THE DATES AND LOCATIONS ARE SET!
 

The final Indiana (Bedford area) sing for the Sonshiners Quartet will be at Dive Christian Church on December 31 at 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.  THIS WILL NOT BE A NEW YEAR'S EVE WATCH SERVICE!  We hope that all of you in the Martinsville, Bloomington, Mitchell, Salem, Paoli, French Lick areas will join us!  We want one more chance to say thank you and to show you our appreciation for your love and support through all of our years!

The final Illinois/western Indiana sing for the Sonshiners Quartet will be a Lincoln Trail College auditorium on January 7, 2012 at 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.  We hope that all of you in the nearby areas of Casey, Terre Haute, Robison, Oblong, etc. will plan to be with us.  We want one more chance to say thank you and to show you our appreciation for your love and support.

 

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If there’s a will there’s a way

The rain keeps a fallin, the grounds soakin wet
Out of last year’s crop, I haven’t gathered nothin yet
But I still recall the final words, I heard my pappy say
Son if you’ve got the will, you’ll make it some way.

My brother-in-law stopped by, borrowed my last ten
Probably be another year, fore I’ll ever see him again
Loanin money to kin folk, just never did pay
But I’ve got the will, I’ll make it some way.

My wife and twelve kids, are all down with the flu
I guess I’ll probably wind up, catching it too
Now the doctor says the stork, is headin back out way
But I’ve got the will, I’ll make it someway.

Well I went down to the bank, to see about a loan
I’d been better off, just sayin at home
They said I still have last year’s loan I need to pay
But I’ve got the will, I’ll make it someway

Oh the bill collectors they just, keep comin by
Ai’nt received no money, and their all wonderin why
I may get sued by one of them some day
But I got the will, I’ll make it someway.

Now this energy crisis has got folks, shook up a bit
And I’ve got a feelin, we haven’t seen nothing yet
But the lord himself promised, he would never forsake
And I’ve got the will, I’ll make it someway.

Got a phone call this morning
Said my uncle’d passed away
That sure was sad news, for me to receive today
He’s got five big oil wells, pumpin a hundred barrels a day
And I got his will, I’ll make it some way!!!

 

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

There are times in our lives where words just do not come easy. This happens to be one of those times. With great heartache and distress, we make this announcement. As of January 2, 2012; the Sonshiners Quartet will no longer be an active Quartet Ministry. Now this will be a great change to many personal lives, and we wish that you will understand that this decision was not easy to make nor simple to carry out. Consequential or eminent change comes to everything and everyone.

Daniel 2:20-22
20 and said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.

Please be consoled that this change will not be the end, but only the beginning of something new and fresh and anointed from God. We know that the trials and struggles; and, the successes and joys the Sonshiners Quartet has experienced over the years will continue in each of their lives forever and ever.

1 Peter 1:6-8
6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

We also wish that everyone will see that we do not want to just fizzle and burn out; the Lord has truly blessed this Quartet and our plans for this year are to fulfill the dates scheduled for the balance of 2011 and try to add a couple more “Special Events” in key areas to give our faithful supporters an opportunity to say goodbye to the individual group members.

This is an appropriate time to recognize key ministry partners (besides the Quartet themselves) for their selfless commitment and courage that has been instrumental with the current success of the Sonshiners Quartet. I am sure this mention will not come close to the appreciation and thankfulness truly deserved.

Descriptive words are difficult to describe the (faith) that Marcella Reed has sustained in the Quartet. For many years now Marcie presented this Quartet to people that she knows and many she has never met describing the talent and effectiveness of the Sonshiners Quartet. For this immeasurable effort we will always be thankful.

Hila Cheesman has always been a driving force behind the scenes pushing and promoting the Quartet in a businesslike and always professional manner. Hila is the one that thinks and remembers the most minuscule detail that is always right on target. Her talent and proficiency can never be fully understood.

Barry Bowlen; is an incredibly talented individual. He has been extremely effective with the integrity of the music presented. He has given great peace of mind to many occasions. His value most nights can only be measured by the non-comments received.

Darrel and Sadie Little are two of the most gracious people you will ever meet. The Quartet is thankful that these two have wrapped their love and commitment to the Quartet really since almost the beginning. Darrel has been ever faithful doing whatever needed, Sadie vigilant and prayer minded in all situations and opportunities.

Randall Hamm, what can be said about Randall, he has been a staunch supporter of the Quartet for many years. We would illustrate Randall’s involvement with the Quartet as our trumpeter; similar to the Arch Angel Michael.

Phil and Oneita Bowlen are two that deserve mention for their love and promoting the Quartet in unexplored area’s and the encouraging spirit to help guide us and realize those new opportunities.

To the founding group members, each of us thank you for having a vision and the desire to see excellence in Ministry and the true commitment to Jesus during the journey. To all of the former group members, thank you for the foundation established to build momentum and enjoy the success presented. We also want to especially thank Wes Smith for the Godly impact that he has left on each of our lives.

Last but not least, to all of you that have ever been to a Sonshiners Quartet Concert, to all of you that have bequeathed financial support and to the many who have bestowed prayerful and spiritual support, also to those who have entrusted us into their personal lives with great friendships and relationships; we realize that none of this has been deserved; but “we have” and “we will” cherish these personal gifts to the end of our days. We do hope and pray that everyone will have great understanding in our decisions moving forward.

Here are a few facts we wish everyone to know about the history of the ministry of the Sonshiners Quartet;
• Quartet was set to be first: Ministers of the Gospel through song then continue to improve always giving the very best to God with quality of the singing and the presentation of the message. Enriching the lives of others while striving for those two goals were always a byproduct of the blessings and approval of the Lord.

• Quartet was formed in spring of 1973. Five men Wes Smith, David Allen, Novey Newkirk, the late Larry Eastridge, and the late James Allen were the founding members. Numerous men were trained in this powerful ministry over the years some for short stints but many for many years. Not all of these men were singers, many talented musicians also passed through the ranks.

• Many men were tooled to not only be singers and musicians but several continued their personal ministry as pastors and teachers. Most all are active in several Churches throughout the state and surrounding areas. Wes Smith had the longest tenure of the founding members. Wes retired in 2003, he was the last remaining founding member until he said he stepped down in July of 2003.

• Tim was named manager and with Mike’s help they embarked on a new direction, adding several more dates to the schedule with the intent of someday becoming a full time Gospel Music singing Ministry. There have been several new venue locations and churches added to the schedule in the past few years. Meeting many new friends and expanding the schedule much farther from the home state. Traveling to Michigan north to Florida south, eastern Pennsylvania/ North Carolina from the east to as far west as Paris, Texas, Enid, Oklahoma and Spencer, Iowa. 2010 was the most dates scheduled of 162, one of the Quartets favorite stopping points was south central Florida. Each year the Quartet looked forward to those events and opportunities.

• Quartet has been shown the favor of the Lord many times. In 1985 and 1986 they appeared on the main stage of the National Quartet Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. They have been nominated for many musical awards. In 2009 nominated for USAGEM Southern Gospel award and again in 2010 nominated for the Southern Gospel award plus the USAGEM Group of the year, in 2011 the Quartet has received the very same nominations. The Quartet has even won a couple; in 2010 they won the USAGEM Southern Gospel award and they won the USAGEM Group of the year award as well. In 2010, Tim was honored with the Andrew Phipps award with the Indiana Gospel Music Festival and Association. This award is presented annually to an individual for excellence promoting and preserving Gospel Music in the state of Indiana.

• The Quartet actively participated in many Music Associations, USAGEM – United States Association of Gospel Entertainers and Musicians located in Nashville, Tennessee. IGMF; Indiana Gospel Music Festival located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Orange County Benefit located in Orange County Indiana and many more, all to embrace and promote Gospel Music and the message that lies within the music and songs.

• The Quartet has recorded 23 projects over the 38 year history with five individual releases receiving national attention and two charting in the top 80 Singing News Magazine Charts. The Quartet has worked with several promotions companies, but the last four years have proved to be the most fruitful working with the acclaimed Homeland Records using the legendary Nick Bruno as producer.

• The Sonshiners Quartet has been incredibly blessed to have gained respect and support from many folks over the nearly 38 year history. The Terre Haute/East-Central Illinois area has been amazing. The Western Pennsylvania folks have been surprising and the South-Central Floridians (and Snow Birds) have been unbelievable. But the support from our own local home towns has just been awesome!

• While in the service of the Quartet, Tim has seen three of his children marry and provide him with seven grandchildren. He has also suffered the passing of one of his children, without the group and God’s love he could not have overcome.

• While in the service of the Quartet, Mike was privileged to have his oldest son Chris travel with the quartet for four of his 11+ year tenure. He has gained two daughters-in-law and his first granddaughter. This past year prayer warriors worked overtime to be with Mike through his open heart surgery. Those efforts did not go unnoticed. Mike says “God Bless You Always!”

• While in the service of the Quartet, Josh had the warmth and love of the prayers warriors with him while he and Carly welcomed their first child, Reagan Leigh, into the world.

• While in the service of the Quartet, Terry has watched some of his children grow into very fine adults. He has been attending his daughters’ graduations both High School and College and one daughter’s wedding with another wedding schedule Labor Day weekend 2011.

Here are the reasons for this disablement of the Ministry;

• Daily grind on the minds and bodies of the members. We have not reached the goal of full time status so it is very difficult to manage lives. For the past few years we have been basically performing two jobs; one working during the week and one in the ministry on the weekends traveling, performing to a schedule of 150 engagements per year.

• Missed opportunities at home with family and family activities, it was very difficult on each member to continually miss those once in a lifetime events.

• Ever continual climbing costs and expenses to keep the Quartet active and performing at a very high level.

• There are no issues, disagreements or animosity between the current members to come to this conclusive end. We will continue to be a part of one another’s lives! You don’t become this close and then just leave a relationship such as the bonds we have developed.

• It was just time, God has blessed this ministry for many years. Each member has prayerfully and earnestly considered all options given, but it was agreed by the members the timing is right to begin the next phases in our lives. Whatever God may have in store for each of us!

What will happen next?

• We want to end this faithful ministry on an extremely positive note. We will be planning events between now and end of the year to make sure we can say goodbye to all loving and faithful supporters, because without them, none of this could have been possible.

• Each member will be examining personal ministries to continue with their own talent and calling. Mike is going to continue singing with the Open Heart Quartet located in Bedford, Indiana. Josh will be taking some time off and then looking at doing some solo dates. Terry will be taking some family time off as well, but is very certain he will continue singing. Tim, after some rest will be looking at some worship leading opportunities.

If there are specific questions that any of you would like answered or if you wish just to express yourself in any way, please contact us. Quartet’s number is 812.755.4940, E-mail address is tchasta@blueriver.net Tim’s cell is 812.606.7284. Mike’s contact information is (home) 812.279.9573 or (cell) 812.583.2293 or email address atchisonatch@aol.com. Terry’s e-mail is terry@tichenorsauto.com and his cell is 812.709.0555 and Josh’s contact information is texaslonghorns7@live.com .

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Please come to one of the scheduled events to visit with us or speak with us!

God Bless
Sonshiners Quartet