America's Leading Online Country Gospel Music News Magazine
This issue featuring‌
Sheree’ Gailey
Robert Stowell
January 2016 Christian Servant Outreach Ministry, Inc. Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 1 www.christianservantmagazine.com
Congratulations Number One Charting Song Christian Servant Magazine Country For The Good Life Top 100 January 2016
Learn more about Kelton on the web at: You can purchase Kelton’s music at: Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 2
January, 2016
Table of Contents Page 1 Cover Page 2 January #1 Song Country For The Good Life Top 100 Chart Page 3 Table of Contents Page 4 GunnPoint - Roll The Dice by Randy Gunn Page 5 2016 - A New Year by Marty Smith Page 6 What Now? by Jimmy R. Price Page 7 Christian Servant Magazine County For The Good Life Top 100 Chart January 2016 Page 10 Robert Stowell - A Saul Who Became A Paul by Tommy Smith Page 12 Sheree’ Gailey - No Little Church Girl by Tommy Smith Page 13 Country Gospel Christian Country Radio Guide Page 14 Movers and Shakers of the Country Gospel Industry by Tommy Smith Page 16 Country Gospel Events and News Page 17 From The Desk of Terry D. Davis by Terry D. Davis Page 19 Just A Thought by Gayla Earlene Page 20 The Way I See It by John Penney Page 21 The Meanest Man In Texas by Brad Wilson Page 22 Decrease In Streaming Music Rates by Joe Kelly
Please Take Notice! To our readers, authors, and sponsors: We want to let everyone know that we will be going to a quarterly magazine this year. We would like more time to do research for the articles we’ll be doing on the artists in this industry. We would also like to keep the magazine more Christ centered this coming year. We’d like to do more stories about miracles that have taken place in your lives and the lives of people you may know. If you have a story about a Christ centered miracle in your life we’d love to hear it. If you are interested in the Christian Servant Top 100 Chart each month you may go to www.christianservantoutreachministry.com. It will be readily available to you there. Until next time, God be with you and bless you and yours. Christian Servant Magazine Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 3
GunnPoint Roll The Dice Written by Randy Gunn
Prov 16:33 - We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall. (NLT) If it is God who determines how dice falls, then who determines our whole life? If the simple rolling of dice is guided by Him, how much more the events of our entire life, especially when Christ tells us in Mt.10:29,30; Lu.12:6,7; "The very hairs of your head are all numbered," "Not a sparrow falls to the ground without the Father knowing." If we would always remember this it would bring such a unique calm over our minds. To really believe these verses would so relieve our mind from anxiety that we would be better able to walk in quiet patience and cheerfulness as a Christian should. When we are anxious it becomes very difficult to pray with faith. When we are troubled about our world we do not serve our Master because our thoughts are on serving ourselves. In Mt.6:33 it reads; (If we would) "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousnes" then all things would be added unto you" (us). We are meddling with Christ's business, and neglecting our own when we fret about our situation in life and the circumstances we find ourselves in. The reason our life continues to remain difficult is because we keep trying to do our own "providing" work and forget that our first duty is to trust and obey. When we truly become wise we will attend to the obeying and let Christ manage the providing. Study the abundance of wealth our Heavenly Father has and ask whether He will let you starve while He has so much in His warehouse. Look at His mercy; see if that can ever prove unkind! Look at His undeniable and awesome wisdom; see if that will ever lead you wrongly. Above all, look up to Jesus Christ your personal representative to The Father, and ask yourself, while He pleads your case, can your Father deal ungraciously with you? If He remembers even sparrows, will He forget one of the least of His poor children? As we enter into the New Year let’s resolve to trust our God with all our hearts! "Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you. He will never permit the righteous to be moved." Ps 55:22. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
You can contact Randy Gunn at: randyscottgunn@gmail.com
Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 4
2016 - A New Year by Marty Smith The holidays are over and we’re jumping in with both feet into 2016. A lot of us have made resolutions for the new year, hoping to make our lives better either spiritually or physically. This is the time of year when we decide we’re going to better ourselves. So as we begin this new year, let us take this opportunity to commit to spread God’s Word faster and farther than ever. In this digital age, we see God’s Word being spread all over the world in seconds! My internet radio station, Heaven’s Country, has the privilege of sharing the Gospel through Christian Country music over the airwaves. I get letters from people all over the world thanking me for playing this wonderful music. My favorite letter is from a seventeen-year-old boy from Switzerland. He writes, “As I write this letter, I am filled with tears of joy knowing that there is country music with a Christian message. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to know I can listen to Heaven’s Country everyday”! As we face this year, let us use our resources to spread the Word of God. Whether it be through Facebook, email or some other digital source, use it for God’s Glory. Spread the Word! Share Jesus! Happy New Year! Marty Smith is the morning host of Heaven’s Country (www.heavenscountry.com) and host of the internationally syndicated radio show, “Todays’ Cross Country (www.todayscrosscountry.com). You can email him at: marty@heavenscountry.com
Production, Recording, Distribution, Compilations, Radio Promotion We are accepting tracks for our next compilation NOW! CALL US TODAY! (903) 566-3347 www.canyoncreekrecords.com We at Canyon Creek Records, Inc. and The Christian Servant Publishing Company, BMI, strive to help artists that believe with all their hearts that GOD has called them to use their talents for HIS glory. If being a Christian artist is your heart’s desire, then contact us at (903) 566-3347, or e-mail us at tommysmith4@juno.com.
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 5
What Now? by Jimmy R. Price www.jimmyrprice.com Another Christmas has come and gone, and 2015 in now history. With each new year, we are faced with the same dilemma…what now? Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet, so all we have is today. New Year’s resolutions are made and broken, usually soon after they are made. The apostle Paul gives us some great words of wisdom that we can apply to the New Year. Philippians 3:13-14 says, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” There are 3 steps to this process. Step 1: Let the Past Go. “Forgetting those things which are behind.” Even though it may be impossible for us to actually “forget” those things that have happened, it is possible and even necessary for us to choose to not get bogged down in the past. While it’s true that we can learn from the past, we can’t change what has already happened. We need to “forget” about past failures and sins. The way to do that is confess our sins, repent of our sins, and let it go! God gave us 2 eyes, 2 ears, a nose and a mouth and none of them are on the back of our head. If we want to live TODAY in a way that pleases God, and benefits others, and ourselves, we must let the past go! Leave the past in the past! Step 2: Look Forward To the Future. “Reaching forth unto those things which are before.” Today is a brand new day! Today is a brand new adventure! Today is a brand new opportunity! 2 Cor. 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” Praise God!!! We that believe in Jesus have the promise of a tremendous future! Of course Heaven is a part of our future, but also God wants to bless us while we are here on Earth as well. God also wants to use us to be a blessing to others and minister to the helpless and hopeless. Today, we need to get excited about the future that we have in Christ. Seize the day! Step 3: Don’t Give up! “I press toward the mark…” While most people do give up on their New Year’s resolutions each year, it is not reasonable for Christians to give up on “the prize” that lies before us. We are all “called” to be witnesses for Christ, and stay in the fight, as the spiritual battles continue all around us. Hebrews 12:2 tells us how we can keep on keeping on; “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Today, we must look to Jesus! This should be our “resolution” all year long!
LET THE PAST GO! LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE! DON’T GIVE UP!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 6
# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
SONG TITLE I’m Gonna Fly Away Was That You Lord The Way Clean Slate Jesus I Believe Bring Jesus Back To School Take Me Away From You Love Is A Cross Praise Jesus I Know They Wouldn’t Forgive Me Ten Thousand Angels Cried Again Better Man Loving Arms On Angels Wings Hills Of Glory Born In America Cowboy Church Take This Bible A Different Light The Promiseland Who Loves Me More Love Held My Savior To A Tree Remember The Day Down On Your Knees Heaven Come Down I Know He Hear’s Me He’s Coming Trophy Of Grace House Of Good News Lean On The Lord Broken Didn’t I Walk On Water Your Word Will Be The Last Word I’m From The U.S. Of A. Kids The Wheel In The Middle Of The Wheel Sweet By & By Old House Heart That Will Never Break Again
ARTIST Kelton French Lonnie King Cindy Hughlett Arkin Terrell Chuck Hancock Tommy Smith Mary James John Berry Jimmy R. Price Terry & Debra Luna The McCray Dove Band Gena Roberts Hamilton Bruce Hedrick Terry Davis Russ Murphy The Waymasters Rodney Morss Marlon Sharp Dan Duncan Chris Golden with The Freemans James Payne Jamie Lynn Flanakin Del Way Brandon Poole Judy Bailey Kenzie Steve Richard & Laura Dodd Kevin Rowe & Prodigal Sons Mike Manuel Mike Leichner CrossFire Gospel Band Tommy Brandt Kenny Gardner Tammy Norris Roger Barkley, Jr. Kali Rose featuring Gary Chapman Rusty Gilliam Gina & Jimmy White The Parish Family Kim Pike Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 7
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SONG TITLE Crazy World The Work Of A Carpenter My Jesus Saves Out The Window Every Step Of The Way They Know Me Hear Crayola Skies Shall We Gather At The River What’s Still Left Of Me Calvary Walk To Him Don’t Give Up On Me Hell Bound USA Don’t Forget To Thank The Lord Butterflies And Hummingbirds Gideon Let Your Rain Fall Bread And Water Tougher Than Nails Be With You Fly On I’ve Got A Mansion I Found It All In The Cross When I Pray He Knows The Way Home Let The Light Shine On This Old Church Jesus I Love You, I Really Do That’s Him Raise Up Your Hands Not Another Day On The Other Side Of This Entertaining Angels Unaware I Choose Now Just The Way I Am Are You Ready Stand Up I Choose To Be A Christian Glimpses Bread Of Life
ARTIST Reed Brothers Greg McDougal Ron Hughes Kinfolk Mary Fay Jackson Kristi Miller Cindy Lee Alden Joan Gregory Lance Stone Gina West Randy Gunn Julie Reese David Lemons John Anderson Lawana Blevins Robert Upton Jan Harbuck John Conlee Bridge Of Faith Tom Dolan Kathy Treat Dallas West Pam Blackstock Jimmy Jack Whitaker Ashlen Jackson John Henry Harvey Freddie Hart Darlene Jennusa Paul Winchester Kelly Southerland David Livingston Weston & Christy Hinson Dennise Dittman John Randolph Gina Marie Shelia Arnold Chuck Day Micki Farington Keith Irwin Betty Jean Robinson Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 8
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SONG TITLE Because He Lives Back To God Wake Me Up When It’s Over Carry Me Stimulus Package When Tribulation Enters, I’ll Be Gone He’ll Never Leave Me It’s In Your Hands Lord New Again You Alone Are Worthy Just Like A River I’m Home Strong Jesus Take A Hold There’s Only Two Choices Out Of This World More Than Enough All I Am God Is Good The Anchor Holds
ARTIST John Penney Adrienne Haupt Vanessa Feltner Ladonna Capps Johnny Jones Walt Mills Psalm 100 Glorya Wilson Jim Sheldon with Rachel Taylor Peter Christie Jayne Carter Epp Mevin Walls Corey Farlow Tina Wakefield The Fowlers Terry Collins Tim Livingston Robert Stowell Mike & Doris Merritt Myra Rolen
Doug Hudson has a new release on Cherokee Valley Records titled "If They Could See Us Now". This one should climb the charts. Doug has one of the best voices in the industry and what impresses me most about him is how humble he is. He's a great songwriter, singer and producer. He is a friend to all in the Christian music industry. Most of all he is a friend of Jesus. DJ's give this a lot of spins. To contact Doug: call 828-989-2272. Email him at: cherokeevalleyrecords@gmail.com or visit his website at: www.doughudsonmusic.com Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 9
Robert Stowell
A Saul Who Became A Paul by Tommy Smith Robert Stowell may be a new name to the Country Gospel music industry but just a few years back he was one of “Today’s Country” hottest new artists. His Country release “She Makes Dirt Looks Good” charted nationally in the country charts and Robert and his band were soon touring across the country with the best in the industry. He had his life long dreams come true and felt like he was at the top of the world until the Holy Spirit got a hold of him. There are some of you that know just what I’m talking about. The same has happened to you. When the Holy Spirit picks someone as a vessel he wants to use to reach others, it is a life changing experience. All of a sudden everything you strived for and thought was so important in your life is not important to you at all. What becomes important is doing God’s will. When Robert first called, and introduced himself to me you could feel the fire burning in his heart. He was in love with the Lord. He now had a bigger compassion to write and perform his music for Christ. Than he ever had performing his music for the secular world. To this day Robert doesn’t really understand why the Holy Spirit chose him; after all he had been running from God for years. Why did God choose Saul, a man that ran from him and killed hundreds who loved and served God? The answer is simple Saul served his master of the time whole heartedly and worked day and night with compassion to do his job well. This is the kind of servant God looks for. He can change their hearts and their wicked ways. Once he does then he has a dedicated hard working servant who is willing to battle Satan everyday of his or her new life in Christ. I believe after talking with Robert Stowell he was a Saul who became a Paul and will forever be a dedicated warrior for Christ. Robert has just finished his first Christian project. It is called “FireFall”. He and a few friends wrote all the songs on this project and I would have to call it a Country praise album. “All I Am” is his first single release to radio and Robert puts his heart and soul into the vocal. Every time I hear it I picture King David singing this song to God. It’s just that kind of song. This is not a me song but a Him song. That is what our music is supposed to be about, “HIM”. I asked Robert’s wife, Christy, to tell me a little something about the man her and the kids share their home with. That sometimes can be a dangerous thing to do. Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 10
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She confirmed all that was said above in her own way. She said “Robert admits at one time he was selfish and chasing his own dream. Now he is seeking first God’s kingdom and glorifying God with the gift God has given him. Up until he had laid down his dreams he had not been able to write songs. Now God has given him that gift abundantly.” She said, “I remember when Robert and I first got married him telling me that the most beautiful thing he had ever seen was his mom raising her hands worshiping God. It wasn’t long after that he came to me and said ‘I have to change something I told you in the past.’ I was like umm Ok…. He said the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen is you holding your hands up and worshiping God.” “I can’t lie,” she said, “it made me smile. Robert always puts God first, me next, and our kids third. Robert knows he is not perfect and never will be. God loves him right where he is and Robert wants you to know he loves you right where you are in life. His Grace is sufficient and covers your sins.” “All I Am” has been released to radio on Canyon Creek Records Comp. Volume 34. DJ’s do your audience and yourself a favor play it. You will be touched. You can contact Robert and Christy on Facebook or call them for bookings and product at 239-822-5761. Email him at: robertstowell101@yahoo.com.
Wishing Everyone a Very Healthy and Prosperous New Year! LifeSong Music Ministries and Psalm 100 announce their latest release on Canyon Creek Records Compilation Volume 34
"He'll Never Leave Me" Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 11
No Little Church Girl by Tommy Smith Something that always amazes me is when I meet someone in this industry that is extremely nice and has a servant’s heart, I always assume that they have been raised up going to church and coming from a strong Christian home. Sometimes I find out this was not the case at all. Many times it is just the opposite. They come from a dysfunctional family background and were raised by parents that did not attend church except on religious holidays like Easter and Christmas. Such is the case of Sheree’ Gailey. In her own words she said, “I was no little church girl.” Sheree’ was born in Lubbock, Texas and has one younger sister. Their mom had a hard time picking the right man in her life, which led to five marriages. Sheree’ and her sister would have to re-adjust between each marriage and each divorce would leave them full of insecurity and a dark outlook about life. Sheree’ recalls her mother had finally married a good man her fifth time around but by that time Sheree’ was seventeen and had already gone out on her own. Following in her mother’s footsteps Sheree’ married a banker and in her fifth year of marriage she found out he was having an affair, so she left him. She was now twenty-two and very angry at life so she headed out for the fast lane, partying every night and living an abusive life. While living that lifestyle she met her second husband John. Both were living life for today and not worrying about tomorrow. Sheree’ then met a friend that turned her life and her husband’s life around. Her new friend brought peace and forgiveness to their life and gave them both self-esteem and confidence. They had found a purpose for living and a heart to serve and work with others who had lost hope just like they once had. They had a born again experience all because of their new best friend called Jesus. He taught Sheree’ and John how to take their bad experiences from the past and use them as testimony to let others, just like them, know that Christ still cares and can heal the hurt and pain that they are suffering from. Sheree’ was able to lead her biological dad to Christ before he passed away in 2011. Sheree’s mom, Patricia, received Christ as her Savior and has spent her life in prison ministry sharing the “Good News Gospel” to prison inmates all over the country. She lets them know that Jesus loves them and that He is the truth, the life, and the way to a life of freedom instead of a life of bondage. After twenty-six years of marriage, Sheree’s husband became very ill and went on to be with the Lord. After his passing, Sheree’ and Patricia teamed up to minister the written word through preaching but also through a gift God had given them both, the ability to sing love songs for God. They work as a ministry team, but for the most part they each have their own separate ministries. Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 12
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Sheree’ now lives in Cisco, Texas and has just released a new single to radio titled “Come To Jesus”. She sings this song from the heart because she knows first hand what it means to surrender your life and come to Him. You see “The No Little Church Girl” now has the church in her and she carries it everywhere she goes. Christ is the church and he is calling each and every one of us to come to Him and He will bless your life abundantly. To contact Sheree’ you can call her at: 254-631-9003 email her at: sgailey10@gmail.com and she can also be reached on Facebook.
Thanks to everyone for playing, listening, requesting and making such a huge success of my song,
"Jesus I Believe" on Canyon Creek Records Volume 33. Thanks to all the fans for supporting our ministry. Most of all, thanks to Christ for giving me the song.
Country Gospel Christian Country Radio Guide Country Music For The Good Life! Music for your listening pleasure! www.941icr.com with Ricky Russ, Abilene, Texas - 24/7
www.spiritcountry.cc with Joe Brashier South Bend, Indiana - 24/7
www.hleradio.com with Hunter Logan Jennings, LA. - 24/7
www.heavenscountry.com with Marty Smith - 24/7
www.kcwm.net Owner: Mike Carr Sundays 10:00 am CST with Tommy Smith San Antonio, Hondo, Texas
www.am1420wrcg.com with Jim Foster Columbus, GA - 24/7
www.wgnzradio.com with Tim Livingston Dayton, Ohio - 24/7 www.theranch.fm Sundays 8:00 am CST with Tommy Smith Tyler, Texas www.sunriseshow.net with Jim Tucker Roswell, NM - 24/7
www.etcgospel.com with Ken Iverson Chandler,Texas - 24/7 www.cgcradio.com with Gene & Micki Farington Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. - 24/7
www.kingcountry.org Arlington, Texas - 24/7 www.praypraypray.net Praise Radio w/ Bryon Fester Spruce Grove, Alberta - 24/7 www.truecountryfm.com with Gaylon King San Antonio, TX - 24/7
www.wdcxradio.com with Bob Terry Buffalo, NY - 24/7 Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 13
Movers and Shakers of the Country Gospel Industry by Tommy Smith
Jim Foster A DJ that truly encourages!
When I first came into the Christian music industry I didn’t have a clue that it was so divided and had so many different formats. After being in the secular music field for over twenty-five years and having to perform many different styles of music such as Country, Rock, Pop and the Classics like “I left My Heart In San Francisco”, you knew if you didn’t play a variety of music you didn’t get hired. Our job was to please an audience not an industry. That was the case in the secular recording field and still is. I came into the Christian music industry because I knew God had called me and I was ready to serve Him. My first release to radio was a song called “If I Came Back Today”. I released it on a single Disc because at that time I didn’t even know what a compilation company was. I purchased a Singing News workbook and mailed to 800 radio stations that showed to play thirty hours or more a week of Gospel music. I called every one of those stations and I soon found out the division between Southern Gospel and Country Gospel was very strong. I did not let it discourage me, though. I kept calling and found DJ’s like Jim Foster who understood my heart to serve Christ and in fact, encouraged me to do so. He played “If I Came Back Today”. That was fifteen years ago. He probably doesn’t even recall our conversations back then but I do and I am forever grateful that God lead me to men like Jim Foster. Jim loves Southern Gospel but he’ll tell you right quick he loves good Country Gospel also. He still plays and gives independent artists a chance and you can tell he loves doing so. Jim is a reporter to many different charts and he reports with integrity. It is with great pleasure that I get a chance to tell our Country Gospel artists about a Southern Gospel DJ who loves Country Gospel too, Jim Foster. ~Tommy Smith Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 14
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He has been called “The Voice Of Gospel Music In The Chattahoochee Valley”. His name is Jim Foster. He’s a Businessman, Visionary, Blessing, and Gospel Singer. The words accurately describe Jim Foster to his legions of fans in Columbus, Georgia, Phenix City Alabama and surrounding communities. Jim has been a pilot, a volunteer fire fighter, an Emergency Medical Technician, and he now owns and operates his own business for over 40 years. At one time Jim even aspired to be a politician, but was defeated by a very narrow margin for the office of City Councilman in 1972 and 1973, but their loss has been our gain. He is married to the former Cyndee Anderson, a beautiful woman that obviously has a lot of patience because Jim is always giving his spare time to help others. Jim’s love for Southern and Country Gospel Music spans over 50 years. He can vividly remember singing in quartets and attending music school when he was a teenager, learning four-part harmony and singing in churches in north Marion County Georgia. His gift for music also enabled him to play musical instruments in his high school band. He doesn’t let his audience forget just how talented he was. He has had his old recordings of the Marion County High School Band transferred to compact Disc, and occasionally the marching band becomes an integral part of his morning broadcasts. In 1994, Jim was searching for a way to support his friend, the late Tom Pair, and Mr. Pair’s Ministry, “Meals On Wheels”. Jim approached the owners of a local AM station that, at the time, had an “oldies” format. His idea was to buy a block of time on Saturday mornings, sell his own advertising, and donate all the proceeds to “Meals On Wheels”. Within a very short period of time this was turned into a full time Southern Gospel 24 hour station and they are now in their 21st year. The Columbus/Phenix City area has an abundance of Southern and Country Gospel Music talent, and Jim has been instrumental in developing and promoting the local artists. He is always encouraging the performers, helping to arrange “concerts” for them in local churches and even brings in national talent that would not ordinarily perform in their area. Not only does he play the music of the national artists, but he frequently plays the music of local artists that would otherwise not be exposed to the public. This action by Jim Foster has evolved into one of the longest running Southern and Country Gospel 24 hour radio stations, now broadcasting on WRCG AM-1420, FM 103.7 HD-4, worldwide at www.am1420wrcg.com and on your smart phones with the free app “tunein radio”. Locally they cover Columbus, Ga.; Phenix City, Alabama; and over 900 Square miles in the Chattahoochee Valley. What’s next for Jim Foster? Only God knows the answer to that. With today’s technology Jim and his wife Cyndee currently operate the station fully from their state of the art studio at home in Mills River, NC. where Jim does the morning show 7-8 AM EST Sunday through Friday and Midday Show live also from 11 to 1, Monday through Friday. He loves to play requests and you can call him on the air during the show at 828- 808-6487 with your requests. It could be that he is exactly where God wants him to be. Could be that we would not have Southern and Country Gospel Music all day long without the initiative of Jim Foster. But it is obvious that Jim is enjoying everyday of his life, sharing that enjoyment with everyone he meets, and is ready to do what God asks him to do. Jim Foster truly is “The Voice of Southern and Country Gospel Music In The Chattahoochee Valley”. Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 15
Country Gospel Events and News Please send us your events news! Upcoming or previous events!
“Crank Down Country Christmas” Event Jennings, LA – December 10, 2015 – HLERadio.com hosted the first annual “Crank Down Country Christmas” at the studio located at 410 N. Main Street in Jennings, LA on December 10th, 2015. This event featured several Christian Country artists who sang as well as shared Christmas stories from their past. The guests included Steve Shirey, Mo Howard, Freddie Pate, Butch Tinker, Nathan Areno, Penny Areno, Jonathan Areno, Leo Johnston, and HLE’s owner, Hunter Logan. The event was broadcast live on HLERadio.com and Periscope (a Twitter feature that shares live video feeds). The format for this event was an “old-fashion front porch picking”, according to HLE Radio Personality, David Ray. “We just sat around and played our favorite Christmas songs and told stories from our past”, explained Hunter Logan, owner and radio personality. Some of the stories were humorous while others were serious. “We all just had a great time remembering back and celebrating the birth of Jesus”, said Mr. Logan. He went on to add, “It’s been said that Jesus is the ‘reason for the season’ but we like to say that ‘Jesus
is the reason for every season’”.
HLERadio.com plans to make this an annual event. The artists and radio staff enjoyed the evening and the response from the fans that listen to HLE and tuned in via Periscope were very positive. “We are looking forward to doing this every year”, said Hunter Logan
The Conners, a brother and sister duo have a brand new release to radio and it is outstanding. Pure traditional Country Gospel with a message that will send you to your knees. "Get Me To The Cross" is the title of the song and it has been released on Cherokee Valley Records. I look for this one to lead many lost souls to the Cross. Great song from The Conners! ~Tommy Smith KKUS FM, Tyler, Texas
To contact The Conners: www.connersgospel.com Larry Conner - 606-465-5285 Linda Warner - 740-886-5739 Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 16
From the Desk of Dr. Terry D. Davis by Terry Davis www.terrydavismusic.com
My precious Grandmother once told me that every breath we take is one less breath that God has given us. Every second, minute, hour, day that we live, puts us that much closer to Heaven. I’m not afraid of dying, I just want to make the most of the time I have left in this world. Here are 3 things I wish to do with my remaining time on Earth. ● I want to live a life that glorifies my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I wish to make my Savior proud of me, by doing His will every day. I wish to praise Him a little more every day. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but He” (Mark 12:30-32 KJV). ● I want to love and enjoy my family by setting an example of a Christian father, who does what is right. My Bible says, “A life of doing right is the wisest thing there is” (Proverbs 4:11). ● I endeavor to love God’s people, to help others along the way, to encourage and lift up my brothers. Remember my friend, Matthew 25:40, “And the King shall answer and say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” I pray that you will join me in making the most of the time we have left on this planet. Let us review our priorities as we move forward into 2016. Let us be thankful for what we have. Let us pray more. Let us help others, but mostly, let us glorify our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ! It’s the beginning of a new year, 2016! We have a new college football champion in the Alabama Crimson Tide! Let me leave you with a note found in the wallet of Paul “Bear” Bryant, the legendary Alabama coach, upon his death. The Magic Bank Account Imagine that you had won the following *PRIZE* in a contest: Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400 in your private account for your use. However, this prize has rules. Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 17
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The set of rules: Everything that you didn’t spend during each day would be taken away from you. You may not simply transfer money into some other account. You may only spend it. Each morning upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another $86,400 for that day. The bank can end the game without any warning; at any time it can say, “Game Over”! It can close the account and you will not receive a new one.
What would you personally do?
You would buy anything and everything you wanted right? Not only for yourself, but for all the people you love and care for. Even for the people you don’t know, because you couldn’t possibly spend it all on yourself, right? You would try to spend every penny, and use it all, because you knew it would be replenished in the morning, right?
ACTUALLY, this GAME is REAL… Shocked??? YES!!!
Each of us is already a winner of this *PRIZE*. We just can’t seem to see it.
The PRIZE is *TIME*
Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life. And when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is not credited to us. What we haven’t used up that day is forever lost. Yesterday is forever gone. Each morning the account is refilled, but the bank can dissolve your account at any time WITHOUT WARNING… Continued on next page… Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 18
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SO, what will YOU do with your 86,400 seconds? Those seconds are worth so much more than the same amount in dollars. Think about it and remember to enjoy every second of your life, because time races by so much quicker than you think.
So take care of yourself, be happy, love deeply and enjoy life!
Here’s wishing you a wonderful and beautiful day. Start “spending”…
“DON’T COMPLAIN ABOUT GROWING OLD!”
SOME PEOPLE DON’T GET THE PRIVILEGE!
"Just A Thought" with Gayla Earlene Visit Gayla Earlene at https://www.facebook.com/gayla.earlene
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Goodbye 2015, never to be again! The passing year reminds me of my old sins. Since I've asked God's forgiveness, they are gone AND forgotten!!!!! WOW God is good & I have become brand new!! How about you, want to be brand new & live forever? Simply ask Jesus to forgive your sins & to come into your heart making Him Lord of your life. Hello 2016!! Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 19
‌the way I see it by John Penney The Christian Outlaw www.johnpenneymusic.com Well, goodbye to 2015 and I am looking forward to whatever God has in store for us in 2016. Carlene and I have decided that the top priority this coming year is for us to do whatever our Grandaughters [Stella & Autumn] seem to want to do. After that I am sure that the good Lord will look after us and keep us up and running. It seems like I don`t worry quite as much about what the future will bring anymore. It must have something to do with growing just a little bit older and hopefully just a tad smarter in my way of looking at life in general. Back in the day I would make all kind of plans and be in the biggest rush to see if I could jump out ahead of the pack and be first. But seems like there is a story out there somewhere about a turtle and a rabbit, anyway you get my drift. Yet I am excited about the coming year and all of the many wonders that God will put before us as we live our lives day to day. He has become the companion that I have always needed through the years, even though I tried to make it on my own most of that time. I really knew better but Southern Boys are hard-headed. You see, my Granddaddy was an old time Baptist Preacher who left this world way too soon for all four of us boys. Our Mother and Grandmother raised us up in the Church and they taught us how to become the men that we are today. Two of the strongest women I have ever seen and I wish I could hear them holler for me to come home just one more time. As kids we never had any idea about how poor we really were until we got to school age. Anyway, as I got a little older I can see now that I let the Devil take the wheel and I just kind of went along for the ride. But I bet if the truth was told, a lot of young boys have done the same. I always knew I was a pretty good guy but I never studied about it too much. Jesus was around and about but we just did not have that up close personal relationship that everybody needs to have with Him. We would nod to each other but I would just keep on walking and move on down the road a ways, not looking back. That was the story of my life for a good many years and then one day it all changed in the blink of an eye with the birth of a baby. But that`s another story so I think I will save it for another day. Well, we keep on stacking the years up, one on top of the other and it seems like I have got my fair share of them. We are so thankful for the time that we have had together here in our little world. Wishing the best for each and every one of you. Carlene and I are happy and our love for Jesus is strong. Happy New Year! That`s the way I see it. John Penney
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Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 20
“THE MEANEST MAN IN TEXAS” by Brad Wilson
A few years ago I had the distinct privilege of meeting a man named Don Umphrey. Don is a wonderful human being who loves the Lord with all of his heart. He is a wonderful writer and has written various books. His own life has been something books are written about and movies are made of! Don grew a heart for prison ministry years ago and has devoted a great deal of his life devoted to exposing those incarcerated to Jesus Christ. He recently published an AMAZING New American Standard Bible called “JOURNEY TO RECOVERY THROUGH CHRIST.” This great work can now be found all across America in churches, jails and prisons. This is a 12-step study Bible in conjunction with Christians Against Substance Abuse. It’s a beautiful work. A number of years ago Don was face to face and interviewing a man named Clyde Thompson. Back in 1928 Clyde Thompson killed two men when he was just 17 years old in rural West Texas. He was nearly lynched while awaiting trial and then was sent to death row. Thompson's killing streak didn't stop there. Nor did his desire to escape from prison. Prison officials finally gave him the title of The Meanest Man in Texas, and the prison chaplain said he was a man without a soul. Without hope, Thompson reached out for help. Then his life started to change. This is such an amazing true story that Don decided to turn it into a book. The book is appropriately titled “THE MEANEST MAN IN TEXAS.” How about that for a GREAT title! How about that for a great story and great title for a movie!! Enter in HIGHER PURPOSE ENTERTAINMENT. My business partner Casey Bond and I have been fortunate enough to have acquired the movie rights to the book. Don has since written a wonderful screenplay. We have now attached a very talented director named Justin Ward. AND we are thrilled to have one of the most popular, up and coming young actors in Hollywood, Mateus Ward (“MURDER IN THE FIRST,” “HOSTAGES,” “LAB RATS”) attached to play the lead role of Clyde Thompson. Although the subject matter and title may not seem like it, this story is a great story of inspiration and God’s grace. Not only will it be life changing for those incarnated, but anyone who sees it will be truly moved and witness a true miracle. “THE MEANEST MAN IN TEXAS” is the next film we will produce. We are thrilled, honored and humbled once again to be able to share God’s grace with the world. We would like to ask all who read this to please keep us in your prayers as we move forward and into production. Visit Brad Wilson and Higher Purpose Entertainment at: www.higherpurposeentertainment.com
Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 21
Decrease In Streaming Music Rates With the upcoming launch of CDX TrAction, the recent news of a decrease in streaming music rates, as issued by the Copyright Royalty Board, has been in the forefronts of our minds. We are especially interested in seeing how the decrease in rates will impact the increase of radio stations that use streaming services on their websites, and how that, in turn, will affect the amount of airplay artists begin to see. In case you haven't heard the news, the rate for commercial non-subscription services in 2016 is $0.0017 per-performance, or seventeen cents per 100 songs. This rate is down from twenty-five cents per song, resulting in a favorable response from radio stations, record labels, and the like. On the other hand, subscription-based services are seeing a slight rate increase, equalizing at the seventeen cent per song rate. It's understood by many in the industry that streaming their broadcast signal to cast a wider net is a future 'given' for terrestrial radio stations. As we shared in a newsletter last year, studies show that the majority of new music is still discovered on the radio. Let's connect the dots of this fact to a March 2015 article by Business Insider that, in less than five years, 75% of cars shipped globally will be built with the necessary hardware to connect to the internet. Furthermore, BI reports that streaming music was the most desired feature with 69% of consumers wanting streaming capability vs 57% wanting the ability to surf the internet via a monitor in the car. Imagine the possibilities. ABOUT CDX TRACTION: While monitoring services typically zero in on a small panel of major market reporting stations' terrestrial signal, TrAction will seamlessly monitor and detect airplay on all radio stations that stream their broadcast signals on their websites. This includes terrestrial, as well as internet-only stations. For the first time, TrAction will allow music industry professionals and artists to track actual airplay for their music in ALL markets. CDX recognizes that in today's music business reality no opportunity or market can be neglected. With half of the population of the United States living in the nearly 3,000 smallest counties - well over 150 million people - this sector of the population is a large part of the Country Music listenership and fan demographic. For more information on TrAction, please go to www.cdxnashville.com. Warm Regards & Happy TrAcking! ~Joe Kelly and the CDX TrAction Team Visit: CDX Nashville Website
Christian Servant Magazine a division of Christian Servant Outreach Ministry, Inc. A 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization Publisher: Christian Servant Outreach Ministry, Inc. Editor in Chief: Tommy Smith Creative Director: Anna Smith Design Director & Creative Digital Director: TLC Solutions Address all Editorial, Business and Production Inquiries to: Christian Servant Magazine, 15661 Hwy 64 E.,Tyler, TX. 75707 • (903) 566-3347 For Sponsorship Information contact: Tommy Smith • (903) 566-3347 • or Email: tommysmith4@juno.com www.christianservantoutreachministry.com • www.christianservantradio.com • www.christianservantmagazine.com Copyright © 2015 Christian Servant Outreach Ministry, Inc. dba Christian Servant Magazine • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED All articles are copyrighted and may not be reprinted or published without the express written permission of: Christian Servant Magazine, 15661 Hwy 64 E.,Tyler, TX. 75707 Christian Servant Magazine - January, 2016 - Page 22