Category: News

Threats to Christian Communities in Syria This Christmas

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Syrian church leaders have advised Christians to scale back Christmas celebrations this year, despite assurances from the newly empowered Islamist group that religious freedom will be respected.

On December 18, a Greek Orthodox church in Hama was attacked by unidentified gunmen. The assailants entered the church compound, attempted to destroy a cross, and damaged headstones in a nearby cemetery.

In Damascus, residents of Bab Touma, a predominantly Christian neighbourhood, were unsettled by SUVs driving through the area playing Islamic songs at high volume.

The Iraqi Christian Foundation has reported that Christians in Maaloula, an ancient town in southwestern Syria where Aramaic is still spoken, are being threatened with expulsion by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group. The organization described this as an act of ethnic cleansing.

Rights activists have also raised concerns about the lack of internet access and communication in Maaloula, warning of a potential massacre in this historically significant Christian town.

The Iraqi Christian Foundation, which advocates for Christian rights in West Asia and provides aid to Christian genocide victims in Iraq and Syria, shared this information on social media, calling for prayers for Syrian Christians.

Orthodox Christmas is 7 January, 2025.

The LeFevre Quartet: Trusting Christ in Uncertain Times

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JEFF TURNER

The LeFevre Quartet‘s song, “Things We Cannot Change,” brings a powerful message of faith and reliance on Christ, a theme deeply rooted in biblical truth. Drawing inspiration from Colossians 2, the song echoes the apostle Paul’s warnings to the early church in Colossae, where false teachings, human philosophies, and rigid spiritual practices threatened to confuse believers. Paul’s message was clear: Jesus alone is sufficient, and believers are made complete through Him.

Mike LeFevre spoke of Paul’s teaching as he reflected on how Colossians 2:10 relates to the message of the song. “In Colossians 2:10, God reminds us that we have been made complete in Him. He is our fullness, and when we need strength and when we need somewhere to go, He is our answer,” Mike says. His words underscore the importance of trusting in Christ’s sufficiency, especially in times of uncertainty.

“Things We Cannot Change” beautifully expresses this truth, reminding listeners that while life is filled with uncertainties and challenges, faith in Christ provides the strength we need. As Mike shares, “That’s why I love this song ‘Things We Cannot Change,’ because our life is filled with things that are uncertain, and we need to live by faith, and this song reminds us that He is our strength.”

For believers today, much like in the time of the Colossians, the temptation to rely on worldly philosophies or additional practices for spiritual fulfillment can be strong. But this song encourages a return to the simplicity of the gospel, where Christ is all we need, no matter what we face. The LeFevre Quartet delivers a message that resonates with listeners, pointing them back to the sufficiency of Christ in a world filled with things beyond our control.

From Prison to Praise: The Inspiring Journey Behind The Kingsmen’s ‘Praying for the Prodigal’

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JEFF TURNER

A lot of thought goes into selecting which songs groups release to radio as singles. However, for The Kingsmen’s latest song, “Praying for the Prodigal,” the decision wasn’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 didn’t end there. As it turned out, another man—also recently released from prison—attended the same service. He, too, sought redemption and a fresh start. The pastor asked the Kingsmen to sing “Praying for the Prodigal” 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. “I believe we’ve got our next single,” Brandon said. And so, “Praying for the Prodigal” became the chosen track—a departure from the usual high-energy follow-up to a ballad like “Unstoppable God.”

The song’s message resonates with hope, redemption, and the power of transformation. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a chance for renewal. So, as you listen to “Praying for the Prodigal” 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, “Jamie 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.”  

Libbi is also announcing that The Perrys will be welcoming Dayton Gay of Brownsville, TN.  Dayton states, “…. I am so excited to begin this journey with The Perrys and I can’t wait to see what God has in store!”

 You can visit www.perrysministries.com 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 Gospel’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