Category: Top articles

Greater Vision celebrates 35 years of music

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DAVID INGRAM

Thirty-five years ago today, 30 December 1990, Greater Vision stepped onto the platform for the very first time as a trio, presenting their inaugural concert in Grassy Creek, Kentucky. Although that historic morning was not recorded, it marked the beginning of a ministry that would go on to impact countless lives.

©1992 Greater Vision Music Ministries, Inc.. All rights reserved.

Based in Morristown, Tennessee, Greater Vision continues to travel with around 150 road performances each year. The group was founded by Gerald Wolfe, who serves as pianist and emcee. Multi-award-winning songwriter Rodney Griffin provides the lead vocal for the trio, while Chris Allman, also a prolific songwriter, sings tenor. The group’s newest member, Scott Mullins, sings baritone, adding depth ato Greater Vision’s unmistakable sound.

Greater Vision’s influence extends beyond the concert platform. For more than 30 years, they have appeared regularly on the InTouch television programme hosted by Dr Charles Stanley. They also appear on the Gaither Gospel Video Series and have become a central part of the beloved Gospel Music Hymn Sing videos and live events.

The group’s latest release, Your Story, features new songs written by group members Rodney Griffin and Chris Allman, along with contributions from other notable writers. Produced by Gerald Wolfe and Trey Ivey and distributed by Daywind Records, the project continues the group’s tradition of meaningful, message-driven music.

Listen for songs throughout the day by Greater Vision as they celebrate 35 years of Southern Gospel!

Sacred Harmony searches for new singer After pastor departure

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JEFF TURNER

Sacred Harmony is looking for a new baritone or lead singer after Caleb Howard left the group to enter full-time ministry. Howard, from Eastern Kentucky, has taken a position as a pastor. The group is asking for prayers for Howard and his family and said they support his decision.

The announcement was made on the group’s Facebook page. The trio said Howard made an impact on their ministry and that they will miss him and his love for the Lord.

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative Breathe In, Breathe Out · Sacred Harmony It Ain’t Over Yet â„— 2021 Godsey Media

Sacred Harmony will continue to perform with fill-in singers as needed until they find Howard’s replacement.

The Tennessee-based trio was formed in 2000 and has received recognitions including the 2017 Sunrise Trio of the year, Top five nominee for Video of the Year and A Day of Recognition proclamation presented by Tennessee Governor bill Haslam in 2018. They have grown their ministry over the years. The trio focuses on salvation and their message through both song and their words as they travel across the country.

People who want to apply for the position can send two songs, a biography with a picture, and information about themselves to sacredharmony1@hotmail.com.

A call to pursue holiness in the new year

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JEFF TURNER

When a new year begins, people take time off work to celebrate. They gather with loved ones for meals and write down goals that most will forget about later. For Christians wanting to focus their hearts on what matters most in the coming year, there is an important question to consider. What does God want for His people?

I believe God desires holiness for those who follow Him. He wants His people to grow in purity and become more like Christ. This is not just one priority among many. It is the central reason God gave believers the Holy Spirit.

Church leaders are given their role to feed and nurture God’s people toward this same goal. The apostle Paul wrote with deep emotion about his longing to see believers mature in their faith. He told one church he wanted to present them to Christ as a pure bride. He told another group that he felt like he was in labor pains, waiting for Christ to be fully formed in them. These were not casual wishes. They came from the core of his spiritual concern.

Shouldn’t every Christian pray for holiness in their own life and in the lives of other believers?

Indian court rules Bible distribution and preaching not illegal without coercion

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JEFF TURNER AND RAMESH SINGH

The Allahabad High Court ruled this month that distributing Bibles and preaching religious doctrine are not crimes under Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law when there is no coercion or inducement involved. The decision was delivered by a Division Bench comprising Justices Abdul Moin and Babita Rani, who found serious flaws in how police had handled the case.

The case began when police registered an FIR based on a complaint alleging that the accused had hosted religious gatherings at his residence. The complaint described the use of an LED screen, the delivery of sermons, and the distribution of Bibles during these gatherings.

However, the court found that these activities alone do not violate the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. The judges noted that the FIR failed to identify any individual who had been subjected to coercion, inducement, or threats. At the time the complaint was filed, there was no identifiable victim in the case. The court emphasized that coercion, inducement, or fraudulent means are essential elements required to invoke the 2021 Act. The absence of any allegation of actual or attempted conversion was a central reason for the court’s intervention.

The bench was particularly critical of the Uttar Pradesh Police for their handling of the matter. The court faulted officers for registering an FIR without identifying any victim and for acting in haste in a case where no person had claimed to have been converted.

As a result of its findings, the court granted bail to the accused and issued notice to the complainant in the case. The ruling clarified that simply distributing Bibles or preaching does not automatically trigger the anti-conversion law. More broadly, the judgment reaffirmed constitutional protections for lawful religious expression in India.

2nd Chance Ministries Announces Tenor Singer Departure

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JEFF TURNER

2nd Chance Ministries has announced that Brian Alvey, the group’s tenor singer, is leaving the ministry. The announcement was posted to the group’s Facebook page. The change comes as Alvey feels called to pursue a different direction in his ministry work with his family.

Brian Alvey (Courtesy 2nd Chance Ministries)

Alvey has spent several years with the group, traveling and performing Gospel music while sharing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The group expressed gratitude for his contributions during his time with the ministry.

“We are so thankful for Brian and all he’s done for our ministry and express our love and support to Brian and his family. But also moving forward we are very positive and excited about what God has planned for us in this next season,” said Ricky Malloy of 2nd Chance Ministries.

The group has asked for prayers as Alvey and his family begin this new chapter. 2nd Chance Ministries stated they will maintain their friendship with Alvey and continue to keep him and his family in their prayers.

The ministry is now looking for a new tenor singer to join the group. Anyone interested in the position who has a heart for ministry should contact TenFiftySeven Media at mmc@tenfiftysevenmedia.com with their interest and contact information.

2nd Chance Ministries plans to maintain a busy touring schedule in the coming year. The group is dedicated to spreading the message of hope and salvation through music and continues its commitment to sharing the Gospel.

The ministry has requested prayers during this period of transition.