Engaged!!

Yes, it's true! Joanne is head over heels in love with Levi Hebert. 

Due to her preparations for their February wedding, Joanne has officially resigned from the Team. 

That means she's not gonna be with us on stage again. Nope... she'll be moving to Montana!

Drop a note and give them your congratulations!! :)

(Are you getting tired of congratulating new couples yet? Just kidding.)

Happy Birthday!

Julie

-lead and alto vocals, guitar-

Julie has the gift of compassion. She can sense when someone is going through a
difficult time, and doesn't hesitate to pray for them and offer encouragement.
She has written many songs (words and music!). She wants to be a journalist.
Sometimes Julie wears mismatching clothes - just for the fun of it. :)

Wedding Bells

Joe and Gina were married on October 27th.
The weekend of the wedding was a fun, full, yet relaxed one.
Though the festivities are through, the honeymoon continues on!

You can see more photos from the day on this site.

All thirteen of the original Team members were able to make it for the wedding!
It was the first time they were all together since they recorded their CD!

Official Music Video

It was a hard secret to keep, and now that the project is finished, word is spreading fast!

The Shepardsville Team has recorded their first music video.

::The Beginning::

Early in 2011, God gave me a vision of the song Jesus Real Loud (recorded by the Team in 2009), becoming a music video. Months later, it came again, only much more clear and real. I mentioned it to several other current and past Team members, and Joe Miller said he had the same idea. So, we set out to find a day to shoot. That was a challenge. Joe Miller was living in Pennsylvania, and Joe Bontrager was living in Panama, and we had to get both of them together at the same time when the weather was right. We found a day near Christmas where they would both be in town, but it was so close to the holiday, that we had only one day the dentist office was open. We planned on using that day, until our schedules and travel plans changed so we weren't all in town then.

::Hitting the Road::

When that didn't work out, we didn't know when we would pick up the project again. That spring, after Joe moved back from Panama, we could pretty much shoot whenever Joe Miller could get time off and travel from PA. We kept in touch and prayed and prepared until then. 

I don't remember how it all came together, but on June 28th (2012), we loaded a van with instruments, props, musicians, extras, and a big lunch, and hit the road. 

::Shooting the Scenes::

As we began filming, bystanders came closer to see what was going on. We were met with great enthusiasm and encouragement to continue on in faith. As we moved from location to location, God worked out even the smallest details. It all went so smoothly! Throughout the day, everyone got ideas to better a scene or invent a new one. In fact, we have several that we couldn't use, so maybe that will evolve into a deleted scenes/blooper reel (unless you don't want to see one)!

::The Cast::

     Main Actors/Musicians: Dave Miller, Joe Bontrager, Martin Bontrager, Joe Miller

     Extras: Jason Yoder, Deborah (Teusink) Bontrager, Julie Bontrager, Rebekah Derby, Kayla Collins

     Film Crew: Esther Derby, Seth Derby

::Thank You::

Thank you to those who supported and prayed for us as this project came together.

And also to the businesses who helped us make the video!

(Pairadocs Dental Group, Flint Crepe Company, Rowe Building, Uptown Development, MTA, Teachout Security) 

It was all made possible entirely by God's hand, and we desire to give Him the credit for it. 

It was so clear that He led us to and through each scene and location. 

Looking back, all I can see is His amazing grace at work.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Happy Birthday!

Bethany

-lead and alto vocal, piano-

Bethany has an easy-going, fun-loving spirit. She is always ready to learn something new.

She has been named the most talkative person in the Team.

Her voice was made for Country. Her feet were made for Converse.

Oh... and she makes her own Root Beer!

Benefit Concert in review

The Team with Nanci Jodway

Last Sunday we got to perform as part of a benefit concert for Nanci, a lady who has lung cancer.

Toward the end of our program, we did "Long Black Train", which I personally like because Bethany does an amazing job singing lead. We hadn't performed this song since before Marty got married, so this time I got to learn the fiddle solo. Bethany was singing, and I started in on my fill-ins. One of my strings went loose. It didn't sound too off, because the note changed to another one in the chord. My solo was coming up, so I needed to get that fixed. I turned to the back of the stage and started tuning. That was a challenge. I had to do it all by ear and there was music going on all around me. It wouldn't have been so bad, except for the fact that two other strings slipped while I was tuning. The time was getting away, and my solo was approaching fast. I was about ready to tell Jason that I wasn't able to play my part. I finally managed to get one of the strings in tune, and it was time to go. I went up to the mic, took a deep breath, and began. It went great! I managed to play the whole solo on two strings!

As I rushed off stage after the song ended, I realized that while I was trying to fix the problem in time, God was stretching and preparing me. He can turn any situation into something good. When I picked up my bow to start in, I realized that I didn't even remember what notes I usually played. Or what strings I used. My "self" left the building and God took complete control.

When things don't go as planned and practiced, know that God is preparing you for a miracle!

Just sit back and let Him work!

Happy Birthday!

Lewis

-drums, mandolin-

Lewis likes to hunt... and will hunt anything with gun or bow.
His nickname is Bacon. His favorite color is camo.
He likes meat 'n potaters, but he don't like ketchup. (I know... really.)
He builds barns for a living. And he's a self-proclaimed huntin' professional!
(Unlike most, he can hit the broad side of a barn!)

Benefit Concert

This coming Sunday we are scheduled to play at a benefit concert for a Nancy, a cancer patient.
The family would appreciate it if you joined us to support her during this difficult time of treatment.

Please bring your own chair for seating. Admission $5.00.

Henry and Ida's Gospel Barn

5:00 pm

2512 N. Shepardsville Rd. Ovid, MI

Their Story

Joe's story:

The love story “for me” would begin as a young school boy probably in the 3^rd grade. I remember telling a friend that “if there is anyone I would like to marry someday, it would be Gina”. 

Fast forward to about 6 years later and I still had a crush on Gina. I got to see her quite a bit because of mid-week prayer meetings and youth gatherings. It was that summer, and through various circumstances that I decided I really liked her and someday I would want to marry her. 

Throughout the next couple years I watched her and saw a lot of qualities that really attracted me to her. Her desire to follow to Christ and her diligence in completing high school spoke volumes to me.  Then in 2009 just before I moved to PA, with prayer and the peace of God, I asked her about our friendship; she was a little shocked, which kinda’ scared me, but soon after that she gave me her answer (a definite “YES”, agreeing to eventually be more than just my friend). Because she was going to college and didn’t need me for a "distraction", we decided to wait for a while, before getting involved in anything beyond a friendship. 

Dec. 23, 2011, marked our first “official” date. On Dec. 26, we announced our relationship to the youth group in Michigan. And on the 27th, Facebook and the world found out.

God has been so awesome to me; I feel like the most incredibly blessed guy ever!!! 
I LOVE you GINA!!

"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Ps 37:4

~Joe

Gina's story:

Actually pinpointing when I started liking Joe as more than just a friend is hard, because I’ve known him since I was 6 years old. Not until I was 14 years old, did I actually admit to someone that I really really liked him, but my biggest desire was to just be his friend. I didn’t want to get so caught up in my emotions that I would lose the chance of developing a great friendship. Throughout the next 4 years, I got to know Joe well, since we were involved in many of the same youth activities and other things. Seeing him grow in Christ and confidence, besides his fun-loving personality, really attracted me to him.

When I was 18 years old, I had several consecutive dreams of marrying someone else, which made me realize that if my future with Joe were to never develop beyond a friendship, I would be devastated. I began to realize how caught up emotionally I really was with him—the exact thing I wanted to avoid—and at that point, I made up my mind to completely surrender this guy over to God and totally give up ever having a future relationship with him. 

My complete focus turned to God as I allowed Him to work out the details of my life. I watched Him open doors for me to attend college (my major is nursing), and I used to think that AFTER I graduated, maybe God would bring along an amazing young guy to capture my heart. I was completely shocked and blown away one night (over a year later) after having a conversation with Joe about there possibly being a future between the two of us. In my mind, I thought God was trying to show me through those dreams that Joe would never be more than just my friend. Looking back, I understand that God was using the dreams to make me realize I had to change my focus to HIM and let Him lead me because my own plans will get “in the way.” 

Various circumstances and conversations with parents and other trusted individuals, plus a TON OF PRAYER, lead me to the conclusion that my Knight in Shining Armor is Joe Miller. Although we live 600+ miles away from each other, right now, I’m getting to know him on a completely different level. It’s exciting, and I feel like the most blessed person on earth. 

“Those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired; they will walk and not become weary.” (Is. 40:31)

Waiting for God and His timing is everything!

editor's note:

Joe proposed on July 14th, the same day as Marty and Deborah's wedding. (FYI Marty is Gina's brother) Of course Gina wasn't expecting anything after the already big day!

Please keep Joe and Gina in your prayers as they plan and prepare for their wedding later this year.

And of course, don't forget to flood the comment box with congratulations!

Happy Birthday!

Esther

-violin, keyboard, lead, alto and tenor vocals-

If there's a group jammin' then Esther is probably in there with her fiddle.

She's got a honking repertoire of favorite songs.

She does a good job keeping this blog updated for you,

except for today since I'm doing it (Humble Seth here).

And she's the second oldest rat in the barn (I mean team)!

she shore do a good job of editin don't she? (specially compaired 2 me!) 

Drop her a note and say howdy birthday! And tell me how much you like long posts.

She said yes!

Congratulations, Joe and Gina!

Happy Birthday

Dave

-bass vocal, bass guitar-

God has blessed Dave with wisdom. When he talks, everybody listens. 

He's a homerun batter. And a good volleyball spiker.

He's the father of an adorable son (Justin).

And he's the tallest guy in the Team!

Wedding Bells

It has been quite the weekend for us all!

Martin and Deborah got hitched last Saturday, and are away on their honeymoon!

(Then they'll drive down to Texas to get settled!)

There are more wedding pictures on this site.

Almost all of the Shepardsville Team (former and current) were together for the weekend,

so we couldn't resist a picture! :)

Happy Birthday!

Jason

-lead and bass vocals, guitar, bass-

You don't have to know Jason well before you see his passion for Christ.

He has a knack for keeping things moving but making it fun in the process.
He fixes computers. He enjoys snowmobiling.
And a day isn't complete until he's picked a tune on his Taylor!

Ola Camp

Last week was the annual camp meetings at Ola Camp, and we were 

asked to sing for the Saturday night service. 

Every year they have one themed night, and this year it happened to be... crazy hats. 

We of course couldn't turn down the opportunity to don our own creative headwear!

Hat rental $5                                                     Really!         

One of our favorites from the audience.

Don't expect us to dress like this every time, but please tell us if you're inviting us 

to sing for a themed night, and prepare for a surprise!

 Hi from all of us!

At Calvary - video

Here it is! One of the new selections from our 2012 program.

And have you been by the Schedule page in a while? 

We have three more performances in the next two weeks!

Please note: Watching it on YouTube will enhance the quality of the video.  

Just click the YouTube logo in the bottom corner.

Gospel Barn in review

A huge thank you to all who came out the Gospel Barn last Sunday! It was a huge blessing to all of us.

As the evening began, I felt an overwhelming sense of God's presence. 

Everything came together in His perfect timing.

I got to talk with a number of people afterward, and it was so encouraging to hear their response. 

There were many that come every time, and have been for years and years. 

And others who were excited to be there for their first time! It was a joy to meet you. 

I hope to see you again in August!

Gospel Barn

Summer is here! In case you haven't been by our "Schedule" page, today is music at the Gospel Barn!

Stop by Henry & Ida's Gospel Barn for some foot stompin' classics by the Clarksons and other groups.

And... enjoy songs that have been newly added to the Shepardsville Team's repertoire.
We have an exciting program for 2012!

See you tonight at 6pm!

Ta-ta... for now

Gina, our keyboardist since the beginning, has moved 

over a thousand miles away for the summer. 

Needless to say, we are in the process of adjusting to accommodate. 

But... we expect she'll make another appearance with us!

She's due to come back after the summer job ends.

Happy Birthday!

Rose

-lead, alto, and tenor vocals, flute, keyboard-

Rose is good at giving advice. 

She tries to keep us in line while we practice.

She enjoys working in the garden. She loves hats.

And she can't wait to get her driver's license!

PA trip in review

The verse that came to my mind over and over again throughout the weekend in PA was "I was in prison, and you came to me. I was naked, and you clothed me. I was hungry, and you fed me." 

I felt like maybe I understood that verse more than ever before!

Thursday night as we sat in the hotel conference room (with about 170 other people) for orientation, I was more than excited to do what I for so long had wanted to do.... I must admit I was just slightly nervous, but after we were dismissed I was ready to go, ready for the challenge, the new experience, and even walking through the locked doors and being on the inside of the fence. I was prepared! I was expecting to give all this weekend, I guess.... 

After the service started that Friday evening, I could have wept. I realized I wasn't there just to give, but I was also there to receive! The prison choir sang two songs. My, was I excited as they sang "I Give Myself Away" and the other song which I don't remember the name of. Listening to those men was so awesome. I wanted to listen and watch them (esp. the director) for like 2 days straight. I was getting SO blessed! Things went well that night. I walked out that evening knowing I did what I so enjoy doing. I felt so fulfilled and, once again, was so excited to be in there again all day on Saturday. There's really not much to say except WOW! Watching them being just who they were was so priceless. I so enjoyed how free it was. One of the guys in our group was sharing a testimony and mentioned what nuts these inmates were. Then he went on saying "You guys are nuts for Jesus" (That's really a good way to explain it). The inmates stood up and cheered. I just smiled to myself with a million thoughts racing through my mind. I thought of all the churches across America that are so full of religion, denominations, hypocrites, untruth, and how much sin there is in the churches. (I do say this with all my respect and hope no one is offended.) A simple way to say it is "We're either part of the happy clappy, or the frozen chosen." Make sense? I wanted so badly to have my camera there so we could post photos and videos of their songs. Unfortunately, we aren't allowed to. 

Now to wrap this up.... The whole group enjoyed the weekend so much. Being together, snacking yummy snacks on the road, eating out, all the drastic conversations, laughing, sober moments, challenges, lots of music, excitement, teasing, prayer times, and also nap times. You name it, it was a blast! :) We all came home spiritually encouraged, uplifted, very challenged, and excited to continue living our lives to the fullest. 

(we who went)

Thanks to all of you out there who stop by and visit our blog! And as we come to mind we ask that you would lift us up to God in prayer! Last but now least, lots of love from the team to you!
                                                                                         God bless! ~Joanne Y.

Announcing...

...the post we have all been waiting so long for.

We have updated "The Team" page!

If we had a pizza party, what variety would we like, and 

where would we go to eat it? Find it all out... here.

                                                                                 Enjoy!

Happy Birthday!

Seth

-bass vocal, cello, bass-

Seth is everybody's favorite.
He's been nominated the most humble person in our group.

He does a great job testing mics with Marty.

And he won a pie baking contest!

Happy Birthday!

Gina

-alto vocal, keyboard-

Gina is our encourager. She can make everyone feel special.

She is going to college to become a registered nurse.
Some of her favorite things are hotdogs and watermelon... and Joe. ;)
And she named her keyboard - Jazzmyn Keysha!

Prayer Request

Please pray as we prepare to send off a few Team members to Pennsylvania for a prison crusade. Only half of the group will be able to go, so it has been quite the adjustment!

Here are a few specific prayer requests:

- For open hearts in those that would attend

- That the gospel would be illustrated clearly

- That we would represent Christ in our 

             words and actions

- Vocal strength (and good fingers!)

- For positive health

- Continued spiritual growth in our group

- Wisdom making last-minute decisions

- Traveling safety

To God be the glory!

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds!

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

in a believer's ear!

It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,

 and drives away his fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole,  

and calms the troubled breast;

'Tis manna to the hungry soul

and to the weary, rest.

Dear name! the Rock on which we build;

Our shield and hiding place;

Our never-failing treasury, filled

with boundless stores of grace.

Jesus, our Savior, Shepherd, Friend,

our Prophet, Priest, and King;

our Lord, our Life, our Way, our End,

Accept the praise we bring.

Weak is the effort of our heart,

and cold our warmest thought;

But when we see Thee as Thou art,

we'll praise Thee as we ought.

'Til then we would Thy love proclaim

with ev'ry fleeting breath.

And triumph in that blessed name,

which quells the pow'r of death.

                            -John Newton

Happy Birthday!

Martin

-lead and bass vocals, guitar, fiddle-

God has given Martin the gift of leadership. 

He has done a lot of the organizing in our practice sessions. 

 He enjoys training horses. He likes to go hunting.

And he is in love with his fiancee, Deborah!

Shepardsville Team Catering

We were all busy this weekend preparing and decorating for a candlelit couples banquet. 

Every one of us enjoyed creating and serving a gourmet meal.

:: Cutting ::

:: Decorating ::

:: Mixing ::

Menu

Fruit Appetizer with Maple Cream Cheese Fruit Dip

Romaine and Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Crispy Baked Chicken over Spanish Rice with Creamy Mushroom Gravy 

Rich Triple-Layer Chocolate Cake

It was God who brought all the details together. And His plans never fail.

Yes, we can truly say the evening was a success!

Praise the Lord!