Category: Top articles

Finding Strength in Burdens

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FLOYD ROGERS

In life, everyone faces struggles and burdens that can feel too heavy to carry. But God offers a way to endure those difficulties without being crushed by them. This doesn’t mean the problems will vanish or that you’ll never think about them again. It means you’ll be able to live through them, reflect on them, and even speak about them without feeling overwhelmed by their weight.

God promises to give strength and peace in the middle of life’s hardest moments. He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. As Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This rest is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of calmness, confidence, and quiet strength in the face of it.

Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Psalm 55:22

Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart dies at 90

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JEFF TURNER

Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, once one of America’s most recognisable religious figures, has died at the age of 90. His passing was announced Tuesday through a post on his Facebook page saying, “Today, our hearts are heavy as we share that Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ. Today was the day he has sung about for decades. He met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory. At the same time, we rejoice knowing that we will see him again one day.”

While a cause of death was not immediately given, it was known that Swaggart had been in poor health in recent years.

A Louisiana native, Swaggart rose from humble beginnings to become a Pentecostal preacher with a presence both in the pulpit and on screen. Born into a poor family, Swaggart grew up surrounded by music. He excelled at gospel piano and often performed alongside his famous cousins — rock ’n’ roll icon Jerry Lee Lewis and country music star Mickey Gilley.

Swaggart’s ministry began modestly with a radio show and a religious magazine, but it wasn’t long before he harnessed the power of television. By the late 1980s, his impassioned sermons and charismatic style had turned him into a household name. His broadcasts reached millions around the world, and his ministry grew into a multimillion-dollar empire.

However, Swaggart’s prominence came crashing down amid prostitution scandals. In a tearful and widely viewed 1988 sermon, Swaggart stood before his congregation and the nation, weeping as he confessed, “I have sinned against you… I beg you to forgive me.” The fallout was swift. His church ordered a two-year rehabilitation programme, including a full year where he was barred from preaching.

Though his ministry never regained its former scale, Swaggart continued to preach and broadcast for decades, albeit to a reduced audience.

Jimmy Swaggart was 90.

Todd Tilghman Joins TrueSong

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JEFF TURNER

Todd Tilghman is embarking on a new journey by joining TrueSong. Known for his solo career and as a winner of “The Voice,” Tilghman expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity.

“Well, you know, on top of still firing on all the cylinders with my solo career, I am really super excited to be part of TrueSong. These guys with Answers and Genesis, you know, at the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum. I’m excited for a lot of reasons. I’m excited to be part of a group because it’s a challenge for me. I’m usually just kind of solo and I like a good challenge, you know,” Tilghman shared.

He continued, “I kind of joke with them all the time and tell them I just make up harmonies as I go, so they’re helping me learn how to do parts and all the things. I’m just pumped to see where that’ll go musically. The shows are great and doing the shows, that’s great, I love it. But just equally, I’m just excited about what the possibilities are with these guys.”

TrueSong is closely associated with the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum. The group is known for its inspirational music and engaging live shows, making it an ideal fit for Tilghman’s talents and values. His addition to the lineup is expected to bring fresh energy and broaden the group’s appeal to both new and longtime fans.

As Todd Tilghman steps into this new role, fans can look forward to innovative musical collaborations, heartfelt performances, and a renewed sense of purpose within TrueSong.

Legacy Five Announces New Bass Vocalist, Jon Epley

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AMY TURNER

Southern Gospel listeners have reason to celebrate as Legacy Five announced this week that veteran singer Jon Epley will join the group as its new bass vocalist. In February, Texas Gospel announced Epley was leaving Greater Vision.

The announcement marks a significant and warmly anticipated return for Epley, who had stepped away from full-time traveling and performing. In a statement released through the group’s Facebook page, Epley reflected on his time away and his renewed sense of calling.

“We all know that life is made up of seasons,” Epley said. “A little while back, I went through a change of seasons in my life and took some time away from traveling and singing. It was a season of drawing close to the Lord, healing, and growth. I’ve missed singing so much and am incredibly excited to be joining my great friends Scott, Lee, Tim, Jake, and Adam in a group that I have admired for a long time.”

Legacy Five founder and lead vocalist Scott Fowler shared that Epley was a unanimous choice among the group when the bass position became available.

“When we found ourselves needing a bass vocalist, every single man on the L5 bus asked me to call Jon Epley,” Fowler said. “I have loved Jon as a person and as a singer since we first met several years ago. Like so many of you, I’ve missed him while he took some time off, and I’m thrilled he’s able to travel again and do what he feels called by God to do.”

Fans can look forward to upcoming concert dates featuring the new lineup in the coming weeks. Legacy Five encouraged supporters to follow their official channels for announcements and to join them in welcoming Epley back to the stage.

The Browns release 25th anniversary recording

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SPECIAL STOWTOWN RECORDS

Nashville, TN – The celebration of a new millennium in 2000 brought the uncertainties of technological advances, the election of a new U.S. President and the dawning of the 21st century. In essence, 2000 was a year of transition and change, with elements of both excitement and trepidation, as the world ushered in a new era. Yet like each one before, the new millennium saw the faithfulness of God and His ever-present promise of new beginnings.

The year 2000 certainly produced a new beginning for one family from the rural community of LeMars, IA. It delivered the dawning of a musical endeavor that would grow to impact their small community, as well as the entire gospel music world. Shelly Brown, along with her two sons, Adam and Andrew, and daughters, Jessica and Michaela, officially launched the musical ministry collectively known as The Browns. Since 2015, this family has enjoyed hosting performances at their very own Browns Century Theater in their hometown of Le Mars. The family performs to sold-out crowds five days a week during November and December and is currently in the process of building a brand-new theater that will be open just in time for the 2025 holiday season.

To commemorate their 25th Anniversary, StowTown Records announces the release of 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead. Produced by Grammy-nominated and multi-Dove award-winning producer, Wayne Haun, the recording features Houston’s First Worship Choir, as well as Indian Trail Worship. Just in time for the 2025 summer season, this latest recording effort is a labor of love that showcases the talents of a musical family that has dedicated their lives to bringing joy to audiences worldwide. 

Michaela Brown reflects, “As we look back over 25 years and see how God has opened doors and allowed us to be on this musical journey as a family, we are deeply humbled. We love ministering and making music. The album, Better Days Ahead, is full of songs we love, songs we wrote and includes our theme song, ‘It Will Be Worth It All When We See Christ,’ which we first recorded 25 years ago!” 

This 11-song anniversary collection is indicative of the joy and energy The Browns have been bringing to audiences for 25 years. Their rich family harmonies shine brightly on songs like the American classic “Put A Little Love In Your Heart,” the Andrae Crouch standard “I’ve Got Confidence,” as well as the beloved worship ballad, “Goodness of God.” Additionally, the recording features several original songs written by some of the industry’s most prolific writers. This list includes the title cut, “Better Days Ahead,” a moving anthem, co-written by Shelly Brown, that offers a strong message of encouragement to listeners of all ages, as well as “Stone of Faith” and “Something Good,” both co-written by Michaela Brown. Their current radio single, “I Know What Jesus Can Do,” is already moving up the charts, with no signs of stopping.

Michaela shares how meaningful this anniversary release is to her family, “We love sharing the message of the Gospel through song and love the people we have met and sung to over these past 25 years. We are looking forward to many more better days ahead!”

StowTown Records President and CEO Landon Beene conveys his enthusiasm for this new release, “The Browns have long been a part of the StowTown family, and we couldn’t be happier to be celebrating this career milestone with the release of their 25th anniversary project. We look forward to what the next 25 years of ministry holds for this incredibly talented family!”

From beginning to end, this recording commemorates a rich musical heritage that spans two and a half decades and has enjoyed much success with no doubt, better days ahead.

25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead is distributed by Sony/Provident and is available on digital platforms worldwide. Stream the full album here.


TRACK LISTING Stone of Faith
Better Days Ahead 
Something Good
I’ve Been There
I Know What Jesus Can Do
Goodness of God
Put A Little Love in Your Heart 
Thank You Lord For Holding Me
Crimson
I’ve Got Confidence
When We see Christ