Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Matt Felts Leaves The Lesters

Matt Felts

IMPORTANT NEWS:
As I write this letter I look out the window and see the changing colors of the leaves. Fall is one of my favorite times of year. I love the crisp night air and everything that comes with it. I hate to see summer end but without it coming to a close there would be no hayrides, pumpkin pies or campfires on a chilly night. Seasons change and with that brings new and exciting things. I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 3 that reminds us that to everything there is a season. For the last year I have had the honor and privilege to sing night after night with the Lester’s. As many of you know, I grew up in St. Louis and they were heroes of mine. They still are. Brian has been more than a boss, he’s a friend. Many groups have lots of fans. The Lester’s have lots of friends. That says a lot about who they are. From the moment I joined the group they embraced not just me but also my family. We have had lots of laughs and many great memories that I will cherish the rest of my life. When I joined the group I knew God has sent me there and I hoped it would be for many years. I still believe that God sent us there but over the last few months through much prayer I began to feel the Lord closing this chapter of our life. Through a series of events the Lord has moved us in a new direction and I have resigned from the Lester’s.
As most of you know I am married and we have a six year old little girl. I am blessed with an incredible wife and family that fully supports the call of God on my life. For well over a decade they have kept the home fires going while I traveled. Most people will never know just what a sacrifice that is for the families of Gospel singers. There are many missed holidays, family events and special occasions that dad just can’t be there for. I have been blessed with a wife that has never once complained but counts it as a blessing to serve God in this way. I want to thank my beautiful wife Jennifer for her steadfast and unwavering support. Our entire marriage and consisted of me getting on a bus every week and being gone for days or even weeks at a time. Through our prayers we felt it was time for this season to end. The next chapter of our ministry will allow me to be home a lot more.
God has truly opened up some exciting doors for my ministry in a new path that allows me to stay very involved in Gospel music. I will be sharing this news in the upcoming days but I wanted to take this time to publically thank Brian, Jon, Ginger, Donna and the whole Lester family for their kindness and friendship. Many times when someone leaves a group people speculate on why they are leaving or if there were problems. Let me assure you there are none. I love this family and singing with them has been one the greatest blessings I’ve experienced. They will always be family to myself, Jennifer and Abby.
I also want to take a moment to thank the many friends that I have been blessed to make in my time with the Lester’s. You have been so generous and kind to us and it has meant more than you know. I love each of you and hope to see you down the road. Who knows you may see me pop up at the cave from time to time.
Change is hard. While I’m excited for the days ahead, I will miss Jon and Brian and the whole family. I hope many of you will stay in touch with me. I ask for your prayers for myself and my family as we start a new chapter. I also ask that you continue to pray for and support the Lester’s as they continue on. Their ministry has been a blessing to so many including myself for over 90 years. With your love and support I know they will touch lives for another 90.

The Lesters Honored By City Of St. Louis

Lesters

St.Louis’ First Family of Gospel Music, The Lesters, were recently honored by the city of St. Louis, Missouri. The legendary group entered into their 90th continuous year as a group on January 1st and the city of St. Louis has taken notice. Mayor Francis Slay honored the group by declaring January 1, 2015 as “The Lesters Day” in the city of St. Louis and presented Brian Lester, Jon Lester and Matt Felts each with a proclamation. “The Lesters have played a huge role in the cultural history of St. Louis and we congratulate them on this historic occasion.” said Mayor Slay. The Lesters kicked off their 90th Anniversary tour at Arnold First Baptist Church, a St. Louis area mega church where the proclamations were presented. Joining them that night on stage were numerous former members and family members including Ginger Pinchers, Donna Lester Tramel, Dan Pinchers, Jenny Pinchers-Revelle, Shannon Shipley Tramel and many more. For more information, you can go to the official website of the Lesters at The official website of The Lesters

Gospel Music Today On SGNScoops.com

Gospel Music Today On SGNScoops.com