“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations. He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.” Psalm 98:1-4 NKJV
Music continues to be a major part of my life.
Songs from “Tabernacle Hymns,” from the time I was 2 years old, were sung in every service at our local church.
In 7th grade, I sang in the boys’ glee club; from 8th grade forward, I played trombone. Asked to be a member of the “Campus Cadets” high school dance band as a junior and sing “That’s My Desire,” God hit me in the heart with Romans 12:1-2: ” I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
I prayed and declared, “This will be my first, my last, my only night with the Campus Cadets.” My final song was playing the coronation march for the candidates for carnival queen.
December of my senior year, Mount Carmel Youth for Christ monthly rallies began, featuring live music, and I emceed the events.
Every Sunday evening, “Singspiration” was presented in a different local church facility, following the regular Sunday night services. It was my privilege to be a vocal soloist nearly every week.
My high school senior year, our church began a Saturday morning live radio broadcast from 7:30 to 8 AM. I was asked to be vocal soloist the second Saturday “Echoes of Grace” aired. Our theme song was “Wonderful Grace of Jesus.”
Our pastor trained me to conduct the weekly broadcast before he moved to another community.
My future father-in-law, Pastor J.C. Greer, recorded my singing “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace … His Word shall not fail you, He promised, believe Him and all will be well. Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell.”
Every Saturday night since TTT began in 1966, music has played a vital role. Ron Lentini brought “The Vocal Heirs” during our first year. Other outstanding vocal and instrumental groups have been featured, including Joe Alessi with “Eternity,” Roger Breland and “Truth,” and Cam Floria’s “Continentals.” Thurlow Spurr brought “The Spurrlows.” Christian colleges and universities have sent their travel teams.
At 7:27 PM every Saturday, TTT continues in person and livestream (recent videos available on demand). Each week features live music by the TTT music team, directed by Russell McCarty, vocals and keyboard; joined by Carol Youngs, flute; Woody Youngs, saxophone; Kim Foltz, vocals; and others.
Trumpet virtuoso Chiz Rider will be featured at TTT Saturday, April 25.
During July and August, “Fair Share” possibilities can take the Gospel to up to 13 county fairs and street festivals.
Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38 NKJV
As we continue “Together Toward Tomorrow,” we’re prayerfully seeking “Truth Telling Connectors” – so that more youth (ages 10-19) and adult youth workers can receive evangelism training through TTT, equipped and challenged to share the Gospel with others, inviting them to personally “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Leading Youth evangelism training is available at TTT Saturdays May 9 and June 13.
Eugene L. Clark, who served as music director for the “Back to the Bible” radio broadcast, wrote the song “Nothing Is Impossible.”
Will you personally believe and sing: “Nothing is impossible when you put your trust in God. Nothing is impossible when you’re trusting in His Word. Hearken to the voice of God to thee, “Is there anything too hard for Me?” Then put your trust in God alone and rest upon His Word. For everything, oh everything, yes everything is possible with God!”
Will you “sing to the Lord a new song … Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day” (Psalm 96:1-2 NKJV), inviting others to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ”?