News from The English Family

The English Family Wraps Up Successful Radio Promo Tour“Send Down Your Angels” Continues to Make Huge Impact At Southern Gospel Radio
BARNESVILLE, Ga. – Georgia-based family group The English Family just wrapped up a very successful radio promo tour. Throughout the last portion of the year, the family visited over a dozen stations and logged over 4,000 miles on their bus. The tour was in support of the group’s buzz-worthy new single, “Send Down Your Angels.”
The English Family kicked off their radio promo tour at Sheffield, Alabama’s WBTG before visiting other stations in Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, Kentucky, and ending up in North and South Carolina.
Renee’ English of The English Family said, “We have made some great friends on this radio tour, and we intend to continue our contacts. We look for to meeting many more of our DJ friends in the future.”
“I know that a lot of the DJs really responded to Jacob giving testimony, and some of the DJ's let him pray over the air,” mentioned Phillip English. “Jacob really liked that.”
“Send Down Your Angels” was written by 16-year old group member Jacob English and features stellar vocal performances from Jacob and group patriarch Phillip English.
The song is the group’s debut single from their Mansion Records recording Out of the Wilderness. The song was released to Southern Gospel radio through Crossroads Music Group’s digital releases and radio compilation disc. “Send Down Your Angels” is being promoted to Southern Gospel radio by Patterson Promotions and is already making a stir in just a couple months at radio.
For more information on The English Family – visit them online at http://www.englishfamilyonline.com/ .
About The English FamilyThe English Family is a multi-faceted evangelistic ministry based out of Barnesville, Georgia. In addition to being talented in the vocal department, this family is deeply engaged in ministry. The English Family ministers at concerts, conferences, workshops, and even on cruises. The group’s current release is titled Out of the Wilderness and features the hit single "Send Down Your Angels."

Mother of Janice Crow Passes Away

BETHALTO, Ill. – Opal M. Lloyd, mother of singer/songwriter Janice Crow, passed away on Friday, December 11, 2009 at 10:45 p.m. EST. Opal peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus at the age of 95 at the Bethalto Care Center in Bethalto, Illinois.
“Your prayers and thoughts are very much appreciated during this trying time,” mentioned Janice. “The covering of your prayers means more than you’ll ever know.
Opal is survived by her husband, Orban; sons Donald (Judy) Lloyd of Bethalto and William Orban Lloyd of Wood River; and daughters Darlene (Jerry) Stein of Greenfield, Janice (Bruce) Crow of East Alton and Sheryl Lloyd (Joel Satterfield) of Springfield, Ill. Mrs. Lloyd leaves behind eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Surviving siblings include one brother, Marion (Ruth) Wells of Sesser; and sisters Leila Merkel of Benton and Norma Jean Burleson of Belleville. Mrs. Lloyd is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Opal is also the aunt of Deon Unthank (Sunday Edition, SoGospelNews.com).
A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009 at the Bethalto Church of God, 800 East Bethalto Drive (Route 140 & Moreland Dr.). Interment will follow at Woodland Hill Cemetery in Wood River, Illinois. Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009 at the Bethalto Church of God in Bethalto, Illinois.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethalto Church of God. Marks Mortuary in Wood River is directing the arrangements.

The Freemans Unveil New Website

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Popular Southern Gospel artist The Freemans are proud to announce the unveiling of their new, fully-update website. The new page went live this month and was designed by the staff of SSE Design Group, the web publishing and internet promotions division of SSE Group, Inc.
Darrell Freeman of The Freemans said, “We have been so pleased with the work that SSE has done for our group. This new site is top-notch, and we are more than happy with it! Everyone should check it out!”
“The Freemans are some of the most easy-going and fun people to work with,” mentioned Amy Marie Unthank of SSE Group, Inc. “They communicate what they want and how they want it done. What a blessing to have a client who has such a grip on their image and what they want to portray about their ministry online!”
The site is an exhaustive telling of The Freemans and the group’s ministry. It features a biography, contact information, a photo gallery, schedules, product information and more.
To visit the newly designed website of The Freemans, visit http://www.the-freemans.com/.
The Freemans have been in the studio recording their follow-up to the award-winning release Eyes On the Prize – which featured the #1 hits “He Found Me” and “Three Rugged Crosses.” More information on that release will be announced at a later date.
You can also visit the group’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/thefreemans07. The group’s Fan Facebook is located at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=55933096539.
About The FreemansThe Freemans are one of Southern Gospel’s most celebrated and critically acclaimed groups. History, experience and spiritual wisdom are three attributes that can be used to describe the foundation of the Freeman ministry. Deeply rooted with family, the Freemans’ experience spans 30+ years. Now in their 20th year of ministry, the Freemans still perform at approximately 250 dates a year, and continue to experience tremendous success.

Oral Roberts Dies

ORAL ROBERTS DIES:
Funeral Arrangements Pending for Legendary Evangelist
TULSA, Okla., December 15, 2009 – Dr. Oral Roberts, a legendary evangelist who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century, died today in Newport Beach, Calif., due to complications from pneumonia. His son, Richard, and daughter, Roberta, were at his side. The founder of Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association and Oral Roberts University was 91.
There will be a private family internment. Arrangements for a public memorial service in Tulsa are pending and will be announced soon.
"Oral Roberts was the greatest man of God I‟ve ever known," Richard Roberts said. "A modern-day apostle of the healing ministry, an author, educator, evangelist, prophet, and innovator, he was the only man of his generation to build a worldwide ministry, an accredited university, and a medical school.
"Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was not only my earthly father; he was my spiritual father and mentor. The last member of his generation in the Roberts family, he had a passion to bring healing to the sick.
"His name is synonymous with miracles. He came along when many in Christendom did not believe in the power of God and His goodness. Oral Roberts was known for sayings such as „God Is a Good God,‟ „Expect a Miracle,‟ „Release Your Faith,‟ and „Plant Your Seed for a Harvest.‟
"The Bible teaches that when a Christian dies, he or she is instantly transferred into the presence of God. The past few months, my father has talked about going home to be with the Lord on a daily basis. He has run his race and finished his course. Now he is in heaven, and we as Christians have the Bible promise that someday we will be reunited. My heart is sad, but my faith in God is soaring."
Granville Oral Roberts was born into poverty in Bebee, Okla., on Jan. 24, 1918. He began stuttering as a young child and then, as a teenager, contracted a potentially deadly case of tuberculosis. Bedfast at 17, he was carried to a revival meeting by his older brother, where a healing evangelist was praying for the sick. Oral Roberts Dies, Page 2
On the way, he clearly heard God speak to him, saying, "Son, I am going to heal you, and you are to take My healing power to your generation. You are to build Me a university based on My authority and on the Holy Spirit." Roberts was miraculously healed of tuberculosis and stuttering at the revival meeting. His healing ministry was born several years later. "If a former stuttering, tuberculosis-ridden young Indian boy in an obscure county in Oklahoma can see the invisible and do the impossible—and still do it—so can you!" Roberts once said. Roberts was a legendary and beloved figure in a segment of Christianity that emphasizes healing, speaking in tongues, and other gifts of the Holy Spirit, as described in the New Testament. Dr. Jack Hayford, president of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, said of Roberts, "If God had not, in His sovereign will, raised up the ministry of Oral Roberts, the entire charismatic movement might not have occurred. Oral shook the landscape with the inescapable reality and practicality of Jesus‟ whole ministry. His teaching and concepts were foundational to the renewal that swept through the whole church. He taught concepts that spread throughout the world and simplified and focused a spiritual lifestyle that is embraced by huge sectors of today‟s church." After his healing at age 17, Roberts spent a dozen years pastoring churches in Oklahoma and Georgia, and preaching at revivals around the country, while also studying at Oklahoma Baptist University and Phillips (Okla.) University. Then, in 1947, he founded Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association (OREA) and began conducting crusades across America and around the world, attracting crowds of thousands—many who were sick and dying and in search of healing. Through the years, he conducted more than 300 crusades on six continents. OREA officials estimate that he personally laid hands in prayer on more than 2 million people. The ministry continues under the leadership of Roberts‟ son, Richard, who has ministered in the U.S. and around the world for almost 30 years. In 1954, Oral Roberts revolutionized evangelism by bringing television cameras into services, providing what he liked to call a "front-row seat to miracles" for millions of viewers. Years later, he began a television program, "Oral Roberts Presents." More than 50 years later, the ministry‟s daily program, "The Place for Miracles," continues to minister to millions on over 100 television stations, multiple cable and satellite networks, and can be seen around the world via the Internet.
In 1958, Roberts founded the Abundant Life Prayer Group to address the around-the-clock needs of those suffering and requesting prayer. More than 50 years later, prayer partners continue to receive calls from around the world seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Over the years, they have received more than 23 Oral Roberts Dies, Page 3
million phone calls for prayer, along with astounding reports of miracles in answer to prayer. Roberts answered God‟s call to build an institute of higher learning in 1963, founding Oral Roberts University on 500 acres in Tulsa, Okla. Longtime friend Billy Graham officially dedicated ORU four years later. In the 1970s graduate schools, including Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Law, Education, and Theology, were added. Roberts served as school president until 1993, when he became chancellor. In 1981, Roberts founded the City of Faith Medical and Research Center, merging the healing power of medicine and prayer. The facility closed after eight years, leaving a lasting impact on the understanding by many medical professionals of the importance of treating the whole person—body, mind and spirit. Roberts wrote more than 130 books, including such classics as "If You Need Healing, Do These Things," and "The Fourth Man." His book "The Miracle of Seed Faith" has more than 8 million copies in circulation. This book‟s key principles—God is your source, sow your seed out of your need, and expect a miracle harvest—formed a fundamental part of Roberts‟ ministry and legacy. "After I‟m gone, others will have to judge how well I‟ve obeyed God‟s command not to be an echo but to be a voice like Jesus," Roberts said. "As far as my own conviction is concerned, I‟ve tried to be that voice with every fiber of my being, regardless of the cost." Roberts was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, a daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca Ann and Marshall Nash; a son, Ronald David Roberts; a grandchild, Richard Oral Roberts; his mother and father; two sisters, Velma Roberts and Jewel Faust; and two brothers, Elmer and Vaden Roberts. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Lindsay Roberts; a daughter and son-in-law, Roberta and Ronald Potts, all of Tulsa; as well as 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Oral Roberts Ministry Healing Missions Fund, as part of the ongoing goal of Oral Roberts Ministries to take the saving, healing, delivering message of the Gospel into all the world until Jesus returns. Gifts can be sent in care of Oral Roberts Ministries, P.O. 2187, Tulsa, Okla. 74102, or online at www.OralRoberts.com. – 30 – more information is available online by visiting:
www.OralRobertsNews.com

Mansion Entertainment Signs with Celebration Ministries Int.

Brentwood, TN (Mansion Entertainment) December 14, 2009 – Located in Zimbabwe, Africa, and under the leadership of Pastors Tom and Bonnie Deuschie, Celebration Ministries has brought the message of Jesus to Africa and now internationally, in a multi-faceted ministry. Building Churches and Training Leaders have been the Ministries primary thrust. The unique Praise and Worship Music of Celebration Ministries, with a strong African Influence, has impacted many lives throughout Africa. Celebration describes its work as Reformation. Their desire is to see all society impacted and consequently reformed by Kingdom Principles. Their Ministry is not content with just building Churches, but building people who in turn can fulfill their God-given purpose and accomplish their God-given dreams.
Mansion Entertainment is honored to represent such a high quality and unique Praise and Worship Music from such a profound Ministry as Celebration Ministries, International. The first release in a series of Audio, Video and Print products will be a CD/DVD combo product titled, “Change The World” featuring Pastor Bonnie Deuschle and the Celebration Choir. The release through Mansion Entertainment is scheduled for 1st Quarter 2010. You can find more information by visiting http://www.celebrationmin.org/ or http://www.themansionentertainment.com/ .

Paynes Sign with Pathlight Promotions

Poca, WV (Dec 13, 2009) Nationally acclaimed artist & songwriter Mike Payne & his group, The Paynes, have recently signed an agreement with Pathlight Promotions & Media Group for radio promotions & publicity. They are well known for songs like "Still Standing After The Storm", "He Forgives & Forgets" & "When He Was On The Cross, I Was On His Mind" which was co-written by Mike with Ronny Hinson. The Paynes are also known for such chart topping favorites as "Angels Step Back", "That Same Spirit" & "Out Of This World". The Paynes have a rich heritage in Southern Gospel Music & look forward to their partnership with Pathlight Promotions & Media Group. A radio single from The Paynes is anticipated for release on the February Pathlight Radio CD. For more Information on The Paynes, visit their website at http://www.paynesmusic.com/ . For more information on Pathlight Promotions & Media Group, you can also visit them online at http://www.pathlightpromotions.com/ .

EMI CMG and North Point Community Church Enter Agreement

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – December 15, 2009 – EMI CMG Distribution and North Point Community Church, the Alpharetta (Atlanta), Georgia-based church led by Andy Stanley, have agreed to a long-term distribution agreement for a new line of products produced by North Point Ministries and its newly launched record label, North Point Music. The agreement calls for EMI CMG to handle distribution rights worldwide to all retail channels for recorded music products, as well as for select DVDs starting with four products releasing today. There will be three projects in a new line entitled “The North Point Series Featuring Andy Stanley,” with each product comprised of a DVD and CD. Additionally, EMI CMG will distribute the all new worship CD North Point Live: Awake. “With Andy Stanley at the helm and several well-known and highly respected songwriters and worship leaders involved in their ministry, North Point is one of the most influential churches and ministries in the U.S. We are honored to partner with them in making their music and ministry available worldwide,” said Greg Bays, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for EMI CMG Distribution. “We are excited to have EMI CMG partner with us as we look to use the unique tools of music and video to share the Gospel throughout the world,” said Rick Holliday, North Point’s Executive Director of Ministry Services. “EMI CMG has a distinguished track record of professionalism, integrity and success in the marketing and distribution of Christian music products and we are looking forward to the promising opportunity that lies ahead to work with EMI CMG's experienced sales, marketing and distribution team.” North Point currently averages nearly 25,000 people in attendance between its three campuses in the Atlanta area each week, making it the third-largest church in the U.S. Music is integral, not only to the church’s weekly worship, but as a resource for outreach.
The first music product to be released by EMI CMG and North Point Music is North Point Live: Awake, a collection of 14 songs recorded at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta (Atlanta), Georgia. Six talented recording artists lend their voices to Awake, all of whom lead worship at one or more of North Point’s three campuses in metro Atlanta: Steve Fee, Todd Fields, Eddie Kirkland, Seth Condrey, Ryan Stuart and Cori Moon. Dove Award-winning producer Nathan Nockels (Passion, Christy Nockels, Tim Hughes) served as producer for Awake. Songs from the project include a new version of the timeless and inspiring hymn “It Is Well” and soon-to-be standards such as “Glory To God Forever” and “Hands of the Healer.” Known as one of the most effective communicators in the Church today, Stanley readily shares what he has learned in more than two decades of ministry, including as founder and senior pastor of North Point Community Church. He is the headliner for the annual East and West Coast Catalyst conferences, where he speaks to crowds of more than 20,000 young leaders throughout the country. Moreover, Stanley has authored and co-authored more than 20 titles, giving him robust credentials for hosting a new video teaching series. “Why Worry” is a timeless question that Andy Stanley explores in the first DVD of “The North Point Series Featuring Andy Stanley.” Stanley investigates one of the Bible’s Old Testament stories in which the main character is challenged with a single question that brought a new and needed perspective to his worries. Then, by exploring what Jesus has to say about worry -- where worry comes from; why it’s so difficult to overcome, and how to conquer it, Stanley guides viewers to answers which may be the key to overcoming worry in our own lives. “God & Country” is a provocative DVD that looks at the conflicts that have driven a deep divide in the U.S. While politicians frame the debate as rich vs. poor, big business vs. the middle class, or Republican vs. Democrat, another conflict reflects a much deeper divide in American culture, a conflict that, if resolved, could pave the way for our nation to come together and successfully address the issues that fill the airwaves. “He’s Still Got the Whole World in His Hands” helps to answer some of life’s most difficult questions -- How do we remain hopeful in a world that seems to be hopelessly broken; how do we continue to trust a God that seems to be conspicuously absent and how do we maintain peace when the world around us is spinning out of control? The Bible is filled with stories of men and women who asked similar questions and Stanley uses these stories to be reminded of God’s faithfulness throughout history and in our own lives. Each of the three DVDs in the “The North Point Series Featuring Andy Stanley” also includes a bonus audio CD featuring select songs from North Point worship leaders and a bonus digital copy of Stanley’s talks included for use on iPod, iPhone, or other personal media device. ABOUT EMI CMG DISTRIBUTION (http://www.emicmgdistribution.com/):Billboard Magazine's annual Top Christian Music Distributor since 1995, EMI CMG Distribution was founded in 1994 to serve as the main distribution outlet for EMI CMG's owned and distributed labels to the US Christian and general retail marketplace, and the international Christian marketplace. In addition to distributing EMI Christian Music Group’s fully-owned labels, which include Sparrow, ForeFront, and Credential imprints, as well as EMI Gospel and Worship Together, EMI CMG Distribution has exclusive distribution agreements with Tooth & Nail/BEC, Creative Trust Media, EE-Taow Records, Gaither Music Group, Green Hill Productions, Hal Leonard, Inpop, Just Me Music, Kingsway Music, Madacy Entertainment, Spring Hill Music Group, Troubadour for the Lord, Universal Music Group, VSR Music Group, Anchor Bay Entertainment/Starz, Cloud 9 Games, First Look Studios, GT Media, Guardian Studios/Bananas, Kelly's Filmworks, Pure Flix Entertainment, Vivendi Visual Entertainment and Third Day Games. EMI CMG Distribution is a division of EMI Christian Music Group, a unit of EMI Music (http://www.emi.com/), one of the world's leading music companies.