomas Band Christian Davis Ready The Oxendine Family 96 If They Knew Lin Butler Paul Winchester 97 Why In The World Roger Barkley, Jr. 98 Paid In Full Ann Davenport Eagle’s Wings 99 Forever Kind Of Love Steve Warren Jeff Bates 100 I’ll See You Later Chip & Nikki Headley Jamie Lynn Flanakin 79
Come To The Table
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 22
January, 2018 # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
SONG TITLE The Flag Where I’m Going Believe What You Say I’m There Hold Him In Heaven I Wouldn’t Trade America For The World Trophy Of Your Grace A Cross Between A Sinner And A Saint
9
Heaven Above
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Let’s March On The Creek Old School Less Of Me Before Him More Daddy’s Like Andy If Don’t Unpack Your Bags You Are First Day Of Tomorrow Line In The Sand Loved Me Too Much Your Will Another Day Getting Back To Our Roots Love Found Me
24 25
ARTIST James Payne Johnny Rowlett Cassidy Huckabay Buddy Jewell Barbara Fairchild Mike Leichner Stella Parton Shenandoah Kevin Rowe & Prodigal Sons Tommy Smith The Reed Brothers Jim Sheldon Chris Golden CrossFire Gospel Band Marli Humphrey Jimmy R. Price Miles Pike The Bates Family Ricky Russ Heath Knox Del Way Judy Bailey Kolt Barber Wyatt Nations with Cassie Lisa Daggs
# 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 I Can’t Erase The Message I Always Meant It You Never Change God’s Not Slipping Around Old Roman Soldier Unanswered Prayers Victory Sweet Victory Those Good Ole Days Church Out Of The Country Thank God I’m A Changed Man Heart On My Sleeve Over And Over Good God Getting In The Word Good Morning To The Lord Angels By Another Name God’s Got A Miracle Keep On The Sunnyside Daily Bread When The Thunder Rolls You Can Have It All God’s Not Me Pardon Me Free The River Runs Red
ARTIST Tim Livingston Kristi Miller David Lemons Freddy Redmon Gene Watson Gina White Branded Cross Sheree & Stephen Dan Duncan Darlene Jennusa w/ Larry Granger Mary James Tina Wakefield Gena Roberts Hamilton Shellem Cline Cliff Waddell Steve Bridgmon Bev McCann Marla Ratliff Tony Stampley John Penney Michael Knight Bryan Carroll White River Jamie Lynn Flanakin Ava Kasich
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 23
January, 2018 # 51
56 57
SONG TITLE Sinner On My Knees No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus He’s The Master Still Follow Your Heart Home I Won’t Take Less Than Your Love Can’t Praise Him Enough Shoot For The Moon
58
Come To The Table
59 60 61 62
Come On Back I Love You A Fathers Prayer When He Made A Way Make Me More Like Jesus Lost In God’s Grace Country Side Of The Cross He’s The Song I Know There’s Angels A Rugged Cross And An Empty Chair Have You Seen Sue Judging Judas It’s Your Season One Christ Fits All I Surrender All Must Be The Lighthouse
52 53 54 55
63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75
ARTIST Julie Reese Joy Roberts Matt Carroll & Family Brent Harrison Mike & Doris Merritt Carol Barham Amy McAllister Heather Thomas Van Deren Mercy Mountain Boys Chuck Day Eternal Vision The Parish Family Wade Phillips Rachel Taylor Mike Manuel Paul Winchester Donna Morgan Eagle’s Wings Brian Cagle Jeff Bates The Norton Family Russ Nottingham Lonnie King The Oxendine Family Charles W. Price
# 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
SONG TITLE Water Snake Revival I Can Feel His Holy Spirit Forever Kind Of Love Rolling With The Flow Trust Me Revive Me Pure Love Wingin’ It I’ll See You Later The Morning After The Blood He Applies Only Room For Love Why In The World I Wish We’d All Been Ready Paid In Full Unclouded Day Home In Paradise If They Knew Every Sinner, Every Angel God Is So Good One Pair Of Hands Braggin’ On Jesus I See A Fire The Preacher Was Right
ARTIST Epp Mevin Walls Pam Blackstock Steve Warren Ishmaels Cindy Hughlett Keri Randell Waymasters Bruce Hedrick Chip & Nikki Headley Johnny Jones Debbie Bennett John Randolph Roger Barkley, Jr. James Thomas Band Ann Davenport Ronnie Horton John Petrovich Lin Butler Gemma Adams
Terry & Debra Luna Chuck Hancock Terry Davis Kenny Cable Mike Wellman Ina & Buddy Gore 100 Ain’t That What It’s About Psalm 100
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 24
One Ordinary Life by Tina Wakefield www.tinawakefield.com
What separates an ordinary life from the extraordinary life? Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’m just an ordinary person, nothing special, I don’t know how God can ever find a place to use me?” I believe that we all have the opportunity to become extraordinary, some will embrace this while others will reject this principal. I am reminded of the scripture in I Samuel 16:7 “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” What do we find in the heart of a man or woman? Proverbs tells us that the issues of life flow from the heart. The ability to believe, love, hate, or doubt are all contained in the heart. “Getting to the heart of the matter,” is a phrase we all quote but what does it really have to do with our lives? The extraordinary life will grab hold to the promises of God and refuse to let go no matter the situation or length of time that passes, these individuals become those God can and will use to accomplish His plans and purposes in this lifetime. I am reminded of a few ordinary people God transformed into extraordinary then recorded it in the Bible for our example of God’s faithfulness to His children. I think of Noah with all the sin present during his day, yet Noah knew God in his heart and what God expected of His children. God in Genesis recorded that He was sorry that He had created man because of the wickedness of the earth. God decided to destroy His creation but, “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” God explained to Noah exactly what He needed him to do with building the ark- and Noah never once gave God an excuse why he couldn’t do it- Genesis 6:22 “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” This is what an extraordinary individual looks like- Thus did he all that God commanded him! I am reminded of Esther, an ordinary young woman living her life as she should until God needed a woman of great faith to save His people. Esther had nothing unusual to offer a King, nothing to promote her above the other candidates for queen- but Esther had a prayer life with God! A prayer life with God makes the ordinary into something extraordinary in every situation life unfolds! A Nation saved from the destruction of the enemy because one ordinary young woman decided to grab hold of faith in an adverse situation and let God work all things together for her good. Abraham is my favorite example of an extraordinary individual because of him was called,”The Friend of God.” I love the scripture in Romans 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. I am an ordinary life and you who are reading this may also think of yourself as ordinary, but let’s grab hold of just Who our God is and Who we are in Him. We serve an extraordinary Father who gives good gifts to His children and who has good thoughts and plans for our lives to bring us to an expected end. Because of who He is we are extraordinary children accomplishing extraordinary things through Christ who strengthens us daily. Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 25
Fearless and Ready That’s
Heather Thomas Van Deren As a Disc Jockey and president of Canyon Creek Records I get excited when I hear someone like “Heather Thomas Van Deren” sing a good Country Christian song. I get excited because I know that God’s music is in good hands. Heather not only sings about Him but she also writes anointed songs about Him. Such is the case of her latest release to radio “Come To The Table”. This is a song that lets all know that they too are welcome to dine with Christ and be part of his Heavenly family. All they have to do is accept the salvation message and believe in Him with all their heart and soul. This song has been well accepted by Christian DJ’s all across America and is receiving a tremendous amount of airplay. As I read some of the information I could find on Heather it became quite clear she is a professional Christian singer. She has been working at it since she was seven. She said when asked as a young child what did she love most in life, she replied “music, music and music”. When she grew older she started singing with Gospel groups like “Hearts to Him”, and “Rejoice”. She later branched out as a single artist and started combining her singing ministry with teaching and speaking Gods word. She performed and taught for about ten years at prisons. She also ministered at Churches, Ladies Retreats and anywhere God would place her. In other words she has been a good and faithful Christian Servant. Heather has four great CD’s out, “My Heart Alone”, “My Heart, His Love”, “Just In Time” and her brand new Christmas CD. All are awesome CD’s but I really like “Just In Time” because it is filled with all original songs, many that the Holy Spirit has given her. We at Canyon Creek Records are proud to be a part of helping Heather get her music out to radio so that it can be a blessing to all that have a chance to hear it. One thing that really impressed me when I went to Heather’s website was a statement she boldly made. “God is my Shelter, my Peace. Like Gideon, I want to possess fearlessness and readiness. It’s the least I can do for my Lord.” Shouldn’t all of us who serve Him with our gifts live by that statement? Heather and her husband Bill also do a little farming in Millsap, Texas and proudly raise Angus show cattle. She says animals and farming are not just a hobby but something they love doing together. To contact Heather to minister at your church or Christian gathering you may call her at: 817-629-2028 or visit her website: www.htvministries.com. You can also visit with her on Facebook: Heather Van Deren.
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 26
Steps You Can Take to Make Yourself Sound Better and More Professional ON THE AIR by Marty Smith
With internet radio booming, new people come on the internet every day with new radio shows and stations. Anyone can have a microphone and talk, but what separates you from the others? What steps can you take to make yourself sound better and more professional on the air? Here are some tips that I use that I hope will help you. 1- Have a goal for your show. When going on the air, do you just talk about anything or do you have a direction for your show? Each morning when I go on the air, I have topics that I think will be relative to my audience. By giving them this information, my listeners write me and tell me they enjoyed the topic of the day. Some days it doesn’t get the comments I want, other days it does. This is where you “watch and learn” what your listeners like. 2- Listen to your listeners. Your listeners can tell you a lot about your show if you’ll just listen. Just because you have a microphone doesn’t mean you can’t learn from your audience. You may have a song you don’t particularly like, but your audience will love it. Listen to their song requests. Listen to what they have to say. You can learn a lot and grow your audience just by hearing your audience. 3- Learn to laugh at yourself. I’ve been in radio for over 27 years now. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve messed up on a live show. I’ve mispronounced words. I’ve said things that were so embarrassing that I thought I would never recover. Your audience loves it when you make mistakes. This shows them the human side of you. It’s ok to mess up on the air, we’ve all done it. It’s how you handle it that can make or break you in that situation. Continued on next page…
David Lemons www.davidlemonssings.com
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 27
Continued from previous page.
4- Leave your problems at the door. When I worked at the radio station Q102.7 FM in Colorado Springs, the one thing we would say before we went on the air was, “Leave your problems at the door”. Your audience tunes in because they want to have fun. They want to be lifted up and encouraged on the way to work. They look to you to make their day as it begins. If you bring your emotional problems or negative attitude on the air, your listeners will know. If you’re depressed, they’ll get depressed. If you’re angry, they’ll get angry. Your listeners follow your cue for the day. How will you affect your audience today? 5- Less is more. How many times have you tuned in to someone and they just ramble on and on? You get tired of it and tune in to someone else. A short statement can make more of an impact than a five minute monologue. Keep this in mind, you’re here for your audience. Don’t make the show about you, make it about them. 6- Have fun. When I first started my radio career, I knew a guy who worked at KFKF 94.1 FM in Kansas City, MO. I asked him if he could give me some advice on what to do in radio. He gave me a lot of tips that have worked over the years. The best advice he gave me was this, “Have fun. You’re gonna mess up, you’re gonna have bad days. Don’t let those things get you down. Have fun. Learn to laugh at yourself.” When you have fun, your audience has fun. A professional radio broadcaster can have the roughest day of their life, but their audience will never know. Happy broadcasting!
www.AvaLKasichMinistries.org
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). You can view his show on Facebook live each weekday morning at 6 AM. Questions: Email him at: martysmith@todayscrosscountry.com
Thanks Christian radio and Fans for blessing us with such a successful 2017. God is so good. He has already blessed us with charting "The River Runs Red" at #18 in the Christian Voice Magazine Country Christian Top 100 and #50 in the Christian Servant Magazine "Country For The Good Life" Top 100. Have a blessed New Year everyone. Fill free to contact me@ 870-704-9167.
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 28
A New Year with God Chaplain Gary Rayburn Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. You know God wants each of us to come to Him with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. Are you eager to be changed? We need a close walk with God and He will continue to give us a newness each day, each week, each year we cry out to Him. We should not cling to our old ways as we step into a New Year, a new day. Instead we need to seek God’s face with an open mind and an open spirit knowing that our journey with God involves being transformed and being renewed of our minds. As you focus your thoughts on God beware that God is fully attentive. God sees each one of us with a steady eye. Because God’s attention span is infinite. God knows and understands each one of us completely. God’s thoughts and embraces are everlasting love to each one of us. God has a purpose and God has a plan for each one of us. It’s a plan to prosper, not to harm. It’s a plan to give us a hope and a future. If we will give ourselves over fully to this adventure God will increase us, He will prosper us, He will bless us beyond anything we could ever hope or imagine. Ephesians 3:20 says; Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, This is our prayer for each and every one of you as we march off into a brand new year. We are praying that God will bless you more than you ever thought or dreamed possible. The power is in each one of us to do just exactly that, if we put God first in everything we do! God bless you all and remember friends, Jesus loves you and we do too, and this is Chaplain Gary Rayburn and we will talk at you later.
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 29
The Preacher Was Right Says
Mike Wellman Anna and I attended the “Terry Awards” in Branson in 2016 and it was there that we met Mike and Linda Wellman. Both are extemely nice people and we enjoyed the time we had to spend with them. Mike had told me about his love for Christ and his desire to sing Christian Country Music. Here we are two years later and as luck would have it, or more probable, the Lord, Canyon Creek Records has the honor to release Mikes new single to radio “The Preacher Was Right” a song with one of the best messages you may ever hear. It will surely bless all that hear it. With the dedication and willingness that Mike has to serve Christ with his talent I know that he is very quickly going to be considered one of the best in the Christian Country Music industry. DJ’s be looking for Mikes song on Canyon Creek Records Volume 42. Now here is a little more about Mike and his wife Linda. ~Tommy Smith
Mike Wellman is a native of Michigan. He has resided in Arkansas most of his life. He started to sing at a very young age, before he could even see over the pulpit, in his fathers church. As Mike got older his love for Southern Gospel Music got stronger and in 1994 he felt the calling to spread Gods word in song while also falling in love with the sound of Christian Country Music. He surrendered to the Ministry in 1999 and Mike and his wife Linda started traveling and spreading the gospel in song all over the country. In 2000 Mike recorded his first CD “Country Music Got Saved”. From that album he released his first single, a song written by his father, "A Heaven Prepared For Me". The song blessed people all over the country. In that same year Mike was honored to be Nominated Male Horizon Vocalist by the Country Gospel Music Guild. Mike has been honored to perform with many gospel music greats like: Ronnie Hinson, The New Hinsons, J.D. Sumner and the Stamps, Chuck Day, and Marty Raybon, just to name a few. In late 2015 Mike was asked to be part of a new Branson Show. He and Linda moved to Branson, Mo. in 2016. Sadly the new show never took off. That’s when he met one of Country Music’s Sweethearts, Barbara Fairchild and her husband Roy Morris, and became a part of their worship service at The Branson Star Theatre for 15 months. Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 30
www.JohnnyJones.net Thanks DJ's for playing the new single "In Your Arms" written and performed by Johnny Jones. Johnny feels like a lot of listeners will be able to relate to the message of the song. "In Your Arms" can be purchased at most digital stores including CD Baby. You can also get it on Johnny's website: JohnnyJones.net. Call him at 304-309-4039, or email at johnny.jones.07@gmail.com. The song is promoted on Power Source and MLG promotions. Continued from previous page.
During their time in Branson, Mike was blessed to perform on many different Branson Shows like The Doug Gabriel Show, Absolute Country, Definitely Gospel with Faith's Journey, Silver Knight Stage and was blessed to record his second CD "Better Than New". Mike has also performed on many TV programs like: The Kevin Shorey Show, Unity Broadcasting. He is involved with The Terry Awards in Branson, Mo. and a member of The CGMA (Country Gospel Music Association) and The ICGMA (International Country Gospel Music Association). In 2017 Mike felt like it was time to record his third CD "He's Shaking The Walls" and released his second single "The Preacher Was Right" on Canyon Creek Records. Mike gives God all the glory and praise for the blessings he has received, and he says that his goal is to see as many people, as possible, blessed and saved through his mix of Southern/ Country Gospel music and his testimony. For Booking Information: call: (870)565-6108 or (870)565-6109 email: wellmanministries@yahoo.com Facebook: Wellman Ministries
If you like your Gospel country you’re gonna love
Buddy & Ina Gore and their new single release to radio
"Ain't That What It's All About". The song is written by the great Kenny Hinson. The Gores out did themselves on this one. It is country & it is great. To book Buddy & Ina at your church or purchase their music call them at 903-885-4262 or visit them on Facebook. Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 31
http://www.lifesongmusic.com/
Way Out West by Terry & Debra Luna www.thelunasonline.com
The music ministry allows us to meet and fellowship with many talented and gifted individuals. One such person is Pastor DJ Duncan. We first met Pastor DJ a couple of years ago and we are honored to have had the opportunity to minister at his church on several occasions. We knew that Pastor DJ was gifted in preaching, teaching and singing, but just recently learned of his creative talent in writing. We are excited to see how God has worked through him and would like to share his story. Years ago, when D.J. Duncan was a young teenager, he attended a Baptist Church in La Puente, CA with his family. Once introduced to the scriptures he discovered one that would eventually become his “life scripture.” Philippians 1:6 “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Of course, at a young age a boy hardly knows where he is going in life, let alone know what God would have him do. However, as DJ says he “has found that the ‘good work’ that God continues to do in our lives often takes many directions.” Today, DJ is the Pastor at White Avenue Baptist Church in Pomona, CA. He has been pastoring for over 40 years and cannot see himself doing anything else. However, there is a lot more to Pastor DJ than teaching and preaching the Gospel. He is also a singer and author. When Pastor DJ first began in the ministry he was a gospel singer and his first record album on the Destiny label was “Galilean Revolution.” It wasn’t long before he began to preach and minister through revivals and crusades. Soon thereafter he was called to Pastor, first as an Associate Pastor and eventually as a Senior Pastor. In 2005 Pastor DJ was called to the mission field and conducted revivals and crusades in Africa, Peru, Mexico, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Over the years he has had the opportunity to write and co-author several religious educational books, but he had always wanted to write a novel. Pastor DJ describes himself as a “western cowboy fan and enjoys reading westerns, especially by Louis L’Amour.” A few years ago he decided to write a western novel of his own and ultimately published “East of Yuma.” It wasn’t long before he was contacted by Talmarc Film Productions requesting that they make the book into a movie. Events have progressed rather quickly in the last several months; at this writing filming begins on January 23, 2018. Pastor DJ continues to Pastor in Pomona, CA and his singing group, the “WABC Trio” sings country gospel. Sometimes the “good work” (Phil. 1:6) that God gives us the opportunity to do takes many forms. All we have to do is trust our Lord and follow Him through the doors that He opens for us. DJ Duncan’s novel “East of Yuma,” is available through Amazon. For updates, information and progress of the film, a Facebook page has been created. Congratulations to Pastor DJ, we anxiously await the premiere of “East of Yuma.” Until next time, from Way out West… Happy Trails! Terry & Debra Luna Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 32
The Very Talented
Donna Morgan by Tommy Smith
God has really blessed our Country Gospel Music industry the last few years. He has sent us some outstanding Male and Female singers and songwriters. Some are veterans in the music industry. Others are new to the Christian music field but perform and sing on stage like pros. The reason God called them into this industry was for them to use the gifts he had given them to serve, honor and glorify His name. Such is the case of veteran singer, songwriter Donna Morgan. She has worked hard at her craft for years. She started out in life working as an advertising and promotion consultant for a very large firm in Dallas, Texas. She traveled all over the country for the agency and says it was the best experience she could ever have received. It made her a people person and she learned to appreciate the fact that each part of the country she traveled did things differently than other parts of the country. This taught her how to always accept change and do whatever it took to please her accounts. Donna had always wanted to be a singer and actress and has been able to do both. She has even written a book about her dog, named Smokey. The book was titled “The Furry Fortune: The Dog Whose Fur Turns Into Money”. She also wrote the songs for the show to compliment the storyline. Donna said when she wrote those songs, she never believed that she would eventually be writing Gospel music. The book was later turned into a musical play and was performed on community stages in 2016. After singing and acting in the secular entertainment world for years she finally got her calling from God to use the gifts he had given her to glorify His name. Donna has been very successful in the Christian music industry. She stays booked constantly at revivals, churches, and festivals. I classify her style of singing as a crossover artist. She is Country and Praise and that is a great place to be. Her first release to radio was “The Time Has Come” released to radio by PowerSource radio promotions. The song charted in the top twenty’s and her new release “I Know There’s Angels” on Canyon Creek Records is rising up the charts very fast. It is a beautiful song that lets you know if you’re a believer you have Angels watching over you. You will find references to Angels over 300 times in the Bible. Donna is a blessing to all who get to hear her sing and those who get to know her personally. Donna is proud to be a native Texan. She loves weather that is 100 + degrees. She says anything below seventy requires a jacket. Her favorite soft drink is a Coke and she will tell you right quick the only “mayonnaise” allowed in a Texas kitchen is “Miracle Whip”. We love her here at Canyon Creek Records. She and her husband John are Godly people, the real deal. To book Donna or order her projects you can contact her at www.donnamorgan-gospel.com or www.iknowtheresangels.com. Feel free to call her at: 214-546-1691.
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 33
Lincoln Perry by Brad Wilson Visit Brad Wilson and Higher Purpose Entertainment at: www.higherpurposeentertainment.com
There are so many exciting stories to tell as a film maker. I’ve been blessed to have some wonderful opportunities come my way to be able to share with the world stories of true inspiration that are real and hopeful. One of those stories has come my way again and as the New Year gets under way I hope you will pray for me and the entire team as we try to bring the story of Lincoln Perry to the big screen. In the 1930’s there was a film character called Stepin Fetchit. He was known as the laziest man in the world and grew widely famous as what would today be akin to racial undertones. Lincoln Perry became the first black movie star and millionaire following World War ll staring in over 50 films, but then movie studios were pressured to get rid of black characters like Stepin Fetchit that could be considered demeaning and controversial. Perry was driven out of the business and was virtually blacklisted from Hollywood. There is a great irony to this story as this is not what Lincoln Perry set out to do when he crafted the mumbling befuddled and shiftless character. Perry actually used Stepin Fetchit to break into the oppressively white world of Hollywood, pioneered equal pay and treatment of African American entertainers and he wrote for The Chicago Defender newspaper and created a greater conversation about racial fears and prejudice. What an amazing forgotten story about a true pioneer who firmly believed his every footstep was guided by God. Like us all, Lincoln Perry sinned and failed daily. But his faith in God and belief that he was called to do what he was doing is a great inspiration then and to all of us now. It’s so humbling when we stop and think that God may be using us for various reasons in our lives. At times I pause to think about this in my own life as a film maker. As I’ve said many times before people I will never meet in this lifetime will see films that I make. Hopefully those films will be inspiring to those who see them and come to know the true grace of God by watching stories unfold about regular people like all of us that have been touched by the grace of God. Lincoln Perry is a big undertaking. Please keep all of us in your prayers from time to time as we move this amazing, virtually forgotten story forward. Not only is this story an important part of history but it is still such a prevalent story in today’s world. We believe this will be a very important film on many levels and we pray God will use it for His glory. Brad Wilson Bradwilsonpromotions.com
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 34
What is a Music Producer and Why You Need One by Chip Bricker
As a music marketer and Producer, I am often asked, Why do I need a producer‌ What does one actually do.. Well, in this article I will give you a brief description of several of the jobs a producer does and give you the opportunity to make the decision if you need one for your ministry’s next project. By definition: A music producer oversees the artistic, financial and technical demands of a recording project. A broad knowledge of musical styles is essential for success. Producers also must be able to consistently elicit outstanding vocal and instrumental performances from the featured artists. At the major label level, the producer may also work in shaping songs deemed to have commercial potential. In other words.. The producer keeps the album in line with what the project needs to hit the desired target market that is being targeted by the artist of record label. Coordination and Pre-Production Whether he's self-employed or works for a record label, the producer is usually expected to coordinate a recording project's logistics before the recording sessions begin. I usually begin that process by choosing the songs with the featured artist, hiring the musicians and working out arrangements. I am also responsible for developing the album budget, and scheduling the recording and mixing studios that the artist will use. Engineering and Sound Mixing Once an album gets under way, it's the producer's job to supervise the recording, overdubbing and mixing sessions -- within the budget that the label has outlined. Producers typically gain that experience by starting out as recording engineers or studio assistants. Sometimes, the producer is more of an artistic arbiter, while the engineer oversees the actual recording. At the independent level, it's more common for producers to handle the engineering and producing roles themselves. Songwriting Collaboration Sometimes, a producer is asked to improve an album's commercial prospects by collaborating with the band's members on songwriting. Post-Production Mastering An album isn't finished until it undergoes post-production mastering, which requires working with an engineer who specializes in that role. Essentially, mastering engineers ensure that the record has consistent tonal and volume levels, so that one song doesn't suddenly sound louder than another one. The mastering engineer does his job in a special room dedicated for that purpose. Some producers handle their own mastering, while others collaborate on the process with a favorite mastering engineer.
Continued on next page‌
Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 35
Another Alabama sweetheart is winning souls for Christ through her good ole Southern Country style of singing. Her name is
Carol Barham
and her latest release to radio is now at # 56 in Christian Servant Magazine's January's 2018 Country For The Good Life Top 100.
Can’t Praise Him Enough
Carol is very grateful to all the DJ's for the awesome support and airplay. To reach Carol you may call 205-712-0721 or message her on Facebook .
Continued from previous page.
ALSO In most cases the music producer is also a competent arranger, composer, musician or songwriter who can bring fresh ideas to a project. As well as making any songwriting and arrangement adjustments, the producer often selects and/or gives suggestions to the mixing engineer, who takes the raw recorded tracks and edits and modifies them with hardware and software tools and creates a stereo and/or surround sound "mix" of all the individual voices sounds and instruments, which is in turn given further adjustment by a mastering engineer. The producer will also liaise with the recording engineer who concentrates on the technical aspects of recording, whereas the executive producer keeps an eye on the overall project's marketability. In Reality Lots of times a band will go into the studio with the general idea of an album and a notebook full of songs. The producer’s job in that situation is to help select the best songs and determine which songs best support the overall concept and idea of the album. To bring an artist’s vision to life and the songs to their full potential, additional musicians may be needed. Maybe the chorus of a song would benefit from a horn section…but none of the band members play any horn instruments. Or maybe a band member’s part needs to be replaced. It’s the producer that’s responsible for making these tough decisions, which can ultimately make or break the album and keep it from appealing, or make it more appealing to the desired target market. The Advice Guy Once the musicians and songs are selected, the producer then becomes the coach in the studio. The producer is now responsible for getting the musicians to come together and create their ideas. A producer might help a drummer find his “groove” or help a guitarist find a different approach for his solo. A producer may also provide spiritual support, giving a vocalist or musician the confidence they need to give their best vocal performance. Choose your Producer carefully. Make sure they have like interests to you and your desired target market. Make sure the producer is of a like belief as you spiritually. I won’t comment further on that.. but trust me, it is important. Until next time.. God Bless 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) Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 36
2018 by Terry Davis www.terrydavismusic.com
A new day is dawning, a new year has begun! Isaiah 43:18, 19 says, "Forget the former things; Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Don't look back! Look forward to what God's doing! Don't let recent disappointments and failures define you or damper your expectations. Our God is of unlimited creativity; expect him to do surprising things in this year that stretches out before you. Today is a precious gift! Every new day is another opportunity to meet with our Lord. Another day to share with the world, how great our God has been to us; another day to Brag on Jesus! The best way I know how to share with the world, the love of Christ which is in me, is to just Brag on Jesus! Matthew 5:16 (ESV) says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father which is in heaven." A smile and a good word goes a long way. When we brag on Jesus it opens the door for the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us. The light is in us and we must, "Let it shine! Let the world see Christ in you, starting in 2018." Braggin' on Jesus Hey looky, what I have found Friend, I am heaven bound My soul, it's been set free Sins lost its hold on me I'm walkin' with the King Don't worry 'bout a thing I'll never be the same I'm gonna shout His name I'm braggin' on Jesus I'm tellin' what he does Look at all He gave us I'm braggin' on Jesus One word was all it took My name's in the Lamb's book I'm gonna cause a big fuss Just braggin' on Jesus
Continued on next page‌ Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 37
Continued from previous page.
My life was all messed up I had a hole in my cup But now there ain't no doubt My blessings are spilling out Don't stand too close to us This thing is contagious Come on get on this bus Just braggin' on Jesus I'm braggin' on Jesus I'm tellin' what he does Look at all He gave us I'm braggin' on Jesus One word was all it took My name's in the Lamb's book I'm gonna cause a big fuss Just braggin' on Jesus Terry D Davis
"Just A Thought" with Gayla Earlene Visit Gayla Earlene at http://www.gaylaearlene.com
I’ve heard it said that it’s not what they said, nor what they did, but it’s how they made you feel.
Tina Wakefield
You can purchase Tina’s music on her website! www.tinawakefield.com
You can also visit Tina at:
When we as artists minister at different venues we meet many people. It is so easy to say, “nice to meet you & thanks for coming.” But what about those people who have the need to share their needs with you? Do you take the time to listen and to pray with them? I have stopped many times, during the signing of CD’s, when someone begins to share a burden with me and share the fact that they need prayer. To me this is the most important part of the evening. Those who may be waiting don’t get offended, as they see what is happening. Therefore there is much more to a gig than performing and selling CD’s. It is about the sharing of God’s love from beginning to end and in a way that shows you truly care. As the people drive away and the concert hall closes, what will be remembered? What you said, what you did or the way you made them feel? Ephesians 5:1 Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 38
A CHILD IS BORN, A SON IS GIVEN by Pastor Dr. Doug DeRamus You can visit Doug DeRamus at: www.facebook.com/dougderamus
As we enter into this New Year. I believe that we are going to witness the supernatural that comes from the planting of the "SEED" in our spiritual wombs. A closed mind is a closed womb making it impossible to receive a "SEED THOUGHT" that has the power to produce good things in your life. So, as you read this message, be a receiver of gifts that the Holy Spirit would place in your life. The WORD that is forever SETTLED in the HEAVENS MUST BE established in the EARTH... It must be established in this NATURAL EARTH (world). And it must be established in this EARTH (your world). This EARTH (world): Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (KJV) This EARTH (your world): 1 Cor 15:47-49 (47) The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. (48) As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. (49) And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (KJV) "Christ in you" or the life conceived by God Himself in you is the divine Seed. This Seed is INCORRUPTIBLE and INDESTRUCTIBLE. This is the SEED by which you were born again.. Did you know that we have been "born again", regenerated or - re-GENE-rated with the very DNA of our Father God? A CHILD IS BORN - A SON IS GIVEN Isa 9:6-7 (6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder (of the son): and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of his government (Kingdom) and (HIS) peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it (HOW) with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal (envy, jealousy - resulting in the wrath of God) of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (KJV) The child WAS BORN at Bethlehem, - but the son WAS GIVEN at Jordan when the Father spoke and said, this is my son in whom I am well pleased. Our biggest challenge is HOW TO LIVE on the PROMISE side of Jordan. Everything that has been SETTLED in the HEAVENS, must be ESTABLISHED in the EARTH. Jesus Christ, the Pattern Son is the FIRST WITNESS to all that has been settled in the Heavens. His GLORIOUS CHURCH, a mature Manchild Company, is destined to be the SECOND WITNESS that will ESTABLISH His FINISHED WORK in the earth! THE NAPKIN and LINEN CLOTH: John 20:7 - And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Notice, that the WITNESS of HIS resurrection was divided into TWO parts. The HEAD WITNESS and the BODY WITNESS. The KEY to this ESTABLISHMENT is ORDER: (a) ORDER in the INDIVIDUAL - spirit, soul, and body. (b) ORDER in the HOME and FAMILY - married life. (c) ORDER in the LOCAL CHURCH - corporate Body life. Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 39
Movers and Shakers of the Country Gospel Industry
God Knows What He’s Doing It is with a heart full of love that I write this story about one of the most respected DJ’s in the Country Music Industry for the last 70 years. His name is Tom Perryman. Tom and his wife Billie have helped some of the biggest names in Country music become legends. Names like Jim Reeves, Ray Price, Jim Ed Brown, the King of Rock “N” Roll Elvis Presley, and many more. You see Tom was part of an era in music when DJ’s and radio stations made “Stars”. They would introduce a new artist to their radio audience and it didn’t matter if they were on a major label or their own label. What mattered was if they had something special. If they did, the audience would let them know by requesting the song over and over again. If the audience loved it a “Star” was born. Today’s radio could care less what the audience thinks. They play only what is dictated to them by the Major record companies and now days too much of it is not very good. Tom started as a DJ when radio would play several formats of music, not just one. For example Marty Robbins had a Pop hit that was played in both Country and Pop “White Sport Coat”. So did Jim Ed Brown and the list goes on and on. Tom and Billie owned their own radio station in Gladewater, Texas back when Elvis was first getting started. Gladewater is a small town located between two huge markets, Dallas, Texas and Shreveport, Louisiana. In those days Shreveport had one of the largest music venues in America “The Louisiana Hayride”. The only thing larger was “The Grand Ole Opry” in Nashville, Tennessee. Tom was a board member for the “Hayride” and it was there that he met the newcomer Elvis Presley. Elvis performed on the Hayride and both Country audiences and Pop audiences went crazy over him. Tom told me that Elvis was struggling financially at that time and whenever he would perform in this part of the country Tom and Billie would have Elvis and his band members stay at their house. Elvis and Tom stayed close friends until Elvis went on to be with the Lord. Whenever PBS or any other Network does a documentary on Elvis they always call on Tom to host part of the show. The man is a walking, talking encyclopedia when it comes to Elvis and hundreds of other music legends. He has written a book about his years in radio and has some of the greatest pictures of Elvis, Jim Reeves, Ray Price, and many other artist’s pictures that most of you have never seen before. If you are a fan of these artists you should get a copy of Tom’s book. It is called “Keep It Country”. Tom had been retired from radio for several years when a large radio group came to Tyler, Texas, bought out one of our local stations and changed the format to an Oldies Country station. They needed someone who knew about this music and the artists. They sought out Tom and made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 40
Continued from previous page.
Turns out he is just like all radio personalities, he couldn’t wait to get back on the air. Back on the air he came and in a matter of weeks not months became one of the most listened to DJ’s in Tyler’s history. He did radio the way it used to be. Talked about the artists and how their songs became a hit. Tell a good joke once in awhile, but most of all let the audience be involved in the music by letting them call in and tell their history about songs they loved. This was a “no no” according to radio consultants for the last 20 yrs. They were wrong then and wrong now and Tom proved it. He also continued to buck the consultants by starting to play a Country Gospel song every hour. Something that Country radio did many years ago. The audience loved it. I had been in the Country Gospel Music industry as an artist for just a few years before Tom took over the station. I started this article off with the title “God Knows What He’s Doing” because about 18 yrs ago I was introduced to Tom Perryman the way every artist would like to meet a DJ. I had a new CD titled “Father If You’re Listening”. That was also the title to the single that I’d released nationally to Christian radio on a label called CD Mac. Little did I know that someone who had purchased my CD and was friends with Tom brought him the CD and said that they thought he might like to include some of the songs for his Inspirational song of the hour. I personally had given up on trying to get mainstream radio to play my songs since the 80’s. That’s when secular radio clamped down and would not play an artist if he or she were not on a major label. Low and behold I started getting calls from friends saying that 104.1 FM The Ranch was playing “Father If You’re Listening”. I only listened to Christian music at the time so I wasn’t aware that they were playing it. I called Tom to thank him and I have to say I was a little nervous at the time. We talked on the phone for a few minutes and then agreed to meet up for lunch. Tom said he had something he wanted to talk to me about. Continued on next page…
940-229-9957
www.prodigalsons4god.com
Kevin Rowe & Prodigal Sons would like to take this opportunity to thank radio for all the airplay that they have abundantly given to their latest release " ". What a blessing. The song has made it to the Top 20 on just about every chart out there and has charted twice at number #1 in the SGN Scoops Magazine Christian Country Top 40. They are very grateful to their fans and friends for making 2017 one of the best concert years they've ever had. It looks like 2018 will be much bigger. God Is Good. Thank you all and have a blessed New Year. ~Kevin, Angela and Prodigal Sons~ Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 41
Mike Leichner’s
“I Wouldn’t Trade America For The World” Mike would like to thank all the DJ’s and fans for making “I Wouldn’t Trade America For The World” such a huge success. The song has already charted at #6 in Christian Servant Magazine’s “Country For The Good Life” Top 100 and Cashbox Magazine’s Country Christian Top 100. DJ’s be looking for Mike’s new release in the works “Don’t Bring The Country Out In Me”. You can always get a copy of Mikes CD by going to his website: mikeleichner.com, message him on Facebook or talk to Mike in person at 316-721-6688. Remember to bring our Country up in prayer daily. After all, true Americans “Wouldn’t Trade America For The World”.
Continued from previous page. As we were having lunch he said the reason he kept playing “Father If You’re Listening” is because when he played the song the first time, his wife Billie called the station and said “Tom you know I am an Elvis fan, but I love that song you just played and you can tell that gentleman I am now one of his biggest fans”. I tried to act humble but deep inside I was saying “ yes Lord, yes Lord, thank you”. We talked about Gospel music for about an hour and then he said that he was looking for someone to start a Gospel show on Sunday mornings. I said that would be great! I have tons of today’s Country Gospel CD’s that I have picked up the last couple of years touring and doing concerts with other groups and artists. I would be glad to furnish the music to whoever you find to do the show. He said, “that someone, is you”. I told him I wasn’t a DJ and never wanted to be one. He said he had listened to me talk for an hour and heard the love I had for this music in my voice. You are a natural radio personality for this music. When you feel it, the audience feels it. He asked me to please think it over. I came home and told my wife Anna about the conversation. She said she was confident I could do it. I prayed about it, and as always God answered and said “Do it for me and I will bless you”.
Eighteen years later I’m still on 104.1 FM between 8:00 AM till 9:00 AM and on twelve other stations across the nation plus the Internet. Once again that’s why I say God knows what he’s doing. I am sure he was responsible for putting a legend like Tom Perryman and I together so that HIS name could be glorified to thousands upon thousands in these last days. Tom has suffered a major stroke and Heart attack. He hasn’t been on the air this entire last year. Everyone in East Texas loves him and misses his show. Honestly his stroke was so severe that I don’t expect him back on the air, in this life, again. One thing I am sure of, that one day soon he will be in Heaven and he’ll gladly DJ Gods music so that all the angels can hear that same good Ole Country Gospel music we have enjoyed on earth for years. Pray for Tom and Billie Perryman, they really need it. While you are at it, order his book “Keep It Country”. I promise you will cherish it. You may contact me at 903-566-3347 and I will see that you get your copy. Friends help friends and by doing so we are blessed. Till next time. I love y’all, Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 42 Tommy Smith
Many thanks to all the DJ's that are playing my new release to radio on Canyon Creek Records Vol #42 "Braggin' On Jesus" Cindy Hughlett’s new release to radio for 2018, "Trust Me", is being added to radio playlists all over America and Canada. Cindy has just signed up with Mansion Entertainment and is currently working on a new project with award winning producer Chris Latham. This looks like it's going to be a great 2018 for Cindy. You can contact Cindy at: 806-474-3167 or www.cindyhughlett.com. DJ's be looking for "Trust Me" on Canyon Creek Records Compilation Volume 42
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 I, 2018 - Page 43
www.jamespayneministries.com
James Payne and his family would like all the friends and fans they have come to know and love through the years, that they are praying that all have a healthy and prosperous 2018. Most of all that you keep it about JESUS. James has already started the New Year off with a bang. His latest release to radio " " hit the spot in Cashbox Magazine and Christian Servant Magazine for January 2018. Not unusual for James. Everything he releases makes it to number one. He is one of the best singer/songwriters that we have in the industry today. He is an original. When you hear his voice you don’t have to guess who is singing the song, you know it is James from the get go. He has his own style and that's hard to find in music these days. James is almost finished with a brand new project. It will be out soon, with 14 original songs including his ". His new release to radio is titled “ ” and it’s a duo with Living Legend “ ”. The best way to reach James for his music, to book a concert or teaching date is to message him on his Facebook page and he will answer promptly. You can also contact him at: jamespayneministries.com. Christian Servant Magazine - Edition I, 2018 - Page 44