NJR Digital April 2022

No. 2 April, 2022
I
The Pylant Family
Special Autism Awareness Edition
Inside: Feature Stories of God's Faithfulness

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EDITOR'S
LETTER
The Bible is full of testimonies. You
may not find them categorized as a
testimony, but from beginning to the
end, a life or lives were changed. I
want to bring attention to one that
is found in the Gospel of John
chapter 9. The previous chapter
ended as Jesus "passed by" those
who could physically see him and
yet wanted to stone Him. Chapter 9
opens as Jesus "passes by" a man
that was blind from birth. Jesus was
not shaken or disturbed by the
deadly confrontation with religious
leaders that He would let this
opportunity go by. Jesus was often
reviled but never ruffled. God is not
shaken over your circumstance.
Charles Spurgeon once said, "One of
the things worthy to be noticed in
our Lord's character is His wonderful
quiet of spirit, especially His
marvelous calmness in the presence
of those who misjudged, insulted
and slandered Him."
As you read this testimonial, the
familiar players begin to emerge.
Have you ever witnessed a person
making their way to the altar and
you begin to speculate? The
inquisitive side of you is asking "why?" "I thought they were saved." "Hmmmm, I
wonder what's going on?" This is where we find the disciples. In verse 2 the disciples
asked Jesus, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" This
is the difference in being a "spectator" or a "participator" The disciples showed no
interest in helping the man, but were more interested in discussing the reason or
cause for his condition.
There are so many more points about this testimonial that I could bring out. I want to
emphasize this point above all. We all have a testimony. We all have been given
another chance. We all have something to share about the goodness of God. I believe
God wants to add to your testimony, daily. No testimony is too small, or has less of an
impact than another.
Bobby Richardson

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E S T . 2 0 2 2
NJR DIGITAL
www.newjourneyradio.com/NJR-digital-magazine
129 Henry Road
Columbus, MS 39702
Phone: 662-223-3234
Email: office@richardsonllc.org
Facebook: @richardsonmmg
Business Operations & Advertising:
Amy Richardson - amy@richardsonllc.org
Bobby Richardson - richardsonmmg@gmail.com
Staff Writers:
Charlie Sexton, Donna Journey, Elise Ingle
Contributing Writers this Edition:
Leslie McKay, Cheri Taylor, Billy Walker, Melina Pylant, Maria Kramer Wolfe,
Greg Sullivan, Rebecca Barber Dempsey
Graphics: Autism Graphic: https://nationaltoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Autism-Awareness-1.jpg
Pictures in stories used by permission of writers.
But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid,
for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here;
for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the
dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you
will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” Matthew 28:5-7 NKJ
2103 Jess Lyons Road
Columbus, MS 39701
Pastor Bobby Richardson
Join Us Easter Sunday.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
UPLIFT
Editor's Letter 02
Autism Awareness 05
Donna Journey
Behind the Mic 06
I Hate COVID!
Leslie McKay
08
Artist Spotlight 15
MOTIVATE
Ministry Miles 18
I Went for a Trim, But Left
With a Hymn Charlie Sexton
24
Beauty for Ashes 29
Elise Ingle
Top Thirty 34
HeartSong 35
Amy Richardson
Yours and Mine 37
Rebecca (Barber) Dempsey
ENCOURAGE
Tripp Walker 07
Aaron Pylant
16
Weston Kramer 23
Ben Journey 28
Brett Sullivan 32
Ethan Dempsey 36
Always
Unique
Totally
Interesting
Sometimes
Mysterious
AUTISM
© 2 0 2 2 N J R D i g i t a l a d i v i s i o n o f R i c h a r d s o n M a n a g e m e n t S e r v i c e s , L L C . A l l r i g h t s
r e s e r v e d . N o p a r t o f t h i s m a g a z i n e m a y b e r e p r o d u c e d o r t r a n s m i t t e d i n a n y f o r m o r b y
a n y m e a n s e l e c t r o n i c , m e c h a n i c a l , p h o t o c o p y , r e c o r d i n g o r a n y o t h e r w i t h o u t w r i t t e n
p e r m i s s i o n f r o m t h e p u b l i s h e r o f N J R D i g i t a l . P a r t s o f t h i s m a g a z i n e r e a d ‘ l i v e ’ o n t h e
a i r i s a l l o w e d w i t h o u t p r i o r w r i t t e n p e r m i s s i o n b y n o t i n g t h e s o u r c e o f i n f o r m a t i o n .

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APRIL IS
AUTISM
AWARENESS
MONTH
https://nationaltoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Autism-Awareness-1.jpg
April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day
and April is also Autism Awareness Month.
Autism affects one in every 44 children
who are born in the US each year. It is more
prevalent than childhood cancer or any
other childhood disease. The formal
definition of Autism is as follows: Autism is
a developmental disorder of variable
severity that is characterized by difficulty in
social interaction and communication and
by restricted or repetitive patterns of
thought or behavior.
There are many Southern Gospel, Country
Gospel and Bluegrass Gospel artists who
have children and loved ones who have
Autism. In this edition, we want to share
with you just a few of these artists and their
stories of how God has intervened in their
situations. God has proven that HE IS in
control no matter the diagnosis that these
young adults and children has received.
If you or a friend just need to talk with us
about a recent diagnosis, please feel free to
email us at djourney1@surry.net. We will
talk with you, pray with you or just be there
to listen. These artists have been a true
blessing in our lives, and we know these
stories will give you hope and
encouragement.
These children
have Autism,
but Autism
definitely does
NOT have
them!
/ By Donna Journey

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I'll never forget the day my eyes fell upon the scripture that read “Now to Him who is able to do
exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be
glory…….” Ephesians 3:20-21a (NKJV). Like water to dry ground, those words were quickly absorbed into my
dry soul and broken heart. “Oh Lord,” I cried, “will I ever sing again? Am I even usable?” Now, almost thirty
five years later, I stand in awe at all the Lord has done. He alone receives all the praise!
I’ve often said, “All I ever wanted to do was sing a song”, however when the Lord places a calling on your
life you never know where He will take you.
I still live on part of the same farm where I grew up in Southern Indiana, but the Lord has indeed called
and allowed me to do and see more than I had ever anticipated. He’s given me a heart for Missions,
Women’s Ministry, Gospel Music and now, Radio!
A couple years ago while doing a radio interview with a station in Michigan, I mentioned that I had
accepted an invitation to write a weekly devotional for a specific Facebook group. From that interview
came another invitation to share those same devotionals each week on the air! Never in my wildest
dreams could I have imagined that I would be sharing some of my most intimate moments with the Lord
to such a broad audience!
But God didn’t stop there! Written in my prayer journal in September, 2020 are thoughts that still bring me
to tears even today. I knew the Lord was calling me to something more, but what? One year later I found
out.
When Bobby Richardson called asking if I’d consider hosting a program
on the New Journey Radio Network, I tried turning him down! I was going
to shut a door that the Lord had clearly opened! However, the Lord and
Bobby persisted and here I am!
Dear Reader and Listener, this is all new territory for this little country
girl. Pray for me. I look forward to getting to know you as we worship
Him through the music and ministry of New Journey Radio every
Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 6-8a.m! This is indeed one
of those “exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ever ask
or think” moments!
- Cheri
"In the pages of this book, you will find the story of
how a loving Father takes His broken child and
makes something beautiful from the shattered
pieces of her life." -Cheritaylor.org

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Tripp
Walker
Billy “Tripp” Walker III is the son of Christian solo artist, Billy Walker, Jr and Angela Walker.
Tripp, 14, is homeschooled and loves touring across the country full time with his parents. He is a
great road crew and helps in the office with administrative work. Once he learns his routine, he
is an excellent worker and will get the job done. He is generally a happy person and loves to
play jokes on people.
At the age of two and a half, his mom realized how much Tripp regressed with his development.
After much research, both his mom and dad accepted that Tripp was going to be diagnosed with
autism and it was later confirmed by a neurologist. Tripp was three years old.
With both speech and occupational therapy throughout the years, his struggles with delayed
language, movement, cognitive, fine and gross motor skills greatly improved and has allowed
him to function in a social and educational setting.
Along with autism, Tripp was diagnosed (age five) with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. In short, his
brain and tongue work well individually but together, they have a hard time communicating
expressively. He has an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device to help him
communicate with others.
Tripp makes a great impact at each church he attends. The comment he receives the most is
how well he behaves in church and that he shows up. His presence opens the conversation that
Christians need to do more outreach to the special needs community.
Billy Walker Ministries
billywalkerjr.com
850-672-9155

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The Pylant Family
Meet the Pylant Family!
Brandon Pylant, Melina PYlant, Elisha Terry, Aaron Pylant, & Bethany Pylant
We are a pure Southern Gospel family with a heart to worship. It is our desire for our
audiences to hear from heaven & feel the moving of the Holy Spirit when we sing &
minister. Memorable moments for our group are when we go to churches, events,
etc, and we share the miraculous story of God’s touch on our son Aaron. We see
people embrace him and love on him in spite of his disabilities & hardships. We feel
that his testimony is so powerful that it can bring hope, inspiration &
encouragement to everyone that has obstacles in their life. When you are in a
service with the Pylant family, you can expect a little bit of everything!!! We will
sing songs with a true message. We share life experiences that remind everyone of
God’s faithfulness. We will pray, cry & shout alongside those that respond to God’s
moving touch. We want to experience all that God has for His people.
Website: www.thepylantfamily.com
Email: thepylantfamily@gmail.com
FB & IG: @thepylantfamily
Office phone: 256-339-0665
Current Radio Release:
"He Carried the Cross" by Melina Pylant
Radio Promotor: Hey Y'all Media
Music can be purchased at their website.

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Aaron
Pylant
Aaron Jonas Pylant was born June 20, 2000. Aaron’s birth in my eyes is a pivotal part of what
makes his story. I had a normal pregnancy. I went into labor naturally but Aaron would not
descend into the birth canal and at one point his heart rate dropped dangerously low. That is
when the doctors and nurses rushed in and decided that I needed an emergency cesarean
section. Come to find out the umbilical cord was wrapped around Aaron‘s neck several times
and quite tightly. Other than needing to be warmed for a good while after birth, we didn’t
recognize any issues.
At the age of 2 we began seeing changes in Aaron. He also wasn’t speaking. He had smiled for
pictures and even looked/focused on us as a baby, but it was short lived. At the age of 2, he
began to regress a lot. No more eye contact. He was scared of everything. He wouldn’t look at
you and you couldn’t hold his attention. He had no interest in potty training. He cried so much
and we just didn’t understand how to help him. We were told “It’s your first. You worry too much.
He’s a boy. They develop slower. Let him be a baby” etc etc all the things that make sense but
somehow, we knew in the pit of our stomachs something wasn’t right.
At the age of 5 Aaron was still not speaking, wasn’t potty trained or meeting any milestones he
should have been by that age. So, we decided it was time to seek out a specialist. The waitlist
was long at UAB Sparks Clinic and by the time we got there, Aaron was 6 years old. We were
told after extensive tests that Aaron was operating on an 18-month-old level which was
heartbreaking but made sense to us as we first saw changes in him around the age of 2. It’s like
Aaron stopped developing mentally, his motor skills ceased, and he folded up into his own little
world for whatever reason at that age.

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He was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and an expressive/receptive
language disorder. As Aaron was climbing on me like monkey bars, they threw in
“he could possibly have attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity too.” (Oh,
does he ever! And I’d throw in oppositional defiance disorder also. I know quite a
few of his former teachers that would agree with that!) We were told not to
expect much, that he may very well regress even more. BUT GOD.
Aaron began to grow in words by listening to gospel CDs and watching DVDs.
Those are the few things that held his attention for longer than a couple of
minutes. Growing up with singing parents and grandparents, we should have
known that’s what would have brought him out of his shell the quickest! No, truly
God did that.
Aaron has grown so much in so many ways in his almost 22 years. We praise the
Lord for just how far he has come. Speaking, singing, God saved him in 2010,
playing for state championships in volleyball and basketball, graduating from
high school, leading song service at our church for many years, working at our
small business we own with my parents and the list goes on and on.
Do we think Aaron’s lack of oxygen at birth contributed to his diagnosis? Do we
think multiple vaccines around his 18-month to two-year range could have
contributed? Who knows but God. We choose to think the Lord made him exactly
as he should be for us all to learn beautiful life lessons from a beautiful boy that
loves to praise the Lord with every ounce of everything he has within him.
Melina Pylant
www.thepylantfamily.com
thepylantfamily@gmail.com
"We were told not
to expect much,
that he may very
well regress even
more. BUT GOD."

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If you would like for your
Ministry Miles to be focused
in our next issue, please
send your dates to
office@richardsonllc.org
by the 25th of the month.
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Thank you to our sponsors!
Scenic Automotive Group
Carolina Ink
Farmer’s Mulch and Rock
Behavioral Services
Johnson’s Parts and Supplies
Shannocks Pawn Shop
Elkin Pediatric and Adult Medicine
Airmont Florist
Marion Jewelers
Mt.Airy Meat Center
GREG, DONNA, & BEN JOURNEY

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Weston
Kramer
Weston is my wonderful younger brother. He just turned 23 years old in February.
At the age of 2, he was diagnosed with autism. My parents (Scott & Rachel Kramer) had
been traveling on the road in music ministry and made the decision to come home and give
my brother the care he needed. They were still involved in music ministry, but it was
regional. Weston received in-home ABA therapy and was even able to attend public school.
In 2014, our family felt the calling to go out into national music ministry. Weston and I left
public school and went on the road full-time with our parents. Being on the road is
challenging but is also full of great blessings. God has used Weston’s life and journey with
autism to grow our family closer to Jesus. We fully depend on The LORD for strength.
Though Weston’s journey hasn’t been easy, God is using him in a mighty way. Weston loves
The Lord. His favorite verse is Matthew 19:26,”With God, all things are possible!” He is also an
artist. We were able to take one of his pieces of artwork and put it on a coffee mug, along
with that verse. When people take a mug home with them, they can be reminded of the
faithfulness of God in Weston’s life and in their lives.
Maria Kramer Wolfe
309-645-4506
TheKramersMusic.com
P.O. Box 131
Washington, IL 61571

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"I WENT FOR A TRIM,
BUT LEFT WITH A HYMN!
B Y C H A R L I E S E X T O N
I hate to get a haircut. For about two weeks following a trip to ‘The Chair’, I look like a big ole football
player with a suede bowling ball on his shoulders. I guess, if I had the guts, I’d just shave my head. Or,
better yet, I’d let my naturally curly locks grow out long. Then people could talk about me and give Guy
Penrod [of Gaither Vocal Band fame] a rest! But I don’t, so about every five or six weeks or so, I tough it
out and go to my local hairdresser, Mary. In front of my music industry friends, I brag about having a
PHD. You know, a ‘Personal Hair Designer’! Too macho to admit that I go to a beauty shop, I guess.
Ooops! I just did. Oh, well.
She doesn’t work on a tight schedule like most, so I can usually pop in and just get it over with, but
sometimes, I might have to wait an hour or so. Today was one of those days. As I was sitting there
waiting my turn to be sheared, I glanced through a couple of magazines that were scattered around on
the trendy little table at my feet. Nothing particularly caught my interest, so I resigned myself to
listening to the ubiquitous chatter of the all female patrons.
It’s amazing what you can learn, if you’ll keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut. This one
lady had brought her elderly mom in from out of town to get all spruced up for a granddaughter’s
wedding. Another was battling health issues. Yet another was dealing with a troubled teenager. For
each and every situation, Mary, who owns the shop, was quick to share her Faith and point them to
Jesus. “Just trust Him”, she’d softly say, ‘He knows what’s best.”
I just closed my eyes and leaned back against the big glass window. The sun was shining through it
and I felt it’s warmth on the back of my neck, but the sweet Holy Spirit shined through Miss Mary, and
He warmed my soul. In an instant, it seemed as if I had been transported back in time. It was as if I
could hear the steady drone of an old timey pump organ with its air bellows rising and swelling with
each meticulously formed chord.
The haunting tune was very familiar to me. It was Louisa Stead’s beloved old hymn of The Church, “‘Tis
So Sweet To Trust In Jesus”. Then, with traditional Appalachian harmony, I could hear what sounded
like a small, country congregation lift their voices to sing these simple, but magnificent words.

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“ ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus. Just to take Him at His word. Just to rest upon His promise. Just to
know ‘Thus saith The Lord”. Jesus. Jesus. How I trust Him. How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er. Jesus.
Jesus. Precious Jesus. Oh, for grace to trust Him more.”
What a comfort it is to rest in Christ Jesus! How thrilling to know that He is in control. No matter
what trouble or trial may come your way that will try to wreck your life, you can, as the writer says,
‘take Him at His word’. He promised that He’d never leave or forsake us. As Job said, He will deliver
you in the sixth trouble, and won’t let evil touch you in the seventh. “Prove Him”, if necessary.
If you ever do begin to doubt His nearness, boldly remind Him of His words. He’s our Father and we
can do that, you know! Cry out to Him, if need be. You’ll find that nothing gets the attention of the
Father like the crying of His child.
“Charlie!” I heard Mary exclaim. “OK, Man. Get over here and let’s see what I can do with that mop
of yours! Were you sleepin’ in there? How long has it been since you’ve had a haircut, Boy? Are you
trying to be the next Guy Penrod, or something? And what was that song you were humming?” Oh,
well. At least her name is Mary and not Delilah!
- Charlie Sexton

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McKay Project
www.studio115a.com
662.889.2829
info@studio115a.com

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Mary
Burke
Ministries
Thanks DJs for
playing my
new release
Something that Grace Will Do
I Talk to God Album
maryburkeonline.com
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Ben
Journey
Benjamin "Ben" Jordan Journey was born on October 27, 1994 to Greg and Donna Journey.
Until age 1 1/2 Ben’s development was perfectly normal. Then we began to notice changes
in his behavior. He would not look at us when we called his name. He loved being read to and
now he would push us away. The few words he had learned to say disappeared. Donna, with
her strong background in early childhood development, knew in her heart something just
wasn’t right. Then the regimen of hearing test and neurological test began. Finally at age 2
1/2 Ben was diagnosed with moderate to severe Autism. Our world fell apart. Of course, we
had our little pity party but after much prayer for guidance we decided to give Ben back to
God and asked God to use our situation in some way. Soon after that, we began to notice
when Ben heard music it would calm him down. He was fascinated with any kind of musical
instrument. We bought Ben his first child sized guitar when he was 8 years old. He would
stay in his room for hours trying to strum it and play it. Some friends of ours bought Ben a
DVD set of videos that were guitar lessons. By lesson 24 Ben had taught himself to play and
was playing along with songs on the radio and CD’s. A friend of ours who played guitar,
helped him with strumming and timing and invited him to play a song with them at church.
When Ben got up and played that Sunday God spoke to us and said “If Ben can do that with
them he can do that with you.” That is how The Journeys got started. We showed Ben 3
chords on the piano, and he taught himself to play. Since 2012 we have traveled all over the
east coast and many states and shared how God can use a difficult situation and turn it in to
something that can be used for His glory. Ben plays guitar, piano, keyboard, drums, and
banjo and also creates beautiful paintings. Has it been an easy journey? No … but God has
given us the grace and patience to carry on and the good times have definitely outweighed
the tough times. Without God Nothing is possible but with God the possibilities are endless!
The Journeys
djourney1@surry.net

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RESCUE STORY
Beauty for Ashes
I’m the bubbly one. The shouter. You
know, the girl who jumps up and down
and waves her hands like I’m flagging
down a jumbo jet. Yes, that’s me. But
you might be surprised to hear I’m also
the girl who suffers from regular bouts
of depression, struggles with her
emotions, and occasionally forgets her
worth.
I had a wonderful beginning. My sister
and I were loved, and our parents loved
each other. They made sure we went to
church as often as the doors were open.
I had perfect attendance in Sunday
school (my grandma taught the class), I
knew all the books of the Bible in order,
and I could sing most of the hymns from
memory. When I was 7, I said a quick
salvation prayer, and then, as we say in
the South, I “liked to died” in 4 feet of
baptismal water. Thankfully, I survived,
and went on my merry way towards a
bright and happy future.
I had the same dreams any other little
girls do- meet Prince Charming, have a
gorgeous white wedding, start a family
in a house with a white picket fence…
by Elise Ingle
There would be love, and beauty, (and
maybe a sappy soundtrack playing in
the background), like in those cheesy
romance movies I treasured watching
with my mom.
I was sixteen when I fell in love with a
boy who was every bit a Prince
Charming-until he told me how stupid I
was and forbade me to speak in public.
You’d think a good, Southern girl raised
on Biblical principles would have known
better than to stay in an abusive
relationship. But when I was 11, my
family had experienced a tragedy that
changed my behavior. My sister left
home, and left my parents’ marriage in
shambles. I felt responsible for making
their relationship work, so I became
“the Golden Child” as if to say, “Look,
Mom, Dad! You guys are doing great!
See what a good kid I am? See what
good parents you are?” I felt
responsible for making my relationship
work with my mean boyfriend, too. So I
became “the Golden Girlfriend”- silent,
and compliant.

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I must have had a bleeping red sign on my
head that flashed, “easy to manipulate”,
when I went to college. I started dating a
worse personality than the first. He seemed
so perfect in the beginning (as did Prince
Charming #1). He asked me to marry him
(with no ring of course), and I said yes. He
informed me he wouldn’t be waiting for our
wedding day. It didn’t matter that I didn’t
want to. It didn’t matter anytime after that
either.
None of my professors were Christians.
According to them, you had to forsake
common sense and scientific knowledge to
believe the Bible was true. I decided I didn’t
want to be a Christian. Not many of the ones
I’d known actually lived the way they were
supposed to, anyway. Maybe the whole thing
was just a sham. Maybe Jesus was just a nice
story in an old, outdated book.
I wish I had truly known Jesus, instead of just
known all about Him. He would have
whispered some Truth into my pitifully
deceived and broken heart.
I kept trying to fix what was terribly wrong,
thinking, ‘Maybe if I were thinner or prettier,
the abuse will stop’. But running several
miles a day and only eating salads didn’t
change the nightmare I was living in that
dorm room.
When I got pregnant, my heart flooded with
something I had forgotten existed: hope. I
thought to myself, “Now…NOW he’ll love me.
He’ll put a ring on my finger, and marry me,
and this baby will change everything!”
I was right about one thing-The baby
changed everything. After an explosive
episode of wrath, my fiancé* (I use this term
loosely*) quickly arranged for a “solution”. I
tried my hardest to beg, “Please…I really
want this baby…” But in the end, I was silent,
and compliant. I was conditioned to obey. So
I let him take from me what I had no right to
give.
After that, I didn’t get out of bed for two
weeks. I turned my face to the wall and cried,
knowing if there was a Hell, that’s where I was
going. I starved myself worse than ever
before. I quit going to class. I quit caring about
anything at all.
During the summer of my sophomore and
junior year of college, my mother recognized I
had an eating disorder. I went on medication
for anxiety to help me with night terrors and
obsessive calorie counting. I dropped out of
school, broke it off with the bad man (well,
my mother made that call-thanks Mom), and I
got a job and an apartment.
I punished myself every day. I ran in the
morning and the evening, before and after
work. I spent hours in the grocery store only
to leave with just a box of weight-loss cereal
and low-fat soy milk.
When I turned twenty-one, I started drinking
and hanging out in the bar. Not long after, I
moved in with an alcoholic who liked his
supper still warm at three a.m.
I remember the moment I came to the
conclusion my life was never going to get
better. I was so hungry, and so tired. I knew I
was damaged goods that no one would ever
be able to love. With a knife in my hand, I
figured if there was a Hell, it had to be better
than here.
My suicide attempt didn’t sit well with my
alcoholic boyfriend. He gave me twenty-four
hours to vacate the premises. For that, I
thank God. I called my parents, who came to
my rescue, and spent the next night under
the watchful eye of my vigilant mother. She
informed me I would be going to church with
her whether I wanted to or not.
I met a lot of Christians that Sunday who
practiced what they preached. I expected to
be shunned, (I'm from a small town), but I was
hugged and geniunely loved. I met Jesus that
Sunday, too. He came to my aisle, pried my

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heart wide open, and showed me just how
much He loves someone like me. Enough to
die a cruel death He didn’t deserve. He took
the punishment for my sin, and rose from
the dead to give me a life worth living. I
don't remember the words I said, but I hit
the altar on my knees and wept into the
arms of a very real Jesus. When I stood up, I
was new, and I was clean.
I’d love to tell you I was instantly healed
from all my issues that day, but God left
some work unfinished on purpose. I still had
an eating disorder. I still had nightmares. I
still believed some awful lies about myself
and lived with tremendous grief. But I had a
living hope and an abiding Savior and a
promise of restoration in God’s way and in
His time.
I met my husband only a month after Jesus
saved me. In our first year of marriage, I
began actively seeking healing from my
eating disorder. It took three years until God
delivered me, but those three years of
learning and growing in my faith, fighting
demons, and feeling the comforting
presence of God were worth every minute of
struggle. He was with me in the dark nights.
He was with me in temptation. He was with
me in failure, and victory, and everything in
between. He is still with me in the battles I
face even today. I still have some nightmares
from those days in college. Sometimes I
relive events I wish I could forget. I’ve asked
the Lord many times to take those awful
memories away, but I trust He has a reason
for letting them stay. Sometimes I deal with
depression, anxiety, and difficult emotions;
but I am never alone. God walks with me
through every hard day and heartbreaking
season. He is faithful. He is good. He is
teaching me more and more to trust Him.
And Romans 8:28 assures me He is working
all things for my good and His glory.
So I shout. I flap my hands, and stomp my
feet, and I praise God. Anytime I’m reminded
of all the times He’s led me out of the
darkness, delivered me from evil, rescued
me from the pit of despair, and turned my
mourning into dancing, I can’t help but shout
and raise my hands. There is an unspeakable
joy that comes from knowing Jesus in those
dry and desert places.
I’ve been married for 15 years now to my
wonderful husband, Nathan (Ladies, Prince
Charming really does exist, but sorry- he’s
taken). We have two beautiful children, our
daughter Lily (14), and our son Liam (10). We
also have another baby in heaven I didn’t
carry to full term.
Our lives haven’t been easy, but God has held
us together through so many storms,
including near-death illness, job loss, financial
ruin, marital stress, a miscarriage, and even a
traumatic brain injury!
No matter what you’re facing today, from
your past, present, or future, I can promise
you this: Jesus just grows sweeter. The more
you run to Him, cry to Him, and trust in Him,
the more of your heart He’ll nurture and heal.
You’ll even get to a place where it won’t
matter if it never gets better-because you’ve
got the best Friend by your side; who
understands and forgives, loves
unconditionally, and abides.
Jesus has given me beauty for ashes. It is a
promise He can fulfill in any life. I pray
you will trust Him with yours.
Elise Ingle, Singer/Songwriter -
Fields of Grace
For Bookings go to
fieldsofgracemusic.com
Contact Joe Belcher, Mgr 828-231-8002
or Nate Smith (828) 712-6907
fieldsofgracemusic@gmail.com

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Brett
Sullivan
Brett Sullivan was born on December 3, 1992 to Greg and Lisa Sullivan. When he was about 14 months
old, Greg and Lisa began to realize that he was exhibiting odd behaviors and having difficulties with
speech and motor skills. When outside sitting, he would hold up his legs to keep them from touching
the grass, and any time his picture was taken, he would cry and cover his ears. If someone called his
name, he would not respond in any way. He was tested for deafness, but after being evaluated it was
determined that he could hear but was not processing what he heard. At 2 years of age, Brett was
diagnosed with developmental delays with autistic characteristics. At the age of 5, Brett was formally
diagnosed with autism.
Brett refused to eat all baby food except for a few flavors, and as he grew into a young child, his diet
consisted of hotdogs, Cheetos, and waffles. The waffles had to be Eggos brand, because if he was
given any other brand, he knew the difference and wouldn’t eat them. If they did not bring those items
wherever they went, Brett would refuse to eat. In late 2005, out of seemingly nowhere, Brett began
asking for other foods. At a school event, the whole family was astounded as he asked his sister,
Kaleigh, for one of her cookies. Eventually, he began eating school lunches, and trying many other
snacks and meals. He does not, however, like bananas.
As a young child, Brett’s speech was so limited that educators initially suggested he be taught sign
language. Lisa and Greg believed he had the ability to communicate through speech and immediately
enrolled him in speech therapy. His speech improved a great deal, and he can communicate with his
parents when he is sick or hungry. To this day they continue to work with him, but he still has severe
difficulty answering questions. Brett’s family continues to pray for a breakthrough in this area.
In 2014, the Louisiana Legislature passed Act 833 which allowed Brett, upon completion of school, to
receive a high school diploma rather than a certificate of completion. Brett also loves music, and he
has performed on stage with a live band, but learning songs takes time and effort.
To look at Brett you see a healthy young man, but the struggles he and his family face are real. As
parents of an autistic child, life has been difficult at times for their family, but God has opened their
eyes to see every victory. And no victory is too small.
Greg Sullivan Ministries
gregsullivanministries@gmail.com

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24 / 7

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1 Southbound - He's Got a Way
2 The Griffins - Redeeming Blood
3 Triumphant Quartet - Goodness of God
4 Phillips and Banks - The Cross He Carried
5 Siler Family - Jesus Can
6 The Steeles - This is the Church
7 The Browns - Take me Back
8 The Whisnants - Go Tell One
9 Karen Peck and New River - Answer is Jesus
10 The Bibletones - He Went a Little Further
11 Isbell Family - Heavenly Resource
12 Chronicle - He Has a Way of Turning the Tide
13 The Foresters - The God of Gideon
14 Sacred Harmony - It Ain't Over Yet
15 Sunday Drive - Grace and Goodness
16 The Coffmans - Heavy Loads
17 Lance Driskell - I Love His Love
18 The Old Paths - Good God Almighty
19 The Dixons - I Believe I'll Go Home
20 Master's Voice - Then and There
21 Collingsworth Family - Not One Word
22 The Bates Family - Song of the Redeemed
23 The Hullenders - My Jesus
24 Blake and Jenna Bolerjack - Jesus is a River of Love
25 The Guardians - Breathe In, Breathe Out
26 Batchelor Family - This Ship Has Sailed
27 Don Stiles - Just Like That
28 The Williamsons - Out of Harms Way
29 Legacy Five - Enough For Me
30 Ernie Haas and Signature Sound - Good to Be Home

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Do you need prayer?
Our prayer team stands
ready to pray for you.
www.newjourneyradio.com/prayer
/ by Amy Richardson
Psalm 22:22 says, “I will praise you to all my brothers; I will stand up before the congregation
and testify of the wonderful things you have done.” (Living Bible - TLB)
The Word of God tells us to tell what the Lord has done in our lives. I love the phrase that says
"Your testimony can be the key that unlocks someone else's prison". We look at our own lives
and we don't tell our story most of the time because we feel others will cast judgement. We
don't realize that sometimes our story is just the thing that will open someone else's eyes
because of what God has done in our lives.
I was listening to a YouTube video where the pastor preached an Easter message. He said there
is a difference between guilt and shame. Guilt is defined as a feeling you get when you did
something wrong. Shame is different in that it is a feeling that your whole self is wrong, This is
where we tend to cast judgement on ourselves and claim that we are not good.
In ourselves, we are not good, but we serve a good, good Father who looks as us and says,
"I took care of all of that on a cross. You are good because of Me who lives in you." Don't carry
what God has already nailed to the cross. True forgiveness of yourself leaves all the guilt AND
shame at the foot of the cross. I know who holds my tomorrow. Do you? Tell somebody!

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Ethan
Dempsey
Ethan Dempsey is the 14-year-old son of Charles and Rebecca (Barber) Dempsey. He was
diagnosed with autism at age 8. Rebecca says that it was one of the most gratifying
moments as a mother to receive that diagnosis. "I knew in my "Mama's heart" that something
wasn't right. He had all these little quirks and things would set him off. His pediatrician at the
time kept telling me that he was just "acting out" due to ADHD. The day he curled into a ball
and said "just stop yelling at me, just stop yelling" when I wasn't actually yelling, I was just
nagging... I knew something was not right.
Ethan's autism is centered around his communication, so I never have to know what he's
thinking or how he's feeling. He has a very outgoing personality but doesn't like you in his
space,. He'd rather be in yours, even if that means right in your face. He loves regaling you
with every detail of a story he just discovered. Don’t get him started on a historical battle or
you'll be there for a while. He hates haircuts, but loves when they're done because his hair is
no longer tickling his ears. His outfit of choice is a pair of wind pants with a hoodie, and he'll
ball himself right up in the hood. He loves church even though the loud music is sometimes
very overwhelming.
You may ask the question, why? Why did this happen? Why did God give me this child? I say.
"Why not!" If you ever have a chance to know the love of an autistic child, it is the purest
sweetest love you can imagine. When he just leans over and says "I love you Mom" in church,
in the grocery store, at a restaurant, he doesn't care where we are... I know he means it. He
doesn't care that he has holes in the shirt he's wearing. It's just comfortable. He doesn't care
that he's watched the same Titanic documentary 100 times. He just loves history and is
imagining himself on the deck of that ship. He's just happy to be living life.
I think God gave him to me as a reminder to this perfectionist... Not everything is perfect and
that's OK!
Rebecca Dempsey
The Barber Family
www.barberfamilymusic.com

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