THANKS FOR GIVING

November is that time of year for harvest and Thanksgiving holiday with family & friends. Let's not wait for special times to thank those around us and especially offer thanks to our heavenly Father. May we daily give heartfelt praise and sincere thanks to Him for all His provisions. Thank you Lord for giving! Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, as the sacrificial Lamb for us all. Thank you for America, the land of freedom we can take so likely at times. Thank you for our families, a place to worship, our jobs, our homes, plentiful food, etc. etc. Brotherhood is so grateful for ALL He's ever done for us and allowed us to do. He is always foremost in our concert ministries and our Oct./Nov events have been precious.

 

We were the special musical guests for a widows/widowers banquet at Central Baptist Church in Sanford. I've known churches to hold a wide variety of special occasions, but this was was a first for me! We considered it an honor and privilege to be part of remembering/honoring these folks. My mom was part of that category, so I could relate to their situations. Brotherhood had a grand old time bringing back some "oldies but goodies" that connected  so well with them. Looking forward to a return visit!

 

Got to see some fans at our Night of Worship min-concert at Church Alive, as well. This monthly event provides a wide variety and styles of gospel music. It includes current contemporary, well-known P&W songs, old hymnal favorites and "stump the piano player" requests. Brotherhood entwined a variety of these samples in our playlist set. It never fails that our doo-wop song, "Jesus You're So Wonderful", was enthusiastically received. Some of the guys wearing sunglasses added to the "reflective mood" created. Who says you can't have fun in church?

 

Well, time to close and wish everyone a blessed Happy Thanksgiving. Continue to pray for our country as we are in transition. And remember this... "Prayers don't expire".

 

See you down the road!!!

EXTENDED NY FRIENDS & FAMILY

We pray that everyone in FL is safe and sound during the recent hurricane. Just received a few more photos from Brotherhood's recent NYC weekend tour. They were from Sunday PM concert at Ossining Assembly which is a short distance north of the NYC limits. I guess you could say it's the extreme suburbs and moving towards beautiful country living. The church sanctuary had some remodeling and looked great. Some of the guests included John's cousin (photo below) whose ex-military husband recently passed away. Also, Brotherhood's oldest fan, Sis. Petrina, who is 104 years old was there and I had to take a photo with her! She was accompanied by her daughter Frances whom John has known since their church youth days (still remember her 16th birthday party). 

Despite the unusual heavy traffic on a Sunday, we arrived later than expected but did not let that hinder nor dampen a wonderful evening of gospel music ministry. These dear folks were so gracious and patiently waited for us arrive - it didn't matter. It was great to see, young and old, rejoice and sing praises to the Lord! They joined right in with songs they knew such as "Mansion Over The Hilltop", "How Great Is Our God" and "Through It All".  And when we sang a fan favorite, "Roll Away", we discovered that some young ladies had created an accompaniment routine! Sitting in one row, this crew had motions to go with the chorus echo they provided - good job!! We enjoy it so much when everyone can participate and have fun in church. It's a win-win and encourages Brotherhood to give their very best.

It was a special night that ended our tour. In all churches, we witnessed the sweet spirit of God among His people who came expecting and received salvation, refreshing, renewal, rededication and calls into ministry. And His people include the pastors and staff who constantly give but also need to receive. These NY churches are reaching their communities through love and meeting their needs where they are.

As we always say, it's all for the kingdom and God's glory - lest any man should boast. Our prayer should always be that they see more of Him and less of me. God continues to open doors for Brotherhood and we appreciate your prayerful support. We look forward to seeing you "down the road" sometime real soon.

SWEET BIG APPLE

Brotherhood's back home! We had a tremendous weekend tour in the NYC/NJ area starting out with a Friday PM casual concert in Bronx, NY (my hometown). The 4 church concerts in 3 days was truly a blessed time to minister to pastors and their congregation.

Bronx Christian Assembly hosted the Friday evening concert which is typically youth emphasized and ministry outreach - what a great event to be part of! Every Friday, the church feeds the needy in their community. Brotherhood was part of that time, singing a few accapella songs and John provided a brief share/testimony before the meal was served. Dan, Mel, Phil and I all had time to speak with these guests as they ate and many stayed for the concert, praise God! 

The concert was wonderful and blessed - full of a variety of gospel music enjoyed by all. By special request, we had to insert a few "oldies" that they all joined in. They sang and clapped along with "Give It Away" and "Roll Away" quite loud and energetic! Phil gave a brief but pointed message followed by altar work which saw many come forward for salvation, rededication, healing and calls to ministry! It was God's perfect timing; we did not know that Sunday was Water Baptism at that church. Getting hugs from the "little ones" was a precious moment and seeing old friends including my youth buddy, David, who took photos.

More news to come - blessings!!

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Brotherhood had a blessed time at last month's concert at Church at The Cross. Glad to make new friends and reacquaint ourselves with some long- time friends (Linda, Nelson, etc.). So good to see a bunch of churches gather for these gospel concerts and enjoy "our brand" of southern gospel harmony! New material was appreciated and well received and the classics are always a hit. We can't seem to shake them off but that's OK with us - we love them too! And, with Mel "back to the mountains", I secured the services of a good friend (Dennis) to fill in as bass singer. He did a great job with just a few rehearsals under his belt - thanks a bunch!

Hey, it's summer and time for holidays, vacations and time to enjoy God's beautiful creation. In the process, make sure you take the time to count your blessings - one by one. Remember those great songs about blessings? "Blessed Assurance", "Count Your Blessings", "Blessings", "Greatly Blessed, Highly Favored" and "Showers Of Blessings"?

"I am blessed beyond measure" are wonderful and accurate lyrics from the chart topping song "Blessed" by Karen Peck and New River. Our God has blessed us way beyond our deepest comprehension but think about those things we take for granted. Good health, loving family, steady jobs, caring friends, a warm home, food on the table, etc. and the freedom to enjoy it all living in America!
May we always be grateful for the "little things" so we truly appreciate the added blessings the Lord bestows upon His children. When you stop and take count of every single blessing you have received from God, just give Him all the thanks and praise. And it will be like Happy Thanksgiving all the time. At the same, take a moment every day to pray for America which seems to be spinning more and more out of control. In the past month in various cities we have seen so many acts of violence/accidents where innocent people hurt or dead. It's hard to grasp the actions but understand that it's all part of the prophesied end times. But God's not finished with His work so we must continue on - trusting God no matter what and keep the faith ("lean not to our own understanding").

Well that's it for now. Have a safe and enjoyable summer like I am. Took some vacation time alone with my wife and then all my family came into town to celebrate our daughters' birthday. We thank God for those little bundles of joy that have become adults! Hope to see you "down the road" at a future Brotherhood concert!

LONG TIME, NO HEAR!

Well... how is everyone doing? It's been some time since Brotherhood's last share but that happens sometimes. Circumstances, holidays, family and other priorities (so we say) surface that derail us from the important things we should take care of. So, let's get started to get you all updated with Brotherhood's news & views!! We'll use numbers this time...

1. During the holidays, Dan (baritone/keyboard) took another mission project trip to translate the Jesus Film into the nation's native tongue. I don't remember where but he and his wife have been to Papa New Guinea, Africa and other countries that need to hear the gospel.
2. Mel, our bass man, took some time off and was injured in the process - accidents will happen! He fractured his arm and, while recuperating/ rehabilitating, injured his foot. Praise God, none required surgery but lots of tender loving care! It also gave Mel time to grow his beard even longer.
3. Phil (lead singer) has been back to adding material to his book on evangelism and tending to the congregational "flock".
4. John (tenor/mgr.) has been swamped at work with a multitude of audit prep work Jan - March. Not much time for family and other activities - but able to make some time for rehearsals. Since he's been back on a normal schedule, John has been writing some new songs (or parts of them). As the Lord gives inspiration, John will typically jump out of bed, grab a pen & paper and dash to the keyboard. The ground work is then laid, and with melody and lyrics done, he can return to sleep!
5. Brotherhood provided a short mini-concert at Church Alive in March that preceded the Sunday message.
6. Plans are under way for a very special CD ... the best of Brotherhood! It will be include members choice selections and fan favorites over the past 12 years.

Now, you're all caught up!!! A lot has happened... and lots more happening, Lord willing.

We miss you and hope to see you "down the road" at one of our concerts. Remember to keep Brotherhood in your prayers as we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and endeavor to advance His kingdom. In the meantime - stay safe, be blessed... and be a blessing!

"GIVE IT AWAY!" video