Family Fest '07

For those of you that have requested an update on Liberty's Family Fest concert (and don't get our e-mail newsletter), here you go.

Nearly 800 people turned out for an evening filled with Gospel music. The concert, held at Meridian Assembly of God in Meridian, ID, lasted from 5:30 PM until 10:30 PM. While it wa probably a little too long, there were plenty of people who stayed around for the last note. Liberty was privileged to have so many regional artists be part of this special event. Linnie Doyle, Faithful Men, Doug & Marilyn Holly, the Liberty Kids Trio, Paul Ellis, Jaime Thietten, and the Homecoming Choir did an outstanding job! I have to hand out special kudos to Gerald VanOrder and the Homecoming Choir. The nearly 80 voice choir brought the crowd to their feet with their power-packed set. No one can conduct a choir like Gerald! Also, this was Jaime Thietten's last Boise-area appearance before she moves to Nashville. What amazing talent! Her beautiful spirit coupled with her voice promise great things on down the road. For those of you who are into contemporary music check out her website. You will hear her name again, I promise.

Crossway did a fantastic job in their Boise debut. Crossway is one of the most incredible trios you will ever hear. They can do it all from straight-ahead Southern Gospel, to country, to a cappella. I've already had many requests to have them back. I've followed their ministry from the beginning. I have to say that they sound better now than they ever have. The awesome part is to witness the sincere testimonies behind the performances. Paul, Matt, and Scott are truly men of God. They had quite an experience in getting to the concert. Marc Taylor and I picked up Paul and Matt at the airport on Friday night. They hadn't had slept since Wednesday and were just wasted. Scott was supposed to be on the same flight, but on the trip from home (Birmingham, AL) to Nashville (where the group is based) his car broke down. He missed his flight and didn't get in until 11:45 PM. We had taken Matt and Paul out to Red Robin (no Idaho visit is complete without a meal at this fine restaurant) and then dropped them off at the motel. On the way to the motel Paul called Scott's voicemail and told him that a cab would pick him up at the airport and that they were going to get some sleep. Unfortunately, Scott didn't get the message. He arrived late, sick (he had a fairly high fever), and exhausted. He sat around until 2:30 in the morning waiting on the guys. He finally carried his luggage a half mile to a motel and got to bed about 4:00 AM. He handled it a lot better than I would, that's for sure. He did a great job at the concert. Here's a little trivia for you SG maniacs: Scott used to sing tenor for the now-defunct quartet N'Harmony. If you like country music go out and buy Crossway's new CD A Beautiful Thing.

Another treat was to have Inheritance with us at Family Fest. We have been friends with Ben and Dustin for quite a while, but never have had the opportunity to work with them. Wow! They are incredible! I will say that they have a bluegrass number that rivals Liberty's version of "The Gospel Plow". You have to see it.

Special thank you's go out to each artist who sang and promoted the concert, each choir member who gave up one night a week for rehearsal, Gerald VanOrder and Boyd Hoops for their work with the choir, Connie Hill for organizing the choir contact info, John Cotner for his input and emcee work, Paula and the incredible staff at Meridian Assembly, the Meridian Assembly youth group, the Grace Bible Church youth group, and our sponsors: Cotner Building Company, Grace Bible Church, Insurance Associates, Inc., LMG, Nampa Flooring & Interiors, Remax Agents Terry Taylor and Jeff Gardner, Rod's Custom Paint, and Taylor Drywall.

I also want to give credit where credit is due: Doran Ritchey was the event coordinator and much of the night's success can be directly attributed to his hard work. Just don't compliment him too much. It quickly goes to his head.

You guys really need to show up next year.