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

THANK YOU, FATHER!

It's that time of year again when the holidays just seem to roll together. First it's Halloween (my birthday) followed by Thanksgiving and, right on its' heals, Christmas arrives and the year has ended! It's become so commercial that retailers are all trying to get the advantage or edge on their competitors. 

I prefer to take things in stride and not rush everything. This is a time to not share about Brotherhood but, right now, it's time to focus on Thanksgiving. Not the parades, not the food, not the family gatherings... but rather take sufficient time to give thanks to the Lord! Thank Him for health, you career the bountiful provisions, a good family and the freedom that we all share (and take for granted) by living in America!

Try "giving forward". It's been recently done in a big way. A mother went grocery shopping and her credit card was declined or did not work, She didn't have any cash and would take too much time to go home & start all over. A gentleman, who was next in line, paid her +$200 bill without wanting any repayment. He just told her to "pay it forward" ... or do it for someone else in need.

The mother was so grateful that she wanted to show her gratitude in some way. A phone call to him would be nice but, knowing he worked at the nearby gym, she wanted to tell his boss what a great employee he was. The boss was overwhelmed but had to tell the mother some sad news. That kind man was killed in an auto accident the day after he had paid her bill! The mother decided to honor him with a special Facebook memorial that has gathered more than 10,000 friends and growing. Now that's thanksgiving - true to life! 

Thanksgiving is not only one day a year... but every day be thankful to God. He has done GREAT things!

Remember... be blessed and be a blessing.

                        

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.