Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

September 2020 SGN Scoops Magazine

September 2020 SGN Scoops Magazine

We are pleased to present to you the September 2020 issue of SGN Scoops Magazine. We hope that you will find this month’s feature stories as inspiring as we have. More than anything, we hope that you find encouragement from something you read in these pages. Life is full of challenges – of twists and turns we don’t necessarily expect – but through it all God is still there and in control.

With a cover story on The LeFevre Quartet entitled, “A Legacy of Hope” and so many great features on rising artists like The Sound and Endless Highway, the resurgence of Jackson Heights, and familiar favorites such as Daryl Mosely and The Greesons, we hope that you will take the time to dive into this issue and allow these stories of God’s faithfulness feed your soul.

Don’t miss the SGNScoops music charts, DJ Spotlight, and Publisher’s Point. All this and more await your perusal. Special thanks as always to our wonderful writers, creative team, and editorial staff. We put a lot of time and effort into each issue to ensure that all of our readers will be entertained and educated about our corner of Christian music.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about anything you have read, please email me at editor@sgnscoops.com

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Dianne Wilkinson Celebrates 15 Years with Daywind Publishing

Dianne Wilkinson Celebrates 15 Years with Daywind Publishing

Daywind Music Publishing is proud to announce the re-signing of multi award-winning songwriter, Dianne Wilkinson on her 15th anniversary with Daywind. Wilkinson has penned numerous #1 songs including “God Fights on My Side” performed by The Guardians and “Rolled Back Stone” performed by Daywind Recording artist Greater Vision.

Wilkinson has been sharing the message of the Gospel through inspired lyrics and memorable music for more than 40 years. Her songs have been recorded by virtually all of the top Southern Gospel quartets and many other artists during the span of her long songwriting career, which has been blessed with many, many #1 songs. Her songs have received numerous nominations and awards including Singing News Fan Awards, BMI Awards and IBMA Awards. The Cathedrals’ classic hit song, “We Shall See Jesus,” penned by Dianne was honored at the 1984 GMA Dove Awards for Southern Song of the Year. Wilkinson was recognized by the Southern Gospel Music Guild in 2013 for lifetime achievement. Most recently, Wilkinson was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame along with Dottie Leonard Miller, CEO of Daywind Music Group and New Day Christian Distributors.

“Dianne Wilkinson’s songs serve recording artists and fans with expertly crafted lyrics, compelling rhythms and memorable melodies, says Rick Shelton, vice president of Daywind Music Publishing. “We are honored that she has given us the opportunity to continue to serve her and her songs. I am so excited to hear the hits to come.”

Beyond the Song: New Ground sings Let’s Carry On

New Ground

Beyond the Song by Jantina Baksteen

It was the song “Let’s Carry On,” from the group New Ground, that caught my attention for this edition of Beyond the Song. I got in contact with Robbie Fortner Maxwell, who is one of the founders of New Ground, and she agreed to join me in this interview. Robbie is joined by Dale Maxwell and David Owens to form this exciting trio. Read on.

Jantina Baksteen: Please share a little background on how you got started with New Ground.

Robbie Fortner Maxwell: On June 19, 1993, we started our group New Ground as a quartet with a full band. Our first singing was held at our home church, and needless to say, we (were) a bunch of scared individuals on a new journey to share our music. After just singing where we were called locally, we began to venture out a little further with our message. During this time, we saw our group go from a quartet to a trio, and full band, to piano and tracks. We have been traveling this way for the past 23 years.

JB: Who are your music influences?

RM: The McGruders, Hinsons

JB: Do you have a testimony to share?

RM:  My testimony was when Dale was traveling with the groups, I wanted to be a part of a group – I just wanted to sing. I couldn’t carry a tune, but I loved the music. I was reading my Bible one day and read the verse Psalm 37:4 “Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee desires of thine heart.” (KJV). Wow. I got ahold of that verse and began to believe that the Lord would do that for me, and at 26 years old, I just began to sing! What an awesome God we serve.

JB: How is it like to travel as a couple and with ýour longtime friend David Owens?

RM: David is on year 23 (of) traveling with Dale and I. He has been a part of our family for many years. We love David and his entire family (wife – Stacy, children – Brandon, Chelsea and Celeste). David is an only child and he says that if he had ever had a sister it would have been me!

JB: You have Mickey Bell back on board again?

RM: Mickey has been a friend since New Ground first got started in 1993. He has been with us on three different stints. Mickey still plays piano for us on special occasions but he has embarked on a Christian Comedian Tour and is doing great. Check him out at www.themickeybell.com.

JB: You already celebrated 25 years of singing. Can you share a little about that?

RM: Well we are working on year 27 now. When Dale and I started the group many years ago, we had said that we were gonna sing as long as the Lord allowed (and He) is with this group. I’d never dreamed that it would have been going this long, with no breaks. He keeps blessing us more each day to sing His songs. Who knows where I’ll be at age 80. I hope it is still singing for Him!

JB: You have a single put out to radio that’s called ‘Let’s Carry On’ that caught my attention, and I’ve requested it almost every day. Can you share the message of that song?

RM: The message actually tells us that the path was paved before us through the Word of God that we received by the many pastors/preachers/instructors – and we should be found faithful carrying on what we were taught to a lost and dying world.

JB: Who is the writer? What does this song mean to you personally?

RM: A great friend of ours by the name of Tim Fugatt, co-wrote the song with Regina Walden. We were at Tim’s church a little over a year ago and he sat down and sang the song to us and we knew then we wanted to record the song. We have known Tim for probably 20 years. He was a 13-year-old young man and he was at our studio and told Dale that he wanted to be able to work in music when he grew up, and at 20 years later he has written some phenomenal songs (as a matter of fact, we have recorded four of them) and is an unbelievably talented musician. He is a music minister in a church near Mobile, Alabama sharing his talents. The song encourages us to keep singing and carrying His message!

JB: You travel all over the country and made it even to Scotland. Is there a difference in how the audience receives the message or in how they respond?

RM: We have been so blessed to travel to many different places to sing. One of the biggest events in our lives was to be a part of the Scotland Music Convention. We were chosen to come and share our ministry with fellow Christians in Scotland. When fellow Christians unite to worship, it is the same no matter where you are. We had so much in common being His children and just inviting Him in with us. Everyone has a common connection – no matter where we are at.

JB: What is on top of your bucket list?

RM: My bucket list: Just continue to sing, sing, sing wherever He sends us!

JB: What is your favorite Bible quote to hold on to?

RM: Like I already mentioned, it is Psalm 37:4 – that’s my promise.

JB: What is ahead for you?

RM: Every singing is a special time for us! Just looking at many more great days in the Lord.

JB: Where can we find you on the web?

RM: You can find us at www.newgroundministries.com on the web and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewGroundMinistries

We hope you enjoy New Ground singing “Let’s Carry On.” You can hear it on Facebook HERE.

Thank you Robbie for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your wonderful ministry. Hope God keeps blessing you and New Ground to “Carry On” and reach out to those who are lost and share the Gospel with them.

Jantina Baksteen

By Jantina Baksteen

Jantina Baksteen is a gospel music writer and a regular contributor to SGNScoops magazine and website.

Jantina Baksteen – biography:

I live all the way overseas in the Netherlands. I’m married and I have three adult children. I grew up in a Christian home and knew in my early years that I wanted to belong to Him. I surrendered my life to Christ was baptized one day before I turned 11 years old. Somehow, the seed of loving gospel music was planted by the style of music my parents played at home. Around 2006/2007, I was listening to Gaither homecoming music that I found on the internet. The song, “Oh, What A Savior,” by Ernie Haase hit me with the so-called Southern gospel bug. From there, I’ve been reading /studying all I can find. I found the digital SGNScoops Magazine. I started praying for God to please give me a job in the Southern gospel industry. Now I do the “Beyond the Song” article that really has my heart as I am reaching out to artists, asking about a current song and having a sneak peak behind the scenes.

For more news read the SGNScoops Magazine Here

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11th Hour releases “I Know It’s Mine,” a powerful declaration of faith

Arden, North Carolina (October 23, 2020) — For their first single following their acclaimed 2019 release A Lot With A Little, Southern Gospel trio 11th Hour’s “I Know It’s Mine” (Website HERE) proclaims a message of surviving life’s trials — one that’s especially meaningful during these trying times.

“‘I Know It’s Mine’ is a declaration,” says the trio’s Amber Eppinette, who is the featured lead vocalist. “When Kenna Turner West, Jason Cox, and I wrote this song, we had that sentiment in mind. There are many battles out there, but when we follow Jesus Christ, we always have the victory over anything that comes our way.”

From the opening line that speaks of a time when “there are so many battles around us, pressing on every side,” the song is perfectly attuned to the moment, adds Eppinette. “If there ever was a time that we needed to realize we have victory over everything when we stand with Christ, it is now.”

In keeping with the song’s theme of a faith that overcomes every obstacle, “I Know It’s Mine” builds in strength and power. Starting from a sparse, almost intimate opening, it rises to a soulful, dramatic crescendo that delivers the lyric’s triumphant statement of certainty in spiritual victory through powerful harmonies from group members Jaquita Lindsey and Logan Smith, as they affirm:

“I’m going to sing, gonna lift up His name,
my weapon of worship is my song of praise.”

With four #1 songs and a growing number of top 10 singles to their credit, 11th Hour has moved quickly to make its mark as a leading member of a new generation of Southern Gospel artists whose musical ministry is built on a foundation of personal faith and compelling music.

Listen to “I Know It’s Mine” HERE.

About 11th Hour
Over the last ten years of traveling on the road, 11th Hour has seen God do some incredible things. With musical influences such as Karen Peck and New River, The Martins, Gold City, and The Kingsmen, 11th Hour has stayed fresh and relevant while maintaining a versatile sound, able to lead congregations in moving times of worship. After reaching high acclaim, in 2012, 11th Hour signed a recording contract with Crossroads Music. They’ve had five #1 songs on the Singing News chart and been nominated for numerous awards in Southern Gospel music such as Singing News Trio of the Year and AGM Album of the Year, while Amber Eppinette was nominated for Soprano of the Year. 11th Hour features Eppinette, alto singer Jaquita Lindsey and tenor singer Logan Smith.

About Crossroads:
Crossroads is a market leader in the Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, and Americana fields. Established in 1993, following the combination of Horizon Music Group and Sonlite Records, Crossroads now operates several divisions including Crossroads Label Group (Horizon Records, Sonlite Records, Mountain Home Music, Skyland Records, Pisgah Ridge Records, Crossroads Records, and Organic Records), Crossroads Distribution, Crossroads Radio Promotions, and Crossroads Recording Studios. Led by a strong executive team of Christian music and Bluegrass music veterans, Crossroads combines cutting-edge technology with creative innovation to connect fans with our artists’ music.

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Weekend Word With Vonda Armstrong

Happy Saturday Morning!
Trusting you all had a great week. If you woke up this morning, you are blessed, amen?
I love making things. My grandmother taught me to crochet, bake, quilt, and make ceramics when I was a young girl.  I love to stay at her house. She let me be “me”.
My grandmother’s name was Mary Geneva, but everyone called her “SHINE.”  My Paw Paw told me that was because when she walked in a room everything lit up! Lol   I didn’t realise when he told me, just how sweet and true that was.
I hope I got just a little of that from her. I always want to “Shine for Jesus.”

Not much has changed in me since then, I still love to make things. I broke one of my Mother’s  plates a few weeks ago and from that, I decided to try my hand at making Broken China jewelry.  Oh, the memories.

And then I heard Michael Robert’s song, Broken China again.   This time I really heard it and it spoke volumes to me. Broken things can be made into beautiful things.
Do you have a story? Are you telling it?

Im so glad that the Broken China Mender…… amended ME!

For  more information on Broken China Jewelry by Vonda- HERE

For more I formation on Michael Roberts – HERE

Fot the best in Gospel Music News: HERE

Lorraine Walker: I have had enough

Lorraine Walker

I have had enough.

Normally I am not a complainer, but to be completely honest, I’ve had a rough time lately. Do you ever have one of those times when everything around you appears like shards of glass in a kaleidoscope that never seem to settle? And I mean everything. Family, friends, finances, physical health, emotional health – all with painful issues that just went on and on.

I was pretty much at the end of my rope, and then the doctor said to me, “You need to get tested for Covid.”

Shock waves. I knew that if I was at the beginning of that virus, not only would it mess up my lungs that already have issues, but it would affect the rest of my family immeasurably.

Just the possibility that this virus might hit so close to home felt like an impossible weight placed on an already unbearable burden.

“Lord, I have had enough.” I felt drained of any faith. “If this is another test, I just can’t do it. Either you need to come down from heaven and collect your children, including me, or just take me home now.”

It’s interesting that at the same time that this was happening, I was reading the story of Elijah in the Old Testament. We often think of that old prophet as someone who saw amazing miracles, stood up against kings, and had incredible faith. 

It was after one such awe-inspiring miracle, that we find Elijah huddled in a cave, telling the Lord, “I have had enough.”

I read this and I thought, “What’s up with you, Elijah? Did you forget everything that you went through, every time God saved you and performed miracles to bring you to this place?”

Then it hit me.

Okay. I get it Lord. I’m not the only one to be in this spot. But like Elijah, it’s time I remembered all the amazing things you have done in my life, all the times you have saved me, and all the things you have brought me through, to bring me to this place.

First of all, what has Jesus done for me? Short list only. He has forgiven me, given me mercy and grace, made me his child, healed me again and again. He has come to live in my heart, filled me with his holy spirit, and led me and guided me in so many ways. He has done things through me and around me that have only been him.

It’s because I am a child of God that I am here today. It’s because of his great love for me that he has surrounded me with his people. And it’s because of his hand in my life that I am receiving nerve blocker shots that help me feel better so I can live for him more effectively. And it’s because of those shots that I have come in contact with an incredible pain doctor who also wants the best for me. It was that pain doctor who told me to go get tested for the virus. 

Of course, I didn’t think of all this at the time. It was later that I finally listened to the gentle whisper of God telling me that he was still in control.

Approximately 48 hours later, I found out that I did not have the coronavirus.

Now, this result did not take away the rest of the issues happening in my life, but just knowing that someone like Elijah was in the same place where I felt myself, helped me realize that the Lord understands when I feel hopeless, scared, unwilling to go on. That’s when he reminds me that these emotions can cloud my mind to the truth.

And then God asked me the same thing he asked Elijah: “What are you doing here?” I felt him lift me out of the darkness.

The truth is: I am not alone. I have a heavenly Father who is always with me, who loves me deeply, and who tells me to cast my cares on him, for he cares for me.

My life is in his hands. And that is enough. 

By Lorraine Walker

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StowTown Records Announces New Release From The Guardians

StowTown Records Announces New Release From The Guardians

Nashville, TN  – StowTown Records has announced the release of a brand new recording from popular quartet, The Guardians. It’s Still Good News marks the group’s third recording under the StowTown label. The recording was produced by songwriter and group member John Darin Rowsey and multi-award winning producer/arranger Wayne Haun.

Please Pray For The Connells

From Hannah and Heather Connell:
Prayers appreciated for my family. My parents have both tested positive for COVID-19 and Hannah and I are negative. Please pray specifically that it doesn’t get bad for both of them since their immune systems are already really low. We will keep updates coming in the meantime.

Join us in praying for this dear family.

Update on Steve Weatherford

From Standalee Smith Weatherford

Steves Covid Battle Update 10-21 PM: 🙏Prayer Warriors! Steve is scheduled to have his Ventilator tube removed early in the morning (Thurs.). This is very delicate and coordinated procedure especially for a singer. We need Steve to be calm and not anxious. We need for his voice to be protected. We need to pray his Dr. is attentive to Steves needs and pain.
I just had a nurse tell me that,”Most Covid patients never come off ventilator. The fact that Steve is doing so much better after just 9 days on Ventilator is an Absolute Miracle!”
We are Praising the Lord! And send our Thanks to each of you who have prayed and asked others to pray for Steve. God Bless you!
Requested address: PO Box 36, Paoli, OK 73074

Beyond the Song: Chronicle sings “City of Gold”

Chronicle

Beyond the Song by Jantina Baksteen

For this interview, we step into the lives of Tim and Missy Kinchen, who we know as Chronicle. They met each other at a very young age at a revival service. Missy shares she was around 12 or 13 years of age, and Tim must have been 15 – 16 years old when the first saw each other. Little did they know, they would actually meet again five years later at a revival in Watson, Louisiana, beginning a romance that continues today.

The Kinchens are the proud parents of Tim, Jr., and Christie, their daughter-in-law, and are also proud grandparents of Kolson. Missy and Tim reside in Denham Springs, Louisiana.

Jantina Baksteen: So Missy, lets get started.You are a singing couple that form the Chronicle ministry. When did this come to life and why the name Chronicle? 

Missy Kinchen: We have been Chronicle the past 11 years since April, 2009, and have been in ministry approximately 24 years. The name Chronicle came from a gospel group Greg knew of from the 80’s that had disbanded. He called one of the members and asked if we could have permission to use the name and they agreed.

Chronicle started in 2009 with six people. Over the years, (we) went down to five, four, then a trio in 2013 made up of Tim Kinchen, Greg Sullivan and Missy Kinchen. We share many happy memories of (traveling) on the road, sharing the gospel with many. Chronicle became a duo in October of 2016 after Greg had to leave due to unforeseen circumstances.

JB: Who are your musical influences?

MK: Tim’s musical influences as a child was his uncle that lived next door, Hilary Turner, and his older brother, James L. Kinchen, Jr., (Bubba). (I) wasn’t in music much as a child, but would sing gospel songs with (my) grandmothers, Eva McDonald, and Martha McLin.

JB: When we hear Chronicle, we also hear that unmistakable, smooth sax sound. How long has Tim played the saxophone and does he play other instruments?  

MK: Tim has been playing the saxophone 40 years. He started in school. (Tim) also plays lead guitar, bass guitar and acoustic guitar.

JB: You just released a song to radio, “City Of Gold,” written by Shirley Cohron; on what album is that recorded? 

MK: “City of Gold,” is off of Chronicle’s “Sunday Morning Red Back Hymnal” album (from) 2018. This song was in Tim’s family a long time. He remembers hearing his brother sing this song many times.

JB: What is the message in this song?

MK: This song talks about a city of gold where no one will ever be in pain, no sickness or death in this beautiful place.

JB: What is your message you share on stage?

MK: Chronicle shares the message that there is hope in Christ Jesus. He is the answer for anything you face in life, for truly all of our hope is in Him.

JB: Do you have a personal testimony you’d like to share that could be of help to others?  

MK: God healed me twice. Once with a health problem; she had someone pray with her and was healed from that day (she was in her 20’s). Then another time, when she was faced with surgery, she was healed the day before the surgery; another test revealed that she was healed. Missy remembers praying before she went into the room for the test, and saying, “Lord, by faith I am touching the hem of your garment.” She didn’t want to have surgery. The doctor called her and said “miracles still happen”

JB: We all go through stuff and feel as if we are down in a valley. When you feel yourself in that situation, you still have to perform on stage. Do you use that on stage or do you step outside of that? How does that work for you? 

MK: Sometimes before a concert, when we may be down about something before a singing, we just have to pray before we go and ask the Lord to take over and minister through us. Because sometimes you haven’t had a great day, or may not be feeling well, but God is still God, and deserves to be the main focus of what we do.

JB: You quoted Psalm 21:3 on your website. Why this verse?

MK: The reason we quoted that verse is because it is His power that we want to exalt through our singing; it’s not about us but about Him.

JB: If a church would like to book you, how can they reach you? 

MK: You can reach us at our website http://www.chroniclegospelgroup.com  and all of our contact information is on there.

We hope you enjoy the song “City of Gold,” as sung by Chronicle.

Thank you, Chronicle, for sharing your ministry with SGNScoops. We pray that your ministry blesses and brings the message of hope to those who have no hope, or who may need a special touch.

Jantina Baksteen

By Jantina Baksteen

Jantina Baksteen is a gospel music writer and regular contributor to SGNScoops magazine and website.

Jantina Baksteen – biography:

I live all the way overseas in the Netherlands. I’m married and I have three adult children. I grew up in a Christian home and knew in my early years that I wanted to belong to Him. I surrendered my life to Christ was baptized one day before I turned 11 years old. Somehow, the seed of loving gospel music was planted by the style of music my parents played at home. Around 2006/2007, I was listening to Gaither homecoming music that I found on the internet. The song, “Oh, What A Savior,” by Ernie Haase hit me with the so-called Southern gospel bug. From there, I’ve been reading /studying all I can find. I found the digital SGNScoops Magazine. I started praying for God to please give me a job in the Southern gospel industry. Now I do the “Beyond the Song” article that really has my heart as I am reaching out to artists, asking about a current song and having a sneak peak behind the scenes.

For more news read the SGNScoops Magazine Here

Phone Friendly SGN Scoops Magazine Here

Find SGN Scoops Magazine On Facebook Here

Download SGN Scoops Magazine PDF Here

Listen To Todays Southern Gospel Here

The Chitans to release debut album with Horizon Records

The Chitans to release debut album
with Horizon Records

Arden, North Carolina (October 20, 2020) —  At a time when the ravages of a new disease are circling the globe, we are reminded once again that the message of the Gospel is a force that crosses every border and transcends every difference. The same truth can be seen in the international spread of Southern Gospel music, especially when it is carried by a group such as The Chitans, who now bring their devotion and their talent to the fore with their Horizon Records debut collection, Set Apart — now available for pre-order ahead of its November 20 release.

Indeed, until circumstances forced them to reorient their musical ministry away from live appearances, The Chitans — Kaiziah, Kayandra, Jesse, Jayden, Karlainah Chitan and their parents, Layne and Karen — had traveled the world from their Canadian home, bringing their unique take on the Southern Gospel style to churches, hospitals, nursing homes, senior homes, community centers, prisons and more. Now, with Set Apart, they are bringing a new dimension to their work through a collection that shines with a joyous, yet reverent spirit that can touch listeners’ hearts even without their physical presence.

“The first time I heard The Chitans sing, I was struck by how the audience responded to them. They made an instant connection that rarely happens,” says Roger Talley, who produced the album. “I knew then that they have the potential to minister to people of every race and culture with their angelic voices and pure hearts. I’m excited about helping them broaden their ministry by partnering with them and Crossroads on this new release.”

Following the release of three singles — “Running To Jesus,” “Jesus Is Moving” and the glistening title track — that amply demonstrated the young singers’ talents, Set Apart confirms just how deeply the family has absorbed not just the message, but the distinctive sounds of Southern Gospel. Even so, the project has, in their words, “everything from Southern Gospel to Progressive Southern Gospel, from a touch of Black Gospel to a pinch of Caribbean Flavor — there’s something on it for everyone!”

“We each tried to think of which song is our favorite, but after we started listing them…well…the whole album ended up being listed,” they add. “All the songs have been a blessing and encouragement to our family. We are elated to be able to share it and we are hoping that it will bring peace, comfort, and encouragement through the Holy Spirit. We also pray it serves as an inspiration and a reminder that you are ‘Chosen.’”

“We are really excited about releasing Set Apart!”

Made by a family from one country, now living in another, and released in partnership with a label based in still another, Set Apart is truly an example of an international project to spread the Word — and Southern Gospel music — around the world.

Pre-order, add or save Set Apart HERE.