The June Bugs: May 21
Ray Seemans: June 18
Not raised in a Christian home, Ray narrowly survived the world and its ways until the age of 33 when he moved from Delaware to Nashville, TN to pursue a career as a singer and songwriter. God met him there. Ray received Christ as Lord and Savior in 1988 and has never looked back. Since then he has been a student of the Bible and Christ follower, serving in praise & worship teams, leading Bible studies, childrens’ ministries, until 2005 when God called him to step up with his music, testimony, experience and strength to share God’s love and mercy on a whole new level.
God led Ray to take this ministry—now titled “Through Me To You Ministries”—to jails, prisons, rehab centers, hospitals, nursing homes, and churches of all denominations, crossing all cultural and racial lines with God’s Gospel message of salvation available to all who will receive. For the past two years he has also been instrumental in a Native American Crusade bringing practical help and spiritual growth in the Navajo Nation of the Four Corner States out West.
The Seemans family currently resides in Wilmington, DE and makes their church home at Red Lion Evangelical Free Church in Bear, DE. Ray serves part-time on the worship team, continues his work with TMTY Ministries and is president of a company entitled “To Worship Him” working as a freelance worship consultant to churches in this area.
The RVN Band: June 19
RVN is the result of a vision. An encounter with Almighty God that changed the life of one man forever. That change then began the domino effect that years later became the RVN Band. Philip D. Derber, once addicted to drugs, alcohol, etc., was aspiring to stardom on the rock stage. However, when his life began to spiral downward, God cried out to him, saved him, and instantly delivered him from his addictions and a pending divorce. Giving away all of his guitars, Philip also gave up on his dream of stardom. But God had another plan, "You'll play at my feet and on my stage!"
Over the period of a few years, God began to give Philip lyrics, melodies, songs, guitars, and people, some of which were involved in the "party scene" with him. As Philip continued to be faithful to God, the RVN Band was born. Because of the lifestyle that Philip was delivered "from," God powerfully uses him and the RVN Band to minister healing, deliverance and restoration to others in a way that only God can. Every RVN event is a demonstration of the truth that Jesus is still Lord!
Forgiven: June 19
Forgiven is best described as dedicated, talented and sincere.
Cloid, Debbie and Corey form this trio, whose music and testimony communicate to the listener their love for Jesus Christ. Seldom does a gospel group come along with a sweeter harmony, professional appearance and heartfelt desire for ministry than Forgiven. The primary focus of their ministry is the church, and their purpose is to provide through music and testimony a worship service for the Christian and an evangelistic service for the unsaved.
Cloid and Debbie Baker have devoted nearly 40 years of their Christian lives to singing the good news of Jesus Christ. They have a rich heritage in Gospel Music, as their backgrounds include serving with two icons in the gospel music industry, the Gaithers and the Weatherfords. Over the years, they have maintained a singing group and served in several local churches as Minister of Music and Pianist. Cloid & Debbie started the group Forgiven in 1988, traveling year round and singing in 200 or more services each year.
The newest member of Forgiven is Corey Laney. Corey had many life circumstances to overcome as a young child but instead of using that as a stumbling block he chose to give his heart to Jesus at the age of 9, using his energy and ability to be a positive influence to others. He not only has a rich singing voice, but also plays several instruments.
Forgiven has been recognized by many national southern gospel music publications. They have participated in television appearances on Phipps Gospel Sing, Andy Bryan's Spirit of Praise, Atlanta Live, Hazen Ministries, TV 49 in Augusta, GA, Nightline Program in Greenville, SC, TCT Ministries and Daystar Network.
Ted Osler: June 25
Growing up in Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Oaklyn, NJ, Ted remembers his pastor, Rev. Terry R. Smith, saying, "God is gonna anoint you, Teddy, to be a pastor someday". Believing God's promise was to prepare him for the ministry of music, Ted earned a B.A. in music, and taught music in public school, all the while serving as organist and choir director in his home church.
As drummer for the touring group New Horizon Singers, Ted felt God calling him to ministry. Certain in his mind that God was serious and that He meant Music Ministry, doors opened for Ted to serve as the Minister of Music at First Church of God, Walla Walla, Washington (dragging his wife, Mary Louise and their two daughters 3,000 miles across the country).
God later made it real clear to Ted that he was being called into Pastoral Ministry so within the year, the Osler family moved back East and Ted attended Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Philadelphia.During this time, Ted had the great privilege of serving Marshall Memorial United Methodist Church, Woodlynne, NJ as a student charge. The most loving parisoners prayed Ted thru seminary (especially Brandywine Camp Meeting cottagers Fred and Renee' Kindt—who spent most of the long nights of January 1988 praying that Ted would get thru Greek classes).
Ted and Mary Louise pastored in Woodlynne for 7 years, then at the Methodist Church in Delran, NJ for 11 years. Ted is now the senior pastor at Cape May Court House's Methodist Church. He and Mary will lead Bible studies on the Wildwood, NJ beach this summer called "Learn and Burn", then, a few more weeks later, the "Closer Walk" weekend as teens camp on the beach for a 4 day Christian Festival.
Chuck Kieffer: June 26-27
Chuck is Lead Pastor at The Foundry Church, Wallingford, PA, and has 14 years of pastoral experience. He is a church planter with North American Mission board and serves as the Associate Chaplain at Widener University. He can be heard on his radio program called Big House on www.wybf.com.
He and his wife Joy have two daughters, and are cottagers at Brandywine Summit Camp Meeting.
Freewind: June 26
Freewind is an acoustic (and sometimes electric) blend of guitars, dulcimers, and psalteries, mixed with heart-felt harmonies, dedicated to creating an atmosphere of worship and praise to our Savior. We desire to minister Our Father's mercy and grace to all who hear our music. Find out more about the Freewind at CD Baby or MySpace.
The Prisoners of Love: July 3
Jack Foreaker: July 3
Jack worked on motion pictures such as "The Muppets Take Manhattan" where he performed as a puppeteer in Miss Piggy's Wedding. He has also worked both locally and nationally, with extensive work for the Public Broadcasting System. Jack has appeared, on stage, in over three hundred productions and toured Europe with the Susquehanna Festival Theater.
In clubs, Jack has opened for such artists as Roy Clark, Charlie Daniels, Mickey Giley, The Amazing Kreskin, and The Beach Boys. He is the soloist for The Unity Center of Philadelphia and a co-founder of The Tidewater Homecoming Gospel Relief Program, where he performs to raise money for charity and community needs.
Jack was the creator of the "Well Child Tour" for Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. This was the first tour of it's kind nationwide and he has been involved with the Child Life Department of Franklin Square since 1974. They currently estimate that over 30,000 children have seen this program.
Jack is a Certified Addictions Counselor and a Certified Clinical Supervisor in Maryland. He holds a National and International Certification in the field of Chemical Dependency.
Richard Trout: July 9
Reverend Richard Trout received his religious educatino at Lancaster Bible College and Washing Bible College. Ordained in 1951, Rev. Trout has pastored in VA, MD, PA, NJ, as well as 15 years in the foreign mission field. Though retired, he teaches part-time at Central Jersey Bible Institute.
He is a co-founder of Amazing Grace Ministries, a volunteer work that collects and recycles surplus food, clothing, furniture, and vehicles, making them available to missions, missionaries, and to needy people in the tri-state area.
In 2004 he was inducted into the Glen-nor High School hall of fame in recognition of his 55 years of outstanding humanitarian service. Married, he and his wife Ruth have 5 children and 25 grandchildren.
Wanda King: July 10-11
Evangelist Wanda King is well versed in the field of Christian education, teaching biblical principles through drama, preaching, and lecture. With degrees and certificates from the University of Pennsylvania that pertain to the health and development of communities, Wanda decided to expand her ministry beyond the walls of the church. To this end, in 2006, she founded The A.R.M.S., Inc. which is a non-profit outreach that aims to “reach out to reach in.”
Her desire to represent God in every facet of her life has earned her professional recognition. In 2008, she was accepted into the National Association of Professional and Executive Women and subsequently honored as Woman of the Year. She has taught for GED programs, the United States Department of Labor Women’s Bureau, and is an elementary school teacher. Wanda has also ministered across the United States, but there is no greater ministry than that of the family, her first ministry.
Will Act 4 Food: July 10
Will Act for Food is an internationally known Drama team. It is the main face of the drama ministry of The Foundry Church in Wallingford, Pennsylvania. It is normally composed of five core members, but can add and subtract as needed.
The team is led and directed by Hair Kelley, who has over 15 years of experience in drama and ministry. The goal of the team and the focus of the mission is to help the word of God, its principles, values, and stories to come to life in the eyes and hearts of individuals—all while giving glory to God the almighty creator, and Jesus Christ the savior.
“He did it to teach you that people need more than bread for their life; real life comes by feeding on every word of the LORD.” —Deut. 8:3b (nlt)
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” —John 3:34 (niv)
Edward Goodley: July 11
Responding to the call to ministry as a student in 1967, Ed’s ministry began and continues as a pastor and ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. Presently serving Siloam Church on Foulk Road, he is proud of the church’s continued interest and relationship with Brandywine Summit Camp. His continued goal is to proclaim the Word of God and be persistent whether the time is favorable or not. He looks forward to the camp meeting each summer and sharing in our faith together.
Jessica & Ben Mell: July 16
Ben and Jessica are the guitarist and lead vocalists for the popular award-winning Christian band Constant Recourse.
Marini Family Harpists: July 17
The Marini's are a home schooling family with six children from New Holland, PA, who started their music ministry back in 1997. Alex started building harps in 1995 for his family and as orders for harps began to increase, Marini Made Harps got started. The family has been asked to provide musical programs in the area for over ten years now, where Alex will give a devotional message and the children will play music throughout the program suitable for the topic.
In 2007, the two oldest daughters (Dena & Joanna) had a double wedding and Dena (who lives local) continues to help with the programs with her husband Nathan. Joanna moved to Colorado with her husband, Stephen, and is not participating in the programs.
Each of the programs we provide has a clear Gospel message interwoven through it and is half narrative and half music. More information about the Marini family, their harps, and recordings are available on their website at www.marinimadeharps.com
Jim DiRaddo: July 23
Revered Dr. James DiRaddo is an internationally noted counselor and preacher. For over 55 years he has spoken at conferences and evangelistic crusades through the US, Canada, South America, Africa, and Asia.
Jim most recently served as an adjunct professor at the Palmer Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He and his wife Dr. Collen DiRaddo are cottagers at Brandywine Summit Camp Meeting.
Abraham Philip: July 24-25
Dr. Abraham Philip, founder and president of Proclamation Ministries, has been preaching the gospel since 1986. He has spoken to audiences large and small in churches, open-air crusades, men's meetings, and college campuses.
Abraham was born in India in 1948 and received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at age 14. He came to the US at age 18 to pursue higher education in science. While working as a scientist, Abraham heeded a call to the ministry and earned a master or arts in religion from Liberty University and a Ph.D in expository preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary. He now devotes his full time to preaching the gospel around the world and training national leaders.
The Duffields: July 24
Using great harmonies, outstanding arrangements, and anointed worship, the Duffields communicate Christ's love in a most unique way. Their sound has been favorably compared to groups like the Manhattan Transfer, Singers Unlimited, and vintage Gospel trios, like Lanny Wolfe and early First Call recordings.
Sue Duffield, a former radio personality, is a songwriter and speaker for many women’s events internationally. Jeff, her husband, is both keyboardist and arranger. He has backed artists such as Anita Bryant, Dave Boyer, Doug Oldham, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Bros., and produces several Gospel albums every year.
Jeff and Sue married in 1974 and have been in full time ministry ever since. Their music is brilliantly crafted, sounding rich and lush with many layers and prominent chords. Not predictable, but always anointed...and never ever giving in to the status quo of the mainstream genre. They have produced over 30 albums in thirty-four years of ministry. They are busier than ever, sharing their faith-filled songs of worship.
Walking Miracle: July 31
In 1971, Wayne Porter was diagnosed with Chiron’s disease. For close to thirty years he dealt with taking a hand full of medicine each day along with special diets and regular visits to doctors and hospitals.
Doctors told him in 1999 that he needed a operation to remove a blockage which would not reopen. Wayne was afraid but that night God spoke to him and said that He had a plan for him but that he needed to get his house in order. Although Wayne had accepted the Lord at a young age, he realized that he had been doing his own will and not doing God's. He had made his job his idol, neglecting his family, church, and most important, God. Kneeling at his bedside, Wayne asked God to forgive him and promised to do only His will. God told him that everything would be okay and that the healing was already done.
After the operation, the doctors found a lethal cancer that they were unable to treat. They feared the worst, as it exceeded their limits, but the GREAT Physician stepped into the room and the healing was done. Gods Word will not return void. What He did for Moses, Peter, Paul, David, He did for Wayne and can do for you today. There is “Nothing Impossible” He cannot do. Man says there is a limit of what can be done, but God has no limits.
Transformed by faith and God's healing grace into a "Walking Miracle", Wayne and his wife Barbara will share their testimony aof what God has done for them and sing good Southern/Country Gospel Music.
Jerry Jones: August 7
Jerry Jones, a native Marylander now living in Seaford, DE, is a relative newcomer to Country Gospel music. He sang for many years but at age 56 he gave his heart to God and now sings only for Him. Since his salvation, he has experienced tremendous growth in his music which Jerry credits directly to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Country Gospel Music Association awarded Jerry as "Male Vocalist of the Year" and "Songwriter of the Year" for Eastern United States in 2004, 2005, and 2006. He also was awarded "International Songwriter of the Year" at Branson, MO in 2005. He recently completed his eighth CD and has written 17 Gospel songs.
Jerry and his wife Jeanine travel extensively, sharing the music that the Lord has given them along with the Gospel and their testimonies wherever they go.
Beth Webster & Matt Gore:
August 20
Beth describes herself as "Music is Life to my spirit. Singing for Jesus Christ is what I am passionate about more than anything else!
"My greatest priveledge and overwhelming honour is that God has chosen me as one of many worshippers to stand in front of His children and invite them to come with me as I enter into His breathtaking presense through worship in song! To me, there is nothing more amazing than being in the midst of God's people passionately in love with Jesus Christ worshiping Him with abandon."
Matt Gore, a 29 year old recent graduate of Westminster Seminary, has been heavily involved with music over the past 10 years. While he currently plays keyboards for the rock band Constant Recourse, he also has taken part in other rewarding projects—accompanying singer/songwriter Beth Webster and recording his own collection of songs based on the Canons of Dort. Matt may also play songs from his "prayer aid" project where he is writing instrumental arrangements of lesser known hymns.
Tammy Fey: September 17