Azotus Annual Homecoming

Tradition continued, as the Echoes returned to sing again at the Azotus Baptist Church annual Homecoming service. We have sung at every Azotus singing since 1971 or 1972. Since the church does not even have electricity, a majority of the years saw us lugging a generator with us to provide the power for sound equipment. Then, with technology improving, we found that a DC-AC power converter did the job very well.

The singing has always been held the last Sunday in August. Most of the years found it hot and humid. This year, both the temperature and humidity moderated, and God provided a cool breeze to help make the afternoon under the big Maple tree enjoyable for all.

After preaching by Mark Staton (Twila's husband) in the church building, everyone moved outside for dinner on the ground, under that big Maple tree. That's also where we set up our equipment. After we finished eating a delicious pot luck meal, we then began bringing forth the Gospel in Song.

It was good to once again be a part of this Azotus tradition. And if the Lord doesn't return before then, it's very likely that we'll be found once again at Azotus on the last Sunday of August, 2011.

Gospel Mission Tabernacle

The Echoes visited with the congregation at Gospel Mission Tabernacle, in Golconda, IL, to help them celebrate a homecoming-style service -- preaching, dinner on the grounds and singing. Pastor Tim Green made us feel right at home, which in reality we sorta were. Sharon and Dorris Thomas attend GMT, so they WERE home.

The Echoes have sung at GMT a number of times over the years, as the church was founded by Billy Green, an original member of the Echoes from Calvary. He left the Echoes in 1975 to devote his entire energies to pastoring GMT. Billy retired a few years ago, at which time Tim Green, his nephew, took over the pastoral duties.

After a delicious meal, it was tempting to close one's eyes and perhaps doze a little. That's why we mixed in some faster, up-tempo songs along with the slower songs. And it must have worked. We didn't see anyone sleep. In fact, we did see clapping hands and raised hands in praise to Jesus Christ. That made it a good day.

Anthony Underwood Benefit - Olmsted

The Echoes ventured "down south" to the Olmsted, Illinois area to participate in a benefit for Anthony Underwood. Anthony is a long-time member of the Glory Road Travelers Quartet, with whom the Echoes have sung many times over the years. Anthony is suffering from an unidentified neurological disorder which affects memory.

Hosted by the WKGMA (West Kentucky Gospel Music Association), the singing was held at Caledonia Community Church. 5 groups, comprised of WKGMA groups and soloists, provided a great selection of Gospel songs that everyone enjoyed during the evening. Appearing were "For Heaven's Sake," "New Harmony Singers," "Echoes from Calvary," "Up Lift," and Sue Steers.

Ending up the Echoes' set, we featured our music video of "He'd Do It All Again." The song, written by Rodney Griffin, is a powerful message that Jesus loves us so much that He would go through the pain and torture of Calvary all over again, if that were necessary for our salvation. The video, put together by David, intersperses video scenes from "Passion of the Christ" to help illustrate the words of the song to help the viewer/listener more fully understand to just what extent Christ did suffer for our sins.

It was a good evening for WKGMA friends to get together to help a fellow singer and friend -- and to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ once again.

Antioch Association Revival, Golconda

The Echoes were honored to be asked to sing for the opening night of a 1-week Revival for the Antioch Baptist Association churches in Illinois. The Golconda 1st Baptist Church was the host for the revival services. Tim Sadler, Director of Evangelism for the Illinois Baptist State Association, was the evangelist for the revival. Tim is the son of Paul Sadler, who pastored at Golconda 1st Baptist for a 10-year period during Tim's growing-up years.

The Echoes began by singing "I've Got That Old Time Religion In My Heart," followed by "Written In Heaven." David then sang about God's goodness to His children, "Thank God For Grace." "Preach The Word" then encouraged people to be more powerful witnesses for Christ. They then ended with an encouraging word for anyone who is going through troubles or trials, with a song that reminds us that God has everything "Under Control."

Tim then began his message by reminiscing about the yards he had mowed while growing up in Golconda, and the lasting friendships he had fostered. He also shared a story about Lon Baker, who was one of the founding members of the Echoes from Calvary. One day, while doing some custodial work in the church, Lon was talking with Pastor Paul, while Tim was listening. Lon proceeded to tell Paul that he had to finish up his work because he had to go to the "dam picnic" that afternoon. Tim couldn't believe what he was hearing coming from Lon's "potty mouth." Of course, Tim didn't realize that Lon worked at the Lock & Dam 51 in Golconda, and they were having their annual employee picnic that afternoon.

But after the thinking back to times past, Tim began preaching a powerful sermon about the need for workers in the field today. He preached about the need for concern for winning people to Christ now, before it's too late. He encourage people to go out to do what one of the songs the Echoes sang during the service, "Preach The Word."

It was a great start to a week of revival. And that's what the Echoes strive to do each time we sing, to perhaps help revive people and to encourage people through the Gospel in song to be on fire for God.