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Wisecarvers’ new song: God’s grace and mercy is all you need

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STAFF / CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (June 24, 2022) — Earlier this year, The Wisecarvers began releasing new music, which was long-awaited and eagerly anticipated by fans. Now, the Tennessee-based Gospel singing family is continuing to release more songs.

Following “Like This,” and “All I Got, All I Need,” the dynamic “When I Run To You” delivers another reminder that turning to God and Jesus when life’s troubles become too much will provide deep solace.

Chase Wisecarver â€” who wrote this song — sings lead, while Kaila and Dustin join in on harmonies. With just a dobro to offer a counterpoint to their vocals over a simmering, sparse yet rhythmic beginning, the song lifts as the vocal and instrumental arrangement becomes more layered, underlining the song’s positive message:

“Mountains start moving and grace breaks my fall
I find strength in battle when the giant stands mighty tall
When I’m not enough my cup runs over full of love
And I’m reminded what was done for me on Calvary yeah

When I run to you, I run to you Jesus
When I run when I run when I run to you
When I can’t see through the night gonna be alright
When I run, run, run to you”

“When I wrote this song I was thinking how as Christians, we know with any situation we can run to God and He will fix that situation. Still, even though we believe, we are human and often let fear chain us down so tightly that it feels impossible for us to get to Him,” says Chase. 

“But, all the while God is running to us with His grace and mercy. Whatever you face, He’s heading your way with everything you need!”

About The Wisecarvers
It seems like there’s always a song. One that reminds us of the mountain tops or the valleys, the laughter or the tears, the fight or the victory. The Wisecarvers want their music to be a soundtrack for the life of the listener. A soundtrack that draws each heart in deeper to the love and glory of the all-knowing, all-sufficient, all-powerful God – Music that will open the door for conviction, encouragement, worship, joy and praise. That is the ultimate purpose. That is their ultimate purpose – To sing a song that creates an atmosphere for salvation and miracles.  

Celebrating over a decade in ministry, Dove Award nominated group, The Wisecarvers, are becoming known as one of Christian music’s most dynamic groups. What started as singing a few songs at family reunions and local churches has now blossomed into a worldwide ministry, reaching not only the United States, but into Puerto Rico, Canada, and the Netherlands. This tight knit family has released a steady stream of chart topping singles, including originally penned songs “Turn Back Time” and “I Need You”, along with Singing News Top 10 radio hits “Don’t You Think You Ought To Worship Me” and “It Was Jesus!” With songwriting being such a large aspect of the group’s ministry, it allows them to share their personal stories and testimonies and draw from their individual experiences. 

The Wisecarvers were blessed with the distinct honor of being added to the talented roster of artists with renown Crossroads Music. This step opened up many new opportunities for the group as well as gaining them national radio attention. They have been invited to perform as Main Stage Artist at Southern Gospel’s largest gathering, the National Quartet Convention, and at Dolly Parton’s exciting theme park, Dollywood! However, you’ll find them most often at churches across the country, sharing the message that God has laid on their hearts. With a special emphasis on ministering to other families, they have hosted their annual “It’s A Family Thing” Smoky Mountain Weekend Getaway since 2015. The retreat provides a place for not only families, but couples, youth groups and friends to reconnect and refocus on their relationship with Christ. This event has become a staple of their ministry. â€‹

The group strives to be real with each audience – Real about life, the struggles we face, the heartaches we feel – And real about the faithfulness and power of our God that has never failed. When you see The Wisecarvers in concert their greatest desire is for you to leave having had a personal experience with Christ and the undeniable touch of His presence.

Greater Vision’s Jon Epley is now a Kentucky Colonel!

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JEFF TURNER

Greater Vision’s Jon Epley, who was born and raised in Kentucky, was recently awarded a high honor from the Commonwealth. He said it was something he didn’t know was coming.

“A friend of mine had submitted my name to be a Kentucky Colonel. And I received the certificate the other day, and that was a really neat honor,” explained Epley.

Kentucky Colonels are appointed by the Governor of Kentucky, though the first Kentucky Colonel commission was granted to John Bowman by Governor Patrick Henry, Jr. of the Colony of Virginia. He was appointed to oversee creation of a government in Kentucky County on December 21, 1776 according to The Kentucky Colonelcy website.

The designation of Kentucky Colonel is a bit of a family tradition (that’s our description) for the Epley family. Jon’s grandfather was also an honorary Kentucky Colonel.

Listen for the latest song with Colonel Epley and the rest of Greater Vision “You Are My King” on Texas Gospel Canada.

11th Hour releases “Letters To Heaven”music video

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (June 21, 2022) — Southern Gospel trio 11th Hour has released a music video for “Letters To Heaven,” the current single from their latest album, Anthem Of The Ages. 

The moving, emotional song tells of connecting with those we’ve lost.

“‘Letters to Heaven’ came from the pen of three people (me, my husband, Garrett, and our buddy, Nathan Woodard) that were reminiscing about loved ones that have passed on,” says Amber Eppinette Saunders.

“Garrett and I had our grandparents in mind at the time of writing the song but had no idea we’d end up losing a baby before recording it. It now has a brand new meaning to it. Just remember, the very one that your loved ones are in the presence of is the very one that’s holding you right now! We have hope, and we will see them again!”


Listen for Letters to Heaven on Texas Gospel Canada!

Big announcement from The Kingdom Heirs!

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The Kingdom Heirs have some big news today!

The group’s tenor, Jacob Ellison got engaged over the weekend to girlfriend, Laynie.

No word yet on where or when, but I’m sure the new bride-to-be is very busy these days making arrangements.

We wish Jacob and Laynie the Best!

Listen for the group’s latest song “What You Could Never Get Over” throughout the day on Texas Gospel Canada!

Longtime Texas Gospel Canada Programmer Alan Cook dies after battling cancer

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David Ingram & Info from Gospel Harmonies

Texas Gospel Canada is saddened to learn of the passing of long-time Gospel Music programmer Alan Cook. Alan’s weekly program Gospel Harmonies has been a part of our lineup since our first year of broadcasting.

Gospel Harmonies released this statement to radio affiliates this week:

Alan Bruce Cook passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on May 11, 2022, surrounded by his family. Gospel Harmonies will continue until the end of the year with Reprise and special Memorial Episodes featuring Favorites, Stories from Alan’ personal experiences, and Celebration of the ministry and love he has shared with so Many.

Aalan was born in Detroit MI in 1941, the firstborn son of Fred and Julia Marguerite Cook. They settled in Grand Haven when he was 2. He attended local schools, where his life-long love of acting and sports began, graduating in 1959.

In 1966, while working his way thru Michigan State University, Alan married Joan Phyllis Harp at South Church of the Nazarene in Lansing MI, where he had become an active member and Sunday School teacher.
Alan completed his bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting in 1967 and became a sportscaster for WILX-TV in Jackson MI. He volunteered at FAMILY LIFE RADIO while it still operated out of founder Warren Bolthouse’s basement. When FLR opened its first station, WUNN in Mason, Mi, in 1969, Alan was the first paid employee.

Alan and Joan’s first child, Autumn Anne, was born in 1972. He created GOSPEL HARMONIES, featuring Southern Gospel music, in 1973. In 1978, when KFLR opened, the Cooks moved to Phoenix, and Alan became the morning announcer and news director. Orangewood Nazarene welcomed them as family and they developed many life-long family friends. Scott Alan was born in 1980. In 1982, the family followed God’s leading to welcome 14-year-old Cyndi into their home, and finalized her adoption in 1984.

Alan was active in many community events not only for FLR, but for United Blood Bank, Shoebox Ministry, Center for Arizona Policy and many others. Alan and Joan participated in leadership for teen Bible Quizzing for 20 years. He managed KFLR for over 25 years, retiring in 2009 after 40 years with FLR.

Retirement meant more time to pursue music and theatre with Peoria Theatre, Ghostlight Theatre, and His Messengers, a Gospel double quartet. Alan provided the singing interlude for the Sun City Poms, and performed at Glendale Glitters. Alan continued to produce GOSPEL HARMONIES, which is heard weekly on more than 20 stations across the USA.

Alan and Joan welcomed additions to their family with the marriages of Autumn and Marc Dean (1994), Scott and Megan Hodges (2002) and Cyndi to Kevin Lambert (2010), and grandsons Kai Ryan Cook in 2008 and Quinten Thomas Cook in 2011.

The cancer he successfully fought in 2011 returned in 2022 but he was able to spend his last days at home surrounded by the family and friends who loved him. Alan is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan, their children and life-long mates: Autumn with Marc, Scott with Megan and Cyndi with Kevin, grandchildren Kai and Quinten, and his brother Terry Cook (Joyce) of Grand Haven, MI.