2005

John and Jennifer Rulapaugh Welcome Baby Girl

Congratulations to John and Jennifer Rulapaugh on the birth of their new baby daughter December 29, 2005 at 9:31 pm. Jaydon Audrey Rulapaugh weighed 6lbs, 6oz. More information and pictures can be viewed by clicking this link: http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/j/jaydonaudrey/

Resting Place Music Group Releases New Radio Compilation

Sylvester, GA. Resting Place Music of Sylvester, GA. announces the release of RPM Vol. 2, Compilation CD. This year Resting Place Music will service ten artists on two record labels with emphasis on radio promotion, distribution, marketing, and advertising.

Ricky Atkinson, President of Resting Place Music adds, "This is a tremendous honor to work with so many talented people, who can sing and write, as well as continuing to work in order that the good news of great Gospel music is spread to the masses. Southern Gospel radio has been good to our ministry, and we are certainly excited to send this new collection of radio releases from our family of artists to Southern Gospel radio. It’s gratifying to know when we send a compilation to radio that every song is airplay worthy in every way. Our standard is very high for talent level, lyrical content, and radio airplay format. It’s very satisfying to present the best music in the world, and produce it to the highest standards!"

The new RPM compilation was mailed out today and should be on the desk of program directors before the target date of Jan.1, 2006.

For more information on Resting Place Music and our family of artist, log onto:

http://www.restingplacemusic.com

Singing News Assures Fans the Future is Bright

In an email sent yesterday to Singing News subscribers and fans, Jim Cumbee and Jerry Kirksey assured the fans that they can continue to look forward to features of the past and honoring artists that are loved as well as introducing new artists. The Singing News will continue to operate with a staff in Boone, NC as well as an office in Nashville, TN. They guaranteed that they will begin to offer at least 15% more content in the coming months.

They stated, "We believe it most important to reinforce why we do what we do. We love Southern Gospel Music for many reasons, but in the final analysis, what we love most about Southern Gospel Music is that its lyrics are Biblically-based and point us straight to Jesus Christ ... His birth, His life, His death on Calvary, His resurrection and His promise to us for an eternal home in Heaven with Him. That is what the Singing News Magazine has been about since its founding in 1969, and that is what it will continue to be. To adapt a favorite phrase from the late great J.D. Sumner ... WE CAN"T WAIT!!!!"

The Martins Announce Plans To Reunite & Tour In 2006

Nashville, TN - The Christian music world experienced shock and sadness in the fall of 2003 when the announcement was made that multi Award winning and Grammy nominated Christian recording artist, The Martins would no longer tour after the end of that year. The group’s decision to take a sabbatical marked the end of an era of sorts. This talented trio had broken stylistic barriers and enjoyed success in varying Christian music genres, from Southern Gospel to Inspirational to Adult Contemporary. The group had been featured on the highly successful Gaither Homecoming Concerts and VIdeos, in addition to crusades with renown evangelist Billy Graham and also enjoyed performances as such prestigious locations as Carnegie Hall and the White House. “It's so hard to believe that we have been doing this for a quarter of a century,” explains the eldest of the siblings, Joyce. “What an amazing ride it has been. When you love what you do it is worth it, even if there are no earthly rewards, but God has blessed us through the years with the applause of men and awards from our peers. It is overwhelming at times. I am just thankful God allows us to be a part of His plan for reaching people.”

Obviously, a certain void has been felt within the Christian music community throughout the past few years with the absence of The Martins as a collective unit, yet siblings, Joyce, Jonathan and Judy have enjoyed success within their own individual careers. “It’s been a tremendous growing period for each of us,” Jonathan relates. “It was very difficult at first because I think we were all so accustomed to leaning on each other, and of course, we missed that three part harmony, but I think we all realized that not only did God want to use us as a team unit, but He also wanted to use us individually. I think because of the individual growth we have each experienced, we will be able to minister even more effectively together.”

Showcase Management has announced plans to reunite The Martins for touring in 2006 on a limited basis in support of the newly released Spring Hill Music recording, Decade. As Judy conveys, the future for The Martins looks very exciting and promises to be truly special. “The lessons we have learned during our time away will certainly allow us to bring something new and fresh to the stage,” Judy shares. “I am excited to see that ‘something new’ God will do through us as a unit.”

This special Martins’ reunion tour in 2006 will find the Martins sharing songs that have delighted fans for years. “Some things about The Martins from the past will never change: the harmony, the versatility, the passion for reaching people,” states Brian Hudson of Showcase Management. “During the Martins’ sabbatical we have been inundated with calls and letters from people wanting to know when The Martins would return to touring together again. That time has finally come. We’re excited.”

Those interested in learning more information about The Martins’ plans for 2006, including a touring schedule may visit http://www.martinsonline.com. A select number of dates are still available for 2006. Pastors and promoters interested in scheduling The Martins may email Brian Hudson at .

Recovery Update on Colby Starkel

Arden, NC – Hi Friends,

Our God is miraculously healing Colby!!! It was just 48 hours ago when I gave the report that Colby was going to live, but that he could not talk, use his arm, recognize anyone or understand anything. That same little boy is a new person today. God has been gracious and has answered your prayers and we are so thankful to Him and to you for your prayers. I have included a letter from John Starkel, Colby's dad. John and Tami are so full right now from seeing God's hand move in such a mighty way. The Crist Family would like to thank you from the bottom of our heart. We love you all.

Rich Crist Jr.

Hello to all who have heard about Colby's accident.

I want to thank everyone who has been praying for Colby's recovery and also those who have been providing for our every day needs. We have received so much food and other things that have helped us tremendously in getting through these difficult days. I have truly seen God's hand in the response we have seen on Colby's behalf. I know God's perfect plan for Colby's life did not include this trauma that he has suffered. Sin has tainted every part of this world and hence brought in these kinds of incidents. It is not God's fault it happened. I could easily blame the person who was driving the other vehicle. Although he is responsible and should be held accountable, the ultimate reason why these things happen is…accidents happen! We live in a fallen world and this is not my or Colby's final destination. I look forward to the day when no one will have to go through this kind of thing again. A day where there is no pain, no fear and no harm to innocent children. A day when no one will choose to sin, be careless or make poor decisions. A day when we all will be whole and in the presence of our loving Savior!

Today is day 11. Colby has made magnificent progress! Praise God!! He is now completely tube free, no IVs, no catheter, no nothing. He is very strong and walks on his own, and mighty fast too I might add! He smiles all the time now and is generally in a good mood. He is still not speaking, but managed to sound out the word mom today when working with a speech therapist. When Colby heard what he had said, he put on a great big smile at his accomplishment. His right arm is still not very strong. He has very little movement but is at least making progress. He has mastered the bathroom and we are all very excited about that! He seems to be healing at an exponential rate and I am so grateful to God our healer!!!

The next step for Colby now involves physical therapy at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Facility in Knoxville, TN. Three days ago the doctors and physical therapists were talking about 4 to 6 weeks of inpatient therapy. Today they said they thought we would be in and out in about 1 -2 weeks!! We will be moving out of the hospital on Tuesday to our new temporary home at Patricia Neal Rehab center. It is one more step in getting closer to our home in Maynardville, TN and we are all looking forward to sleeping in our own beds again.

I believe that God is going to heal Colby to 100% health. I have seen Colby come so far in the last two days and he is such a determined young man. Tonight he put his pajama top on with almost no help, including his right arm! Looking back over the past week and a half, I can remember when I didn't know if my son would even make it. Then I can remember when I thought my son would be stuck in a bed for the rest of his life. Now I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life as a father to a healed son. God held Tami and I up through the darkest period of our life. He has been so faithful to us and has given me my hearts desire, to have my son back. I will never forget this Christmas! The season we celebrate the birth of Jesus my Lord, is the season my son Colby was given back to me, the second greatest gift I could possibly receive. I cannot understand the height, width and depth of the love the Father has for us in order to have given up His beloved Son for us, the greatest gift I've ever been given! What an incredible God we serve!!

On the Glory Road,

John Starkel
The Crist Family
http://www.cristfamilymusic.com