Happy New Year!

Trust Quartet would like to wish each of you a safe and prosperous New Year. We are looking forward to seeing what God has in store for 2014!

Thank you so much for your friendship and prayerful support. We pray God's richest blessings on you!

It's Concert Time Again!

The crowd gathering at the Red Barn in Clewiston, 2012

We are excited to be heading out to do the concert part of our ministry again! Why do I phrase it that way, you ask? Because there are more parts to the Trust Quartet ministry than doing concerts. Because of the distance that separates our residences, we have to work to coordinate our time for rehearsals. Even though we've been away from the concert schedule, our rehearsals have continued. In fact, the rehearsals are even more vital when we're not singing concerts during a particular stretch of time.

Since we've been working on the new CD, Going Home, there have been other bits and pieces of work that has had to be done for that. There's a reason Trust Quartet is listed as 'Executive Producers' on the credits! The coordination of the layout, design, choosing photos, order of songs, approval of proofs ~ the list could go on ~ requires us being in the same room to look over these things.

And because we're a family, and families celebrate together at Christmas, we've also done a little bit of that. It has been good to just be able to get together and fellowship without having to worry ourselves with a rehearsal or quartet business. Although to be sure, quartet business came up when we got together in Vero for some awesome chicken noodle soup (thank you, Robin!!!!), we were able to just relax a little bit and have some fun together. OK, so we pretty much have fun whenever we're together, but you get the idea.

Please do remember to keep Trust Quartet in your prayers as we begin this season of our concert ministry. Many miles are traveled along these roads going from place to place and we have been so blessed thus far and we know and acknowledge it is God's providential hand upon us. May God bless you for your continued prayerful interest in our ministry. It certainly does not go unnoticed!

Going Home - Order Yours Today!

Congratulations to Brenda L. in Georgia for being the first person to respond and order a copy of Going Home! In fact, she put her order in for two CDs, and we're glad to be shipping those out to her! Mary T. here in Florida stopped by where I work and picked hers up this morning. If you want to be among the first to get your copy, you might want to get in on the action ~~ NOW! 

While I may be writing a bit light-hearted about that, I'm very serious in that you need to get your order in now so we can get it shipped out to you as quickly as possible. They'd make great Christmas gifts, but if you want to do that, you REALLY need to get your order in now.

The CDs are $15 each and if you need it shipped to you, please add $2.50 for shipping / handling costs. There are a couple of different ways to do that. You can mail a check to P. O. Box 386 Okeechobee, FL 34973 or phone us at 863-634-8793. If you'd prefer to do it the online way, simply click here to our website order form and let us know what you need.

Song titles include: 

How Long Has It Been

Ransomed and Redeemed

It's Almost Over

Testimony

God Knows How Much Mercy I Need

I Want To Know

I Believe

Hide Thou Me

We Shall See Jesus

Treasures Unseen

Exciting News!!!

I've been debating whether or not to post this here yet, but the excitement is too much! The latest recording project, Going Home, is finally available for you to purchase! The shipment has arrived to our offices in Okeechobee and we can now begin processing your orders.

The only reason I debated announcing it now is just that I don't have any pictures to post here yet. I will get it scanned and uploaded both to this blog site as well as our website in the next day or so. The CDs are $15 plus $2.50 S/H. Checks can be made out to Trust Quartet and as soon as we receive your check with an address telling us where to ship it, we'll get it out to you.

If you see on our schedule that we're going to be somewhere near you soon and you would prefer to wait til a concert, we are able to take your credit card at our product table now.

Included on this album are songs like Hide Thou Me and Treasures Unseen. If you've heard Rhonda do these in concert, just wait til you hear it here! She does such an awesome job on these two songs ~ its almost worth your money just to hear these!

Ransomed and Redeemed is a song that's been very well received in our concerts lately and you can hear that as well as the old song, How Long Has It Been.

Spence and Buzz tag team on a bouncy song that says, I Believe, I Believe! Many of you have snapped your fingers to that tune in a Trust Quartet concert.

Spence and I tag team on arguably one of the most powerful songs ever written. I love to sing it and I've enjoyed hearing it on the CD, We Shall See Jesus.

They let me sing a couple songs on this project as well. You've heard me sing at the very top of my vocal range when I sing Testimony. And the "song inside the song" is where the title of the album comes from ~ It's Almost Over, I'm Going Home!

You can also hear a couple of songs on the CD that you've not heard in concert yet, too! Spence does an outstanding job on a song titled God Knows How Much Mercy I Need. What an incredible truth is found in this lyric and Spence does it right! Buzz is featured on an old Stamps-Baxter type song, I Want To Know. Leave it to Buzz to want to jazz things up a bit!

All in all, this is one of the better recordings Trust Quartet has ever done. I've said that before and I'm standing by it. The song selection is varied in style ~ there's sure to be something you like! Kevin Hunt did an outstanding job pulling every bit of our abilities out of us as he produced it. Then when he mixed and mastered, he made the balance and blend just what it needed to be.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I'll try to get some more information uploaded to our website in a day or two; but in the meantime, call us or e-mail us so we can get your copy sent out to you.

Prayer Need

The McKameys have a song that speaks about unspoken prayer requests. They sing about how when our hands go up indicating that need that just doesn't need to be public just yet, the secret's already out in Heaven.

Such is the case right now. Beverly just called me and shared with me a medical need for a family member. I really don't see the wisdom in sharing a lot of details that aren't important in this prayer. As they need to become known, we'll obviously post them here.

But suffice it to say God already knows the need, please join the Trust family in prayer. Thank you; we sure do value our friends. God bless you guys, we love you!

Funeral Service Arrangements for John Daunt

I wanted to pass along the arrangements for John's funeral services. The viewing will be Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00 with the funeral being Monday morning at 10. It will be at the Evans Funeral Home, 1944 State Route 28, Goshen, OH 45122.

The Trust Quartet family is working on scheduling a Memorial Service in the Okeechobee area for John's friends who are unable to attend the funeral in Ohio. Details about time and location will be posted here as well as www.trustquartet.com when those details are finalized.

Please continue to pray for Pat and the rest of John's family during this difficult time.

John Daunt Promoted

John Daunt

I just received a phone call from Buzz this morning at 8:09. It was not the phone call I wanted to receive. In fact, when I sat at my computer this morning I was going to write to ask you to pray for John Daunt. Now, I'm asking you to pray for his wife, Pat. John went to be with the Lord this morning. I have no other details at this time. More will come later when I have the opportunity to gather them.

John and Pat have been vital members of the Trust Quartet family for many years. Pat, of course, does the majority of our scheduling and promotions. John, as Buzz has said many times, was "the other set of feet out from under the bus." If there was anything that needed to be done, John was there to volunteer to get it done. I couldn't tell you the number of times he would go back to the bus during a sound check to grab water bottles for us, or help us lug in the equipment, and he was always willing to help set it up and tear it down. John drove us many smooth miles up and down the roads to various churches ~ safely.

John and Pat made special trips to Florida that are memorable to me right now. In October 2011, they came down specifically to drive us back up to Georgia for a weekend. They didn't have to do that. But they knew we needed the extra help for such a trip. They did the same thing this past Labor Day. We knew then he wasn't well. We knew there was something wrong, but they came. I'm sure glad they did! As history will be written, that was the last time we were able to see John. Our lives are richer for having him as a friend. Now, Heaven is richer for he is there with Jesus.

More details will be coming as we know them; but I wanted to get this out now and ask you to pray for Pat and the rest of the Daunt family. And, as you're praying for them, please remember the Trust family as well. That was an extended part of John and Pat's family.

Tribute Quartet in Vero Beach

Tribute Quartet

As is well documented in my TrustWorthy News blog, I enjoy attending southern gospel concerts. Usually when I am able to attend one, I write about it and just let my readers know what I thought.

The church in Vero Beach known for hosting southern gospel groups has started their 2013-14 season, and this past Friday night was my first opportunity to go. This concert has been circled on my calendar for months! The group? Tribute Quartet. In fact, I told tenor singer Riley Harrison Clark after the concert this is one that is marked that I do NOT miss!

I relayed this story to baritone singer Josh Singletary and bass singer Anthony Davis, as well as lead singer and manager Gary Casto: The first time I attended a Tribute Quartet concert, I had never heard of the group. It was at this same church in Vero and I pointed to a seat in the back corner where I sat that night. I recounted that I was angry that night (for the reason I cannot recall) and had the attitude, with my arms folded, 'Bless me if you can, guys!' I looked each of them in the eye, and told them, 'You did, and I've been a Tribute fan ever since!'

I have been following southern gospel music for the better part of 35-40 years, and this group ranks in the top five of my favorites of all time. Ladies and gentlemen, that list would include the Cathedrals, Nelons, some of GVB's lineups. These guys are the real deal!

This particular concert included some of my absolute favorite Tribute songs like Outside the Gate, That's Why I Love Him So, and Through Me the Cross Lives On. What I wasn't expecting was an arrangement of How Great Thou Art that blew me away. And as I mentioned to Josh on Facebook Monday, I sang Look For Me all the way to Miami and back Sunday.

There was some particularly moving parts of the concert Friday night. In fact, Gary mentioned it from the stage this was not a normal Tribute concert. Riley, the 'baby' of the group, talked more than usual. That was a good thing, because his reminders to the audience that God is still God was obviously what was needed on this night. Tears flowed as the group led the congregation in singing that chorus, He Loves Me. What a reminder that the God of the Universe who created all there is ~~ loves us.

We laughed (if you've not attended a Tribute concert, I'm living proof it can NOT be done without smiling!), we cried, we shouted, we lifted hands to Heaven ~ and not to say all those are needed elements of worship ~ we worshiped Friday night! I'm not a fan of the phrase, God showed up, because He's already omnipresent, but I think it is safe to say that those who attended allowed God to move among us in a mighty way.

If you ever have the opportunity to attend a Tribute Quartet concert, do yourself a favor and do it. When you hear about it in your area, circle your calendar and let nothing stand in the way! You will not regret it!

Going Home: An Incredible Journey

The journey has been a long one. It was supposed to have begun over Memorial Day weekend. Unfortunately, those plans fell through and were amended to begin three weeks later. We made our plans to go to a new place and work with a new person to complete our plan.

We approached the session with a confidence that we would be able to complete the project and make it available for all our friends by Labor Day. It seemed very doable. We hired our new person to do his best to give us a product that we would be proud to put on our table and termed it a 'do it right' proposition. Little did we know at that point the journey we were on!

The first day was a bit slower than we'd expected. There were some harmony parts that this writer just could not hear correctly. But our project manager patiently (well, as patiently as he could!) plugged along with us. More accurately, plugged along with me.

When that first day was over, I thought back to my high school band days. If the band director was a trumpet player, the trumpet players in the band were typically the ones who caught the brunt of the director. He expected perfection from them. Our project manager / producer / teacher / coach ~~ sings baritone. He was working to pull harmonies out of me that I didn't know existed! I've told people before that I'm a lead singer (one who sings melody) trapped in a baritone vocal range (one who does not sing very high)! I saw this project as a challenge, an opportunity to become a better musician. I saw it as a way to be taught by one of the best!

The second trip to the studio would be better. We just knew it! It was better, but we still were not able to complete the project as we'd hoped. The product being available by Labor Day was quickly becoming doubtful. The third and fourth trips to the studio saw more progress, but there was still that one song that needed to get done. Fortunately, we had already scheduled a concert in the immediate area of the studio in October. Finally, at just about 2 o'clock in the afternoon on October 19, we declared this project a wrap. I don't know who was more excited ~ Trust Quartet or our project manager!

The project was now in the hands of our capable project manager to make it sound as it should. Please understand a couple of things here: first, 'project manager' is not the proper title. Second, a recording project never sounds like it did when it was being recorded. Our 'project manager' coaches us through the whole process. Some of it is recorded literally phrase by phrase. Many times. In fact, a few more than 'many'! Recording an album is a tedious process. Don't misunderstand, I LOVE being in the studio!

Last night, I had the opportunity to sit in a room in Vero Beach and listen to the recording for the first time. Buzz, Rhonda, Beverly, and Jeff were there. Unfortunately, Spence had other obligations and couldn't be with us. Later as I continued to listen, I sat mesmerized at what I heard. Not because I was singing, as much as it was the realization of the hard work being completed. We've been singing these songs for a long time. Don't tell anyone I said this, but it was almost to the point the songs were becoming old. As I listened last night, the songs were fresh again.

On the CD credits, the 'project manager' will probably be listed either as an engineer or a producer ~ or both. That's the technical hat he wore. Rest assured though, Kevin Hunt - baritone extraordinaire, coach, teacher, project manager - could put whatever title he wants on himself as far as I'm concerned! Words cannot adequately nor accurately express our gratitude for what he's meant to Trust Quartet.

I still cannot give a specific date the CD will be available. It is now going to the next step at the duplicator. Friends, its much closer than it has been! Trust me when I tell you this: Going Home is a CD you will want to make a part of your music collection!

Salute!

November 11 is a day in these United States that has been set aside as a day to honor the veterans of our military. Unfortunately, it's one of the lesser known holidays. In fact, I wanted to learn a little more about it, so I did what most people do today when they want to find out about something ~ I Googled it. Google directed me to many different sites, but I felt the most trustworthy (no pun intended) to look into was the official one. Here's a link for you to check out for yourself.

I have a great respect for our military and those who have served. When I was in high school, I gave thought to becoming a member of the US Air Force. Through a various maze of events, I did not enlist and went to college instead. Our Air Force is probably better off!

The biggest reason to post a blog about Veteran's Day on the Trust-Worthy News is to pay tribute to our own. While I don't have all the particulars regarding years of service, etc. I can tell you that both Buzz and Spence are military vets. I enjoy listening to some of their stories from those years. Those are experiences that, in one sense, I cannot relate to. Yet, as an American, I relate to them very well because they help shape who we are as a Nation. I don't think either of them were in wartime combat, but that doesn't matter. They still took the oath of service and gave themselves in the event that became necessary.

I suppose we all have people in our lives who are military veterans. Today, my hat's off to those men and women who have served our country with honor and dignity. I salute those who have given of themselves to guarantee our freedoms. Thank you isn't enough; but sometimes that's the best we can do. Be encouraged through the various events of today that you thank a vet. Pay for his lunch, grab the tab for that cup of coffee, let him in the front of the line. They deserve all this and much more! Along this line, I just got a text message from Beverly ~ Buzz gets a free meal at Golden Corral as a veteran. Way to go GC, and Buzz ~ eat an extra bowl of banana pudding for me, will you?!

Reflections

November 6, 2010 was a cold morning in Homeland, FL. No, really, it was COLD! Even Buzz says it was cold, so it was meat-hanging weather! I remember that because that was my very first concert with Trust

Trust Quartet on that cold November day in Homeland.

Quartet. The picture at the right is a bit blurry because of the resolution, but that's Gary Franklin, Buzz, myself, and Spence drinking hot chocolate and trying to stay warm that day. Yeah, it's been three years since I became a member of the Trust family.

That first concert was a Saturday morning concert and it was an outdoor event. The church was having a fall festival for the kids and the community and we were singing in the yard using a flat bed trailer as a stage. Not only was it cold, but the wind was blowing. The wind blew so hard, our product table was a healthy mess and one of our main speakers blew over onto one of our monitors. And so my time with Trust began.

We had three concerts that weekend. Incidentally, I love three concert weekends ~ especially if Jeff is there to load in and out for us! (Jeff, you knew I had to slide something like that in there!) I remember we were at Homeland Baptist Church, the Basinger Christian Brethren Church, and First Church of the Nazarene in Okeechobee that weekend. I've had the good fortune of being back to Homeland and Basinger multiple times since then. In fact, there have been several venues that I've been to multiple times.

It's going back to those places again and again that helps build great friendships and relationships with those we have grown to love. The friends of Trust Quartet are now my friends, too.

But this past weekend, we had the opportunity to be in a couple of churches for the very first time. It's these churches that are awesome because we can make new friends! On Sunday morning, we were at Central Baptist Church in Port St. Lucie. This church is just a slice of Heaven! It is multi-cultural, multi-racial, and all about loving Jesus! When Spence asked them to sing along with him as he sang It Is No Secret ~ they sang! I told him after the concert I almost interrupted him and told him to be quiet and listen to the congregation sing! (Yes, I REALLY thought that, and yes, I REALLY told him so!) It was such a joy to be with those dear folks, and I believe we made some genuine friends there.

We left there and went to West Melbourne to be with the folks at Heritage Baptist Church. They celebrated their sixth anniversary Sunday, and it was such a privilege to celebrate with them. They have turned a former residence into a church facility with plans to add and build on. It's a good thing, because if Sunday morning was any indication, they need to build in a hurry! The place was packed with folks of all ages! Let me tell you, they love to sing, too! I really enjoyed our time with those dear folks and the fellowship we had together. It was so good to see Tom and Peggy Ridley at the concert as well as some other friends as well. I only single them out because they have been such good friends of Trust Quartet through the years. 

Trust Quartet today

Yes, I've been with Trust now for three years; but Buzz and Beverly will be celebrating the Big 2-0 in February of 2014! That will be here before we know it. Many details will be coming soon about our Twentieth Anniversary Celebration. We look forward to seeing you there!

I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Trust Family. I'm grateful, too, for the opportunity to have met many of you through these last few years. Let's look forward to a few more and meeting many more new friends!  

What In The World is Trust Doing?

It's been a while since I last posted, but I wanted to give you a brief update on what is going on in the Trust Quartet world. We have wrapped up the concert schedule for 2013 (unless someone wants to schedule a short-notice one), but we will still be working during the down-time.

We are anxiously awaiting being able to listen to the master recording of Going Home and giving our final approval before it goes to duplication. Along with that comes much "behind the scenes" work that must be done. The artwork and all the things you see on the CD cover has to be prepared and sent off for duplication. The pictures, the song titles just the way they're going to be on the CD, the credits, and the introductory message all have to be gathered and sent to the folks who will make it look pretty. These are just a few of the things going on.

Additionally, if folks want to hear us sing some different songs, we have to practice 'em! We'll be spending some of our down time and holiday time getting together and learning some new material to present to you. In all seriousness, please pray for us during these days. We want to be sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit in the songs we present to our listeners. Beyond that, we need to be focused on learning the music well and doing our very best in that area. Our goal is to present everything as our very best to God.

I'm sure we will try to communicate to you more during the upcoming days and weeks, but since we are in the beginning of November, please allow me the opportunity to say how blessed we are as a group to have you as our friends. We thank God for you and the opportunities God has given to us to interact with you. As we prepare for this holiday season (Thanksgiving AND Christmas), please know we think of you often. When God calls you to our mind, we try to be faithful to breathe a prayer for you. Thank you doesn't seem adequate, but we are so very grateful for each of you.

Did You Hear The Shout?

Trust Quartet poses in the studio

Saturday afternoon at about 2:05 Eastern time ~ did you hear a shout? Did you? I'm sure anyone within 200 miles of Ocala, FL heard a collective shout from several people. The four quartet members, Beverly our trusted sound tech, and Kevin Hunt the engineer / producer each let out a joyful noise about that time, I think! The latest CD project of Trust Quartet, Going Home, is now a wrap.

While it is still too early to give a projected release date, we do know that it is in the capable hands of Kevin now to further his magic to help us sound the very best. He now has the tedious job of mixing the recording. Basically, imagine listening with a fine tooth comb. He will be working with all four of our voices and the music tracks to balance and blend everything to as close to perfection as he can get it.

Kevin Hunt at the controls

When that is done, he will send us the master copy of his work. We (the quartet) will listen to it with our fine tooth comb to make sure we like what it sounds like. At that point, we'll then send that master copy to the duplicators who will make your copies of the project. THEN, we'll be able to give a release date and make them available to you.

Trust Quartet recognizes that this could not have been accomplished without the faithful prayers of our friends and family. We know that God is in the center of this project. We also recognize the amazing talent and patience of Kevin for pulling out of us, vocally, what we never thought possible. We know that this is in his very capable hands now and that what we put on our product table will be the very best possible.

Thank you, friends, also for your patience. We have been talking about this project for months. We know people have been asking for it and wondering why it hasn't been completed yet. After hearing the brief bits that we've heard, please believe me when I say, it is worth the wait! Please continue to pray for Kevin as he begins the arduous task of mixing the recording.

And all God's people said ~~~ AMEN!

All done ~ Trust with Kevin Hunt in the studio

Let's Go To Steak n Shake!

One thing I enjoy about singing Gospel music is the fellowship among the various groups. I wrote recently about being able to join with Simple Faith at Sonny's after a recent concert. Many times after concerts, the host church will have a fellowship time so we can get to know our new friends better and renew acquaintances.

There is a church not far from where I live that hosts Southern Gospel concerts during the winter months ~ or Snowbird Season ~ as we refer to it around here. I try to go whenever possible, and make a special effort for certain groups when they are coming our way. Yes, they have the food and fellowship after the concert and it is always such a great time.

I have already looked at this season's schedule and have circled some dates. I'm already looking forward to hearing folks like Tribute Quartet, the Browns, the Nelons, and Great Day. If you read my bio on our website, you'll see two of those listed among my favorites! Yes, I'm already pumped!

One of the things I really enjoy with all of today's technology is being able to keep up with my favorite groups. With Facebook, Twitter, Socialcam, and of course, their websites, it opens a new avenue for building relationships with our brothers and sisters who bring us this great genre of music. I've always been fascinated at learning about life on the road, what they like to do during their rare moments of downtime, and seeing the country through their eyes. Some of them are really great tour guides!

For example, I've learned the Nelons enjoy Steak n Shake. Incidentally, I also really enjoy Steak n Shake! I was thinking about them on my way to work the other night, and looking forward to the upcoming concert. I thought how cool it would be to hang out with Jason, Kelly, and Amber at Steak n Shake after the concert when they're in town. It just so happens that I have to pass our local Steak n Shake on my way to work. Because this was on my mind, I literally got in the turn lane for Steak n Shake instead of passing by. Thankfully, I was jogged back to reality in time to correct myself and clock in at work on time!

So, when the Nelons (or Tribute, or the Browns, or Great Day . . . ) come to Vero in February (or select your month here!), here's your invitation to hang out a little after the concert if you're not pressed to make it somewhere in a hurry! Please know that I appreciate you and your testimony. Keep doing what you're doing for Jesus and building His Kingdom! 

Trust Going Back To The Studio

Trust Quartet is headed back to the studio to work on our latest recording project, Going Home. We do see light at the end of the tunnel, but we've all learned to roll with the punches of unforeseen challenges. Please be praying for us as we travel to Ocala and for Kevin as we get together to work on this CD.

Our mantra for the whole thing is: Good things come to those who wait.

Thanks in advance for your prayerful support as we continue to work on spreading God's Word through music.

Simple Faith From the Front Side

Recently I had the opportunity to hear our friends, Simple Faith and since I often write about various concerts I attend, I thought I would do the same for this one. This one, though, was a bit different. Simple Faith is from the St. Petersburg area and Trust Quartet knows them well. In fact, they are some very dear friends. Because Spence lives closer to them, he's had many more opportunities to hear them in concert, but since I live on the eastern side of Florida, I do not have the opportunity to hear them as often. I thought as I drove to the service that I had not seen them in just a Simple Faith concert. Most of the times we are together are either POPCORN concerts or other events with other groups. In many of those settings, we are on stage with them while they are singing.

I arrived at the church in eager anticipation of a great night of music. Jerry, Jeff, Michael, and Ron did not disappoint! From the first song to the last, they led the congregation to worship the God of Heaven. I especially appreciated the way they invited those listening to know the Jesus they were singing about. I also appreciated their kindness in introducing me and acknowledging Trust Quartet.

After the concert, they invited me to go along to Sonny's to grab a bite to eat. If you know me, you know they didn't have to twist my arm very much for that one!  It was good to sit, relax and fellowship with them for a bit. It was also nice to meet the music director at the Palm Bay Baptist Church and her mother. As result of that opportunity, you can hear Trust Quartet at the Palm Bay Baptist Church in June, 2014!

As I mentioned, all the previous times I've heard Simple Faith, we've shared the stage. Again, because of POPCORN concerts, most of the time I've not been able to see their faces while they sing. Trust me when I say, THEY LOOK MUCH BETTER FROM THE FRONT SIDE!!!

I told them that that night and we had a good laugh. If you ever hear of Simple Faith being in your area, you owe it to yourself to go and hear them. You'll be glad you did!

God is Good!

As I begin typing this post on my handy dandy smartphone, its 5:45 AM Labor Day. The Popcorn Gang (Simple Faith, Gulf State, and Trust) spent last night at an RV campground in Ocala in anticipation of the God and Country Rally today.

Trust has already had a good weekend, and the excitement built even more as our friends arrived last evening. We've enjoyed some fellowship together already and now we are preparing our hearts for the day that is ahead. Simple Faith had a concert in the area last night and 3 precious souls changed their course for eternity! We rejoice with our partners in ministry because THAT is why we do what we do!

Those of us who live around city lights sometimes forget what a night in a rural area is like. As I went to the shower house a few minutes ago I couldn't help but notice a vast expanse of stars in the sky. What an incredible reminder of the creativity and wonder of God. His power on magnificent display proves His amazing splendor.

The preparations of the day took on a higher level as I was able to thank Him in the quiet morning for His creation. As you prepare for your day's activities, remember your Creator. Acknowledge His plan and purpose for your life today and we pray He will reveal Himself to you in a personal and unique way.

Studio Time Again

It's that time again. Trust is back in Ocala at the hotel awaiting a trip to the studio to hopefully finish the vocals on the new album, Going Home. It seems we can almost put any vehicle on auto-pilot up here now; and will be back up here again next weekend for the big God and Country Extravaganza with the POPCORN gang.

This recording project has taught me some important lessons. First, I think I've learned again the importance that all good things we accomplish will endure some difficulties. A fine pearl begins with a painful process. The oyster that endures the irritation of the sand turns into a beautiful piece of jewelry. The butterfly begins as an ugly caterpillar. The transformation process of art is sometimes a lot of hard work.

Second, it has taught me that sometimes there is more than one way to skin a cat. We knew that the producer would change some things in the way we sing our songs. Every person hears different harmonies and expects a different sound occasionally. There is more than one right note to sing in a song.

The third thing I've learned is how much I respect those who do this for a living. I thoroughly enjoy my time in the studio. It challenges me to listen more carefully to the other parts of the group. It challenges me to take my time do a project the right way and not settle for second best. We are striving for excellence and are determined to not be satisfied with anything less.

It is our prayer that when this recording is released that you will listen to it with a renewed desire to live firmly for Jesus. We want to encourage you in your walk with Christ to do all you can do and be all you can be fore His glory. If you can listen to the music and emerge on the other side having accomplished that, it will be a resounding success.

Until then, please pray for us as we put the final touches on the vocal recording, the approval to the master mixdown, and that the duplication will go smoothly. When all those things are accomplished, you'll have a CD to be proud of!

Unexpected Blessings

On Tuesday, August 13, Trust was continuing to make weekend plans shopping for some clothes for an upcoming big Labor Day extravaganza. On Wednesday, August 14, the weekend plans drastically changed.

Buzz had an impromptu meeting with a local pastor and as result, called each of us to find out if we were available for a Sunday morning concert. I had a commitment to speak at an afternoon service at a local retirement home. After discussing it with some valued and trusted advisors at our church, I made the decision to do the concert and then leave immediately to be back in Vero in time to fulfill that commitment. Later that evening, my pastor telephoned me and offered to change some plans for me to be able to stay through the day's events with Trust.

After our Saturday morning of shopping (and ladies, the men of Trust came out very well, thank you very much!) we headed to the church to set up for our Sunday morning concert. I had never been to this facility before and that is always exciting to me. This particular one was a beautiful structure. The stage was huge ~ and every square inch of available space covered ~ with music and sound equipment! Three keyboards, saxophone, and a steel guitar, plus stands for guitars accompanied many speakers and monitors! We were amazed! We set up on the floor in front of the stage where the portable pulpit stood.

Doing our soundcheck, we discovered the building had some incredible acoustics. As far as the sound of the music, it was going to be good! We had a little bit of a rehearsal before calling it a night and going to get some supper.

Here's the sad news of the day. We've been to a lot of church buildings that are big and beautiful. We've set up on huge stages and had grand and glorious ideas of what the concert will be like when the auditorium is filled with eager friends longing to hear from God. Then when the service time arrives, it is barely half filled with people who sometimes seem less than half eager to hear from anyone, let alone, God.

We arrived at the church on Sunday morning at 8:30 and a few people were already beginning to gather for their service that began at 10:30. We knew the Praise Band was to do their sound check at 9:30, but even showing up an  hour early for that? We began to do our sound check to make sure things were still in order with our equipment, and people continued to arrive. Spence and I stayed in the sanctuary to listen to the Praise Band's sound check. When they started playing / singing Blessed Assurance, both Spence and I got our of our seats and wanted to grab a microphone and sing! We refrained and sat back down and listened to the music ~ and worshiped the God who provides our assurance. We had a WOW moment before the concert ever started!

Going back to the bus for our prayer time, we made it to back to the building for our pre-determined prayer time with the pastor and worship team before service. The church was buzzing with excitement. May I remind you, dear reader, that this concert was not planned before Wednesday. I'm not completely sure many people knew we were going to be there. When we came out of prayer time before the service started, we entered the sanctuary again and it was filled! The front pew had reserved on it so that we'd have a place to sit before we started singing. There was an excitement in that room that I've not seen in a long time.

As the service started, people were still coming in. There was not many more seats to be found. The ushers were bringing people to the front of the overflow section of seats to the side. People sang with enthusiasm, and Trust Quartet wants to take that Praise Band with us to our services to open for us and then be our accompaniment! They were fantastic!

Since school starts the next day, the pastor called all the school students as well as all those who work at the school system to the front of the church. The front was filled with students and adults alike. A prayer of dedication was prayed over them. I almost wanted to go back to school! Well, that may be a stretch, but you get the idea!

When Trust got up to sing, the people were so eager and responsive to what God wanted to say to them. We were so blessed to be able to be in the presence of God's people. Their responsiveness and obedience to listen to the Gospel through song was a huge encouragement to us. When the concert was over, people passed by our product table and encouraged us more. As we were beginning to pack up our equipment, we were stopped and asked to gather around the front of the auditorium. One of the leaders of the church wanted to pray with us.
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One by one, he came to us and laid hands on us and prayed for us. Specifically for us. First, Spence, then me, then Jeff, Rhonda, Beverly, and Buzz. One by one, he prayed for us. What a blessing and encouragement.

We determined that this unexpected concert was God's way of encouraging us and preparing us for the Labor Day weekend of concerts coming up. We had no idea that anything like this was going to happen. It was nothing short of unexpected blessings from God.

I hope you've experienced those occasionally. Why not write us and tell us about YOUR unexpected blessing from God? Maybe you can encourage someone else with what God has done for you!

Going Home Update

Trust Quartet was in the studio again this past weekend working on our latest project, Going Home. The effort and intensity of the work going into this project assures us that it will be the best recording to date by the group. Engineer / producer Kevin Hunt is working diligently to pull the very best out of each member of Trust Quartet. That can be a tedious process, but will be worth the effort and the wait!

Trust Quartet poses in the studio

A Birthday Celebration

Buzz introducing the Birthday Boy at a recent concert

Today, Tuesday, August 13, 2013 is a special day! Our very own Spence Decker is celebrating a birthday. But not just any birthday. On this birthday, he has completed three quarters of a century! He is 75 years young today!

When we were in the studio this past weekend, the news leaked out to our engineer / producer Kevin Hunt, who then asked how old he would be. Kevin (as many people are) was shocked to learn Spence would be 75 years old this week.

So, if you're a friend of Trust that reads this and has Spence's contact information, I'm sure he'd appreciate a congratulatory message from you. We sure do love the guy and appreciate all he does for the ministry of Trust Quartet!

Make Plans for Labor Day

Hello Trust Friends! Did you think I'd forgotten you? Not on your life! The summer does involve quite a bit of other activities and not quite as much to really write about. But I'd never forget about you!

Here's some exciting news to share with you. Trust Quartet  has been invited, along with the Popcorn gang, Simple Faith and Gulf State, to participate in a God and Country Rally in Ocala on Labor Day. I'm attaching a link to the website that will tell you all about it. There will be some big names there and you'll want to be sure to consider making it a part of your holiday plans. It's a day of family fun and clean entertainment, but will also drive home the message of the Gospel! Oh, and it's FREE! Make your plans, pack the lawnchairs, and head to Ocala!

http://townleylabordaycelebration.com/

Update on Going Home Project

Trust Quartet went to the studio in June to begin work on their tenth recording project, Going Home. We are excited to tell you that we feel it will be our best project to this point. I know, all recording artists say that, and to a certain extent, if it were not the best project, what's the point of recording it? We always want to improve on the last one.

Because we want it to be the very best one yet, we have made sure the engineer / producer, Kevin Hunt, pulls and pushes every last bit of effort and talent out of us as possible. We want to be able to accomplish things that are unprecedented for Trust Quartet.

My recording experience is a bit varied. This is my fifth recording project, and all five have their own unique experiences. Two of the five were in Nashville recording studios that were choral in nature. They were done relatively quickly and while I experienced the whole, "Who rattled the paper? Now we have to do it over." thing, it was not the four people making music. It was more like 16-20 making music.

Another of the recordings was also in Nashville, but it was at my college alma mater where we did a "Gaither Homecoming-style" recording, bringing in 40-50 musicians from across our denomination to do a reunion type video / CD recording. That was fun, but again, it was different.

The fourth project I've done was Classics Made New; and while it was / is a great recording project, Going Home will be, we believe, more technically correct from start to finish. Not only will the music selections be more stylistically diverse, the equipment being used is a bit of a higher quality than previous projects.

That being said, we will not be giving any dates to expect Going Home to be available until we are more certain of its completion. There are so many variables and unknowns that happen along the recording process that it is difficult to predict an accurate release date at this point. What we will do is remind you that its coming, and to pray for us as we go back for another session, etc., but we want to make sure its ready before we start a big campaign for you to look for it at our concerts.

Thank you for your continued prayerful support as we endeavor to do the very best we can possibly do. I believe you'll enjoy the finished product!

Concerts Rescheduled

Wow, what a week! If you regularly keep up with this blog of Trust Quartet happenings, you'll remember that we spent the next to the last weekend  in June in the recording studio. I'll write a bit more about that in an update about the newest recording project, Going Home.

For my family, we're coming off a difficult week. In my best Ricky Ricardo imitation, "Let me 'splain." My wife was sick Tuesday night, so she took Wednesday off work. She didn't feel like she was getting any better, so she went to the doctor. Long story shortened, by Thursday evening, she was having surgery that hadn't been planned. I say it that way because it wasn't necessarily a life or death emergency surgery, but it was somewhat of an emergency surgery so that it would not become a life or death thing.

In any event, that caused a bit of an unplanned upheaval to our week. Realizing that I needed to take care of family matters here, Buzz contacted the churches in Hernando where we were to sing this weekend and everyone graciously consented to reschedule them.

As it turns out, it worked best for at least one of the two churches to reschedule and it does, in fact, work well for Trust to reschedule. We were going to be in that general area on Labor Day anyway, and now we're able to simply insert two more concerts into that weekend.

I tried to get out the word via this blog as soon as we knew about it, and I honestly hope no one was too inconvenienced with the change. Trust me when I say, it was not something we wanted to do. I do sincerely thank those involved in the decision, though.

Since I mentioned it, let me also thank you for praying for my wife. She is out of the hospital and on the mend, now. There will be a bit of an extensive recovery period, but we are grateful for a tremendous support system as well as brothers and sisters lifting her needs to the Ultimate Physician.

Be watching in the next day or so for an update to our recording project. Until then, my friend . . . keep on singing!

URGENT NEWS!

The concerts this weekend in Hernando have been rescheduled for Labor Day weekend.

Please make a note of these changes. I'll get them updated on the website as quickly as I can, but this is the fastest way to get news out.

Thank you for your prayers. There will be more said about this soon.

Useless Update Number 2

Trust Quartet is on the way to the studio and since Buzz is driving and I'm not, I thought I'd pass along a couple of pictures.

A Useless Update For You

Here's a 'useless' update for you. I'm sitting in the mall in Vero Beach working on Trust Quartet website and writing a couple of blogs. I'm waiting for a phone call from Buzz to let me know they have picked up Rhonda and are on their way to our meeting place. Spence called me just a few minutes ago and asked where I was. When I told him, he informed me that he was already at our meeting place.

Guess what? Trust Quartet is excited about going to the studio to begin recording Going Home! I hope you will be as excited about the finished product as we are at preparing it.

I'll try to make sure we get some pictures from the weekend and get those posted along the way, too. Until next time there's a 'useless update' for you, just keep on singing!

Hide Thou Me

If you've been to a recent Trust Quartet concert, you've likely heard me talk about having a bad day ~ a bad week ~ a bad month ~ or even that bad month all in one day! It's one of the ways I've found to help communicate God's ever present love and care for His children, and how we can pray through those days.

Well, Steve, take a good dose of your own advice, buddy! That has been what I've been saying all afternoon  to myself. To be sure, I've been a bit giddy about this weekend. I'm not a grizzled veteran of the studio yet. I've done a few sessions, but its still a cool experience for me and I genuinely look forward to that type of work. (Yes, it IS work!)

Oh well, back to the advice. Last night was a rough night at work. I laid down to take a nap and couldn't sleep. I'm not sure if it was the thunder outside or the fact that I am so giddy about the studio.

I've had a battle with some arthritis in my knee the last few weeks. I had a doctor appointment scheduled to talk about that this afternoon. The doctor wasn't as much thinking about talking as he was shooting. He shot me up with medicine to help my knee. Have I ever mentioned my disdain for needles? Nope, don't like 'em. You will never, and I do mean NEVER hear of me doing any sort of illegal drugs, ESPECIALLY if they have anything to do with  needles!

And the rain. Did I mention the rain today? When I went to get into my car, still raining, I discovered the drivers seat was wet. No, the windows didn't get left down. I have no clue where the water leaked from, but the back of my pants show evidence of a leak somewhere in my vehicle! Oh, and the power windows that are so convenient ~ yes, those. They aren't so convenient when the motor is out and its raining.

That reminds me. The air conditioning is out on my car. It's late June in southern Florida. Not quite so bad when at least three of the windows can be rolled down. Oh, did I mention the rain? Uh huh, rain and windows rolled down aren't a good combination.

Please, PLEASE understand; I'm not writing this for a pity party. In fact, I'm hoping you can see a bit of humor through the sarcasm that's here. The honest to goodness reason I'm writing this is to remind you that we in the Trust Quartet family know what it's like to be human. We know what it's like to struggle sometimes. We experience the same heartaches along with some of the same victories that you do. And when we have these kinds of days, it helps us to be reminded to pray to the Lord, to Hide Thou Me.

Trust Quartet Heading to the Studio!

Preparations are being ramped up for the newest recording project of Trust Quartet. You are certainly invited and encouraged to pray with us as we head to the recording studio this weekend to begin the recording process.

During a recent rehearsal and meeting, we have prayerfully determined the name of the recording project to be, Going Home. You'll hear songs like Ransomed and Redeemed, I Believe! I Believe!, Treasures Unseen, We Shall See Jesus, It's Almost Over, plus five more. We have had remarkable response from these songs in concert and we are quite sure you'll enjoy hearing them over and over again when the CD becomes available.

We'll be posting various updates along the way and let you know about the release date as soon as we are able. In the meantime, please remember to pray for Trust Quartet as we make preparations for some exciting events in the coming months.

New Recording Scheduled

My first concert with Trust Quartet was in November, 2010. I remember those first few concerts when people would stop by the product table and ask about Sinner Saved By Grace or Because He Lives. We didn't have those available for people to take home with them. About five months later, we went to the studio to record Classics Made New and it was released in September, 2011. Our tenor singer, Gary Franklin worked hard with us to record that project, and just before it's release had to resign the group due to medical reasons. He was never able to sing a concert with that project on the product table. I've always felt bad about that.

Rhonda came on board to sing alto and she was on a quick learning curve to try to learn the songs we'd just recorded. Not only that, we were trying to learn some new material for our next recording project. We began trying to schedule time in the recording studio and were met with several obstacles beyond our control. Originally scheduled for late May, that date had to be scrapped and we are now scheduled to begin recording June 22.

We are all excited and anticipate the best recording to date for Trust Quartet. I suppose every group that has ever recorded an album thinks the newest one is the absolute best one yet! And to a degree, I understand that. Having recorded Classics Made New and being so proud of that work, I can see where the next one will be even better. In fact, if they don't get better, a strong argument could be made to just not do anymore.

The title of the album has not formally been decided, but if you've been to any of our recent concerts, I'll go ahead and let you know a few of the songs you can expect to hear on it. Rhonda has done a fabulous job singing Treasures Unseen and Hide Thou Me. You'll hear those on the new CD. I suppose they'll twist my arm to sing It's Almost Over and Testimony. Spence and Buzz do a fine job singing I Believe, I Believe and we'll throw in a couple more for them to sing that you probably haven't heard yet.

There you have about half the album. I hope you'll be as excited as we are for its arrival. Please be praying for us as we record it. We need strength and stamina. We need wisdom and discernment. Pray for Kevin Hunt as he engineers and produces this project. We need for him to be free to push us to our limit to bring about the best product possible. Pray for our safety as we travel back and forth to the studio.

It's always exciting to record and see what can be accomplished through these projects. Yes, we hope the friends who attend our concerts will take our music home with them, but beyond that, we hope and pray that the music we sing will reach someone who may not be able to or interested in attending a concert. It is our firm belief that God can use these recordings to reach souls for Him. Will you pray with us to that end?

 

A Response to If My People ~~~

I really should ask other members of the quartet to write an occasional blog. After I sent the one out yesterday about the church service in Vero Beach last Sunday, Beverly wrote a nice note back to me and said I could use it if I wanted. So . . . I want.

Here is what she wrote:

"In response to Steve’s mentioning in his blog that we attended the church service last Sunday morning where he was preaching, I just want to say it is a pleasure to be able to join in the personal happenings and share in the lives of each member of the quartet outside the realms of the quartet. We spend many hours on the bus together and share the gospel in song during concerts, and have become family in many ways, but we never truly know what the lives of the others consist of past the steps of the bus that transports us down the road to the next concert. We laugh together and share verbally what has happened in our lives in the past week and sometimes even shed tears because of bad times. But we really haven’t shared totally until we step outside the boundaries of the umbrella of our ministry and walk next to our quartet members in their daily lives, and that’s what we have had the honor to do.

Steve, as in concert and on the bus during trips to different churches, literally overflows with excitement when talking, and singing, about the Lord and what God has done for us and what He would love to do in our lives. What we as members of the Trust ministry share are only an ‘itsy bitty bit’ of happiness compared to what giving our life to God can bring each moment. It’s awesome to know that God is standing by just waiting for each of us to surrender ourselves to Him in total abandonment from our everyday responsibility and invite Him into our lives so that unlike sharing bits and pieces of our time with family and friends, we may share with Him one-hundred percent of the time forever and ever.

Thanks Steve for sharing an itsy bitty bit of your life with us last Sunday Morning."

 

Beverly, thank you for taking the time to write such a nice response. I do appreciate it.

 

If My People . . .

Often after being introduced in a concert as being an ordained minister, people ask if I currently pastor a church. My routine answer is, "No, my main ministry focus is through Trust Quartet. I have pastored three churches and when I'm not singing with Trust on Sunday morning, I'm either leading worship at my home church or filling a pulpit for another pastor friend who may be in need."

Such was the case this past Sunday. My pastor is also my brother-in-law, and his children live in the Memphis area. Last Sunday, a family occasion took him and his wife to visit there, so I had arranged to preach at my local church.

I had invited the Trust family to come be with us, since they had never heard me preach. After all, Buzz may not want to tell anyone else that I'm an ordained pastor after he heard me! I was so honored and humbled when Buzz and Beverly, John and Pat all came to Vero to our church!

God met with our people and challenged us to consider the Biblical steps to revival. God, in His sovereignty, knows that we will sin. He knows that in our humanity we would need to know His willingness to extend grace and forgive us. Just after Solomon had led the Jews in building the Temple, he prayed a prayer of consecration over the structure. God miraculously answered that prayer by raining down fire from Heaven to consume the sacrifices offered by the Jews.

It is in that context that God says, "If My people, who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Please understand that when God said these words to King Solomon, the Jews were in a right relationship with Him.

Our society is riddled with problems. Since five minutes of TV, radio, or newspaper will confirm that, I won't spend the time going into detail here, but we can point to the Fall of man in Eden as the origin of the problems we face still today. The choices made by mankind have not improved greatly since then. I would submit that if our problems point to Eden, then our solution must point to Calvary! The Christ of Calvary paid the ultimate price to assure us of a right relationship with the God of the Universe.

Have you been to Calvary lately? 

A Post-Buffet Lunch Sprint Up the Mountain

Steve running off his lunch

Its late on a post-concert Sunday night and I'm sitting at home watching a Duck Dynasty marathon on television. Trust Quartet sang in Riverview, FL this morning at the Riverview United Methodist Church. Pastor Merritt Waters and the congregation were so kind and gracious towards us and we were encouraged as we sought to encourage the church there. 

There was a good crowd this morning that gathered and it was evident they were ready for an experience with the Lord. What a joy it was to sing and share from our hearts with that fine group of people.

After church this morning, we visited Granny's Restaurant in Brandon on our way home. This is a local restaurant that serves a buffet meal ~~ and if you're in the Brandon area, you've got to make it a point to go visit them! They're located on St Route 60 right across the road from Cracker Barrel. (We ate at the CB as we rolled into town on Saturday!)

As John pulled the bus into the parking lot, we discovered we would need to park across the side street and walk across in order to take advantage of the delicacies awaiting us at Granny's. I must pause to remind my readers that Florida is mostly a flat state. But there are some man-made mountains around here and there. We saw such a 'man-made' mountain today. The parking lot that we parked in was a good ten feet higher than the grounds the restaurant was built on. We joked together going down to the restaurant that coming back up would be more difficult. And we'd be doing that on a full stomach!

The eight of us on the bus took care of quite a bit of food. I started to take a picture of the empty plates! But since I didn't, Beverly was up to the task of the next best thing. She had already made it out of the restaurant a bit before me, so she was already at the top of the 'mountain' before I started my ascent. As I was nearing the top, I caught a glimpse of her with her handy dandy iPhone out, pointed at me. Yep, she got me! 

Tell you what, though, since I'm the one writing this blog, I'll go ahead and let you know that it's just a tad blurry because of the blinding speed at which I was running up the mountain! Yes sir, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

George Beverly Shea ~ A Musical Ministry Icon

When Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston died, it seemed the world was crashing all around us. Those three entertainers played a pivotal part in the cultural fabric of our Nation. There is absolutely no doubt their fans numbered in the millions.

This past week, lost in the news of the tragedies in Boston, MA and West, TX, another musician passed away.

At 104 years of age, George Beverly Shea, went home to be with the Lord. There was no fanfare. There was no stoppage of time. The media barely mentioned it. Everyone was so caught up with the more important news of the day.

Perhaps that's the way Mr. Shea wanted it. After all, he once wrote, "I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause. I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause. I'd rather have Jesus than world wide fame. I'd rather be true to His holy name." I've sang those lyrics many in many places.

Mr. Shea was known for his many years of service with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He was seen on television singing on Graham crusades for over 60 years. I watched him in awe as a young boy whenever there was a Graham crusade on television. The three other entertainers mentioned earlier surely played a pivotal role in the entertainment culture of our day. Mr. Shea's role during his lifespan on this earth will play a huge pivotal role in the eternal destiny of millions.

Thank you, George Beverly Shea, for a life well lived. May the Father reward you with those welcome home words, 'You've been faithful,' and may your family feel the presence of the Holy Spirit's comfort during these days.

Please Help Us Pray

Please remember Buzz in prayer today (Tuesday, April 16). He is scheduled for a colonoscopy. This is a routine procedure, so at this point there is no concern for alarm. We're just asking God for a clean bill of health in the results.

Thank you so much!

Cruisin' Down the River ~ Trust Quartet Style

Trust Quartet got together to rehearse a few hours this past weekend before heading out to a couple of concerts and after the work was done, we enjoyed a bit of well earned R & R.

The group got together on Buzz's boat and took a ride to a local Chinese restaurant to eat. The fellowship was great and the weather cooperated for a nice time of relaxing. We watched birds, talked, laughed, spoke with passers-by in other boats and on their docks. We just took our time and 'strolled' along the water. On the way back, there was an incredible sunset that we took in and could not help but marvel at the beauty of God's creation. It was as if He'd painted it just for us!

Here's some pictures of our trip; just us being lazy and enjoying our fellowship together.

  

Remember the sunset? Yeah, here it is!

It's A Boy!

April 5, 1943 is a day to mark down in history! Why we don't celebrate it on the calendar with all the major holidays, I just do not know! Way up in the Land of Lincoln a little fellow made his grand entrance to this world. This past Friday, April 5, 2013, there was indeed a celebration in Okeechobee for this little bundle of joy. The little fellow has all grown up now.
The Beasley offspring celebrated the little fellow in grand fashion and there's pictures to prove it! With spaghetti and a special cake designed, baked and decorated by Buzz and Beverly's granddaughter, Vanna, more than 20 family members and friends descended on the Beasley home to help Buzz celebrate his special day.
Enjoy browsing through the pictures and if you get a chance, shoot Buzz a good word of congratulations since he's celebrated this great day!


The cake that granddaughter Vanna made for Buzz

The Beasley offspring telling Dad that 70 ain't so bad. From left, Penny, Alicia, Ralph, and Rhonda

The Beasley offspring gathered around Buzz ~ he refuses to be 70.

Hallelujah! He Is Risen!

Sometimes its hard to say one day is better than another. After all, the Bible teaches that, "this is the day the Lord has made. We should rejoice and be glad in it!" Since God is not responsible for anything bad, today is a good day!

But the one thing that obviously separates today from the other 364 days in the calendar year is what we commemorate. We celebrate today because of His miraculous Resurrection! Jesus, who was dead, defeated death and the grave when He rose from the grave, victoriously!

It is our prayer that you are able to join together today with other believers and celebrate this special day. Christmas is a wonderful day as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We look with bittersweet agony at Good Friday, recognizing that without the shedding of [Jesus' perfect] blood there can be no remission of sin. But make no mistake, we can celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus and know beyond the shadow of any doubt that Easter Sunday is proof positive of the promise of eternal life!

Without Easter, Good Friday would continue to be a sad, mournful day. Were it not for today's celebration, Christmas would be in vain. Friend, Jesus is alive and well!

And so, from the Trust Family to yours, Happy Easter! May you experience the true joy and assurance of the reason we celebrate today.

Thankful for the Resurrection,

Buzz and Bev
Spence and Karen
Rhonda and Jeff
Pat and John
Steve and Robin

A Night with Gold City

Over the course of the past few weeks, I've devoted quite a bit of time to blogging about Southern Gospel concerts I've attended. I want to thank the Nelons and the Dixie Echoes for allowing me to write about my experiences with them. Trust Quartet is off for a couple of weeks for Palm Sunday and Easter, so I'm going to take the opportunity to write about another concert I attended Friday night.

Most of Trust was able to be at this concert as well. I say 'most' because, bless his heart, Spence tried his best to be with us. He and our friend Paul, of Gulf State Quartet, made the trip all the way from Wauchula to Vero Beach only to get there as the place filled to capacity and due to fire marshall regulations, couldn't let anyone else in.

Faith Baptist Church in Vero Beach has quite a Southern Gospel Concert Series every year, and this year was no exception. I was able to hear Tribute, the Browns, and Great Day. They had several other groups; generally about two per month during the peak of the season when our friends from the great white North are with us. The concert season was over, or so we thought. In order to get to my job every night, I have to travel past this church, and I noticed on their church sign another Southern Gospel sing advertised for this week. I almost ran off the road taking a double take at the sign to make sure I read it correctly. Yeah ~ it said Gold City. In fact, I didn't say anything to anyone else until I drove past it again to read it one more time. It still said Gold City.

I knew that would be one that would be filled ~ early. I made the arrangements to get there as quickly as I could on Friday evening. Several were depending on me to hold seats for them. Quite frankly, I was nervous about that. That was especially true when I arrived at the church a solid 45 minutes before the concert started and the parking lot was full. Yes, you read that correctly! A full 45 minutes before a note was to be sung, the parking lot was full! As I walked into the church, there were a few seats for me to choose from; but saving any for my friends ~ that was going to be tight!

Beverly, Buzz, and Rhonda finally made it there as well as another couple of folks I was waiting for. The church leadership began to ask that people squeeze in as best they could. Then it became evident that seats were no longer able to be reserved. Then, it was FULL and no one else could get in. Please let no one try to tell you that Southern Gospel music is dying out. Yes, I saw a more than a handful of young people there.

Gold City is simply an incredible group of singers. They've been around for years and doing their thing with excellence and professionalism the entire time. Personnel may change, but the steadfastness of Tim Riley singing bass kept this group sounding remarkably the same for a long, LONG time. He's been singing professionally well beyond 40 years. His son, Danny, was the emcee for the group and it was obvious he enjoyed standing beside his dad and singing every night.

Jerry Pelfrey was introduced as the lead singer and a young man named Brian Elliott played the piano. Ladies and gentlemen, he's not yet 30 years old, but that guy can play! The newest member of the group is the tenor singer, Roger Fulton. There were several songs where I kind of sat there in awe of his clear tenor sound.

After the concert, Gold City was kind enough to pose for a picture with Trust. We really wanted Spence with us, but it just didn't happen. If you've got a Gold City concert experience, feel free to let us hear about it.

Trust Quartet with Gold City. L to R: Buzz, Rhonda, Steve, Danny Riley, Jerry Pelfrey, Tim Riley, Brian Elliott, and Roger Fulton

Trust Quartet Visits With the Dixie Echoes

Dixie Echoes


 

I've written several times here at Trust-Worthy News about other concerts I attend. I enjoy doing that (both attending AND writing about them) but this past weekend, I had the unique opportunity to attend a concert with the Trust family.

The Dixie Echoes, based in Pensacola, FL, were in Okeechobee at the New Testament Baptist Church on a day when we could just go enjoy the music before heading out to prepare for our concerts. We've had the priviledge of singing at New Testament Baptist before and are working to coordinate a date to be back with them. But on this night, it was about the Dixie Echoes.

We were also thrilled that a good friend of ours, George Shelton, now sings tenor with them. George is a special friend to Trust Quartet and has helped us more than he'll ever know. The last few CDs that Trust has recorded has been recorded at his studio. He (AND his wife Gail) have been so kind and gracious whenever we have the opportunity to visit with them. It was really awesome to be able to attend and support this fine group this past weekend.

Randy Shellnut, Sr. is the lead singer and emcee for the Dixie Echoes. His father, Dale, was a member of the group for years and years. Randy mentioned that he's in his 44th year of full time gospel music.

Randy Shellnut, Jr. sings baritone for the group. If you've heard the Dixie Echoes before and that name doesn't ring a bell, it's probably because most folks just call him 'Scoot'! He does a fantastic job of singing one part while playing a different part on an instrument. He played the bass guitar and from what we understand, plays most any musical instrument. Don't you just enjoy that kind of talent?

The bass singer for the Dixie Echoes is Jordan James. Here's a young man that in my estimation had one of the more difficult jobs of the entire group. Most bass singers have their own special, sensitive mikes to allow their low notes to be heard. Not Jordan! He and Scoot share a mic and he just has to belt it out. I'll share a bit more about that later.

Ben Hart is the last member of the Dixie Echoes to introduce to you. He is their keyboardist; and a fine one at that. He adds a bit of humor to the group and accompanies the quartet with a talent that, to me, is mind-boggling.

The unique thing about the Dixie Echoes is their 'throw-back' style. Back in the early years of Southern Gospel music, many groups would just gather around a microphone or two and sing. They'd be accompanied by a piano and / or a guitar, and on some occasions, a drummer. These guys sing gospel music that way. They just gather around a couple of microphones and sing.

From experience singing on a stage, let me just say, that takes a special sort of ability! They sing a true four-part harmony and sing it well. If you ever have the opportunity to hear the Dixie Echoes, I'd encourage you to do that. And when you do, be sure to stop by their product table, and as you're making your purchase, tell George that the folks at Trust Quartet sent you!

An Evening With The Nelons

Kelly Nelon Clark, Steve, Amber Thompson, Jason Clark

I was asked once who I would want to share a meal with if I could pick anyone other than my family. There are several names I could choose. From the sports world, I'd love to sit and visit with John Smoltz (former Atlanta Braves pitcher) and Mark Richt (UGA Football coach). From the political realm, I'd love to pick the brains of George W. Bush or Sarah Palin. In the avenue of 'entertainers', there are too many to mention; but no doubt towards the top of the list would be the folks who make up the Nelons.

The Nelons history is rich. Rex Nelon sang with the LeFevres for many years. In fact, he was with them when the family retired and disbanded from singing full time on the road. He bought the group and renamed it the Rex Nelon Singers. Now, the family calls themselves simply The Nelons. Rex has gone on to be with the Lord now, but the group still travels and sings strong. Rex's daughter, Kelly, sings alto and her husband, Jason handles the baritone vocals. He is also an incredible writer / arranger / musician. Amber is their daughter, and sings soprano.

During the days they were known as the Rex Nelon Singers, I was working in the radio industry. They were a group I played regularly ~ songs like Come Morning, We Shall Wear A Robe And Crown, and Jesus is Your Ticket to Heaven. If you've heard of names like Janet Paschal and Karen Peck Gooch . . . they sang with the Rex Nelon Singers back in the day.

Amber singing Morning Has Broken

Tonight, I had the pleasure of sitting on the second row of a Nelons concert. Musically, this family has a wide range of styles within the southern gospel genre of music. Amber is a powerful soprano with an uncanny ability to show a softer side that melts one's heart. It is amazing to hear this young lady's talent and  realize she's willingly singing for the Lord. Listening to her mom, Kelly, it becomes a no-brainer where the talent comes from. Kelly's smooth, velvety alto vocals add a rich dimension to the family sound. Throw in the sheer musical genius of Jason and the night becomes a complete joy of worship through music.

As I stood and visited with them at their product table for a few minutes, the difference was evident. There are some artists (who shall remain nameless) that seem to try to wade through their fans like a conveyor belt. Constantly looking around and beyond you to see who else might want to purchase a CD. These folks are the real deal. It was an honor to be able to just share with them and swap a few stories.

They have a great Internet presence and are quite involved in the social media scene. I follow them on twitter, I'm friends with them on facebook. I watch their socialcam videos (Sam Cam is GREAT!) and feel as though I already knew them as personal friends. Folks, they didn't know me from Adam before tonight, but it didn't show. They have that unique quality of allowing a new friend to feel at home in their zone.

If you EVER have an opportunity to attend a Nelons concert, please take advantage of it. Then, after the concert, stop by their product table and visit with them. You'll not find a more warm and welcoming family anywhere. Oh, and I've just finished listening to one of their latest projects, Come On Home. Go ahead, you know you want it . . . it'll be one of the best CDs you've purchased since, ummmm, Classics Made New! Seriously, enjoy the music of the Nelons. You won't be sorry!