newsfrom the road the hidden power of a song liberty ministries - celebrating over 20 years of ministry september october 2016

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1 september october 2016 newsfrom the road the official newsletter of liberty ministries the hidden power of a song In midseptember, I served as director of the Adult Retreat for our district camp program. I was lucky enough to have Paul Ellis join as part of the staff that week to lead music and even convinced him to sing a couple of solo specials. Needless to say, the music received great reviews. One morning, we used a Sheri Easter song as the morning devotional. I had the words of the song printed out for the participants to read for themselves. When the song played the first time, many indicated they had never heard it before. We hit replay and played the song a second time, but this time I asked that they underline significant phrases or words that applied to their personal lives. Now, the tune was familiar to many, hearing it for the second time, and they concentrated on the words. As I looked across the audience, I saw everyone underlining various parts of the song, some wiping away tears and others with eyes closed in worship with the words of the song. I then opened the devotional for sharing by anyone who wanted to tie the words of the song back to their personal lives. What a flood gate of response as people started sharing from their hearts about what applied to the journey in life they are on or have experienced in the past. When sharing ended, we then played the song for a third time. Now, the song had a totally different meaning. The tune was familiar but inside the words of the song were significant nuggets that represented the testimony and sharing that folks had offered. I began to think about how often that happens in a Liberty concert. Some of my favorite songs now were not a favorite the first time I heard them. But, when I got past the tune and applied the words to my heart, the song took on a whole new meaning and relevance. I have been in concerts where I will glance across the room during a song and notice someone who is deep in personal worship, someone else who is moved to tears, and others who may stand to their feet in celebration. I am thankful for creative people who compose songs that can have an impact on so many hearts. When you think of your favorite Liberty song, is it because of the tune, the words, or perhaps how you have applied the song to your personal life? Maybe it is a combination of all three. I have learned through this experience to open my heart and mind to new songs and see what the Lord wants to tell me through the lyrics. I hope you have experienced the same blessings. Rick Waitley Executive Director liberty ministries celebrating over 20 years of ministry

2 Upcoming concert schedule october 2016 Oct 8 Hawthorne, NV First Baptist Church Oct 9 Carson City, NV First Baptist Church 10:45 AM GOOD HEALTH FOR SINGERS For example, Royce has only missed two concerts in Liberty's 20 years of existence for health reasons. A GOOD BUS We've made repairs and poured plenty of funds into it, but we've yet to miss a concert because of a bus issue. GREAT SUPPORT Starting with our wives, the list is long; we include the AMG office staff, Liberty Ministries Membership, and our fans. Oct 9 Oct 14 Oct 15 Oct 16 Oct 16 Fallon, NV The Dalles, OR Stanfield, OR Walla Walla, WA Richland, WA First Southern Baptist Church Covenant Christian Community Church 7:00 PM Stanfield Baptist Church Walla Walla Valley Cowboy Church 9:00 AM Richland Church of the Nazarene PARTNERS IN ministry There have been several artists, groups, and individuals who have come alongside us to help to grow the ministry. DRIVERS Among others, Myrl Schroeder tops the list of those who have donated time to get us safely from place to place. DAILY BREAD It's easy to see... Liberty doesn't miss any meals! Wonderful hosts and hostesses out there have fed us incredible meals. road pavers Individuals like Keith Jones, Ralph Yerkes, and John Cotner sang and maintained careers, helping to establish Liberty. Oct 21 Oct 22 Oct 23 Oct 23 Mt. Vernon, WA Puyallup, WA Oak Harbor, WA Tumwater, WA Bethany Covenant Church 7:00 PM Puyallup Church of the Nazarene Church of the Nazarene 10:30 AM Mt. View Nazarene 3. GODLY PROFESSIONALS We have partnered with Scott Pergande and the Mix House on almost all of the recordings that Liberty has ever done. 2. Incredible opportunities We' have sung at the National Quartet Convention, several Fan Festivals, in Hawaii, and cruise to Alaska and Mexico! 1. THE FAMILY OF GOD Our favorite provision is how God brings people across our path as we travel around the country. Some bless the group financially, some bless us with their prayers, and some bless us by being Christ's hands extended in a moment when we needed it more than anything else. septemberoctober2016 Page2 septemberoctober 2016 Page 3

3 membership As we enter the third quarter of operations, we reflect on and appreciate the faithful investments made each month by many of our Liberty friends. Hardly a day goes by that we do not receive a financial investment from one of you. We encourage you to think of a gift as we head towards the end of 2016 so we can include this in your 2016 giving report. This is also a great time to be thinking about CD's that you may want to share at Christmas and get them ordered now for your gift giving opportunities. grace With our newest recording, "It's All About Grace," I have been thinking a lot about God's grace. I cannot get the old chorus, "His Grace Is Sufficient For Me," out of my mind. As we follow Christ and His Word, we are not exempt from tougher days and feeling low. It is in these days of increased struggles or disappointments that grace increases. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "But He says to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." The verse continues to say, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." I'm not interested in increased hardships or pleading for more insults or persecutions, but Paul concludes verse 10b with, "For when I am weak, then I am strong." So I say to all the friends of Liberty and to all believers, persevere! 2016 Annual meeting The annual meeting of Liberty Ministries has been tied in recent years to the Northwest GospelFest. Since that activity is not scheduled for this year, alternate plans are being made for the annual meeting. We can assure you: 1) The Annual Meeting will be held, as prescribed in the bylaws of the organization. 2) The Annual Meeting will most likely happen in Meridian. This would allow many of those living in the Treasure Valley area to come to join the meeting in person. 3) We will try and make it possible for those living out of the area to join us and send you the materials from the meeting after the business is concluded. 4) We will be notifying all members directly by mail related to the details of the 2016 Annual Meeting. welcome new members! ANNUAL Membership: Dr. Linda Clark (ID) P.T. Cook (CA) Ron & Patricia Dirksen (AZ) Bill & Vonda Downs (ID) Al & Connie Freeman (ID) David Gill (OR) Dr. Kristi Pierce (OR) B.L. Smith (CA) Rick & Dorita Waitley (ID) Verna Wood (ID) lifetime Membership: Jim Best (WA) Dave Brawdy (WA) Robert & Donna Hooper (CA) septemberoctober2016 Page4 septemberoctober 2016 Page 5

4 MEXICANRIVIERA NOVEMBER 12 19, 2016 You're invited to board Holland America's ms Westerdam in San Diego, CA for a stylish, comfortable, and unforgettable week. Attentive service, superb cuisine, and gorgeous ports of call will make this a vacation of a lifetime! Daily concerts by your favorite Southern Gospel artists, unique showcases, and sidesplitting comedy will make this cruise an exciting adventure for all ages. You will laugh, cry, praise, and make memories that will bring a smile to your face for many years to come. REJOICE DURING YOUR FAVORITE SONGS WHILE CRUISING THE MEXICan RIVIERA 1) 2) 3) 4) You must make a reservation for this cruise ($500 deposit required; accommodation options start at $700; airfare not included). You must be signed up with Liberty Quartet (please call Mindy at to confirm; if we do not have your name on our list, we will provide you with the contact information to make that change). Drawing will take place on November 1, 2016 and will be announced via: Liberty Insider, Facebook, Twitter, personal , and a phone call. Other Terms & Conditions at

5 PRAISE GOD PRAYER REQUESTS We are so grateful to the talented men who have been traveling and singing with Liberty over these past months. The memorization of thousands of notes, rhythms, and words, along with the grueling traveling demands have not gone unnoticed. You are each great Christian men and we are humbled by your willingness to serve and deliver the message with integrity. We have had safe travels, excellent health, and a real sense and moving of the Spirit. The signups for the upcoming cruise have been outstanding! The November 12th19th cruise to the Mexican Riviera destination promises to be a sunbased vacation permeated with worship through gospel music and unsurpassed fellowship. There are still cabins available, and Liberty Ministries' $1,000 drawing is November 1, so don't delay! Be sure to tell them you are signing up under Liberty. The signups for Liberty's weekly newsletter (The Insider) has also been remarkable! This is a communication thread we value immensely. Please tell your gospel music friends to signup. Pray for the gospel message to be spread rapidly, exponentially, and with honor. Pray for each of us to not tire of doing what is right and good. The bus' generator has overheated one too many times and has shut down requiring a rebuild. The generator is what makes the coach a home once we have reached our destination, so the prayer request and financial need is immediate. Please continue to pray for a fourth quartet member. The Liberty Ministries Board of Directors has been in process. Your prayers are important as decisions are being made and that the Lord will direct the board to the right person that fits the ministry of Liberty Quartet. We want God's man for this crucial role in the ministry. The vacancy in the quartet also affects our next recordings: Royce's solo recording, "Remembering George Younce," and Liberty's highlyrequested a cappella recording. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 septemberoctober 2016 Page 9

6 Memorial gifts Memorials honoring family and friends are frequently received by Liberty Ministries. This is a generous way to honor someone who was fond of gospel music or, specifically, Liberty Quartet. Often times, you want to send something other than flowers or a donation where you are unsure how funds are used. Thank you to those who think of Liberty Ministries with your memorial gifts. bus trip reservations open Please consider the bus trip to the Great Western Fan Festival in your social schedule. The dates of the trip are Wednesday through Monday, May 38, Reservations for the bus can be made now by contacting Mindy Crow in the office at or mindy@libertyquartet.com. You can also go to and print a registration form. use this form or go online to become a member of liberty Ministries membership with liberty ministries, inc. The first of January marked the annual renewal date for Liberty Annual Membership in support of the ministry. Above, you will find the renewal form. You can also complete your membership dues online at the bottom of the home page. Lifetime Membership is also available. All funds received for holding membership in Liberty Ministries are used for sustainability of the ministry's future. Thank you to our loyal members. If you have membership questions, contact Mindy Crow in the Liberty office at or mindy@libertyquartet.com. Below is a recent report of membership numbers since Total Yearly Total Lifetime Total Members septemberoctober2016 Page10 septemberoctober Page11