Steve Ladd celebrates two years as solo artist with new Christmas single and family milestones

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Southern Gospel artist Steve Ladd is wrapping up another eventful month filled with ministry opportunities, studio work, and precious family moments as he approaches the two-year mark of his return to solo artistry.

Steve Ladd · Michael Booth · Ronnie Booth The Trouble With Me ℗ 2025 Big Picture Records

Ladd spent early October in South Carolina, where he provided music for a four-night community revival series. The unique event featured services at a different church each evening, and Ladd expressed gratitude for both the spiritual atmosphere and the warm hospitality he received. “We were so blessed by not only the services, but also the hospitality of such a sweet bunch of people,” Ladd shared in his recent newsletter update.

The artist made a trip to Nashville this month for a special recording session with his son, Haven Ladd. The collaboration resulted in a new Christmas single titled “No Other Child,” set to release on all streaming platforms November 28th.

Haven, who graduated from Belmont University this past summer with a degree in music production, served as producer for the track. “He truly outdid himself on this one,” the proud father noted. Haven teamed up with Steve’s wife, Maegan, to provide background vocals for the recording.

Between travel and recording commitments, Ladd has been savoring time with his grandchildren. Recent highlights include watching grandson Odin start eating baby food and granddaughter Ari losing her two front teeth just in time for the holiday season. The family enjoyed Halloween festivities together, with Ladd sharing that the grandchildren “bring more joy than they will ever know.”

Ladd closed out the month with a trip to West Virginia, where he visited his brother Johnny. Even the family dog, Toby, was excited about the reunion, though Ladd jokes that the frequent travel may be starting to wear on his canine companion.

As he approaches U.S. Thanksgiving and marks two years since returning to solo ministry, Ladd expressed amazement at how his career has been blessed. “God has been so good to us,” he reflected, noting that supporters who pray for his family remain at the top of his gratitude list.
Steve acknowledged his struggle with timely newsletter updates and jokingly suggested making more consistent communication a New Year’s resolution.

The Promise of Resurrection Life

AMY TURNER

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul describes Jesus as the beginning and the first to rise from the dead in a way that gives Him first place in all things. The Bible shows that other people were brought back to life, such as Lazarus, but their return was temporary. They would face death again.

Jesus, however, was raised in a different way. His resurrection was not only a return to life but a transformation. He was given a body filled with glory and strength, a body that will last forever. Scripture calls Him the first fruit from among the dead. This means He is the beginning of something greater that is promised to all who belong to Him.

When Jesus rose, He showed what lies ahead for those who trust in Him. As He was raised with a body fit for eternity, so one day His people will share in that same kind of life. The resurrection of Christ is both a victory over death and a promise of what is to come.

But the fact is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.

1 Corinthians 15:20

How Adam’s Sin Affected All Humanity

JEFF TURNER

Romans 5:12 teaches that sin entered the world through one man, and death came as a result. This death then spread to all people because all sinned. Scripture explains that when Adam disobeyed, the whole human race was represented in him. Humanity is united in a way that God designed, so Adam’s choice affected everyone who came after him.

In this sense, all people sinned in Adam, and the sin nature has been passed down through every generation. From that moment in the garden, every person has been born under the reality of sin and death, and this will continue until God creates the new heaven and new earth.

Paul also gives a hopeful comparison. Just as Adam’s act brought sin and death to all, Christ’s work on the cross brings life to everyone who trusts in him.

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:22

Learning to Wait on God’s Timing

FLOYD ROGERS

Sometimes when people pray and ask God for help, they expect an answer right away. But when nothing happens for a long time, they begin to feel uneasy. Because the situation doesn’t change as quickly as they hope, they may try to take control and fix things on their own.

Some believe the saying, “God helps those who help themselves,” but this idea can be misleading. In reality, when we try to force things to happen outside of God’s timing, we often create more problems. Then, we turn to God again. This time we ask Him to fix the trouble we caused.

God doesn’t ask us to take matters into our own hands. Instead, He wants us to trust Him, obey His direction, and be patient as He works in our lives. His way may take longer, but it is always meant for our good.

Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14

An update on Caleb Banks of Phillips & Banks

TEXAS GOSPEL CANADA VOLUNTEER

In recent weeks, the Phillips & Banks family has leaned heavily on their faith and community as Caleb Banks faces a difficult turn in his health journey.

Caleb has been battling end stage kidney disease, a reality that has become increasingly challenging due to multiple complications.

The group and their loved ones deeply appreciate the outpouring of prayer and support from friends, fans, and fellow believers, asking for continued compassion and privacy as they navigate these changes.

Caleb spoke in May about his health challenges saying despite these struggles, he had, “…experienced the grace of God and the faithfulness of God like I never had before. It’s funny when we walk through these trials and things, we have to trust the Lord with things that we’ve never had to before. And not once has he ever left me and once has he ever forsaken me. And I don’t believe that he ever will. I know the Lord is good and that he’s working all things for my good. And I want to encourage you, he’s doing the same thing for you today.”

His wife made a Facebook post Friday with an update:

Caleb’s kidneys are not bouncing back as they should, and there doesn’t seem to be any real hope of improvement in the future. This is just the reality of end stage kidney disease. His creatinine, BUN, and GFR have all worsened significantly. Unfortunately, between the bad infection in his leg, and the strong antibiotics that were necessary to treat it, Caleb’s kidneys were not able to recover as we’d hoped. We found out yesterday morning, right after I posted the update, that Caleb was at the point of needing dialysis. We were so discouraged and disappointed, but the Lord has been so sweet and gentle with us over the last 24 hours. I am resting in the fact that He is in complete and total control. Praise the Lord for a way to keep Caleb, and so many others as healthy as possible for as long as possible!!

As of about 8:55 this morning, (11/14) Caleb has been wheeled back to have his dialysis port installed. He will stay in the hospital for a few more days to receive his first rounds of treatment, and then be discharged with a referral to a dialysis center. Please pray for Caleb, as this is obviously a massive life change. We are clinging to God’s word for encouragement.

đź”´I do ask that you please continue to respect our privacy during this time and refrain from texting or calling to get updates. While we greatly appreciate your prayers and your encouragement, I am so overwhelmed, as is Caleb. Like always, I will post any significant updates here!

As Caleb begins this next chapter of treatment, the family remains anchored in hope, trusting that God’s strength will continue to carry them through each new step.