Category: News

From Prison to Praise: The Inspiring Journey Behind The Kingsmenā€™s ā€˜Praying for the Prodigalā€™

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JEFF TURNER

A lot of thought goes into selecting which songs groups release to radio as singles. However, for The Kingsmenā€™s latest song, ā€œPraying for the Prodigal,ā€ the decision wasnā€™t what they initially expected. Alan Kendall, one of the band members, shared the remarkable backstory that led to this unconventional choice.

While leaving a hotel in Dyersburg, Tennessee, Alan met an ex-prisoner who had just been released after spending days behind bars. The man was searching for a job and had found faith while incarcerated. His desire was simple: to straighten out his life. That night, during a worship service, the Kingsmen extended an invitation, and the young man stepped forward, rededicating his life to the Lord.

But the story didnā€™t end there. As it turned out, another manā€”also recently released from prisonā€”attended the same service. He, too, sought redemption and a fresh start. The pastor asked the Kingsmen to sing ā€œPraying for the Prodigalā€ while he, along with deacons and church members, laid hands on this second prodigal.

Alan Kendall and his bandmate Brandon exchanged glances on the bus that night. They knew they had something special. ā€œI believe weā€™ve got our next single,ā€ Brandon said. And so, ā€œPraying for the Prodigalā€ became the chosen trackā€”a departure from the usual high-energy follow-up to a ballad like ā€œUnstoppable God.ā€

The songā€™s message resonates with hope, redemption, and the power of transformation. Itā€™s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, thereā€™s always a chance for renewal. So, as you listen to ā€œPraying for the Prodigalā€ on Texas Gospel Canada, remember the ex-convicts whose lives intersected with this powerful anthem. Their stories inspire us all to believe in second chances and the unwavering love of a forgiving God.

Changes are coming for The Perrys!

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STOWTOWN RECORDS

The Perrys have announced that baritone, Jamie Streetman, is leaving the group to focus more fully on his business endeavors.  Libbi Perry Stuffle speaks very highly of Jamie, ā€œJamie is a very hard-working young man … He has been a blessing to The Perrys on stage and off and we wish him nothing but the best.ā€  

Libbi is also announcing that The Perrys will be welcoming Dayton Gay of Brownsville, TN.  Dayton states, ā€œā€¦. I am so excited to begin this journey with The Perrys and I canā€™t wait to see what God has in store!ā€

Ā You can visitĀ www.perrysministries.comĀ to keep up with StowTown artist The Perrys.

Heaven’s Mountain Band continues to top Bluegrass Gospel chart

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SPECIAL FAMILY MUSIC GROUP

Nashville, TN (April 18, 2023) Family Music Group and the FMG Bluegrass label would like to congratulate multi-award-winning, Heaven’s Mountain Band for their #1 song, “Better Times,” on both the Singing News Bluegrass and the SGN Bluegrass charts!

“Better Times,” is the title track of Heaven’s Mountain Band’s latest album, written by group patriarch, Roger Johnson. The song tugs on the heartstrings and gives the listener a glimpse into yesterday, reminding them of our Godly heritage.

Heaven’s Mountain Band is no stranger to radio or to the music industry. In their 37 years of ministry, they have established themselves as one of Bluegrass Gospelā€™s top groups. They have garnered ten consecutive Singing News #1 songs, multiple Singing News Fan Award Nominations, and have been featured in many prestigious venues like Shadow Valley, Hominy Valley, and Dollywood.

This charting news came at the same time as the Johnson Family and Heaven’s Mountain Band were celebrating the homegoing of Roger’s wife and group matriarch, Debbie Johnson. So, the news was bitter-sweet, yet fitting. Debbie left this world, with success in the world’s eyes, but entered Heaven with the REAL success of meeting Jesus, her Savior!

For more information on Heaven’s Mountain Band, visit them online at: heavensmountainband.net

Dr. Charles Stanley dies at 90

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STAFF

Texas Gospel Canada has learned of the death of Dr. Charles Stanley, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Atlanta and host of In Touch.

A message on the ministrie’s website says, “We are saddened to share that our beloved pastor, Dr. Charles Stanley, has passed away. We are forever idebted to him for his Godly example, biblical teaching, and devotion to the gospel. Please join us in prayer for the Stanley Family.

Charles Stanley was 90.

Here is a link to Dr. Stanley’s obituary.

The 3 Heath Brothers win 13 film festival awards for “Into The Deep” music video

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS MUSIC

Arden, North Carolina (March 29, 2023) ā€” When they released their album, Into The Deep, the 3 Heath Brothers put a spotlight on bold, fresh sounds, new songs and lyrics that offer the eternal Gospel of hope, encouragement, worship and faith in contemporary language. Now, the spotlight has been placed on the trio’s music video for “Into The Deep,” as it’s won 13 awards across three film festivals.

The music video won Best Music Video from the Christian WorldView Film Festival, Eastern Europe Film Festival, Christian Film Festival and Christian Online Film Festival; Best Cinematography at the Christian Film Festival; and the following awards at the Christian Youth Film Festival: Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, Best Production Value, Best Directing, Best Original Song, Best Sound, Best Application of Scripture and Best Editing. 

Filmed inĀ Puerto Rico, theĀ “Into The Deep”Ā video captures the song’s lyrics,Ā “I’m diving in, into the water / I’m swimming out, farther and farther / Where Jesus is calling me into the deep / Now I’m going in with Jesus / I’m going in all the way”Ā as theĀ BrothersĀ dive off a cliff into the ocean.

“We have dreamed about this opportunity for years and are just so honored at the response it has received from the film industry. Thank you God and to everyone who helped make this project happen. It was one of the most exhilarating and exhausting things we’ve ever done,” says Nicholas Heath. “With this video and everything we do, our goal is to encourage believers and to tell stories of faith in creative ways. We hope that the message of ‘Into the Deep’ will inspire both young and old to press on towards a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Adds Crossroads Music’s Greg Bentley, “Since we started working with the 3 Heath Brothers a couple years ago with their Who We Are album, it’s been exciting watching them grow in their ideas. As we started their latest album Into The Deep they had this concept for this music video implanted in their brains and were excited to try to capture it, which they did very well. It’s exciting to work with young people who have a vision and are extremely creative such as Nicholas, Clayton and Christian. Not only are they capturing the attention of fans in our Southern Gospel genre, but they are reaching further outside and introducing our music to people who may have never heard it. We are honored to work with the 3 Heath Brothers and look forward to their next creative venture to see where it takes us.”