AN OPEN LETTER FROM TARANDA GREENE

Dear Friends,

I want to say a very special "Thank You" to each and every one for all of your love, prayers, encouragement and support during this very difficult time in my life. It's during a time like this that one finds who your true friends are, and I have been blessed with so many of you. It has been a few weeks of overwhelming emotions, but through it all, the Lord has been wonderful! Tony's home-going Celebration was truly that...a celebration of his life and ministry. Tony was my husband and my companion in life, and I loved him with all my heart. Saying goodbye has been the hardest thing I have ever had to face. Yet, I can truthfully say that over the last few years I have felt the Lord preparing my heart for this upcoming heartbreak. Honestly, our life was not always easy or perfect. As everyone does, we went through our trials and storms of life, but as we sang and encouraged night after night...we held on! The Lord has been faithful to walk through each and every trial. I am still holding on, and I'm still trusting in His plan.

Tony was my biggest encourager and always pushed me to sing. I have been very blessed over the last few years with amazing opportunities. I look back on all of it as a time of preparation for this new day. The very best way I can remember Tony is to do what I know he would want me to do: I will sing! I will hurt, and I will grieve. I will share with our precious girls every memory of their wonderful father who loved them. I will take each day one step at a time. I will look forward to what life has ahead for me. I will cling and hold on to the relationships and friendships that have carried me through. And, I will sing.

There have been questions and speculation about my future and the future of The Greenes. I can acknowledge that we will have formal announcements at a later date, but for now, my current plans include taking some time to rest. I will honor some singing engagements I committed to in November and December. These events inlude some cruises, a West Coast tour, and Christmas with The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. I plan on filling these upcoming dates solo, sharing my music, songs of The Greenes, my memories and my story. John Jeffrey, who played the piano with our ministry for over five years, will continue to accompany me as pianist. Jeff Synder also has plans for his own future, and we are excited for him. We all covet your prayers and your support. I know this will not be easy, but it is what I feel in my heart I must do, and I know the Lord will continue to walk with me every step of the way. I look forward to seeing each one of you along the journey.

Love,

TaRanda