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Your Group had a big year in 2004 both professionally and personally. Fill everyone in on what has happened with the group!

(KELLY WRITING) On the personal side: The last couple of months of 2003 and the first 2 1/2 months of 2004 were nothing short of incredibly trying. We went to our doctor because of, what we thought were throat and sinus irritations, only to find out that the technique in which we were using our voices to sing, coupled with acid reflux, was actually causing damage to our vocal chords. The doctor told us we would have to come off the road immediately and be on vocal rest for, what gradually increase to, the next 4 1/2 months. Naturally, we felt like something had taken away what God had given to us. We felt like we were too far gone for help. I think when we face something unfamiliar and challanging our first reaction is that of fear and helplessness. The Bible clearly states in 2nd Timothy 1:7 that ". . .God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." This is just one of many promises that God reaffirmed to us during this time. This was also a time of growing for each of our family members individually. We learned, as every Christian learns, that spiritual growth always comes from the valley, not always from the mountain top. We also learned that the praise God deserves and, we believe, requires from His children is not only praise for what He's done for us, but praise because of Who He Is. If He never blessed us again we couldn't praise Him enough. He was worthy of praise before we came into this world; He was worthy of praise before the world was; and He'll be worthy of praise forever. Another lesson we learned, and are still learning, is to never let circumstances control your happiness, your joy, and never let circumstances control your praise. Philippians 1:9 says "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake;" James 1:2,3,4 says "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." 1st Peter 4:12,13 says "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing has happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exeeding joy." Another verse that encouraged us during this time is Psalm 34:19 which says "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all." The Lord brought us through this hard time and sent different doctors and special people to help and coach us back to health and He is with us all the way. Sometimes He has to soften us around the edges and weed out the hinderances in our lives to prepare us for the great blessings ahead. Contrary to what some would call a horrible trial actually turned out to be one of the greatest blessings of our lives.

On the other side: In April of 2004 our very first Daywind album, "Traveling On", was released. This was (and is) very special to us because during our vocal rest was the time in which we chose the songs for this album. It really is a testimony of what we were going through at that time. Our first single from "Traveling On" was "If It Had Not Been the Lord" and in Dec. 2004 surprisingly became our very first #1 song. We pray about every song we send to radio because radio is such a huge part of our ministry and we felt this was the song the Lord wanted us to send. It is every believer's testimony: If it had not been the Lord. . .where would we be?

Another special event took place in August of 2004. Music in the Rockies which is a GMA (Gospel Music Association) annual event invited us to be a part of last year's concert lineup. This is a workshop type week-long conference that aspiring new artists, writers, and industry leaders come together to enhance and learn more about their God-given abilities. Along with the concerts every night, there is a talent contest. Many well-known Christian artists today were "discovered" in the talent contest at Music in the Rockies. We were given the privilege of singing at one of the nightly concerts.

What's next up to bat for your group? In other words, what do you see in the immediate future for your ministry?

(ANNIE WRITING) In May we are planning to be in the studio working on our new recording, that has a release date for October. We are now in the process of writing and looking over material. At this stage, we are talking and praying about exactly what we want to say with the songs and what message we want to send out. I strongly believe that we are living in the last days. The events taking place around us are pointing to the return of Christ, so I won't be surprised if the finished project will have a theme of salvation, repentance, and eternal life.

Also, we are very excited to be a part of "Crabb Jam", a tour that will include the Crabb Family, Crossway, and ourselves.We are all great friends with the same burden for the lost and discouraged, and especially for young people. We hope to encourage and inspire others to take a stand for Christ during a time where there is so much pressure to compromise convictions. We pray that we will reach those who are searching for the truth of Jesus Christ. The Crabb Family Band will be playing on every song, including our own. I have always wanted to sing with a band, so I'm really looking forward to this! The tour is going to be a lot of fun!

Tell us about your new single. Word on the street is that it is doing well. Any stories about how well it is doing or lives it is touching?

(ANNIE WRITING) "There Is A Remedy" is climbing the charts, but more importantly it's making a difference and having an influence on lives. It has such a message of hope that points every single person- the saint and the sinner, every color and race, the bitter and discouraged- to the Remedy, Jesus Christ. I think that a lot of people are in situations that they cannot change or are living in sin and have found that they cannot change theirselves. They accept the way that they are and really just lose hope. But the good news is that there is a Solution to the problems- there is a Remedy! We don't have to live in fear. We don't have to stay in our sin. There is Someone Who can help when we can't help ourselves! We sing this song right before the invitation is given each night of our services and what I am seeing is a desperate cry for God to be God in lives, and for Him to be the Remedy. Once, during the invitation at a church, the Youth Pastor of the church ministered to a young man, whom I later found out was struggling with homosexuality. Others pray for wayward children, theirselves, husbands or wives, parents or friends. We are all, no matter where we are from or what we are dealing with in our lives, NOT without hope. There IS a Remedy and His name is Jesus Christ!

What are the long term plans for your group. What's the future hold for your group?

(KELLY WRITING) Only the Lord knows what the future of our ministry holds. We can make plans and say we'll do this or that, but ultimately our goal is to be in the center of His will and if that means throwing our ideas and plans out the window, than, open that window all the way. We would like to continue writing. This is something the Lord has blessed us with and we feel, just like our singing, this is just another way to glorify and praise Him. We've always talked about someday writing a book about our life, family, and ministry and how the Lord has done it all. That would be cool! If it's the Lord's will and He opens the door, I would like to become involved in missions somehow. I've always had a burden for the lost in foreign contries/lands; but we're seeing more and more the need for mission work right here in America. Who knows, it may be the Lord's will to continue using us right here. Whatever it is, we want to follow His leading and allow Him to use us right where we are until He leads differently. We also want to establish a prayer partner system. We feel this is the Lord's will for us: to give our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ the knowledge of our needs and the opportunity of planting seeds into fertile ground; and if for nothing else, to encourage each other in the Lord. Plans for this are in progress now.

Tell us about your worst and best concert experiences lately. Something the fan will love to know about you!

(ANNIE WRITING) . Not long ago a ten year old boy came forth after the service and wanted to be saved. The pastor later told us that this young boy was one that they picked up in the church bus. After a while he talked his parents into coming and His father was saved two weeks before we were there. It's amazing to me how God works!

This may not count in the best or worst catagory, but this has probably happened to every minister or singer and I guess that it was my turn! Between every couple of songs I have the opportunity to share a testimony and the Word. Now, I've never told this to anyone but you guys, but I've always kind of prided myself on my ability to tune out distractions such as babies crying, hearing aids going off, cell phones ringing, people walking in and out, and that sort of thing. But this time I couldn't ingore the cutest, little, two year old girl running up the aisle, every time it seemed I came to the most serious part of the story! The last time she got away from her "Nana", she made it all the way up to the stage. I asked her if she would like to sing a song. She said that "Nana" would sing it, but Nana looked as if she would have loved to have gone back to the pew more than anything in the world! I really thought once that she was going to sing "Jesus Loves Me", but instead she just blew into the mic and let Nana take her back to her seat. Thank goodness we were near the close of the service. She might have decided to go on the road with us!

The McRaes can be visited online at http://www.annieandkellymcrae.com . Don't forget to stop by Smryna, TN, Friday, July 29, 2005 at 6:30 pm for The Gospel Music Fan Festival where the McRaes will be appearing.

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