Westward Road’s ‘He Knew’ tackles shame head-on with message of grace

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Nobody gets through life without regret. Westward Road’s latest single, “He Knew,” speaks directly to that feeling, and offers something better on the other side.

The song opens with a line that pulls no punches: So ashamed of my past, didn’t even want to look back. It’s the kind of lyric that lands because so many people have lived it.

Scott Roberts of Westward Road says that vulnerability was entirely intentional.

“How many times have we felt that? How many times have we felt ashamed?” Roberts said. “And Satan just points it out, especially in our quiet times.”

But the song doesn’t stay in that dark place. The title itself, “He Knew,” is the turn. Roberts says the message is about a grace that doesn’t wait for perfection.

“He didn’t save us because we were perfect or we were trying to be perfect,” Roberts said. “He saved us because he wanted to extend his perfect grace and mercy.”

It’s a straightforward message delivered without pretense, which is exactly what makes it connect. “He Knew” is on regular rotation now, and it’s worth a full listen, especially on a day when the past feels a little too loud.

Joseph Habedank shares family news as he and wife Lindsay prepare for twin daughters

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Lindsay and Joseph Habedank have shared joyful news as they prepare to welcome twin daughters later this year.

The couple announced they are expecting twin girls, with a due date of Oct. 22. They noted, however, that twins often arrive earlier than expected.

The Habedanks said they are both excited and grateful as they prepare for what they describe as a “crazy fall.” They also shared that twins run in Lindsay’s family, and that they had a strong feeling early on that they would be expecting two children.

That feeling was confirmed during a doctor’s visit, when two babies were seen.

While acknowledging that raising twins can be challenging, the couple said they are looking forward to what they called “the best adventure of a lifetime.”

They are also asking for prayers as they prepare for the arrival of their daughters.

Right Road Quartet’s Matt Linton asks for prayers as wife faces emergency eye surgery

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Matt Linton of Right Road Quartet is asking friends and fans for prayers following a serious diagnosis involving his wife, Cynara.

Linton shared that what began as a routine eye exam a couple of weeks ago led to concerning findings. During the appointment, the eye doctor identified an issue and referred her to a specialist.

The couple visited the specialist last week. Linton said he became concerned when multiple medical professionals entered the room to review the scans.

According to Linton, the specialist determined that Cynara Linton has detached retinas in both eyes. He said the doctor told them he did not know how she was not already blind based on the scans.

Linton said the specialist advised that immediate surgery on both eyes is necessary and warned that without treatment, she could become completely blind within 10 years.

The Lintons were expecting the surgery to take place this week.

Clayton Inman to be inducted into Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame class of 2026

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

A major honour is coming to one of gospel music’s own.

Southern Gospel Music Association President Arthur Rice interrupted a set at Scotty Inman’s Hometown Jam in Sevierville to announce that Clayton Inman will be inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, Class of 2026.

The announcement came just days ago and drew strong support from those in attendance, who praised Inman’s contributions to gospel music.

Organizers say they are proud of the achievement and describe Inman as “the best of the best.”

Supporters are encouraged to follow social media pages for additional images and video from the announcement.

Plans are now underway for the induction ceremony, set for Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the National Quartet Convention. Attendees are invited to take part in recognizing Inman’s impact on the gospel music community.

Horizon Records signs The Hyssongs; Debut single due May 1

JEFF TURNER

NASHVILLE — Horizon Records has added The Hyssongs to its roster of Southern Gospel artists, the label announced, with the Maine-based group set to release its debut single for the label on May 1.

The single, titled “Good News Savior,” arrives as the trio , and now quintet, marks a significant milestone: 30 years in music ministry this summer.

Core members Dell, Susan and Richard Hyssong have built a loyal following over three decades through consistent radio airplay and a sound that sets them apart in the genre. Dell plays trumpet and Richard plays trombone, brass instruments rarely heard in Southern Gospel. Their debut Horizon single, however, takes a different sonic direction, featuring keyboard and guitars in place of the group’s signature horns.

The group’s membership has grown to include Kelly Hyssong, Richard’s wife, and Makayla Hyssong, their daughter, rounding out what is now a five-member ensemble known for its distinctive vocal style and musical approach.

The Hyssongs’ track record in the genre is well-established. The group has earned multiple Singing News Fan Awards as well as Diamond Awards from Southern Gospel News, known in the industry as SGNScoops.

Horizon Records said it anticipates a strong and lasting working relationship with the group.

“Good News Savior” will be available May 1.