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The Lore Family announces major ministry transition

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AMY TURNER

After two decades of travelling and performing across North America, The Lore Family is entering a season of change. Fayth Lore Whisnant, a founding member of the Portsmouth, Ohio-based southern gospel group, has announced that she and her husband Jake will be stepping away from full-time touring to take on new roles in local church ministry. Jake Whisnant will become Pastor of Student Ministries at Oxford Baptist Church in Conover, North Carolina, beginning in 2026.

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative God Said You’re Gonna Make It · The Lore Family God Said You’re Gonna Make It â„— 2024 Horizon Records Released on: 2024-04-19

The Lore Family’s story began in the tri-state region of Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia, where they started performing at small venues with backing tracks and CDs. Under the leadership of patriarch Darren Lore, who previously served as senior pastor at churches in Huntington, West Virginia, and Portsmouth, Ohio, the group expanded their reach significantly. Over the years, the family group, consisting of Darren, Sandy, Fayth, Jake, and Samuel, has performed in 21 U.S. states and Canada. They’ve graced notable stages including the National Quartet Convention, Dollywood, and Silver Dollar City, and have appeared on several gospel music television programs.

The Lore Family launched their recording career in 2009 with their debut single “An Absolutely Good Day.” They went on to record three albums at Daywind Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, with their most recent project produced by industry veteran Wayne Haun. The group’s music consistently charted in the top 20 of the Singing News Chart, and they received recognition as a top five Favorite New Mixed Group in the Singing News Fan Awards for two consecutive years. Their songs have aired regularly on EnLighten Radio on Sirius XM satellite radio.

Fayth Whisnant, Courtesy thelorefamilyministries.com

In her announcement letter, Fayth Whisnant described the transition as both humbling and exciting. She noted that Oxford Baptist Church holds special significance for the family, The Lore Family performed there for the first time over 14 years ago and developed a close relationship with the congregation. “What a blessing it is to serve somewhere where we already feel like family!” Whisnant wrote. The couple, who have been married for four years and have two young children, Josiah and Sophia, will continue to use their musical gifts in their new ministry setting.

While this marks the end of an era for The Lore Family’s touring ministry, Whisnant emphasized that the lessons learned and connections made over 20 years will continue to shape her life and work in the years ahead.

The Journey of Ancient Seekers Transforming into Worshippers

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JEFF TURNER

In ancient Persia, a group of scholars spotted an unusual star blazing in the night sky. This celestial sign set them on an extraordinary journey that would transform them from astronomers into worshippers. These learned men understood that the star heralded something big – the birth of a prophesied king. Despite the lengthy and dangerous thousand-mile trek ahead, they gathered precious gifts and set out toward Jerusalem.

These seekers from the East carried gold fit for royalty, sweet-smelling frankincense used in temple worship, and myrrh – an aromatic resin used in burial customs. While these physical gifts were valuable, their greatest offering was their wholehearted devotion. As Luke 2:11 records, they sought “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Unlike the religious scholars in Jerusalem who knew the prophecies but remained unmoved, these travelers acted on what they discovered.

The visitors’ encounter with King Herod revealed two starkly different responses to Jesus. While Herod reacted with fear and hostility toward a potential rival, the Eastern scholars approached with humility and worship. When warned in a dream to avoid returning to Herod, they immediately obeyed, protecting the young Jesus from harm. Their responsiveness to divine guidance demonstrated that wisdom isn’t just about having knowledge – it’s about acting on it.

Throughout his life, Jesus demonstrated this same attitude of humble obedience. From his birth in a humble manger to washing his disciples’ feet with a servant’s towel, he consistently showed that true greatness comes through service. Even in death, he was wrapped in burial linens, fulfilling ancient prophecies. But the story didn’t end there – he now reigns wrapped in majesty and glory.

The journey of these ancient seekers shows us the most precious gift we can offer isn’t gold or incense, but our very selves. Like humble gift wrap that draws attention to what’s inside rather than itself, our lives can point others to Christ through attitudes of obedience, worship, and service.

Standing Firm Through Life’s Challenges as a Christian

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FLOYD ROGERS

Some people believe that becoming a Christian will make life easier, but Scripture shows that is not always the case. There will be times when challenges and hardship arise, even for those who follow Christ. These difficulties are not meaningless; they are part of God’s plan to shape believers to be more like Jesus.

Christians may face mistreatment or opposition, but these struggles are part of the spiritual battle that comes with faith. Rather than expecting an easy path, believers are called to stay strong, stand firm, and endure when trials come.

Followers of Christ can face life’s challenges with courage and confidence, knowing that victory is certain because of their identity in Him.

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters;

Romans 8:29

The Kingdom Heirs names John Young as new tenor

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DAVID INGRAM

The Kingdom Heirs has announced that John Young will take over the tenor position for the Southern Gospel group.

Young has been with The Kingdom Heirs for nearly three years. He currently works as a utility player and vocalist with the band. He will now join the front line of singers in his new role.

John got his professional start in music in 2016 at Dollywood singing and playing guitar in various shows on the park, according to the group’s website. John then worked for The Country Tonite Theatre for four years as a lead vocalist and lead guitar player. Along with singing and playing guitar, John also enjoys song writing. In recent years, John has written multiple songs with various hit songwriters in Nashville. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Lorle, and dog, Josie.

The group said the decision followed a two-month search process. They stated they spent time in prayer while looking for the right person for the position.

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative I Went Down · Kingdom Heirs No Better Time ℗ 2024 Sonlite Records Released on: 2024-11-01

The Kingdom Heirs has won multiple awards over the years. The group is based in Tennessee and performs traditional Southern Gospel music.

The band thanked people who applied for the tenor position during the search. They said they received many responses from interested singers. The group expressed appreciation for everyone who reached out and shared their abilities.

The Kingdom Heirs asked supporters to continue their prayers for the group’s ministry work.
Young’s move to the tenor spot marks a change in the group’s lineup. He will step into a lead singing role after his time working in different positions with the band.

The Kingdom Heirs did not announce who will fill Young’s previous utility player role.

The One Who Did Not See Decay

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AMY TURNER

In the book of Acts, Peter explained an important truth on the day of Pentecost. He quoted from Psalm 16, which says that God would not leave His holy one in the grave or let His body decay. Peter made clear that this passage was not speaking about King David. David died, was buried, and his body remained in the tomb.

Peter said it pointed instead to Jesus. Unlike all others, Jesus did not stay in the grave. His body did not waste away. He rose from the dead. Because of this, He has been lifted up and now sits at the right hand of God the Father.

I believe there is one way to respond to this. We must turn from our sins, put our trust in Jesus, and be baptized in His name. No one else is worthy of this honour. Only He has conquered death.

For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,

Romans 6:5