On June 23, 2016 as many as 10 inches of rain covered parts of West Virginia. Devastating floods covered central and southeastern West Virginia. At least 23 people were killed and thousands of people were left homeless, without power and with limited to no access for vital supplies.
As the rains moved through the state, the loss became evident the rebuilding was going to take time. The federal government declared a major disaster with aid being sent to Kanawha, Greenbrier and Nicholas counties. But the impact affects so many people.
In the Carolinas, we have family members and friends that are affected. There are churches, businesses and houses completely destroyed. As many have posted on social media venues, “they have lost everything!â€
We can help our families and friends to recover and rebuild. Several charities are asking for donated items and supplies. Many fire departments, including those in neighboring states, are coordinating to bring donated supplies to affected people. Neighboring law enforcement centers and churches are accepting donations. If you’re in the WV area, you can drop off donations at West Virginia University. The schools lists cleaning supplies, toiletries, batteries, diapers and other baby items as some of the high-priority needs.
The Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association is asking for dog and cat food donations, which can be donated in person or through its online wish list.
The quickest way of helping is donate money. You can donate money to the Red Cross and to the local chapter of United Way, which will put the 
funds toward meals and other relief supplies, as well as mental health services and prescription medications.
You can also donate money through the West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, the Greenbrier resort, Save the Children and several other local groups. To ensure a charity’s legitimacy before donating, check the secretary of state’s database, Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
For those who are active and want to be a hands on volunteer, you can sign up to volunteer through the Red Cross or Volunteer West Virginia, which is working closely with the State Emergency Operations Center, West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and local WV emergency managers.
WV Relief
As part of the ongoing life assistance, Calvary’s Way Gospel Music Promotions Association is sponsoring a gospel concert, food sales and Donation drop off center on August 20, 2016.
Donations are needed and will be accepted from 4pm until the concert finale.
Bibles, Bottled Water, Shovels, Diaper’s (All Sizes), Baby Wipes, Pillows, Rubber Water-Proof Boots, Toiletries for Men and Women (Toilet Paper, Tooth Brushes, Tooth Paste, Soaps, Shampoo’s, Disposable Razors, Shaving Cream, Paper Towels,) Non- Perishable Foods, Blankets, Unopened Toys for Children.
For donations or more information contact Kevin Spann at 828-404-6476, Tony Burchette 828-493-1969 or Charlie Griffin at 704-374-5910.
Grace and Truth Baptist Church will be hosting the WV Relief concert. The church is located at 5470 Miller Mill Road, Hickory, NC 28602. The 6pm concert features artists from across the region. The dynamic trio-Providence from Shelby, NC, Tony Burchette from Lenoir, NC. Charlie Griffin from Charlotte, NC, Sounds of Victory from Hickory, NC and host group Jordan’s Crossroads from Hickory, NC.
PROVIDENCE (left to right- Phillip Hamrick, Marcia Wall, Ray Wall)
Providence is an exciting trio rich in harmony and staging southern gospel music. In southern gospel music, groups come and groups go. Not often do you see one that has stood the test of time like Providence. This ministry actually began when Marcia was only 6 years old and began singing in her home church. As word spread of her singing, calls soon began coming in from neighboring churches. Two years later, Marcia’s younger sister, Peggy, joined her on stage and the “group” was born. The year was 1967. The current group consists of husband/wife duo, Ray and Marcia Wall, and Phillip Hamrick. Ray remembers a quote: “It’s not about performance; it’s about proclaiming that Jesus Christ is who He says He is.” Please don’t misunderstand that statement… We believe that we should strive to do the very best that our God given talent will allow us to do! 2nd Tim. 2:15. Then, it’s up to God to bless our efforts. He doesn’t NEED us, but we are so grateful that HE allows us to be a part of HIS great plan!
SOUNDS OF VICTORY (left to right- Sissy Drum, Judy Pardue, Dot Wells)
The Sounds of Victory call Hickory, NC home. They sing Southern Gospel Music. It has been said by many that they have a smooth harmony similar to that of The Andrew Sisters. They are a members of Lighthouse Gospel Music Association, Calvary’s Way Gospel Music Promotions Association and member of Danshell Music Group. Their first CD entitled Is Anything Too Hard for God was released on August 9, 2014.
The trio is three sisters Dot Wells, Judy Pardue, and Sissy Drum. They started singing Oct 6, 2012 in Claremont, NC at a competition where we won first place. We also won Trio of the Year at The Gospel Music Express Showcase Oct.5 2013.
TONY BURCHETTE
Tony Burchette is a native of Hudson, NC and now resides in Lenoir, NC. Tony and his wife Megan have eight children and five grandchildren. He has been in the ministry work for 31 years. He was saved at Ambassador Baptist in Hudson, NC in 1982. After receiving Christ as his personal Savior, he prayed and ask God to let him work in the ministry and sing for him. In 1985 he, along with three brothers, Danny, Terry, and Larry Messer, formed the group Brothers in Christ. They later changed the name to Journeys End. This group traveled proclaiming the Gospel in word and song, for eleven years. In 1996 Tony moved to Rutherfordton, NC, along with Ron Epley, Clyde Smith, Johnny Lovelace, Eddie Bazzle and formed the group The Praise Masters. Tony traveled with them for 7 years and in 2003 came off the road due to sickness. After a year off the road and many days of prayer, he knew in his heart that God wasn’t finished with him. He started singing again, this time going full-time in the ministry. He along with friends Lynn Swizinsky (PA) and Eric Cooper (MD) traveled selective dates together as “Necessity Trio”. He then formed the Quartet, Grateful Heart. The Quartet members consisted of Tony Burchette, Megan Burchette, Laura Sturgis, and Ron Watts. The group members were no strangers to gospel music. Laura, Ron, and Tony traveled together with the Praise Masters until 2003, Ron came off the road in 2004, and Laura came off in May 2006. Knowing their hearts desire to sing the gospel, Tony brought them together in November 2006, once again to work for the Lord. In December 2007, after a brief time off the road for Tony to undergo more operations, the group decided to take some time to spend with their families. Today, Tony continues to sing the Gospel he loves so dearly with a solo ministry and travels with The Street Family based in Morganton, NC.
CHARILE GRIFFIN
Charlie Griffin is a noted soloist and motivational speaker. For the last 39 year he has been involved in concerts, seminars and speaking engagements covering America, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Charlie is the son of the late Kyle Griffin of Millers Creek, NC and Geneva Smith Johnson of Hudson, NC. Since a teenager, Charlie Griffin has been singing in church, quartets, and special events and on concert stages. The music was not always gospel. When you talk with him, you will quickly learn of his love for jazz, blues, country and even some pop. But it is his love of gospel music that impacts his audiences today. With his music, he also speaks in positive motivational seminars and sales conferences. He is an online theology student at Liberty University. His Christian commitment is vibrant yet impactful in any setting.
Griffin is no stranger to gospel music and fans in the Carolinas. For some 20 years, he was instrumental in the operation of the popular HALLELUJAH SUPPER CLUB in Newton, NC. He worked for the Singing Americans and sang/ managed with The Vanguards as well.
Over the years, Charlie toured, taught and promoted concerts, church sings, conducted rallies and festivals throughout the Southeast. Today, Griffin records for Classic Artists Records and is songwriter with Three Associates Music, BMI.
As you listen to the melodies on his projects or in person, you hear and understand why gospel music is so endearing to him. “It is music with a positive message that impacts the listener even after the concert has ended.†Shares Griffin. Yes, the journey continues for someone who has been singing for 39 years. And by the signs, Charlie Griffin does not look like he is slowing down. The enthusiasm is still contagious for the music he shares. The message is still just as vibrant as the day he started. Yes, Charlie Griffin is still making music and enjoying what he does — SING…sharing the Good News!
Classic Artists Records is excited to present to you Charlie Griffin, a talent that is more than just music. A direct positive message filled with hope, inspiration and is biblical based for young and old alike serves as the foundation for a Charlie Griffin singspiration.
JORDANS CROSSROADS
(Left to right- Joseph Green, Phyliss McLeod, Charles Kilby, Kevin Spann and Elizabeth Green)
Serving as concert host group, Jordan’s Crossroads, is a Southern Gospel group that consists of Kevin Spann, Joseph Green, his wife Elizabeth Green, Phyliss McLeod, and Charles Kilby. You will find through listening to their music, that they have a desire to minister and deliver the word of God. With a unique style and blend of harmonies and vocals, they travel to spread the love of Jesus Christ. “Jordan’s Crossroads was formed in 2011 and has had the pleasure of sharing our ministry with a lot of people, we have seen so many lives touched through our ministry.†shared Joseph Green of Jordan’s Crossroads.
Jordan’s Crossroads has performed with groups such as The Troy Burns Family, Charlie Griffin, The Wards, Cornerstone and many, many more ministries. Some of the songs they have shared throughout their ministry are “3 Rusty Nailsâ€, â€Crossroadsâ€, and “Saving Graceâ€.
Jordan’s Crossroads spokesman, Kevin Spann shared, “That in a world of darkness, it is our hearts desire to let our lights shine as Christians to help uplift our fellow brothers & sisters in Christ and encourage each other, but most of all share the love of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying worldâ€.
Directions for Grace and Truth Baptist Church 5470 Miller Mill Road, Hickory, NC 28602.
· From Lenoir or Hickory: I-40 west, left on ext 116, right on Miller Bridge Road at Burger King, 8 miles, cross bridge, left on Miller Mill Road, go one mile, church on right.
· From Valdese or Morganton: I-40 east,right on ext 116, right on Miller Bridge Road at Burger King, 8 miles, cross bridge, left on Miller Mill Road, go one mile, church on right.
· From Lincolnton: Hwy 27 west, right on Catsquare/ Rhoney Farm Rd, 23 miles, right on Miller Mill Rd, church on left.
· From Shelby: Hwy 18 north, right on George Hildebran School Road, into Icard, left on Miller Mill Road, left on the left.
For donations or more concert information contact Kevin Spann at 828-404-6476, Tony Burchette at 828-493-1969 or Charlie Griffin at 704-374-5910.
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