Author: Texas Gospel

High Road’s Kristen Bearfield recovering after surgery

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Kristen Bearfield of High Road underwent myomectomy surgery on Tuesday and is now recovering at home.

Bearfield had been dealing with health problems for several months before seeking medical help. In the fall of last year, she experienced symptoms that she initially hoped would improve on their own. However, the symptoms persisted and could no longer be ignored.

The week before Christmas, Bearfield met with a specialist and surgeon in Nashville. She received a diagnosis that was more serious than she had anticipated. The doctor told her she needed surgery that could not be delayed in order to preserve her future health. She also had a biopsy on New Year’s Eve.

In a Facebook post before the surgery, Bearfield asked for prayers and explained what she had been going through.
“I’ve been pretty silent recently, because I’ve been walking through a very unexpected and overwhelming season… but I wanted to share this now to ask for prayer,” Bearfield wrote. “For several months during the fall of last year… I was dealing with health symptoms that could no longer be pushed aside, hoping they would simply get better.”
She continued: “I am scheduled for a myomectomy surgery this Tuesday, February 10th. I would truly cherish prayers for the surgery to completely take care of these issues with no complications, and for a smooth recovery as I take some time off.”

Bearfield acknowledged that the situation had been difficult but expressed her faith throughout the process.

“The last several weeks have been very unsettling, to say the least, but God has been in every detail of this journey, from allowing me to get to a top specialized surgeon, to the support that has surrounded me every step of the way,” she wrote.

She added: “I can’t say I understand the ‘why’ of all this, but I KNOW I trust that God has me, and the future, right in the palm of His hand.”

The surgery took place on Tuesday morning, and Bearfield was able to go home that same afternoon. On Wednesday, The High Road’s official Facebook page shared an update with fans.

“Thank you ALL for praying for Kristen as she had surgery yesterday morning. She went home yesterday afternoon and is recovering there and we are so thankful everything went great. Your prayers are appreciated a ton as she heals up!” the group posted.

Bearfield is now taking time off to focus on her recovery.

Living as a Caring Neighbour

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NELSON NOLAND

Neighbors – IRS Images, 2025

Romans 13 teaches that Christians are called to show love to the people around them. The passage explains that faith is not only about knowing what is right, but also about how we live each day. Being a good neighbour matters everywhere. It matters at home, at the store, on the job, and in the community. God expects His people to respond to others with care, even when it is not easy.

Doesn’t this tell us that love is an ongoing responsibility. Financial debts should be handled wisely, but there is one debt that never disappears, the debt of love. When followers of Jesus see a need and can help, love calls them to act. People who do not think like us or live like us are still neighbours. Differences in culture, age, politics, or lifestyle do not remove the command to love.

The passage lists commandments such as not stealing, not committing adultery, and not coveting. These rules show how love behaves. Love does not harm another person. Love seeks their good. Loving others is a clear way to follow what God commands. When believers treat those nearby with kindness and fairness, they reflect the heart of God.

Christians are urged to live with urgency. Life is short and the time to do good is now. The future return of Christ draws closer every day, so believers should stay awake, alert, and ready to serve. Good news is only good if it is shared in time. A neighbour may need help or hope today, and delaying may mean a lost opportunity.

I want to walk as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world.
The star of my life is Jesus.

The Scripture warns against living in darkness. Believers should not fall into habits that lead away from God, such as drunkenness, sexual sin, jealousy, and constant conflict. These actions damage relationships and weaken our ability to love. Instead, Christians are called to live in the light, choosing honesty, purity, peace, and right behaviour. The world notices when love replaces selfish actions.

Finally, the passage says to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” This means living each day with intention, allowing Christ to shape our choices. We should avoid situations that encourage sin and make decisions that help us follow God. Loving our neighbours is not only physical help, but also spiritual care. It means praying for them, sharing faith, and being present when life becomes difficult. When trouble comes, people often look to the neighbour who lives with hope and peace.

God places every person where they are for a reason. By living compassionately, urgently, rightly, excellently, and spiritually, Christians play a part in healing the hurt found in the world.

Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.

Romans 15:2

Anthem Edition releases new song “He Is Who He Is”

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AMY TURNER

Anthem Edition has released “He Is Who He Is,” their first song of 2026. The new track from Sonlite Records arrives while the title song from their 2025 album, Promises Kept, continues to chart on Southern Gospel airplay.

Mark Mathes wrote “He Is Who He Is.” The song features a classic quartet sound with bluegrass elements. David Johnson plays banjo on the opening chorus.

Tim Rackley, the group’s lead singer, described the song’s appeal and message. “‘He Is Who He Is’ is a fun song to sing, and will be a favourite for everyone that loves quartet music,” he said. “It also has a powerful message in it, because He says ‘I AM WHO I AM’ and ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ (Exodus 3:14), and in Malachi 3:6 He confirms: ‘For I, the Lord, do not change.'”

The opening chorus includes these lyrics:

He is who He is, He was who He was

He did what He did, He still does what He does

The Alpha, Omega, the Babe from Bethlehem

The Spring of Living Water, and He is the Great I Am

Piano, pedal steel and electric guitar follow the opening chorus. The song contains two verses and multiple choruses.

The song is available in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music and TIDAL.

Doug Roark and Tim Rackley founded Anthem Edition in 2003 as a trio called The Old Paths. The trio became a quartet and gained national attention. The group signed with Sonlite Records, part of Crossroad Music, in 2012. Their album Right Now produced two number one hits and earned them a Singing News Fan Award for Favourite New Quartet.

The group stopped touring in 2015 and returned in 2017. They changed their name to Anthem Edition in late 2022. Andrew Utech joined as bass vocalist at that time. Cameron Edens joined as tenor in the fall of 2023.

Standing Firm in Life’s Spiritual Battle

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CONNIE WILLIAMS

The book of Ephesians reminds believers that life is not only a physical struggle but a spiritual one. In chapter 6, the Apostle Paul explains that every person faces an unseen enemy, Satan, whose purpose is to destroy what matters most in our lives. Paul urges Christians to stand firm using the “armor of God,” a set of spiritual tools designed to help us resist evil and stay faithful.

Paul was chained to a Roman soldier when he wrote these words. As he looked at the soldier’s armor, he used each piece as a picture of the spiritual defences God gives us. The belt of truth helps us fight false ideas by replacing lies with God’s truth. The breastplate of righteousness reminds us to live according to what we already know is right. The sandals of peace represent our readiness to share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Just as the soldier’s boots gave him stability and strength in battle, sharing the gospel gives a believer firm purpose and direction in life.

From Paul’s message, we can extrapolate that understanding our purpose in God’s plan protects us from many of Satan’s traps. God created every person for a reason, and that reason is connected to His own mission, to bring people to the knowledge of His truth. Our lives find meaning only when we join God’s work in reaching others with His message of hope. When we lose sight of this purpose, we become vulnerable to distraction and sin.

Choosing Purity Over Immorality

One of the ways we protect ourselves in this spiritual war is by choosing purity. Sinful desires can destroy our witness and harm others deeply. The story of a pastor who lost his ministry through moral failure shows how one bad decision can cause lasting damage. Christians are reminded that their choices influence not only their own lives but also our family, friends, and fellow believers. Understanding our purpose helps us stay pure because we realize that our lives are meant to lead others toward Christ, not away from Him.

Paul wrote that No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. Likewise, followers of Christ must avoid sin that weakens their spiritual strength. Purity is not about pride or perfection; it’s about faithfulness to the mission God has given us.

Choosing Generosity Over Greed

Another trap that often catches people is greed. The Bible warns that a love of money can lead to ruin. Wealth promises comfort and security, but it cannot protect us from illness, tragedy, or death. Jesus taught that we cannot serve both God and money. When we put our treasure in God’s kingdom, through giving, serving, and helping others, our hearts follow. What we invest in reveals what we value most. A life focused on possessions leads to anxiety and emptiness, but a life centered on God’s purposes brings freedom.

Living with Purpose and Faith

Paul urged believers to live with awareness and responsibility, using time wisely because the days are filled with challenges. Knowing God’s will keeps us from drifting through life without direction.

For those who do not yet know Christ, the invitation is open. God offers forgiveness and new life through faith in Jesus. And salvation is not something we earn but something we receive. When we accept God’s gift, we begin a new life that carries eternal meaning.

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58

StowTown Records partners with The Craguns on release of new album

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JEFF TURNER

The Craguns have begun a partnership with StowTown Records. Their first album with the label, Steadfast Love, is now available.

For the past decade, The Craguns have shared the Gospel through their music ministry. The family has performed on many prominent stages across the country. Their warm vocal harmony has become a recognizable part of their music.

Jordan Cragun spoke about working with StowTown Records. “We are honoured to partner with one of the premier record labels in gospel music to help take these songs to the world,” he said. “We are so excited about this new music and truly believe this is one of the strongest collections of lyrics we’ve ever brought together on a single record.”

Steadfast Love contains 12 songs. Wayne Haun produced the album. He has received multiple GRAMMY® nominations and has won Dove Awards. The album includes songs written by Dallas Holm, Sue C. Smith and Stuart Hamblen.

The song “Faithful” was released to radio in January. Joel Lindsey and Caleb Collins wrote it together. The song begins with a gentle introduction and builds into harmonies. The album ends with “My Faith Still Holds,” written by Bill and Gloria Gaither.

Wayne Haun is both the producer and a StowTown label executive. He shared his thoughts about The Craguns. “I’m always excited to work with new young talent, and The Craguns are already proving they’re a force to be reckoned with,” he said. “Their blend is that unexplainable musical phenomenon that happens when a family sings together. Couple that with their ability to communicate these powerful lyrics and a long-lasting career is well on its way.”

Jordan Cragun thanked Wayne Haun for his work. “We have to give a huge shoutout to Wayne Haun for his incredible production on this album,” he said. He added, “Our deepest desire is that this record would be a blessing to every listener and serve as a reminder, each time they listen, of God’s steadfast love.”

Sony/Provident distributes the album exclusively. Steadfast Love is available at digital and retail outlets worldwide.