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April 2008 in Review:
As I write this, I can’t help but remember the wonderful Easter Season that we have just celebrated. This time of year is a wonderful reminder of the hope we have in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because He gave His life for us, we can surely trust Him with our lives. Praise His Name!!
This has been a great month of ministry as we have traveled around the country. We have shared with wonderful folks in Florida, Oklahoma, Texas and Alabama. We want to thank everyone that welcomed us into their churches and concerts and for all the folks that joined us for some great services. Thank you for sharing your time with us when we come into your areas. Your support and prayers mean so much to each of us.
The Nominations are in…
And we cannot thank you enough for your votes. We are honored to be nominated in the Top 10 for the following categories:
Trio: Mark Trammell Trio
Young Artist: Dustin Sweatman
Baritone: Mark Trammell
Album: Once Upon A Cross
Although the nominations mean a lot us, the ability to sing for our Lord and Savior is the most important part of our ministry. Again, thank you for your votes!
What’s Next?
Mark Trammell Trio Homecoming
We are making plans for our Third Annual Mark Trammell Trio Homecoming, July 25 – 27, 2008. This will be a wonderful weekend of music, fellowship, fun and ministry as we join together at our home church, Hillcrest Baptist Church in Anniston, AL. On Friday night our special guests will be the Whisnants and the Diplomats. On Saturday night we will be welcoming the Perrys as our special guests. On Sunday morning MTT will be singing in the morning service and Mark Trammell will be preaching. We are also planning to have a golf tournament again this year on Saturday morning starting at 8:30 AM. We hope you will make plans to join us for the weekend. If you would like more information, please email us at MTTrio@aol.com and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
2009 Singing At Sea Cruise
Have you ever wanted to go on a cruise? Well if so, we have the cruise for you! The 2009 Singing At Sea Cruise is set to sail on February 9th from Tampa, Florida and we would be thrilled if you would join us for this awesome week of music, preaching, fun and food!!!!! MTT will be joining many great singers and preachers for what many consider to be a trip of a life time.
Our first stop will be the resort island of Grand Cayman. This is an island kissed by sparkling waters were you can enjoy virtually every water sport you can imagine. Our next stop will at Cozumel, a resort town of fashionable shops and beaches. Cozumel is world-renowned for the superb diving opportunities it offers.
Our home for this adventure will be Carnival Cruise Line’s Inspiration. This newly remolded ship features a world-class spa, putt-putt and a three-story water park for the young and young at heart. During the cruise you will enjoy gourmet delights and sumptuous buffets – you will not have a chance to get hungry! The Inspiration offers a complete children’s program with activates for ages 2 to 15 each day. This is the ideal vacation for the family. You will enjoy Christian fellowship, comedy, preaching and Great Southern Gospel music every day. This week is your chance to relax and enjoy vacationing in a Christian atmosphere.
If you would like more information, please email us at MTTrio@aol.com and we will be happy to send you a brochure.
Please remember us in your prayers as we travel. Your prayers and support allow us to do what we are called to do. Thanks for your support and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Until next time - - Blessings!
Mark, Eric & Dustin
Wonderful news!
GADSDEN, AL (Special Release) Award Winning Tenor Eric Phillips and wife Lauren from the Mark Trammell Trio family are thrilled to announce the birth of their second child. Blake Aaron Phillips was born yesterday (Sunday July 8) at 12:31 PM at Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama. He weighs 8 lbs 12oz. and is 21 inches long. Eric and the group were in Harrisville, Mississippi awaiting the Sunday morning service when the call came in. Mom, Dad, and baby Blake are doing fine! Big sister Carli is excited to have a new toy! Blake was about 4 hours old when Dad saw him for the first time. We rejoice with this precious family and their new gift from the Almighty. Special thanks to Nic Holland for driving to Moselle, Mississippi Sunday afternoon to fill in for Eric.
You may send cards to Eric and Lauren Phillips
c/o Mark Trammell Trio, PO Box 588, Gadsden, AL. 35902.
Mark
Mark Trammell Trio featured on XM Satellite Radio
Coming up on Daniel Britt & Friends the week of 05/14/07:
We focus our spotlight on The Mark Trammell Trio and learn more
about the group's vision, history and current makeup of the trio.
Daniel talks to Mark Trammell, Eric Phillips, and Dustin Sweatman.
Find out if Eric's ever had to use his police training on the
road, about Dustin's start in Gospel music, and hear more about
Mark's
call to preach. You'll enjoy hearing the hearts -- and harmonies
-- of The Mark Trammell Trio! Daniel Britt & Friends is heard each week throughout the U.S.
and Canada on XM Satellite Radio's enLighten 34 - Mondays at 7PM
ET, Thursdays at 10PM ET, and Saturdays at 12 Noon ET. You can
also hear it online at xmradio.com, at AOL Radio, or with DirecTV
on channel 828. After the broadcast, you can download the extended
interview from www.danielbritt.com.
Dear MTT family,
I'm sure that by now you have heard of the passing of my friend
and former co-laborer Roger Bennett.
We've been doing some concerts lately where we honor our days with
the great Cathedral Quartet. Of course, I can't help but reflect
upon simpler times.
When I think about Roger I think about the fact that he and I were
two boys from Arkansas who loved gospel music more than life itself.
I think about a picture that my mom gave me that was of Roger and
myself on stage in Strawberry, AR at his first homecoming concert.
He was afraid no one would show up and the gym was packed to capacity.
We were both in our early 20's then, and upon getting our jobs
with the Cathedrals, thought we had "died and gone to the good
place" as one old man said.
Back then, Roger was single and LaResa and I had just been married
a couple of years. We lived next door to each other twice during
our years there. I remember one year in particular Roger came home
from summer vacation and talked about this "girl" he
wanted us to meet. Her name was Debra. The way he talked about her
I knew that he was "smitten" by her. It wasn't long until
the engagement ring and then the wedding and then she moved to Lorwood
Drive in Stow, OH with the rest of us. To this day, she
is the only sane part of Roger Bennett's life.
Later, we bought houses next to each other. Started having families.
His fence was my fence. He couldn't crank a lawnmower and I couldn't
turn on a computer, so we made real good neighbors as well as working
partners.
As time always does, it marched on. God began to grow us and use
us in different areas of ministry and we weren't together anymore.
A couple of years ago I got a voice message from Roger. He and Debbie
were in the airport waiting for yet another flight
to Houston. He said that they were talking about the days when we
were neighbors, laughing about my saving him from burning his house
down while trying to grill steaks on his first portable grill. He
is one of a few people who could chew me out and make me laugh at
the same time. A true friend.
We've shared the worst of days AND the best of days. Saw each others
children take their first steps. Celebrated being part of the No.
1 quartet in America, knowing all along that we had very little
to do with any of it. Come to think of it, life is still pretty
much the same way.
For some reason I have always called him R. Douglas and he has
called me Timothy Mark. I don't know why, but I do know this. Roger
has once again moved into the same city as George and Glen and they
are probably helping him get settled into his new
house, and this time I'm not his neighbor. At least not yet. I hope
the angels are good plumbers. Roger can be dangerous with a wrench
in his hand.
R. Douglas, we'll see you soon.
Mark Trammell
Mark Trammell Trio Working on New Daywind Release
by Daywind Music Group
HENDERSONVILLE, TN (Press Release) - The Mark Trammell Trio was
recently in Hendersonville, TN, laying down vocals for their new
project with Daywind Records. "Once Upon A Cross." Produced
by Steve Mauldin and Mark Trammell, the recording features eleven
songs including "Once Upon A Cross," "You Can't Hold
Back The Flood," "Moving The Hand Of God," "Weary
At The Well" and "America The Beautiful." Songwriters
include Marty Funderburk, Dianne Wilkinson, Rodney Griffin, Kyla
Rowland, Joseph Habedank and Matthew Holt, among others.
"We are thrilled with the variety and spirit that we feel in
this project. Dustin and Eric both sang better than ever,"
stated Mark Trammell.
"Once Upon A Cross" can be found in your local Christian
bookstore on February 20, 2007.
For nearly thirty years, Mark Trammell has been traveling and singing
Southern Gospel music. He has received numerous awards including
five Singing News Fan Awards for Favorite Baritone. The Mark Trammell
Trio has been nominated for Trio of the Year at the Singing News
Fan Awards for the past three years.
Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed
worldwide through New Day Christian Distribution and Word
Entertainment/WEA. Daywind is also home to artists such as Brian
Free & Assurance, Triumphant Quartet and the Perrys, among others.
November 22, 2006
As we gather with our families to give thanks this week, one of
the things to be most thankful for is you. This has been our best
year, so far. We know it is first because of the blessings of God,
but you being there has been a great part of that blessing. Thank
you for your love and support for this ministry.
We Love YOU!
In Jesus,
Mark, Eric, Dustin, Steve, our families and support team
November 7, 2006
We are very excited to announce that we are headed into the studio
this week to do the vocals on our new project. We are looking forward
to this project and we believe the songs we have picked will reach
out to souls around the country.
We are asking for your prayers during this process. We need the
Lord's direction in everything we do.
Thanks for your support of our ministry and for your prayers during
this time.
In His Service,
Mark, Eric, Dustin & Steve
September 21, 2006
Homecoming 2007
We are excited to announce the lineup and dates for the 2007 MTT
homecoming! We will be going to three days as many of you have requested.
The dates are July 27, 28, and 29.
The event will kick off on Friday night July 27 at 7 PM with MTT
and our friends the Diplomats, from Carrollton, Ga. Then on sat
morning we will have a golf tournament at the beautiful Silver Lakes
Golf course which is a part of the famous Robert Trent Jones Golf
Trail here in Alabama.
Saturday night, we are thrilled to announce that Greater Vision
will be with us! What a great evening that will be. Then on Sunday
morning we invite all of our out-of-town friends to stay over and
worship with us as MTT will be a part of the 10 AM morning worship
service to close out our homecoming activities.
There are two hotels in the Anniston/Oxford area who are offering
discounts on rooms for our event that weekend. Please call our office
or e-mail us and we will get the information to you! We hope all
of you can come!
Blessings,
Mark
Monday, August 28, 2006
From Singing News.com
Perrys Announce New Vocal Line-Up
by The Perrys
Nick
Trammell
MORRISTOWN, TN(Special Release) - The Perrys have announced that
Nick Trammell has joined the group as baritone vocalist. Nick, the
son of legendary baritone Mark Trammell and wife LaResa, has been
traveling with the group for the past two weeks and today (Monday,
August 28) was formally offered and accepted the job.
Tracy Stuffle of the Perrys says, "Nick has the potential
to be one of Southern Gospel music's finest singers. He's already
a seasoned road veteran and during the two weeks that he's been
on our bus, he's shown that his personality and talents don't stop
with the stage. He's an excellent people-person and he's already
proven to be a favorite with the fans and other groups. We're excited
about the possibilities Nick brings to the Perrys."
With the selection of Nick as baritone, former Perrys baritone
Joseph Habedank has moved to the lead vocalist position that was
created by the departure of Loren Harris earlier this month. "We
had always known that Joseph was an excellent baritone, but through
this transition, we've learned that he's a fine lead singer as well.
He stepped into that position two weeks ago and he's been on auto-pilot
ever since!"
... ...
Yes it's true. Our son Nick is now a part of the No. 1 mixed quartet
in America. We are extremely proud of Nick and his new position
with some of my favorite people in the world. As some of you know,
I listen to the Perrys on a regular basis and will enjoy hearing
my son carry on the tradition of spreading the Gospel in song. The
question has already been asked, "will Nick be finishing college?"
The answer is an emphatic "yes." In order to receive our
blessing in this decision, he vowed to his mom and myself that he
would definitely get his degree. Please pray for all of us. I can
think of no better group of people for my son to be around than
Tracy, Libbi, and the guys.
I tried to keep Nick from living this life but obviously God had
other plans. With that, I will bow out and allow my grown son to
reach for a more intimate walk with his master and maybe in the
process live out some of his own dreams.
Mom and I love you son and we have never been more proud. Get ready
for lots of quarter pounders, hugs, and sleepless nights.
Mark Trammell
Monday, July 31, 2006
Homecoming Update
Just a quick word of thanks to all of you who were in attendance
for our first homecoming weekend here in Anniston, Alabama. We had
folks from Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ontario,
Canada! Our home church was blown away by the attendance and by
the distances that you traveled to be with us. Thank you from the
bottom of our hearts. The Talleys were GREAT as usual and Saturday
night we were blessed with over 600 in attendance and I've never
heard our guys sing any better!
Sunday was a wonderful day as well. The spirit was overwhelming
and we had such a sweet time in Jesus. We had almost 2,000 for the
morning service as we closed out our first homecoming, and I can
think of no greater way to close out the weekend than to see people
walk the aisle and give their heart to Jesus. I believe we had four
salvation decisions and a number of decisions confirming salvation
as well as others bringing their needs to the Father. I haven't
done that much laughing and crying at the same time in a LONG time.
We love you all, and pray that you can be with us next year. God
willing, the dates and guests will be announced in the next few
days. Please be in prayer. Don't forget our Christmas trip to Pigeon
Forge on Dec 4 thru 6, and the Cruise is February 19 to 24. If you
would like to go on one of these trips with us, please call me at
the office and I will get the information to you. The no. is 256-442-1621.
Encouraged by Jesus,
Mark
Monday, July 24, 2006
New addition to the Mark Trammell Ministry, behind the
scenes, family ...
On
June 30th 2006 at 10:39 a.m. Nathan Parker was born to James and
Rachel Parker. Jamey is the webmaster for MarkTrammellMinistries.com.
Nathan was born a month early and had to spend two weeks in the
NICU.
Through the prayers of praying believers, Nathan is now home with
Mom and Dad and doing fine. "I always knew about counting
my blessings,"
said Jamey, "after spending two weeks in the NICU with my
new son, God taught me how to count them. While holding
our new 6 pound 7 ounce baby boy, I looked over to see a 1 pound
9 ounce baby boy and his family. They were standing around him
wondering if
their
dreams
of
little league baseball would ever come true. I understood then
and thanked God for Nathan's health. I don't understand why Nathan
came early and had to spend time away
from us, but God used
that time for good. We got to meet several Christian families and
talk to others who were just coming into the NICU with the same
worried looked we had just days before. God has blessed us! ...
and if you want to see a miracle ... just look at Nathan's picture.
He is our blessing and a miracle." Jamey
and Rachel would like everyone to pray for the NICU
babies. Luke 18:16 "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children
to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom
of God."
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Mark Trammell Trio Homecoming 2006 with guests The Talley
Trio ...
We are very excited to announce a special event being planning
for July 29 and 30, 2006. This is going to be a wonderful time of
ministry and sharing with our friends and families.
Please make plans to join us and our special guests The Talley
Trio for the Mark Trammell Trio Homecoming.
Hope to see you there,
Mark, Eric, Dustin & Steve
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Mark Trammell Trio and Steve Hurst Join Forces
GADSDEN, AL(Special Release) We are excited to announce that we
have joined forces with Steve Hurst in presenting regional vocal
seminar/ministry schools this coming year. We feel this is a vital
and important ministry tool for us and we look forward to reaching
out to soloist, groups and speakers around the country. We feel
called to strengthen the ministries in the local churches and to
enable them to fulfill the calling the Lord has given them.
We were honored to join forces with Pastor Tommy Young at West
Jacksonville Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL for our first seminar
in February. This was a time of ministry, training and private
instruction with approximately 140 people enrolled. Several students
have contacted us about the experience they had during the seminar.
This was a life-changing weekend for many who attended. We were
privileged to sing for the seminar as well as teach in classes
and private lessons. The service on Friday night was a very moving
time for all that attended. The school choir sang in the service
and it was awesome. It was wonderful working with Pastor Tommy
and his staff on this endeavor and we look forward to working with
them again on February 15 – 18, 2007. If you would like information
about attending the 2007 School, please contact Pastor Young at
904-472-1246.
Our first joint venture will be held at the Holly Springs Baptist
Church in Nacogdoches, TX on May 21 and 22, 2006. We are very excited
to be working with Mary Anne Oglesby and the folks from this church.
If you would like more information on this regional school, please
call 936-554-4615.
Sing
His Praises Music
Ministry Seminar!
Interested? e-mail MTTrio@aol.com
for more information.
If you would like information on hosting a seminar in your
area, we would like to talk with you. Please contact us at MTTrio@aol.com or
at www.stevehurstschoolofmusic.com.
This is a tremendous way to reach out to the ministries in
your local area. This could
be a weekend that will change your life and ministry for a
lifetime.
We look forward to hearing from you and coming to your area
to minister.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
I am deeply saddened as I write this due to the passing of Anthony
Burger. Anthony was a great man and an even greater friend. This
is a great loss to me personally, to the Mark Trammell Trio and
to the Southern Gospel Music Community.
Anthony and I worked together during our years with the Kingsmen.
We truly grew up together in the music industry and I have always
loved him like a little brother.
In my mind's eye, I can see Anthony worshiping our Savior in heaven,
the same Savior that he worshiped in music while he was here with
us. One day we will be together again when we join Anthony in the
presence of the Lord as we worship Christ forever.
Please pray for Anthony's family during this time. May God surround
them with His love as we all say goodbye to our friend!!!
Mark
Friday January 27 2006
Mark Trammell Trio Welcomes Dustin Sweatman
by Mark Trammell Trio
Dustin Sweatman is the new lead singer for the Mark Trammell
Trio.
GADSDEN, AL (Press Release) - After two and a half months and 54
applicants, the Mark Trammell Trio has chosen 22 year old Dustin
Sweatman from Cumming, GA, as their new lead vocalist. Dustin was
in the Top 5 nominations for the 2004 Singing News Horizon Award
and has been singing for the Dixie Melody Boys for the past two
and a half years.
"We are very excited about the addition of this young man
and what God has in store for all of us in the days to come"
says Mark. He also states that their fill-in, Steve Hurst of music/ministry
school fame, will be staying on board as vocal coach, and his primary
position will be at the keyboard on most of the group's engagements.
They will also collectively be involved in vocal seminar/ministry
school endeavors in the coming year.
Dustin will be joining the group around the first of March.
Mark continues "I have an awesome amount of respect for Ed
O'Neal and the Dixie Melody Boys and ask that you, our friends and
fans, please pray for both groups as we work through this transition
together. It is my desire that it would not only be good for both
groups, but, most importantly that it would be pleasing to our Lord.
Lastly, we are grateful to the other 52 men and 1 woman who sent
demos and displayed an interest in being a part of this ministry.
You?ll never know how much that meant to me personally."
Thanks,
Mark
Joseph Smith To Leave Mark Trammell Trio
by Mark Trammell
GADSDEN, AL(Special Release) - Mark Trammell writes: "It is
with deep regret that we announce the soon coming departure of our
beloved lead singer, Joseph Smith. Joseph is one of the greatest
singers and songwriters that I have ever had the honor to travel
with. He has truly been an asset to the building of this ministry
from day one. A non-life-threatening health condition is the basis
for his leaving the road at this time.
"Joseph states that he will remain with us until another singer
is found. We love Joseph, Shawn, and Canaan, and applaud the wisdom used
in making the decision to do what is best for he and his family. We respectfully
request that you allow this to remain a personal issue to be dealt with
by the Smith family.
"We also covet your prayers in the coming days for God's guidance
as we begin the process of transition and move forward with the work
He has called us to."
Mark also relates auditions will be held just after Thanksgiving and
asks that anyone interested please send a demo tape, personal bio and
picture to Mark Trammell Trio, PO Box 588, Gadsden, AL 35902
(May 23, 2005)
Hello friends,
I really felt impressed to send a news update about the last few weeks.
As you know, we were a part of the "Jubilee At Sea" cruise
back in February. Well, we have been encouraged to be a part of it again
next year. There is only one catch. In order for us to be able to go,
we need you to go with us. If you haven't made plans for a winter vacation,
please consider going with us and our families next year. The dates are
Feb. 20 thru 25, 2006. We are also confirmed to go to the Holy Land on
March 27, 2006 and return April 4. Brochures will be available in the
next couple of weeks for this trip. You can get information for either
trip on our website. Lastly, we were in Fishersville on May 15 for the
first two services of their annual campmeeting. We sang and I had the
honor of preaching in both the morning and evening services. We saw four
people walk the aisle for salvation that day, plus a number of other
decisions. I had asked the Lord a month ago to allow us to see souls
saved during the upcoming meetings as a confirmation for us to keep on
doing things as we are. It sure was a blessing to get the answer that
quickly. We praise God for these decisions.
Also, because of technical difficulties with the audio portion of our
new video, the release date has been moved to June 10, 2005. Please be
in prayer that all will go well and we can release on that schedule.
We are sorry for any inconvenience.
Mark Trammell
(April 12, 2005)
Dear ones,
It breaks my heart to share the news of the passing of my mentor, second
father, Doctor of Bass Singing, the man that I affectionately called "Pop," George
W. Younce. I can only equate my feelings on this day to the day my real
father passed away in April of 1994. I really want to be selfish and
tell God that He took George too soon, but in reality, He had fought
it long enough. I feel like a little boy who's lost his way in the night
instead of a grey haired man who is supposed to have it all together.
At the very thought of hearing Pop sing "Today I went back to the
place where I used to go. Today I saw that same old crowd I knew before.
When they asked me what had happened, I tried to tell them. Thanks to
CALVARY I don't come here any more." I just want to sit and cry.
Thanks to Calvary, Pop is in that place He's sung about all his life.
Please pray for his family during these coming days, and thank you
for allowing me to share my thoughts and personal grief with you.
Blessings,
Mark Trammell
Dear ones,
Our spring revival will be in Bascom, Fl. next week. We will be at Bascom
Baptist Church Sunday morning April 3 and will go thru Wednesday Evening
April 6. I will be preaching in each service and the trio will be singing
as well. PLEASE pray for a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit during
these upcoming days. We love these people and are honored that they would
let us be involved in this meeting. Some of you have asked about a picture
of the Bus. God has blessed us greatly and Jamey will try to get a picture
on the website soon! We could not live without our bloodline. They are
very important to our ministry, and we thank God every day for them.
More good news soon!
Blessings,
Mark Trammell
Harper Agency Inks Mark Trammell Trio
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN(Special Release) - The Harper Agency, one of Christian
Music’s leading booking agencies, recently announced the addition
of Daywind recording artist The Mark Trammell Trio to an exclusive
scheduling agreement. This talented, male trio has enjoyed much success
with numerous hit radio releases, including “It’s Jesus,” which
was nominated for Song of the Year honors in 2004, as well as their
current release, “Stand And Praise The Lord.”
According to Ed Harper, President of The Harper Agency, The Mark Trammell
Trio possesses a rich sound that is led by one of Southern Gospel Music’s
premier baritone singers. “Mark Trammell is recognized by our industry
as one of the premier baritone singers. He has done a terrific job in
assembling a trio with strong vocals, which include Joseph Smith and
Eric Phillips,” Harper explains.
“Mark and I have known each other since 1982, when he was singing
with The Cathedrals,” Harper continues. “We respect his work
ethic, and we certainly look forward to a long-term relationship.”
Those sentiments are shared by the Trio’s leader, Mark Trammell. “In
my 31 years of singing,” Trammell explains, “many of those
years have been affiliated with the Harper Agency, in some way or another.
Our relationship is one that has stood the test of time. Ed Harper, his
brother, Jeff, and I have grown up together in this industry, so I am
very excited that The Mark Trammell Trio will be represented by The Harper
Agency and two gentlemen whom I respect greatly.”
The Mark Trammell Trio may be scheduled by contacting The Harper Agency
at 615-851-4500 or via the web at www.harperagency.com.
3/18/05
Hi Friends,
Just wanted to share some good news with you! We just received word from Singing
News that the Top 10 nominees for the 2005 Singing News
Fan Awards has been released.
Thanks to all of you, we made it to the top 10 in the following categories:
- Eric
Phillips - Favorite Young Artist, and Favorite Tenor.
- Joseph Smith - Favorite
Lead Singer.
- Mark Trammell - Favorite Male Singer, and Favorite Baritone.
We just
wanted to share the great news with all of you and thank you for making
this possible. We Love You ALL.
Blessings,
Mark
March 10, 2005
UPDATE on the news story from March 8, 2005
15 year old Make a Wish recipient Travis
Shontz is in remission. Praise God!
March 8, 2005
For those of you who wonder if today's
young people like southern gospel music, here's a story you might want
to read.
Travis Shontz was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at age 13. He underwent
radiation, Chemotherapy and then had a stem cell transplant. During the
process he was not given much hope. A little over a year ago he was contacted
by Make A Wish Foundation and told that he could do anything imaginable.
He could go to the Eiffel Tower, Super Bowl, have dinner with the President,
go to Disney, whatever. He didn't make a decision until his parents came
home from a concert in Hamilton, Ont. with a brochure on the upcoming
(now past) Jubilee at Sea. Strangely enough he loves Southern Gospel
Music and when He saw the brochure he pointed to the ship and told his
parents that he wanted to go on that cruise.
They contacted Make A Wish and not only did he get to go. Make a Wish
sent his entire family! I found out about it during a midnight buffet
on Tuesday night and asked if I could introduce our special guest
during our portion of the concert on Thursday night. Because of the
unusual
nature of this trip, Larry Hutto, a close friend of mine, mentioned
presenting some token of appreciation to Travis for reminding us
that this music
still touches lives. Including a 15 year old cancer patient in the
rural areas west of Toronto. So on behalf of all the groups on board
that week,
I presented him with a bag of CD's. At least one from every group!!
You should have seen his face! His family now has quite a collection
to add
to their gospel music library.
It was one of those moments that I was glad to be a gospel singer.
Mark Trammell
Monday November 8 2004
Mark Trammell Trio Honored By Demeter
GADSDEN, AL(Press Release) - The Mark Trammell Trio was honored to
sing for former LA Dodgers outfielder Don Demeter on November 7. With
stellar performances on a regular basis, Demeter was known as one of
baseball's greatest players and a 'true gentleman. He set MLB records
that were not broken until recent years.
Demeter is now pastor of the Grace Community Baptist Church in Oklahoma
City, OK. And, as a side note ,Rev. Demeter was also in the foursome
behind Mark Trammell the day Trammell accepted Christ as Savior at the
3rd tee box of the Willow Creek Golf Course.
The Trio received honorary Dodger warm-up jackets from Rev. Demeter
during the morning service where Trammell preached and the trio sang.
A concert followed that evening.
Beside Still Waters
The Mark Trammell Trio
Release Date: 6/22/2004
Beside
Still Waters is the Mark Trammell Trio’s first collection of
all new recordings for Daywind Records, featuring top-notch selections
from writers such as Dianne Wilkinson, Kevin Stokes, Rebecca J. Peck,
Mike Speck, Albert Brumley and Bill Gaither among others. You’ll
celebrate on the rousing southern number, “Stand And Praise The
Lord,” siwng with the jazz orchestra on Gaither’s “I’d
Do It All Over Again,” and enjoy the bluegrass banjo on “The
Love Of Christ.”
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