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01 Nov 2004
Embrace - Accepting the Challenge
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 “Some people endure life…..others embrace it.” These have become words to live by for this mixed trio from Jackson , Mississippi . Historically, the name of a Hebrew child carried with it the significance of life-long character. Children were often given a name that signified what their life would reflect. The name Embrace was chosen with that purpose in mind. First of all, we are embraced by the love of God even while we are still in our sins. Some choose to accept this embrace while others turn from it. Those who accept Christ and draw near to the light find the place of peace and rest----His love, care and forgiveness. “We have chosen to accept the embrace of God unto salvation and His purpose for our lives. We have embraced Christ, His calling and each other in Christian love.” It is only when we, as believers, release our dreams to the Lord, that He can bring them to reality in our lives. This has been a lesson well-learned by each of the members of Embrace. Dane Truhett, Melinda Hand, and Marci Ferguson were each called separately, at different ages, in different places, and in different ways to fulfill their mission……”Go ye therefore into all the world….”. It was only after each laid their passion for music and lost souls back into the hands of Jesus that He joined them together collectively to accomplish this task. The ministry of Embrace was born in 2001. Having all grown up within 15 miles of each other, these three somehow managed to meet in a local church body 75 miles from home. A very unlikely combination……Dane Truhett, after singing in several quartets and pastoring many years, believed that his opportunity to sing had passed. Melinda Hand and husband Paul, while healing from a difficult season in their marriage, felt God's call upon their lives in a fresh and powerful way. During this time, Paul had a dream that he was driving Melinda across the country in a big bus for her to sing about what the Lord had brought them through. He is now affectionately called the “Baldheaded Bus Driver”!!!! Praise the Lord!!! And Marci Ferguson, a newly-wed and recent college graduate, was still trying to find her identity as a wife and teacher, having finally given up on trying to understand how God would use her in the way He had promised……through song. Three very ordinary people, hungry for God, found each other through circumstances that only the Savior could have ordained. Now, three years later, on any given weekend, you will find Embrace doing what they love to do; sharing the gospel through song, encouraging pastors, and fellowshipping with other believers. This ministry functions much like the apostle Paul described the church when he said in Romans 12:4, “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Embrace is much more than three vocalists out front. These families travel together, minister together, and strive to develop and perfect the different gifts that God has given each of them. Husbands, wives, children, friends, relatives, Barbies, Game Boys, Veggie Tales videos and coloring books are all necessary in this journey. “We jokingly tell pastors that when Embrace comes to their church, they are guaranteed to have at least two rows packed with the eleven of us!” Everyone has their responsibilities at home and on the road. Dane serves as the multi-media guru, Melinda handles radio and marketing, while Marci tackles finances and song selection. Paul Hand drives the bus and John Ferguson serves as “pastor”, while both share in the responsibility of running the sound. Nora Truhett has earned the title of “childcare coordinator” in addition to wearing a hundred other hats. And the Embrace children are known as the “Mustardseed Moving Company”. Baleigh, Carrie, McKayla, Stephen, and Kirkland participate in each service; singing and using drama to proclaim that Jesus is Lord. “It is never easy traveling with 5 children all under the age of 9, but it is always worth it. We want our children to see us actively serving Christ on a daily basis. They are already learning what it means to be in the battle.” This has been a tremendous year for Embrace. Soon after placing in the NQC group talent contest in 2003, the group signed with Zion Music Group out of Nashville , TN. They released their first single, “Why Not”, to national radio in January 2004 and rejoiced as it climbed the Singing News and USGN Charts. They are privileged to have been featured in such notable publications as US Gospel News and Power Source Magazine. Their latest project, “After the Rain”, was recorded at Oak Valley Studios and produced by Kevin McManus. Here's what people are saying about Embrace and their music. “Without a doubt, there is something on this recording for every fan of southern Gospel music. From the fast paced, toe-tapping "Blessed Shall You Be" (you'll love the hot fiddle on this one!) to the very moving "The Valley," there is a variety of musical styles and arrangements. One of my favorite songs is "The Mustard Seed Moving Company." It is a unique version of mustard seed faith taught in the scriptures. The title song, "After The Rain," is also one of my picks. The message is sweet and clear, and the arrangement is awesome. This group's harmony and blend is astounding, and I have enjoyed this recording over and over. Sandi Duncan Clarke—Southern Gospel Music Forum “What a pleasure it was to have "Embrace" on our first set of network shows for TCT. The first thing that catches your attention is the great blend and sound that this trio produces. Then you get close to them and you know that they are down to earth people who love God with all their heart. I enjoyed every second of our 30 minute program! This is a group that will bring people back to concerts. Great sound, great attitude and a charisma that makes you want to keep hearing more...The show we filmed will be a huge favorite with our listening audience.” Greg Crowe---Greg Crowe Ministries/Poet Voices “Embrace. Their name says it all! They will embrace your heart with love, sincerity and anointing! This group is what Gospel Music is all about.... TRUE MINISTRY! We love each of them and count it a privilege for Zion Music Group to represent them! Beverly Cohron McManus---Vice President Zion Music Group "What a blessing "Embrace" has been to me personally and to my church. They definitely have a heart for worship and a desire to be obedient to the Lord's will. I trust them completely in worship and know that they will do everything possible to draw people closer to the Lord through their style of worship, celebration, fun, and laughter. Their music is awesome and inspiring and if they haven't been to your church than you are missing a blessing." Pastor Freddie Matthews--- Cruger Baptist Church , Cruger , MS The trio sings a song that sums up the desire of their hearts. “Let me serve, not for my glory. Let me give, not for my gain. Let me love without condition. Let me bring honor to your Name. Let me bring honor to your Name.” Be listening for Embrace's latest single, “Blessed Shall You Be”, a message for the church today taken directly from Deuteronomy 28. To learn more about this ministry please write to: Embrace or visit their website at http://www.embraceministry.com Reader Comments |
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Embrace - Accepting the Challenge
 Written: 11/01/2004  Author: SGN Category:
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