HARVEST TIME

Leaves are falling somewhere in the U.S. informing us that winter's about to start. It's also the signal that harvest time approaches fast. It's also the sign of life's end and we mourn the passing of a gospel great. Jesse Dixon was ushered into heaven on Monday, September 26th; he was 73 years old. His contributions to gospel music over the years will be greatly remembered.

Keep in mind that Jesus will be coming soon and the fields are ripe for the picking (modern translation for "ripe unto harvest"). We all play an important part or role in evangelizing the world. It can be done to the masses like a Billy Graham or on a one by one basis... by you and me! Some may be the tillers of the soil, others seed planters, fertilizers or providing water. At some point, it all comes together where the sinner is ready to receive Christ and is harvested into the kingdom of God!

Brotherhood is preparing for the harvest by reaching out to win the lost and encouraging/ equipping Christians to "get up" and get going! Besides new material, we like to revisit older gospel tunes and dust them off a bit. We presented a ministry mix at an Old Time Gospel Night event (many visitors) and at a Leadership Advance session in September. I still hear comments about Old Time Gospel Night - "we need more of this music", "I was so blessed and uplifted", "I'm so glad I came out tonight!"
Many have been often asked for more Brotherhood CD music. So... we're making ready the release of our live CD titled, "Live... and In Person!" in October. It's crafted from various Brotherhood concerts across Florida and New York and will make a wonderful Christmas gift! John has written a book, "Songs From My Heart" that is unique and different. His compositions have an inspirational story and spiritual application that is shared in this easy-to-read paperback. It's available at amazon.com or can be downloaded in Kindle format.

Pray for Brotherhood as we follow where He leads and opens doors to minister to (1) the unsown seed and (2) the harvest workers.

P.S. I found a wonderful internet gospel radio station; it's www.kwfc.org from Springfield, MO. Being a music survey nut, they present a Top 20 Countdown show every Saturday at 7PM! Give it a try and you'll soon be hooked.

Be blessed and be a blessing!

SEE YOU IN SEPT... & BABY MAKES 3

Summer is gone, children are back to school and the weather's about to change (except Florida). August has already given the northeastern US a weather shock. An earthquake and a hurricane - all within 2 weeks! Don't you think God may be trying to get our attention... just a little? Brotherhood is marching forward and ready for some Fall concert dates in the CFL area plus one set for south Florida. Can anyone say "road trip"? As usual, we are preparing to add some new material to the mix while still keeping true to our style. We will move forward with great gospel tunes - past and present.

Also, since many of our friends and "fans" are asking for another CD, we're doing our best to oblige. With no time for the studio, Brotherhood is producing a new live CD taken from our various concerts throughout Florida and New York over the past few years. Quite exciting and quite different! We thank God for this new project!!

On other news... remember that classic Lucille Ball comedy episode? The one where she's trying to find the right way to tell Ricky that she's pregnant. Unknowingly, Ricky sings "She Having A Baby" and then is shocked to discover he's going to be the dad. It's been awhile since John & Deb's daughter, Joy, blessed them with their first grandchild, Braden. Well... they will be grandparents again after nearly 9 years! Their youngest daughter, Melody, (and her husband Jonathan) are expecting the blessed event in early 2012. "Their baby's having a baby!" We pray for a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery. While John is working on grandchild #2, the rest of Brotherhood, Phil, Mel and Dan have surpassed him a long time ago. Well, what do you expect from the "baby" of the group!

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Doesn't time go by so fast these days? Our children have grown, matured, married and are having babies. We know that's the cycle of life but we should also be reminded that our earthly time is limited. The meter is running and we can't feed it - it just keeps on ticking! May we all be ready for that day when time shall be no more. Have "you house/temple" in order just like the parable of talents in Matthew 25. May the Lord God say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of thy lord".
Be blessed... see you "down the road a piece".

BUT JOY COMES IN THE MORNING

I'm having a brutal August and it's not just from the heat! I'm dealing with all sorts of deadlines -work, family, Brotherhood and personal projects. Early fatigue also occurs but Brotherhood has "weathered the storm". Typically, August is our vacation time but we had 2 concerts in 4 days by the end of the first week but that will be it! An early AM concert at Navair, and a blessed first time event at Restoracion Christian Center. Wow, were those people free in the spirit and truly ushered in God's presence even before Brotherhood started singing. Praise be to God, for getting acquainted with believers from another worship group - and in Spanish! We felt a kindred spirit and look forward to continued fellowship with them. The seniors group from our home church made a "road trip" there - we appreciate their support.

Being blessed with good administrative skills does take the edge off those deadlines I mentioned earlier... but I still have to deal with them. I can't run away, hide and see them magically work out all by themselves. It's not the real world we live in and Christians should not treat projects, confrontations, conflicts, disagreements with family or friends any differently.

You may think they go away, but not so. Everyone has a memory and someday they will recall or recount a bad situation that was never brought to conclusion. They will hold it against you for reasons unknown to you. That's where humility and forgiveness comes into play. Christians should be so sensitive to their surroundings, that their heart and spirit remain restless and uneasy until it's resolved. I can't hold grudges or remain angry for very long; it's not my nature. So... sooner than later, I'll "step to the plate" and take the responsibility to make things right. Sometimes, I'm surprised when a person asks me for forgiveness because I can't recall any wrong doing.

Isn't that like our Father in heaven who doesn't remember our past sins! Our slate is completely clean. He has separated our sins as far as the east is from the west. In so doing, He brings joy in the morning and we have an assurance that we can always come to Him and seek forgiveness.

Be blessed and love one another!!

SUMMER IS HERE, GOD IS NEAR

Fireworks, picnics, baseball, BBQ's, hot nights, hot daogs, fireflies, heat lightning and lightning bugs are all sure signs that summer is upon us in the USA. I can remember hot times in the city when fire hydrants were our cool relief (no pools), we played outside way past dark and enjoyed the cool breeze a box fan would bring. Air conditioners were not for everyone and central air wasn't quite needed in NYC.

After a quick dinner concert, Brotherhood is also getting some relief before we resume our schedule in August. We are still basking in God's goodness and blessings poured out to His people in the metro NY area. It's a joy to share what God is doing in other parts of America. He's the same yesterday, today and forever. Likewise, He's the same in Florida, New York and California! There will always be a wonderful, spirit connection when we gather with like believers.

Two instances to share:
(1) I was blessed to attend a picnic reunion with folks that I hadn't seen in over 40 years. I was late to arrive, but from a distance, I could see the joy of Christian fellowship. It's as if time stood still and we had never been apart! (2) While driving through a section of Brooklyn, NY, I noticed the different ethnic stores right next to each other - Hebrew, Italian, Greek, Chinese, Indian, Korean, etc. These city people, who many have migrated from foreign lands, live and breathe in the same area or city block. And... they get along!!

Why don't we, as Christians, learn a lesson? Despite denominational differences, we are all the body of Christ. If we don't get along on earth, how will we do so in heaven? So, let's celebrate our American freedom, living in peace and harmony with our brothers and sisters in Christ and everyone else. Let's strive to let the whole world see/know that we can make a difference in our "corner of the world". Amen!!

Until next time!!

THE FATHER & MY "COUSIN VINNE"

No, I don't have a real cousin Vinnie in my family! I have Angelo's, Anthony's, Carmine's, Lenny's, Johnny's, Ronnie's... but no Vinnie's. That's just the name Mel, our bass, uses whenever Brotherhood goes to New York City. It started last year when Mel fell in love with the entire city and his new Italian friends. He wanted to be part of them so much that he temporarily changed his name. "Cousin Vinnie Serruci" surfaces and gets reacquainted with pizza, other Italian food and my real cousins. His pronunciation of Italian words is hysterical but I love it! Our pianist, Dan, now has been added to the mix and I gave him the name of "Vito Salvatore" - cousin to Vinnie (notice the same initials). An entire, wacky story has evolved as to how their fathers came to America... Phil loves the food but has no desire to have a "New York Italian name" - fugetaboutit!!

And, these guys just cracked me up and I laughed so hard that I lost my voice - seriously! And, it happened on both trips. I enjoy these men in music ministry and know God wants us to have fun, too. Father's Day has come and gone but the joy of fatherhood continues. Father God desires good things for His children as we faithfully serve and honor Him. We can't lose in God's economy so let's remember to give Him our very best. May the Father's joy live in your hearts and lives continually. I pray that all the men had a very Happy Father's Day.

God bless and "mangia"!!

TAKING A BITE OF THE BIG APPLE

June is here... the flowers are in bloom and the smell of cut grass permeates the air! And Brotherhood has been busy in and out of Florida already. We kicked off the month with a concert at First Presbyterian of Lake Mary and followed that up with a return ministry visit to the Big Apple, New York City! We met new folks in Lake Mary and had a wonderful time of gospel music fellowship. We reacquainted relationships with our dear New York friends and family. Once plans were set, the guys could not wait to get back to my home town. They could not stop reminiscing about our 2010 trip - the food, the people, the acceptance and the genuine love of God that was shown at each concert ministry.

Our June 2011 travels took us to Brooklyn, the Bronx, Ossining and Garnerville in Rockland County. Brotherhood delivered some familiar and most requested songs such as "Roll Away" and "Give It Away". A do-wop 1950's style song, "Jesus, You're So Wonderful" was introduced and is now a NY favorite! Plus, Brotherhood added new material - originals ("Get Up!", "I'm Coming Home"), P&W, classics, traditional, current popular gospel and... something for the children.

We felt a strong need to present a message to the Sunday School generation and let them know that (1) Jesus loves them, (2) God can use them, (3) He cares for each one, and (3) by faith they should trust Him to answer prayers - big or small. They are the church leaders of tomorrow. God's presence was truly felt at every church and the altar work ministry was awesome. No words can describe such a wonderful weekend of ministry in song, word and prayer! We believe that this weekend has ordained and directed by God and will impact the churches and their communities!!

Food was remembered because.. it's New York City where the best pizza and bagels can be found within a few city blocks. And, you just can't beat home cooked Italian food (thanks to da Bronx "goombas"). And, of course, great fellowship surrounded the food as the family of God grew to know each other in a new way. It's just an example of what heaven's banquet table will be like! "O taste and see that the Lord is good."

Lastly, I want to share our encounter with Francesca. Brotherhood has adopted a certain Brooklyn diner as their very own. As often as we have been there, we're known as that Florida gospel group who sang at Trinity Tabernacle. Well, after our final concert we had plenty of relax time due and wanted to end it with a late night snack. So... to the diner we went. Francesca was our server and was a gracious and wonderful hostess. She answered our questions and discovered who we were very quickly as we were smiling and laughing heartily (being loud in NYC is OK). She introduced us to the owner and had some great conversation. He then completed our meal with a special homemade dessert "on the house". With the service slowing down, Francesca had time to speak with us and, after some specific questions asked by Phil, she sat down, bowed her head and accepted Christ into her life! I looked at her and saw a different women in front of me. Her face was glowing, her spirit lighter and seemed to have burdens lifted off her shoulders - praise God! She promised to visit the local church ASAP in order to continue her walk with Jesus and fellowship with believers. P.S. She was already familiar with the church and knew the pastor from his diner visits with his family!! God does all things right and His good time.

These NY churches consist of caring, loving people with wonderful pastors who allowed Brotherhood to minister in their special way.They all want us back again and we look forward to another NY trip, the good Lord willing! New York is fertile ground and "ripe unto harvest".

Be blessed... see you real soon!

REMEMBER MOM IN MAY

May usually signifies the coming of Mother’s Day and the warmth of soon-to-be summer, unless you live in a warm climate (like me). Remember your mothers everyday; don’t wait for a special date on the calendar. Tell them how much you love and appreciate all that they’ve done for you. It could also be a grandmother, aunt or dear friend that you consider as a mother figure. Childbirth can be easy but carrying and delivering a newborn is serious business. In some cases, it can be fatal to either life.

Hmmmm… pondering thought: Despite the possibility of harm, injury or death, women still continue to bear children. The negative is far outweighed by the positive benefits, the joy, love and care for your very own offspring. And, no matter how painful those nine months were, it is soon forgotten as laughter, joy and smiles are enjoyed and shared with the “new mom”. The following years nurture the growth of that infant into a mature, responsible person.

Christ bore the entire weight of sin and endured it until the very end! “Surely He bore our sorrows and by His stripes we are healed.” Jesus Christ did not call 10,000 angels to “rescue” Him because of His boundless love for ALL of us. And His death was for all mankind - present and still to come. He did not die for a select few but for all that believe and place their faith & trust in Him. So, stop and think about our Father’s love and the pain endured by His Son on the cross. Can you imagine the smile on His face when someone becomes a Christian and decides to follow Him? He came for the masses yet loves and cares for each one individually. Decide to continue a one-on-one relationship with the One who loved you first.

Be blessed, love your neighbor as thyself… and live in peace!