BH UPDATE & PRAYER (JUN/JUL '18)

*Brotherhood's new CD project - In a short while, we will be back in studio. Pray that the Lord anoint each and every song that is recorded & they minister to all that hear!
 

*Kevin, our lead singer, recently returned from an awesome trip to Israel with his wife, Jacelyn. A life-changing experience to walk where Jesus walked, talked and ministered. I understand that the same shops, since Jesus days, have been passed down from generation to generation, as well!!

* Dan, our baritone & piano man, is on a mission trip to Africa. He & his wife, Ginnie, are movie script translators for the Jesus Film Project and also training new team workers. Pray for favor and work successfully completed.

*John, our tenor & manager, has been involved with the launch leadership team at his home church’s new campus. He is head of the usher ministry team and Men's Ministry Coordinator. Pray that this campus be a blessing to the attendees and the community!

*Thanksgiving - John's wife, Deborah, re-visited her doctor after a few months of various tests. We claimed a clean bill of health... and our Lord answered prayer, praise God.

* Not leaving our bass man, Dennis, out of the picture. He's received a clean bill of health after recent Dr. visits, too. He is enjoying his spare time ministering through Meals on Wheels. He can't wait to get "back on the road."

Until next time... be blessed; be a blessing.

THURSDAY DOUBLEPLAY!

May 3 was National Day of Prayer and what an awesome day it was for Brotherhood! Two concerts on two sides of Orlando (east and west) was a wonderful way to celebrate God's goodness and give Him praise & worship. There's not enough room to tell it all but the presence of God was evident in both places. So good to see some Brotherhood "groupies", Gladys & Joyce, among other friends including The Smiths. Thanks, Wally Gilmour, for inviting us to be a part of Night of Worship at Church Alive, as well. Meeting new friends is also a great joy as Brotherhood ministers through their brand of southern gospel music. See you all soon!

P.S. Go to Facebook.com\Brotherhoodgospelmusic for more information and request video tag of concert footage.

NEW YEAR... NEW LINEUP... SAME JESUS!!!

GOSPEL LEGEND GOES HOME

Gospel music fans: A bit of sad news to share...

This past Monday, Edwin Hawkins went home to glory; he was 74 years old. If you know anything about gospel music, and maybe pop oldies, you definitely knew this music giant. He's a Grammy winning singer, songwriter who's known world wide for the gospel cross-over hit, "O Happy Day" with the Edwin Hawkins Singers. Edwin took a hymnal classic and changed it up in such a unique way that crossed musical, denominational and cultural lines.

 

He was a pioneer of contemporary Christian music along with Andre Crouch, James Cleveland and others! In those early CCM days, I was personally encouraged and inspired in my young life at a needed point of time. Although Edwin is gone, he will not soon be forgotten.

GREAT CHRISTMAS FUN

Brotherhood had a wonderful,Christmas concert this past week at New Life COG. The folks really enjoyed the array of gospel music along with a mix of many Christmas carols and classics. A very special thanks to Kevin Dees for taking the lead spot on short notice! He did a great rendition of "Mary Did You Know?". And, the people did an excellent job of guessing those Christmas carols during "Name That Tune" Time, as well.

Check out Brotherhood on Facebook at Brotherhoodgospelmusic for more news, pics and concert calendar.

Until then... be blessed and be a blessing.

HIGHS & LOWS

Warm, Christian greetings to all of Brotherhood's circle of friends!

 

Fall is fast approaching and then... another year will have come to an end! It seems the older we get, the days, weeks, etc. fly by so much faster than when we were younger. Well, as they say, let's redeem the time that the Lord allows us. Continue to persevere in ALL that we do - at work, at home and at play. I thank the Lord that my valleys are short and my mountain tops are enjoyable and memorable while I'm there. I realize that, as a Christian, I WILL be in either place at any time and that He is with me ALL the time. What a comforting promise God gives to us!

 

My latest joy comes from my oldest grandson, Braden. He's a young teenager, loving, full of energy, starting HS and all the issues with high and lows coming as a teen boy in a new school. Since a toddler, his mom placed him in all sports activities, teams, leagues, etc. Through it all, Braden has learned teamwork, encouragement for others, the need to learn, nutrition, physical conditioning, etc. Football is his first love and he has dedicated hours and hours of practice, viewing games, memorizing plays for offense and defense (he's a 2-way player). He recently played his last freshman team game which ended their season at 5-3. At the final team meeting, the coach announced that some players were being moved up to the varsity team. He read the 9 names... and Braden was one of them!!!! At 14, that's quite an accomplishment for the rest of his HS career. He was so thrilled and excited... and of course, I was so happy and proud of him and for him. I can't explain it but it's similar to the joy you get when a child is born or when they graduate.

Isn't that just like out heavenly father who desires to give us good things. And, when he bestows "gifts" upon us and we use them properly, don't you think He is a proud Heavenly Father? I'm sure He smiles and adores His creation that gives honor, love and respect back! And, that cycle keeps on going and going. It's a definite win-win situation that we ALL should desire and pursue.

 

Wow... ain't that a good thing!!!  I guess the doxology is a fitting way to end right now ..."Praise God from whom all blessings flow..."

 

Until then... be blessed and be a blessing.

RED, WHITE AND NAVY

A happy summer holiday season to all! Just sharing some photos from Brotherhoods' recent concert at Sanctuary Church of God in Orlando, FL. And, a quick story I know you'll enjoy. Photos were provided by our new bass singer, Dennis Martin (the man at the far right) and my cousin Ron Russo. I hadn't seen Ron is approx. 15 years, so this was a special treat for me. It was also great to see our home church friends, John and Val... and Cliff Morales! Cliff briefly sang with us during our inaugural year. And now for the story...

Since our concert came right after July 4th holiday, it was only fitting to include some patriotic music and honor our veterans. We came equipped with some props that I've saved - my fathers' Army shirt (still looks new) and and original Navy P-coat. For those who don't know what that is, it's a very heavy winter, double-breasted jacket. 

This one was given to me when I was a teen and I wore it throughout high school and college during the NYC winter seasons. Now, here's the rub... it belonged to my cousin Ron! I told that story at the concert and then gave that P-coat back to him - after nearly 50 years!! He was quite surprised and grateful for that memento. As the picture shows, the coat still fits him!

Now, back to the concert... Brotherhood has a blast meeting new folks and sharing our brand/style of southern gospel music - always something for everyone. We had them play "Name That Tune" and all joined in singing "Mansion Over The Hilltop". We also had special prayer break that was so evidently needed for healings right in the middle of the concert.

 We look forward to a return visit, Lord willing.

See you "down the road"!!