In Revelation 2:17, the Bible speaks of a special gift for those who remain faithful: they will receive hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name written on that stone—one that only the person who receives it will understand. This verse points to a deep truth about identity. When we are born, our parents give us a name. It is not our choice, yet it becomes part of who we are. We hear it, we answer to it, and it shapes our sense of self.
But Jesus promises something greater. One day, He will give us a new name—a name chosen by Him alone. We do not know it now, and we had no say in its making. It is not just a label, but a reflection of His personal love for each of us. This new name will be a private gift, known only to Jesus and the one who receives it. It shows how closely He knows us and how deeply He cares.
This promise reminds us that our true identity is found in Christ, not in what others call us.
But now, this is what the Lord says, He who is your Creator, Jacob, And He who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!
After a remarkable 25-year journey in southern gospel music, the Promised Land Quartet has announced they will be concluding their ministry as a traveling and performing group. Founded in January 2000, the group has become a beloved fixture in the gospel community, known for their harmonies, performances, and message of hope.
Gene Hamman, owner and lead singer, shared insight into the decision, reflecting on the group’s legacy and the factors that led to this turning point. “The Promised Land was founded in January of 2000. It’s been a wonderful 25 years. After a lot of prayer and soul searching, we felt the season for Promised Land was coming to an end and we decided to announce that we’re coming off the road. Our last date will be August 31st,” Hamman stated.
Throughout their career, Promised Land Quartet-comprised of Gene Hamman (lead), Joey Wilson (tenor), Aaron Swain (baritone), and Steve Barnett (bass)-toured extensively spreading their message of faith through songs like “Brand New Heart,” “I Love That Music,” and “When the Son Arrives”. Their energetic performances and unique arrangements have left a lasting mark on southern gospel music, earning them radio and chart success, as well as recognition such as a Dove Award consideration in 2008 for their album “Carved in Stone”.
Reflecting on the group’s journey, Hamman expressed gratitude for the unexpected opportunities and blessings that came their way. “God has blessed us with so many wonderful opportunities all over the United States and other countries. When we started 25 years ago, we never dreamed that those opportunities would present themselves and be bestowed upon us. And we’re humbled and grateful,” he said.
Hamman acknowledged the increasing challenges of managing the group alongside his successful secular career. “I have to be honest. For me, I still love to sing. I want to sing. I feel like at 60, I’m singing the best I’ve ever sang in my life. I feel the best I’ve felt but keeping a group on the road and being the owner of the group and you know, I have a secular career. That is thanks to God very successful, it’s just gotten to the point where as I grow older it’s a lot harder for me to keep up with everything,” Hamman explained. “I have great guys that are very helpful and they do as much as they can but still as the owner, there’s so much work behind the scenes that it takes to keep things going. And for me, I’ve just realized that I no longer have the stamina or the tenacity to continue doing that. That’s the 98% reason of why I’ve decided that it’s time to conclude this chapter in my life. And I have no regrets.”
Promised Land Quartet’s final performance is scheduled for August 31.
For nearly seven decades, The Kingsmen Quartet has been a staple in Southern gospel. As the group approaches its 70th anniversary, they find themselves in a season marked by both sorrow and celebration.
The past few weeks have brought significant moments. In a heartfelt message to fans, the group shared, “Some significant prayer needs and praise reports have been transpiring within our music ministry over the last few weeks, and the time has come to provide an update to our many fans and friends.” The Kingsmen delayed sharing their news out of respect for the recent passings of two beloved friends and alumni, Charles Abee and Squire Parsons.
Amid these losses, the group announced the departure of their tenor vocalist, Thomas Nalley. “It is bittersweet that the Kingsmen announce the departure of our friend and tenor vocalist, Thomas Nalley,” the post reads. Nalley, who joined the quartet nearly three years ago, quickly became a fan favorite and the voice behind such impactful songs as “Unstoppable God” and “Praying for the Prodigal.” His final concert with The Kingsmen took place on April 27.
The group expressed deep gratitude for Nalley’s contributions: “We sincerely thank him for his work, dedication, music, and genuine heart for ministry.” Nalley now turns his focus to his thriving business, Highnote Customs, which offers shirts, hats, 3D printing, and woodwork. “We pray with great expectation for the continued success of this multi-talented gentleman and friend,” the group added.
Even as they grieve and transition, The Kingsmen have reasons to rejoice. The group shared uplifting news about their office secretary, Wendi Gregg: “We are overjoyed to report that the recent major cancer surgery of our office secretary Wendi Gregg was a success. Praise God!” This praise report is a bright spot, reminding fans of the power of prayer and the resilience of the Kingsmen community.
Change is nothing new for The Kingsmen, whose lineup has evolved many times since their founding in 1956. As they search for their next tenor vocalist, the group remains anchored in faith: “As we approach our 70th anniversary and this time of transition with both prayer and anticipation, we are once again reminded of how God has never failed us. He has always been faithful.”
The Kingsmen are grateful for the friends and familiar faces who have stepped in to help during this period. “We greatly appreciate several friends and familiar faces who have been and will be filling in for us while we prayerfully seek our next tenor vocalist,” they wrote, assuring fans that “God already has the right man to help us continue our concert ministry forward to the next generation.”
The following was sent to Daywind Records, and we are forwarding it on to you:
From The Jordan Family Band:
Heather Rose and Hutch Jordan of The Jordan Family Band are walking through an unexpected storm right now. Heather is currently in the hospital battling sepsis and a severe infection. She’s still running high fevers and remains in intensive care as her body fights to stabilize. This is a very serious and uncertain time. While there are signs of improvement, she’s now facing surgery in the coming days.
She will be out of work for an unknown amount of time. As a hairstylist, she carries much of their weekly income, and missing even a few days is significant.
Between hospital bills, time away from work, and caring for their little girl, the weight is heavy. We believe God will make a way, but if you feel led to be part of that provision, we’ve set up a fundraiser to ease the burden. This is so stressful in so many ways.
Above all, please keep praying. We’re trusting God to carry them through with healing, strength, and every need met.
Southern Gospel music favorite Mark Bishop is so widely acclaimed for his singing that it’s easy to overlook the depth of his songwriting. Yet as his new Sonlite Records single, “Now Lazarus Can Sing” shows, he’s a conscientious and inspired craftsman whose unique way of looking at things has led to powerful affirmations of faith and salvation.
“I was watching the news as someone was being ushered through a bunch of shouting reporters, trying to get information from him,” Bishop recalls. “His people led him to a waiting car where he jumped in, and they took off. My songwriter brain kicked in, and for some reason I began to wonder about the story of Lazarus and the questions people would have lined up for hours to ask him.
“He had seen it. And he was standing right here in front of them. How could you not ask him what it was like? I’m sure what he saw was beyond description.”
Mark Bishop shares the story behind how he wrote “Now Lazarus Can Sing.” With these thoughts in mind, Bishop has created a compelling vehicle that, in a profoundly Biblical way, embodies — by illuminating through down-to-earth dialogue rather than proclaiming in grand turns of speech — the miraculous story of Lazarus:
Have you seen Lazarus since that day? Something about him has changed. You know the day that I’m talking ’bout. The day Jesus called out his name.
I spoke to him just the other day. At the market I pulled him aside. Can you remember the things you saw? He put his hand on my shoulder and cried.
So I talked to his sister Martha. “Martha, what’s he said to you?” She said “he looks out of the window and smiles, That his worrying days are all through.”
And even as the music swells and subsides, Bishop’s distinctive voice keeps the listener focused on the essentials, framed in a way that only he could have created.
“Just as important as what he saw… what about how he felt? He was a recipient of perfect love. He lost all of his worry… his doubt… his regrets… everything negative.
“He was no doubt the most changed man in the history of the world.
“And maybe,” the singer-songwriter concludes, “… just maybe… he brought back some other traits… a little bit of residue from heaven. That’s what this song is about; how heaven rubbed off on Lazarus.”
Texas Gospel Canada Southern Gospel Radio 