Published: November 15, 2008 07:55 pm      

Church Roundup

Hemphills set concert at People’s Church

Joel and LaBreeska Hemphill will be featured in concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, and again at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at People’s Church, Hwy. 79 E in Jacksonville. Pastor, the Rev. Andy Fannette, says all are welcome to come and hear this couple present a concert of gospel music and hear his testimony. There is no charge.

For more than 40 years name name Hemphill has become established as one of the most recognized names in the world of gospel music. Starting with the two of them , the Hemphills began their ministry preaching andf singing. The group later included their children, Joey, Trent and Candy. The family became one of the foremost mixed groups in gospel music. They were famous for the talent of the personnel and for the quality of material they sang, most of which was written by Joel. They received six Dove Awards and Joel was nominated 10 times by the Gospel Music Association as song writer of the year.

In 1990, the children decided to pursue other interests and the group disbanded. As Joel and LaBreeska were about to embark on a new endeavor with the two of them again, the greatest trial of their lives began. He was diagnosed with colon cancer. Surgery was successful, but prolonged complications took their toll and plummeted him into severe clinical depression, disabling him for two years.

Had his condition continued, there would have been a tragic conclusion. But, Joel says, “God intervened and on Sunday morning, Nov. 8, 1992, while being prayed for by his pastor and church, as well as other friends, I was completely healed.”

Today, totally restored, the couple shares their marvelous testimony to the awesome healing and restoration power of God. They travel the world singing and preaching the news of Christ’s gospel and of His power to heal ailments and conquer adversity. Joel has written more than 100 new gospel songs with cuts that include “I’d Like to Say it Again,” by the Cathedrals; “When Jesus Says It’s Enough,” by the Gaither Vocal Band; and “Two Out of Three,” recorded by Charlie Daniels. They are frequent television guests and appear as regulars on the Gaither Homecoming videos.

The Hemphills live in Nashville, Tenn. They have ministered 45 years, including 10 years of pastoral work in Louisiana, and 13 months in Nashville. They have written 350 songs, have recorded 27 albums and numerous No. 1 and Top Ten hits. Mrs. Hemphill has written a book, “Partners in Motion,” an autobiography that gives a first-hand account of the history of gospel music as it is known today. Joel’s book, “To God Be The Glory,” is a biblical study of the person of God.

Television appearances include the Grand Ole Opry, Crook and Chase, The 700 Club, TBN and Gospel Country. They were invited guests at the White House for a Gospel Singing when Jimmy Carter was president.

Rev. Rohlin guest speaker

at FBC-Neches

The Rev. Robert Rohlin of Mansfield will be the guest speaker at First Baptist Church-Neches at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 16.

Rohlin has pastored churches for 28 years and has shared the gospel in China, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand and England, as well as the U.S. He and his wife Judy have eight children who sing and play a variety of instruments.

Sunday night, the church will welcome Carl Ivans of Neches, a recent licensed minister. He is also the former youth minister at FBC-Neches. He’ll bring a special message for the evening service at 6 p.m.

Sunday school for all ages begin each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Worship starts at 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays. Wednesday meetings begin at 7 p.m. Youth and children’s choirs also meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday.



New Prospect celebrates 66th church anniversary

The pastor and members of New Prospect Baptist Church cordially invites all area pastors and churches to join them in celebrating the church’s 66th anniversary at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16.

Guest speaker for the historic occasion is the Rev. W.D. Brown of Carters Chapel of Jacksonville and Blount Chapel of Rusk.

All area churches are invited and asked to render an A selection.



Deadline for BMA Motion classes nears

The BMA Theological Seminary will be offering week-long Motion classes in January. Raif Turner will be teaching Systematic Theology II Jan. 5-9 and Dr. Fiodor Baraniuk will be leading Church/Planting/

Selected Topics in Missions. Students must register by Nov. 21, and are responsible for pre-class assignments. Also, students are responsible for obtaining a syllabus and textbooks promptly upon registration. Contact the Dean’s Office, 903-586-2501 or e-mail bmatsem@bmats.edu, for details on syllabi.



Eastside Baptist hosts

southern gospel concert

Eastside Baptist Church in Rusk will be hosting a Southern Gospel Concert featuring The Acclaim Quartet at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22.

The quartet is from Greenville, Ohio. Their calling and desire is to reach lost souls for Christ. They are sure to be entertaining but their main goal is to present the message of Jesus Christ and salvation.

The group members are David Oglesby-Tenor, Roger Robinson-Lead, Gaylen Blosser-baritone and Noah Wilson-bass.

Everyone is invited to attend. There is no admission. A love offering will be taken for the group. Eastside Baptist is located at 400 Academy, Rusk. For more information, call the church office at 903-683-2566.



Dixie Melody boys in concert

Ed O’Neil and The Dixie Melody Boys will entertain the public at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Wells High School auditorium.

Tickets are $10 in advance for adults and will be slightly higher at the door. Tickets for children under 12 are $5. The event is sponsored by the Wells FFA chapter. For more information, call 936-867-4400.

O’Neal, whose name has been synonymous with gospel music for 40 years, joined The Dixie Melody Boys in 1961 and became owner and manager of the quartet just a few years later. During the past three decades The Dixie Melody Boys hav enjoyed tremendous success, including a Grammy nomination and numerous Fan Award nominations from the Singing News Magazine, Southern Gospel Music’s leading fan and trade publication.