The Master’s Messengers 

Andy, I know your father was in a group for many years; did that help or hurt your calling to minister in music?
You’re right my dad for many years travel with a group. Growing up knowing the hard times as well as the blessings, I guess my answer would be both. I wanted to take the lessons I had learned and not make the same mistakes he did, but on the other hand when God calls you to do something then you had better do it. I really feel that God has called this group to minister to His people.
How did The Master’s Messengers get started?
Myself and my wife Debra McDonald started The Master’s Messengers out of our home church, Welcome All Baptist here in Benton Tn. We started as a mixed quartet in 2003.
Were there other members than the ones with you now?
Yes, Ken Addis and Ben Bennett joined my wife and I to start the group. Then in 2005 Ben left the group due to a new job and Tom Lawson joined
the group as the new lead singer. . In January 2006 Debra McDonald had to leave due to a conflicting schedule at work.
Is that when you changed to an all male quartet?
You’re right, not that we had planned it to be an all male group, it just worked out. We replaced the alto part with baritone Scott Keith from Kensington, GA. That worked until May 2006 when God sent us Jeremy Brown from Cleveland TN.
January 2007 tenor Ken Addis resigned due to health issues and was replaced by a young man from Cleveland TN. He was Wesley Freeman.
Six months later Wesley decided to step down due to personal reasons, and was replaced by 13 year old Colby Goforth also from Cleveland. That worked good for about another six months, then in February 2008 Colby left the group and "little man" Wesley Freeman came back and started singing with us again.
Now were up to date, what plans do you see for 2009?
Well, first I don’t see us having any more personnel changes! I think we have the right group at the right time.
We have improved our sound equipment to provide a better sound to the congregation. We are looking at some other things to help us minister more effectively. As you know it cost a lot to maintain a quartet, office expenses as well as the day to day equipment break downs and worn or broken cords. It seems there is always something to fix or replace.
I do understand Andy. Any closing comments for our readers?
Yes, I do. Thanks to SGMconcerts.com for allowing the regional groups in this area to have a voice and let more people get to know about more singings.
Thanks Andy, I really was talking about closing for the Master’s Messengers.
Sorry Lonnie, Wesley is singing higher than ever; Tom is doing a great job on Lead and emcee; and Jeremy it seems that he is always available to help do what ever needs to be done. And he sings baritone, so that means he has to be right on his part so the rest of the group can build around it. I am very pleased with this group of men that has joined me in ministry of changing lives through music, and may I say I think they are doing a wonderful job. These guys are a group of men who love what they do and love who they are doing it for. God is richly blessing this quartet beyond measure.
Wow Andy, what a closing comment.
Folks I encourage you to look at the Master’s Messengers schedule and go hear these guys. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

Casey Westra
Membership Director
Chattanooga, TN
SGMconcerts.com
Sgmconcertsmail@comcast.net