Author: Texas Gospel

Dianne Wilkinson, loved Southern Gospel songwriter, passes away

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Jeff Turner

Southern Gospel music lost one of its most prolific songwriters late Tuesday.  Dianne Wilkinson went to be with her Lord after losing a a battle with an illness.

“She is going to the place she has written about to see the One who came to save us and all those that she loves that have gone on before, pray for us. It’s hard to say goodbye but we have the blessed hope of seeing her again. I’ll update everyone when I can. Would be a good day to kick up gold dust for this precious Saint,” said her niece in a post to Dianne’s Facebook page.

Dianne quickly rose to the attention of Southern Gospel fans and singers in the 1970’s. By December 2016 she had published her 1,000th song. Through the years she’s been nominated for prestigious awards including SGMA songrwriter of the year, Singing News fan awards, NQC Songwriter of the year, and others.  In 2013 she received the Southern Gospel Music Guild Lifetime Achievement Award putting her in the company of artists such as Ronnie Hinson, Rodney Griffin, Phil Cross and Squire Parsons.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

ON THE WEB:

Singing News: Beloved Award-Winning Songwriter Dianne Willkinson passes away

Southern Gospel Scoops: Heaven just got sweeter

Reported acts of aggression against Christian congregations this week

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Jeff Turner, Staff

This is a list of this week’s reported attacks against Christian congregations and church property in North America. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list.  These are only those that have come to our attention through media reports.

MONDAY 11/29/2021

A database of attacks on church property is being maintained following an increase in the number of anti-Catholic arson and criminal vandalism. The B.C. Catholic reports the Church Attacks Database aims to keep, “a detailed, public record of all attacks on the Church in Canada.”

An arson investigator in the US says fire at Catholic Charities in East Tennessee has been ruled arson. WATE television reports someone forced their way into the building and set it ablaze. No motive has been determined for the crime.

TUESDAY 11/30/2021

The National Catholic Register reports a mob of feminist protesters “viciously and violently” beat a woman outside of the Cathedral of Santa Cruz de la Sierra in La Paz, Bolivia. The attack took place on Nov. 25, a date known as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women.

WEDNESDAY 12/1/2021

Investigators with the Saskatoon RCMP are investigating extensive vandalism to a rural church. CTV published photos of the damage discovered at Saron Lutheran Church in Hagen on Sunday. No motive for the attack is known.

A report released by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops documents 95 attacks on congregations since May 2020. Christianity Daily reports some of the cases involve attempted murder, damage to church property and arson.

Police in Sulligent, Alabama have arrested a man accused of setting a church building on fire.  WCBI television reports Tyler McKay, 22, is charged with two counts of arson first-degree, burglary third degree, and criminal mischief first-degree for crimes committed against the Alpha and Omega Church on November 22.

THURSDAY 12/2/2021

Police in Deland Florida are asking for information about vandalism at three churches the week of Thanksgiving.  St. Peter Catholic Church, DeLand Wesleyan Church and Tacoma Christian received damage by the vandal or vandals according to a report from Fox 35 in Orlando.  The TV station reported there was no indication burglary was a motive and the churches are not affiliated.

FRIDAY 12/3/2021:

No report

James Easter taken to ICU with COVID-19

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David Ingram

James Easter of the Easter Brothers has been admitted to the ICU as he battles COVID-19 according to a statement released Tuesday by Daywind Records.

James is the father of Jeff Easter of Jeff and Sheri Easter. A post on their facebook page says, “Yesterday, they admitted our daddy, James, to the hospital because he tested positive for Covid. This morning, they are moving him to ICU so that he can get the best possible care. Through the years, we’ve witnessed thousands of benefits from collective prayer and we are asking this morning that you would join us in praying for him, for his healing, for his nurses’/doctors’ wisdom, for peace and strength. —Jeff and family”

An update from Jeff and Sheri says James’ wife Denise has also tested positive for COVID-19.

No other information has been released. Texas Gospel Canada will update this story as we learn more.

Family seeks prayer for Dianne Wilkinson

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Jeff Turner

The family of loved Southern Gospel songwriter Dianne Wilkinson says she is in “grave condition,” and asking for prayer according to a statement released Tuesday by Daywind Records. No other information was released by Daywind.

“Can I ask you all to say a prayer for a precious friend and co-writer I am privileged to have affectionally called MAMMA DI in my life? She is dear to so many. I am just one person touched by her amazing life. Her niece says she is close to seeing the Jesus she has been writing about all of these years… I LOVE YOU Dianne Wilkinson SO SO SO much,” said Donna King in a Facebook post.

Texas Gospel Canada will relay any further information released by Daywind.

Wilkinson has written Gospel songs since the 1970’s. Her first recorded song was “Behold the Lamb” Released by the Song Masters in 1976. She has received and been nominated for many top awards since then including Songwriter of the year, GMA song of the year and the BMI Award for most songs played in a given year.

Daystar Network founder Marcus Lamb passes away

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Aaron Kingston

Marcus Lamb, president and founder of Daystar Television, has died according to a statement released by the network Tuesday morning. The network is based in the US and carries faith-based programming.

A post on the Daystar webpage says, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Marcus D. Lamb, Founder, President, and CEO of Daystar Television Network, went home to be with his Heavenly Father this morning. He leaves behind a legacy of fiercely loving the Lord, all the people of the world, and most of all his family.”

https://twitter.com/Daystar/status/1465728235996598275

Ernie Haase, of Earnie Haase & Signature Sound, was often a guest on The Daystar Television Network. He released a statement late Tuesday evening concerning the passing of Mr. Lamb

“Marcus was a lover of music. He never forgot his upbringing and the importance of Gospel music in his life. I am very thankful that Marcus allowed us to share his platform, allowing us to know him and his sweet tender heart for the Savior. As sad as this moment is, we are assured that Marcus is in Heaven now, because of his faith in Jesus. We mourn with Joni and the entire family, along with all those who loved the ministry of Marcus Lamb. Our hearts are with you and we will hold you in prayer as you navigate the days ahead.”

Earnie Haase

Funeral arrangements are pending.

We will update this page as new information is received.