REACH THE PEOPLE AGAIN

Brotherhood's schedule has been hectic... but oh so good!!! After returning from NYC, we had October concert ministries that continued where we left off. We were at Geneva Methodist and Space Coast Assembly where we met new friends and became re-aquainted with others. What a wonderful time Brotherhood had with such fine folks who appreciated our new material like "I Want To Be That Man" and "We Will Stand our Ground" and just loved the classics such as "The Lighthouse", "I'll Fly Away" and "Through It All". Space Coast was a unique day - we ministered to the seniors in the AM meeting and then returned for a full concert in the evening service!! 

What we also enjoyed was speaking with the people afterwards, sharing testimonies, having individual prayer & fellowship. One gentleman commented, "I really enjoy your spirit & can't wait for you guys to come back again!" That means a lot and pretty much says it all. If Brotherhood doesn't work in unity & under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then we are "like clinking brass". We endeavor the always honor the King and sing unto Him who allows us tu use whatever meager gifts we have to offer. May our God receive it as "sweet, sweet sounds to His ears." 

HIGHWAYS & BYWAYS... NYC & BEYOND!!

As fall sets in, Brotherhood's schedule gets busier and busier. Fall is typically the start of an annual life cycles' end - just before winter. Brotherhood sees it a little bit differently. It's the best time to bring the gospel message in song since everyone is back from vacations, settled back at churches and home before the holidays roll around. Our schedule will take us to some new places and new faces that I'll share about briefly.

Before leaving for our NY/NJ tour, we had a great kick-off concert at Longwood Community Church of God. It was a "warm up" for what was to come in NYC and enabled us to test new material locally. We met new folks and old friends who enjoyed and were blessed by our unique blend and presentation of the Word in song - our brand of gospel music. One dear friend was so glad that we bring back the classics that have been forgotten or seldom sung such as "The Lighthouse" and "How Great Thou Art".

Brotherhood was very anxious to return to our friends and family "up north". And what a time we had!!! It has always been a destination we thoroughly enjoy - ministry, fellowship, food, friends, etc. But this tour was memorable and will be cherished for a long time.

Besides our 4 concerts in 3 days, Brotherhood was able to provide evangelism training (led by Phil) Saturday morning and then "hit the streets" right afterwards in Coney Island (Brooklyn). Their pastor was quite pleased  by those who came for training from the church (13). He didn't even have a sign up sheet so he had no expectation level. I believe the one hour spent at the projects netted 10-12 new believers and rededications. Praise God for those who are taking an outreach approach to winning souls to Jesus Christ. If the people don't come to you or your church - you go to them!

Besides singing, each Brotherhood member had an opportunity to share the gospel message. John on Saturday night, Dan on Sunday night and Phil on Friday night & Sunday morning. Mel, our bass, shared with the children on Sunday morning in the Bronx. He has a soft, tender heart and can effectively speak to kids. With tears flowing, he shared a personal story when he was a youngster that really ministered to them.

While praying and preparing song selections for the 4 churches, John felt led to change things up a bit and break right after singing "Healer" for an altar call for healing. That's not done at regular gospel concerts but again, Brotherhood is eclectic and unique.

In Brooklyn (Coney Is.), the pastor asked if we could do an evangelism training on Saturday AM. That's Phil's "hot button"/ passion, so he led a training session & then took teams to the local projects (low income housing). We had a splendid time with divine encounters producing approx. 10 people making decisions for Christ or re-dedications. The church will do follow up work, too. P.S. So good to see Aldo after so many years.

On Saturday night, we returned to Nutley, New Jersey after a few years absence and was rewarding in many ways. the genuine love we shared in word and song was just what the people needed and was so rewarding in many ways. many were hearing Brotherhood for the first time & I believe the pastor was equally encouraged. At altar call, it was the first time we ever heard a request "to be a better husband" - amen to that!

Sunday morning in the Bronx was special to John because it's always a homecoming celebration. That's where he was born & raised with many precious memories around the altar, choir, Christmas programs, Sunday School, youth, etc. It's where he received Christ and was baptized in water. Quite an overwhelming, joyful sight to see church growth & leadership taken by young couples and their children. My close friend's grandson now sings on the praise team - led by his mother!! I think we're getting older! It was fun having Vinnie, their bass player, join Brotherhood on "Mansion Over he Hilltop".

Can't forget the great fellowship & Italian food that many folks prepared - what "northern hospitality" - praise God!

Our final stop was at Ossining in Westchester County (just north of New York City) and that was a blessed event. We reacquainted with pastor, family and friends who thoroughly enjoyed our brand of gospel music. Dan brought a challenging message, as well. Again, altar time was special & John had the opportunity to pray with some old friends from the Bronx (they're all over the place!). One is a 103 year old who sat in the SS class taught by John's mother! Sis. Panzitta is still going strong and looks wonderful.

We look forward to hearing great things form the NY/NJ area. the people are hungry for the word and it's not as dark as you think. In fact, keep revival in America in your prayers!!

Remember... be blessed and be a blessing.

SUMMER IN THE CITY... & STUDIO

We've celebrated Resurrection Sunday and Mothers' Day this spring. Now it will soon be summer and a great time to get outdoors and enjoy God's wonderful weather - blue skies, fresh air, green grass, birds singing... you know what I'm talking about! In the process, make sure you take the time to thank God for all His beautiful creation that He has provided for us. If you look real close to God's creation, you will be in awe of what amazing things God has created. A while back when I did just that, God gave me a song that I simply call "There Is God". Here's the chorus...

  "There is God in mountains high and rivers wide,

In autumn leaves that fall, a blade of grass, a babies cry.

There is God when prayers are answered whether big or small,

There is God in everything you do."

And, to top it all off, He created Man in His very image  - how awesome is that! Thank you Father, that you took the time the create all that we see... and can't see. But, above all, that you so loved us the most by creating us in you image ... and then sending your only Son to die for our sins. Thank you for bridging the gap that Man had caused since the Garden of Eden. We now know that communication and fellowship with God has been restored because of Jesus Christ! AMEN

  P.S. Keep Brotherhood in you prayers as we enter the studio to record our next CD project real soon. We're very excited and blessed to be able to continue past our 10th anniversary together in ministry. All CD projects are exciting but this one is really interesting... can't wait to get started!! 

 P.S.S. Praise God, we are returning to the NYC area in September. Plans have been working out real well, with God's help. Our bass man Mel, and our travel coordinator, has everything set and we'll be ready to go. Once again, Brotherhood will be in concert ministry at 4 churches in 3 days - Lord give us strength!!

Remember... be blessed and be a blessing.

MID WINTER BLUES

For nearly half of my life, I have lived in New York City. Believe it or not, it was a great place to grow up - surrounded by wonderful people, food, sights and sounds. However, Jan-March could be a bit unbearable with the cold spells, snowstorms and dreary days. You spent a great deal of time inside your home.

I guess it could no different in other parts of America, as well. Now living in Florida, I've experienced a prolonged "cold spell" this year - and I don't like it much. The miseries of illness (colds, flu, etc.) came to my home and kept the busyness of life away. What a time to reflect on the things get you down or tend to brighten your day. God is good all the time and all the time God is good will keep you standing on His promises. And even in your lowest moments, He is with you! As I listened to good gospel music and read the Word, the blues started to fade away, taking me to a place of peace and rest. No one can do that except for Jesus Christ who cares so much about my life.

The title of some songs just want you to take a closer listen. "There Is Jesus", "But God", "For God So Loved", "The I Of The Storm", "His Life For Mine". Thank God that "joy comes in the morning" and the darkness before the dawn starts shrinking away real fast. Celebrate the joy of your salvation, what lies ahead in your Christian walk, anticipate great things in Christ and always see the glass half full and not half empty!

Be blessed and be a blessing!!

SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT

We see that another year is passing us by and 2014 was a unique year for Brotherhood. Phil busily serves as senior pastor and loves working door-to-door evangelism, Dan has made a few missionary trips as translator for the Jesus Film project, Mel is back after recuperating from a blood clot that was miraculously discovered and John is juggling work, ministry, family, Brotherhood and songwriting while recovering from laryngitis (I don't like that).

It's tough trying to rest your vocal chords while your wife is also suffering from similar ailments. And it came just as I was to sing 4 times within 8 days! With God's help, I made it through 3 of those engagements. Boy, did I need the Lord during those difficult and trying times. But it's in that quiet time, when you are alone and thinking what to do - God brings the peace and rest required!

Didn't that happen over 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem? A picture comes to mind of a small town in the dead of night. Two weary travelers, expecting their first child, arrive after a long journey seeking a warm place rest. In those days there was no telephone, no reservations - it was first come, first served. And so, with no rooms available, they settled for wherever they could lay to rest.

In that still and quiet time, the son of God was born into this world! No fanfare, no cameras, no newspaper columnists on the scene to break the news. Jesus came as no one expected but He came to bring "peace on earth and good will toward men". The prophesy was fulfilled and the wise men came bearing gifts and worship the new born King. That holy night suddenly became anything but silent and the world would never be the same again!!! Thank God for sending us His only Son to become the savior of the whole world.

Pray for Brotherhood as we continue to "labor in the fields" even when the nights are silent! For we know that "joy comes in the morning" and we await His soon return. But until then, we should all practice His presence, trust Him to see us through every situation, thank Him for providing our needs and worship/serve the Lord with all our might.

See you down the road...have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

10 YEARS & COUNTING!

This is one update or "news from the 'Hood" I never thought I'd write. I can't believe it but Brotherhood has spent a decade together in music ministry! It all started in September 2004 and the lineup hasn't changed either which is quite rare these days. We praise God for ALL He has done... to God be the glory!

To commemorate this milestone, a special 10th anniversary concert is set for Sunday, September 28th at Church Alive at the 10:30 AM service. The church is located at 970 Tuskawilla Road, Winter Springs, FL 32708. 

Brotherhood will feature songs they've enjoyed singing throughout that 10 year span and believe they are some of your favorites, as well. We will also reminisce a bit, share some ministry memories along the way and preach the Word. We've made so many friends in our travels and, if you live in or are visiting the central Florida area, we hope to see you there.

P.S. If you can't attend... send an email telling us that you're praying for Brotherhood, have a special thought/ encouragement/ memory to share, etc. Make sure to tell us the church or event you saw Brotherhood. That would mean so much to us as we continue on.

Mark your calendars now!!

Be blessed and be a blessing,

MOVIN' & GROOVIN'

 Yes, yes, yes. I know it’s been a while since my last post. But have no fear, Brotherhood is still alive and kicking! We are busily working on a variety of new music, writing songs that are being used in the church body and mentoring those around us. The past few months have been excitedly different as we focused on individual needs and other ministry projects.

Phil and his wife have been very occupied as senior pastor of a growing church and doing the unthinkable these days. He does door-to-door evangelism in the community! Phil has assembled a small group of those willing to be trained and conduct this hands-on ministry. It’s been a wonderful experience and many have been added to God’s kingdom, even healed, as a direct result of faith in action. “Many are called but few are chosen.”

Mel has taken some quiet time away at his North Carolina retreat. But before leaving, he has been a huge help to those needing everyday assistance. For example, Mel offered his truck and strong body to move a large dining room set – that was an answer to prayer. He & his wife have also opened their home to relatives needing temporary shelter as they go through a difficult time in their lives. “Little is much when God is in it.”

Dan and his wife, former full time missionaries, are “on the road again” with the Jesus Film Project. As part of the translation team, they have been to areas in many foreign countries having multiple tongues or dialects. After returning from Guatemala, Dan is now part of the team in Papa New Guinea planning their next mission. Ironically, that’s where he started as missionary, so it’s “going back home time”!! We can’t wait for his return either. “The fields are ripe unto harvest.”

John has been busy with the preparation of his in-laws home for sale. Since they’ve passed away, his wife has been serving as general contractor and doing smaller jobs herself. She’s done so well that it looks like a model home. And the hard work has paid off – the home sold in 4 hours, praise God! John has been also writing new material in new uncharted waters. Besides the strong gospel emphasis, God has given him songs about mothers and the mission field. In fact, one particular song with a contemporary sound (Faithful One) was sung by a P&W ensemble for the mission offertory during church service. “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.”

Brotherhood is re-energized and excited as we rehearse new songs that will impact those who hear. They are songs that offer encouragement, to remain faithful, stand up for your belief and continue loving others as God has loved, and still loves, all of us. We are “chomping on the bit” and ready to go! A few dates remain on the 2014 calendar highlighted by our 10^th anniversary concert in September (details later). “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel...”

So you see, God’s work is never ending and not conformed to a box (you can only do one thing). Remember what the Bible says. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” See you on down the road. Until then, be blessed and be a blessing!