Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Jason Clark needs our prayers

Jason Clark of the Nelons is in need of our prayers after he was hurt by a horse. He explains in a Facebook post today:

“Update for those that have been asking what happened to me tonight.

Well here’s the story. After my day was finished I called my mom to check on my dad. I was going for my evening walk and went to the barn to check on a horse that has been skid dish. He was separated in a small corral and I was walking this horse with a walking rope, talking to him softly walking him in a circle. My phone was in my jacket and the ringer sounded and it spooked the horse. He turned kicking and bucking up and landed a good shot on my right knee. I was immediately sent to the ground, hit my head on the gate and crawled out of the corral. I could not put any weight on my right leg whatsoever and just laid there waiting for help.
I was home by myself and couldn’t move until the ambulance got there and took me to the hospital. X-Rays revealed I broke my knee and cracked a rib under my arm. I’m now home and going to orthopedic doctor tomorrow. I’m grateful for Stone Carter Autumn Clark and Kelly Nelon Clark for helping me all night. The pain is excruciating but it could’ve been a whole lot worse!! I’m frustrated at this set back but many are dealing with much much worse and I’ll be back soon. There are so many things we are engaged in to get the gospel literally around the world and I know we are in a spiritual battle. The Lord will receive glory through all of this and I am praying tonight His will be done.

Kelly Nelon and Jason Clark

Thanks for the concern and all the prayers.
I appreciate your love and support more than you’ll ever know.”

Jason’s wife, Kelly Nelon Clarke, writes a short time later:

“Well not the news we wanted but the doctor knows best. Surgery will be next week to repair the knee. We will continue to fulfill all of our dates just like before. Nathan Kistler will be filling in and we are thankful for that. Jason Matthew Clark will be back in no time. Thank you for your continued prayer and support. You are the best!”

Please continue to pray for Jason Clark and all of the Nelons.

The 2020 Road to the Diamond Awards

The 2020 Diamond Award Nominations open on Monday, February 3,  so come join us as we travel down the Road to the Diamond Awards. The Diamond Awards will be presented on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 during the Creekside Gospel Music Convention held at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Oct. 25 – 30, 2020.

We take a look at four more award categories in the Southern Gospel section below:

Hyssongs at the Diamond Awards

TRADITIONAL TRIO OF THE YEAR: A traditional group,with three vocalists, featuring three-part harmony. Must be full-time Southern Gospel artists.

Some of the past winners are:

2011, 2012, 2013: The Booth Brothers

Karen Peck and New River at Diamond Awards. Courtesy Robert York

2014, 2016: Karen Peck and New River

2015, 2018: Jeff and Sheri Easter

JP Miller, Lou Hildreth, Sheri Easter and Jeff Easter at the Diamond Awards 2012

The 2017 and 2019 winners were: The Hyssongs

Vonda Armstrong, Ashley and Josh Franks at the 2019 Diamond Awards

TRADITIONAL DUET OF THE YEAR: A traditional group featuring two vocalists. Must be full-time Southern Gospel artists.

Some of the past winners are:

2011, 2013, 2014: Aaron and Amanda Crabb

2012, 2015: Wilburn and Wilburn

CT and Becky Townsend at Diamond Awards

2017: Broken Vessels.

2018: C.T. and Becky Townsend

The 2016 and 2019 winners were: Josh and Ashley Franks

Kelly Nelon Clark with 2017 Diamond Award

TRADITIONAL FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: A full-time female Southern Gospel artist recording as a soloist or with a group. 

Some of the past winners are:

2011, 2012: Janet Paschal

2014, 2018: Karen Peck Gooch

2015: Hannah Webb

Sheri Easter at Creekside Gospel Music Convention

2017: Kelly Nelon Clark

The 2013, 2016, and 2019 winner was: Sheri Easter

TRADITIONAL MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: A full-time male Southern Gospel artist recording as a soloist or with a group.

Jason Crabb at Creekside accepting Diamond Award

Jason Crabb has won this award every year since 2011. Congratulations Jason!

Gerald and Jason Crabb at Diamond Awards

Who will you nominate? Stay tuned to this site as we continue the countdown to the 2020 Diamond Award Nominations!

More about Creekside Gospel Music Convention:

Jason Clark needs prayer

Jason Clark and the rest of The Nelons

Kelly Nelon Clark and all members of Christian music family, the Nelons, have been posting over the last couple of days about issues being experienced by their family. The most concerning is the heart problems that Jason Clark is currently experiencing. He certainly needs our prayer as he has been in and out of the hospital.

In his most recent post on Facebook, Jason explains the seriousness of his health problem.

Jason Clark and Kelly Nelon Clark

“Quick Update:
My cardiologist let me come home last night. I will return tomorrow for a check up, and Tuesday to meet with the surgeon. All the “experts” tell me after the surgery and recovery that I will be feeling like a 20 year old again. I am still praying, seeking counsel, just because I am not so eager to have open heart surgery. I feel completely fine until I have a spasm and immediately I’m reminded I have a blood flow issue around my heart. I will be on the road this weekend and I am monitoring my bpm very closely. I have extremely low BP and my heart rate stays at a very calm rate but that’s normal for me even under stressful circumstances.
My stress test yesterday only got my bpm up to 154 and they wanted to monitor it at 175. Just couldn’t get it there.
Today I’m back in my office doing some work and hanging out at the farm.

Love you all and appreciate the prayers more than anything.” — Jason Clark — Nov. 21, 2019

Please join all of us in praying for this Godly man.

2017 Diamond Awards honor Triumphant, Kelly Nelon

Eric Bennett receives Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo by Craig Harris

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. (November 2, 2017) — The Creekside Gospel Music Convention honoured many national and regional Gospel artists on Tues. Oct. 31. The 2017 Diamond Awards were hosted by Dr. Jerry and Jan Goff. Guest artists appearing during the evening included the Hyssongs, Wilbanks and Williamsons. Jean and Ken Grady from Gospel Music Today worked with Rob Patz, owner of SGNScoops, to produce the 2017 Diamond Awards. WATC TV from Atlanta, Georgia, filmed the event for a future special.

Kelly Nelon Clark with 2017 Diamond Award

Triumphant Quartet accept 2017 Diamond Award

And the winners for the 2017 Diamond Awards are…

The J.D. Sumner Living Legend: Brian Free

Mixed Group of the Year: The Williamsons

Quartet of the Year: Triumphant Quartet

Trio of the Year: The Hyssongs

Duet of the Year: Broken Vessels

Female Vocalist of the Year: Kelly Nelon Clark

Male Vocalist of the Year: Jason Crabb

Sunrise Award: Matt Felts

Sunrise Trio of the Year: Sacred Harmony

Sunrise Quartet of the Year: Old time Preachers Quartet

Song of the Year: “Somebody’s Miracle” – Brian Free and Assurance

Album of the Year: “Nature’s Symphony in 432” – The Isaacs

Christian Country Group of the Year: Mark209

Anthony Burger Instrumentalist of the Year: Jeff Stice

The Williamsons with 2017 Diamond Award

Dottie Rambo Songwriter of the Year: Kenna West

Bluegrass Gospel Album of the Year: “This Ole’ House of Mine” – Heaven’s Mountain Band

Bluegrass Gospel Song of the Year: “I’ll Ride This Ship to Shore” – Heaven’s Mountain Band

Bluegrass Gospel Male Artist of the Year: Tim Maze

Bluegrass Gospel Female Artist of the Year: Debra Wilson

Bluegrass Gospel Group of the Year: Eagle’s Wings

The Nelons at Creekside

Gospel Music Today Video/DVD of the Year: “Live in Bessemer” – New Ground

Favorite Industry Website: WATC TV Channel 57

Paul Heil Award for Broadcasting: Mickey Bell – WXIC

Publisher’s Choice Award: John Whisnant

Hyssongs win at the 2017 Diamond

Congratulations to each of the Diamond Award winners and nominees. The 2018 Creekside Gospel Music Convention and Diamond Awardsill be held Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 2018 at the Smoky Mountain Resort, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. For more information contact event convener and Coastal Media CEO, Rob Patz at 360-933-0741.

For the latest issue of SGNScoops magazine click here

Mark209 wins 2017 Diamond Award

For more Gospel music news click here.
For online Gospel music click here.

Rob Patz with Diamond Award winner Kenna West

Autumn Nelon Clark is a Southern Gospel Sweetheart

Autumn Nelon Clark with the Nelons at the Dove Awards. Photo by Craig Harris

Most individuals dream of living a life that will make this world a better place. They hope that they can leave a legacy behind that reflects a life of positive influence. This dream is one that Rex Nelon accomplished. It was his vision 30 years ago, which sparked the national ministry of the Nelons. It was also his influence that helped begin the careers of some of Gospel Music’s most beloved artists, such as Karen Peck Gooch and Janet Paschal.  

For years, Rex Nelon’s daughter, Kelly, sang alto alongside him. Now, Kelly sings with her two beautiful daughters, Amber and Autumn, and her husband, Jason Clark. It is the legacy of this Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductee that is still being lived out through his daughter and granddaughters. I had the privilege of interviewing Autumn Nelon Clark, Kelly’s youngest daughter.  

Born on January 20, 1997, Autumn is now 20 years old. While she has always been behind the scenes of her family’s career, she has recently taken on the role of singer/mandolin player for the group.

Autumn Nelon Clark with her family, the Nelons

“For a while it was just the three of them – my mom, dad and sister,” Amber says. “But a few years ago, my dad got sick, and I had to fill in for him. I’ve been up there ever since.”

While Autumn has watched her family walk onto stages all of her life, it never made it easier when it was her turn to finally take the stage. The young lady confesses that it was more than a little intimidating for her to sing in front of people for the first time.  

Read more »

Kelly Nelon Clark Shares About Her Dad, Rex Nelon

I was so wonderfully blessed to have him as a father. Was he perfect? Probably not perfect but he was close in my eyes. He would have done anything for me.

One year when I was about 3 we went on a trip to Asheville, NC to visit my grandparents. On the way we stopped in Cherokee NC at a little store. There was an Indian Chief with a bear. I was so excited to see it, as I was walking out of the store somehow I slammed my finger in the door. I cried and cried because it hurt so bad. He came and picked me up and kissed my finger to make it better. It did! He took me over to see the Indian and the bear. Somehow a dad just makes everything seem a whole lot better. He kissed many a wound for many years. Heart wounds are the worst and he was always there to make it better. Thankful for my daddy, Rex Nelon. Happy Father’s Day!

The Nelons and Jeff Stice participate in a Final Fast Five for 2016 with SGNScoops

Nelons and Jeff Stice NYE 2016

By Lorraine Walker

On December 31, 2016, SGNScoops was in the audience to participate in a New Year’s Eve concert with the Nelons and Jeff Stice. It was a tremendous evening of music as each artist opened up and delivered the best of their skills and talents to an appreciative audience.

Afterward, we were able to talk to the artists and quiz them with an SGNScoops’ Fast Five:

Lorraine: What is your main goal for 2017?

Jeff Stice: As I get older, I really truly do just want to finish well; whatever I can do, to do improve

Nelons and Jeff Stice NYE 2016

myself as a person. I’m not into the whole performance thing. Jesus died on a cross for me and said, “It is finished!” I don’t have to earn my way into anything anymore but why would I not want to try and live a better life. I want to keep working on my music and enjoying my family. I’m  just waiting to see what He has open for me next! He overwhelms me everyday.

Kelly Nelon Clark: My main goal is to spend time with my family and do things that are important to us as a family, not always the business. I wrote about this on Facebook the other day. I want to spend time thinking about our accomplishments, being thankful for what the Lord has allowed me to do; and to take more time with our family.

Amber Nelon Thompson: My main goal is to drink more water. I drink too many sodas.

Nelons and Jeff Stice NYE 2016

Autumn Nelon Clark: I really want to get in shape. I say that every year but this year I really want to do it. When I go to the gym and I leave out of breath, I know that I’m not in shape.

Jason Clark: I want to rest in God’s provision. I’ve asked God to take me to new places. We’ve been blessed with a wonderful platform that has sustained itself for 40 years. I’ve asked God to do new things in our ministry. He has already begun to start some works that are brand new, whether it’s the film industry or the documentary industry, where we are doing some things, telling some stories. We are doing an Americana Tour. Forty-something cities have already booked us. It’s basically a non-Christian crowd. So God is already answering that prayer: “Lord, I’m an open door right now, I want you to just use me. If it means in a nursing home on a Saturday afternoon, or if it means into a brand new audience that’s never heard the Gospel story, I’m ready.” So we’re just open. It’s exciting.

Nelons and Jeff Stice NYE 2016

Lorraine: What is your favorite City?

Kelly: My favorite city is Honolulu!

Amber: My favorite city is Atlanta, where I’m from. My other favorite city would be New York. I love New York City, especially at Christmas time.

Autumn: New York. Love it so much!

Jason: New York City is amazing, but if I want to relax, I have to go to Hawaii. We just had two weeks in Oahu and I have to say that is the most relaxed I have ever been. It was like I was in another world.

Jeff: I love Toronto/Hamilton area, I love New York, I love Orlando; I don’t know if I have a favorite. And then I like little towns like Shipshewana IN. My favorite vacation destination would probably be Florida. I’ve got kids, so they like Disney, Universal, the beach, etc.

Lorraine: What is your favorite way to exercise?

Amber: I love basketball. Very fast-paced, fast-moving. We won the State Championship in my senior year (of high school) and then I got offered a full scholarship to play for the State of Georgia but I turned it down because I wanted to sing more than I wanted to play basketball. Go Kentucky Wildcats!

Autumn: I run. Yes, I am one of those.

Jason: I’m a walker. Every day I walk. When I began to have those (chest pains), the doctor said, “You need to start walking.” I was trying to run and it was hurting my knees. You know who else is a walker? Bill Gaither, who has really encouraged me. When we are out on the road (together), we walk. I can’t hardly keep up with the guy! It’s unbelievable the pace that he keeps. It has truly inspired me because I see the enthusiasm and energy he has at 81, so I want to have that. Diet and walking is a big part of that, so he tells me, and I want to have that.

Jeff: I run. I love running. I’m 56 and I’m trying my best to outrun Old Age but ‘he’s’ so fast!

Kelly: Walking.

Nelons and Jeff Stice NYE 2016

Lorraine: What is your favorite book, or what book are you reading now?

Autumn: A book called “Uninvited.” (Christian non-fiction by Lysa TerKeurst).

Jason: I just started reading a book I read every January first. It’s called “The Adventures of Spirit-filled Giving,” by Bill Stafford. It’s basically teaching us that if we are just merely tithing, we are only paying a debt. God wants us to give without expecting anything in return. When you begin to open up your heart and give in this way what the Lord has already given to us, he says it unleashes a lifetime of adventure and the flow of the Holy Spirit through us. When God can trust us with more resources than we need… Sometimes we know what we need and we hang on to it. God says the righteous will never be begging for bread. We are always going to have what we need if we hang on to God. God wants to give us more than we need, if He can trust that we will be a conduit and allow that to flow through us to others. That’s basically the teaching of that book. It’s a small book but I like to be reminded of that concept. I want to be generous in my time, generous in my spirit and in my compassion for others, especially for those who can’t give anything in return. That book really challenges me so I’m reading it again.

Jeff: “Abba’s Child,” by Brennan Manning.

Kelly: “Grace Awakening.”(Charles Swindoll).

Amber: Right now I’m reading a book called, “Hurting People Hurt People.” (Joyce Meyers). I’m getting my Masters degree in Counseling, and that book is required. I’ve been reading it and it is SO good. I encourage everyone to read it.

Nelons and Jeff Stice NYE 2016

Lorraine: What is your favorite Parable or Scripture verse?

Jason: I’m really intrigued by the Parable of the Sower. I was just reading that a couple of days ago. The seeds that we plant and the different ground that Jesus was teaching about. He said we are going to cast that seed, just throw it out there. But sometimes, it will be discouraging because we won’t see the fruit, or anything tangible. That is just how we are wired. We want to see the blessing now; we want to see the provision now. To see whatever that is, right before us. Even with the Children of Israel. They wanted a King, and God said, “No, I’m your King!” But they said, “No we want to see someone on the throne!” He said, “Well, I will give him to you, but he is going to tax you and you are going to work in his barns, filling his coffers.” They had to endure a lot of hardship because they couldn’t trust the unseen hand of God. So the Parable of the Sower helps us to trust. Just cast your seed out there and let God do what He’s going to do. There are going to be times when we aren’t going to see the return. But then there are times that seed lands on fertile soil and it begins to take root, bloom and blossom, blessing others. That’s a great way to live. We can’t be discouraged when we don’t see it. So many seeds were planted in that parable and only one type of soil was fertile.

Jeff: My favorite Scripture is Psalm 130, verse 7. “Hope in the Lord, for in the Lord there is mercy and with Him there is abundant redemption.” I hang my hat on that every day.

Kelly: I love the parable of the Prodigal Son. My favorite Scripture is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We have hope!

Amber: I love the Good Samaritan because I think we need more of that in today’s time; people who show kindness. We need more kindness right now.

Autumn: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3) There are times in my life when I feel brokenhearted; you’ve been through a breakup or one of your family members dies. I can always open up my Bible and know that God is always there. He will heal my broken heart.

Thanks to all of The Nelons and to Jeff Stice for participating in a NYE Fast Five for SGNScoops! It was great to hear your hearts on the last day of 2016. 

For more on Jeff Stice, click here.

For more on The Nelons, click here.

For more Gospel music news, click here.

Amber Nelon Thompson is featured in the January issue of SGNScoops. Available soon on SGNScoops.

The Nelons and Jeff Stice appear in Hamilton, Ontario on New Year’s Eve

The Nelons at Hamilton ON on NYE ’16

By Lorraine Walker

New Year’s Eve at Bethel Gospel Tabernacle in Hamilton, Ontario, has become known as a must-see evening of music. Every year a different artist is presented by the church and the audience responds, filling the auditorium with applause and appreciation. December 31, 2016, was no different. The Nelons and Jeff Stice took the stage amid the Christmas trees and spotlights, sharing their faith and talent with a crowd of 700.

Kelly Nelon Clark and her husband Jason, daughters Amber and Autumn, along with pianist Jeff Stice gave the audience a full evening of current songs, hymns and Christmas favorites. They began with tunes from their latest albums Stronger Together and Family Harmony. Songs featuring each

Jeff Stice at Hamilton ON on NYE ’16

member were interspersed with specials by the award-winning Jeff Stice. The audience joined in on familiar Christmas and Gospel songs, encouraged by emcee Jason Clark. A special, nostalgic moment occurred when the auditorium grew dark and the spotlight shone down on Kelly performing “A Christmas In December.”

Rex Nelon, Kelly’s father, formed the Rex Nelon Singers in 1977, formerly the LeFevres. Kelly was singing alto for the group at that time, and now – forty years later – she is still standing strong as the matriarch of the Nelons. Kelly remains sweet, approachable and caring, even taking time from the group’s repertoire to sing “Happy Birthday” to my father who was turning 91 years old. Thanks Kelly!

Kelly Nelon Clark at Hamilton ON

As a Nelons fan since the late ‘80’s when the group included Karen Peck and Jerry Thompson and frequently visited southern Ontario and northern New York State, I was excited to hear this group on their own where they might showcase each individuals’ skill. Kelly’s voice remains as true and soft as it did decades ago, owing in part to her regular vocal exercises. Amber is one of, if not ‘the’, preeminent vocalists of her generation in Christian music. With a clear, expressive tone retaining the bluegrass background of her dad, Autumn charmed the crowd on one of her few solo songs. Jason Clark was disarming with his down-to-earth delivery belying his ability to sing several octaves. I can’t wait to hear the music this family produces in the future as they continue to develop their own sound.

Autumn Nelon Clark and Jason Clark

It was great to see Jeff Stice again, since he had last appeared at Bethel Gospel Tabernacle in December 2013 with Triumphant. Those fingers can certainly burn up the keyboard! Whether accompanying the Nelons or doing a solo feature, Jeff showed the crowd that he deserves every award and nomination he has earned.

The Nelons completed the evening with Amber singing “Auld Lang Syne,” along with the audience, while Nelons’ members captured the closing event on Facebook Live. The ballad turned into a barn-burner with “I’ll Fly Away.” The Nelon ladies certainly let it fly in this last song as Jason led the audience. You can find it on The Nelons page here. 

I’m sure all the attendees would join my family and I in saying that this was a

Amber Nelon Thompson

Autumn Nelon Clark

Jeff Stice

Autumn Nelon Clark

Jason Clark

concert to remember. Happy 2017!

Kelly Nelon Clark: A Ray of Hope

Kelly Nelon Clark

I spoke to a friend a few days ago and she was asking me to pray for her. She has gone through some tough times and was feeling pretty hopeless, wanting to just give up on life. She was prepared to end it all. With God’s help I was able to open her eyes to life and let her know she was important to Him. I tried to put into words how she felt as it might be an encouragement to others who may be feeling the very same way.

There are days when I have no words for how I’m feeling. I would love to say I’m always up and positive but it wouldn’t be true.

Some days the sun shines and the skies are blue and everything with the world is right. Days when I feel like it could not get any better than it is right now; days when the birds are singing a brand new song just for me. God is everywhere and in everything I see. I can almost smell the beautiful fragrance of His love. His arms surround me and make me feel like I can take on the world. I feel safe and secure knowing He’s here.

Then there are days when the darkness closes in and there is nothing to be seen anywhere. This orphan feels alone, hopeless, and defeated. The tunnel with the light at the end has turned into a black hole with no way out. I call You but You don’t answer. I cry but You don’t see my tears. I wonder what have I done to make You not love me? Where have You gone? I stumble in the darkness to find my way. I fall and keep trying to pick myself up, but how many times can I do that without total collapse?

J

SGN Scoops Feature for February 2016
By Kelly Nelon Clark

High Notes with Kelly Nelon Clark

I spoke to a friend a few days ago and she was asking me to pray for her. She has gone through some tough times and was feeling pretty hopeless, wanting to just give up on life. She was prepared to end it all. With God’s help I was able to open her eyes to life and let her know she was important to Him. I tried to put into words how she felt as it might be an encouragement to others who may be feeling the very same way.

There are days when I have no words for how I’m feeling. I would love to say I’m always up and positive but it wouldn’t be true.

Some days the sun shines and the skies are blue and everything with the world is right. Days when I feel like it could not get any better than it is right now; days when the birds are singing a brand new song just for me. God is everywhere and in everything I see. I can almost smell the beautiful fragrance of His love. His arms surround me and make me feel like I can take on the world. I feel safe and secure knowing He’s here.

Then there are days when the darkness closes in and there is nothing to be seen anywhere. This orphan feels alone, hopeless, and defeated. The tunnel with the light at the end has turned into a black hole with no way out. I call You but you don’t answer. I cry but You don’t see my tears. I wonder what have I done to make You not love me? Where have You gone? I stumble in the darkness to find my way. I fall and keep trying to pick myself up, but how many times can I do that?

Kelly Nelon Clark and The Nelons

Just at the breaking point, just when I’m going to give up, there is a break in the cloud of darkness. A ray of hope shines through into my eyes. It’s what I needed to see, it’s what I needed to know. You are still there!

You never really left. It was me who closed my eyes to the light. I let the darkness overtake me. I should have known, I should have remembered that the evil one comes to steal, kill and destroy. Thank You for not giving up on me when I gave up on myself. Thank You for loving me when no one else loved me. Thank You for whispering my name and letting me know I’m not an orphan and I’m not alone.

Lord, I am Your child; keep me near to You.

ust at the breaking point, just when I’m going to give up, there is a break in the cloud of darkness. A ray of hope shines through into my eyes. It’s what I needed to see, it’s what I needed to know. You are still there!

You never really left. It was me who closed my eyes to the light. I let the darkness overtake me. I should have known, I should have remembered that the evil one comes to steal, kill and destroy. Thank You for not giving up on me when I gave up on myself. Thank You for loving me when no one else loved me. Thank You for whispering my name and letting me know I’m not an orphan and I’m not alone.

Lord, I am Your child; keep me near to You.

By Kelly Nelon Clark

First published in February 2016 by SGN Scoops magazine.

For the latest edition of SGN Scoops click here.

For more Southern Gospel News click here.

Kelly Nelon Clark begins filming first lead role

Kelly Nelon Clark

Kelly Nelon Clark has been acting for some time, as reported by SGN Scoops in the August 2014 edition of SGNScoops magazine, when Clark joined the faith-based film The Dancer. She told us in that issue, “I have always loved theater and film. If you look back to around 1980 you can see where I mentioned that it was a secret dream of mine. I have to give credit to a friend in Dallas, Georgia, who invited me to acting classes, Elizabeth Hale. I went with her the first time and I loved it! We all sat around with different scripts and each had our turn. It sounded really good in my head but when it came out the first time I felt heat come to my face. I didn’t quit; I just kept going back every week for that four-hour class. I’m still learning, but I’m loving it.”

Clark told her followers on Facebook today that she starts filming her first lead role on Monday. Author, publisher, screenwriter, actor, and producer of hardcore Christian books and Christian films, Donald James Parker says here, “I have cast her for the lead role in my next film, Old Rugged

The Nelons pictured with members of the Dallas, GA City Council along with Todd Nelon
Photo Cred Tim Gray

Cross, which will be shot in mid May of 2016. I truly think that Kelly can make the crossover very successfully and her fan base will be able to enjoy her talents in both areas for many years to come. I am confident Kelly will become a prominent player in the Indie Christian film arena. Who knows? Perhaps Hollywood will come calling someday with a faith based film that will allow Kelly to take a bigger stage. No one deserves it more.”

“Would you pray for me?” asks Clark. “Without sounding pretentious I start filming a movie, The Old Rugged Cross on Monday with Donald James Parker, Ken Dohse, Juli Tapken and more and these guys are professional and great at what they do. This is my first lead role with lots of dialogue. I’m new at this but I’m excited and ready for this journey. Pray that God will help me in every way to fulfill this role. My plate has been rather full lately but God won’t put you anywhere that He won’t provide what you need. Thank you to Jeff Rose who has coached me and encouraged me. You will never know how much I appreciate it. Thank you to Autumn Nelon Clark for going over my lines with me. I hope I make all of you proud!”

The Nelons Honored With GMA Hall Of Fame Induction

Kelly Nelon Clark also writes a column for SGNScoops magazine. See her latest “High Notes with Kelly Nelon Clark,” here.

Earlier this week, The Nelons were inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame. See that article here.

Congratulations Kelly from all of us at SGNScoops!!