 |
||
 |
|
|
 |
||
|
|
|
“Time to End” from Bob: A Time to Begin and a Time to End Solomon says, "There is a time to plant and a time to cut down, a time to begin and a time to end". These wise words have special meaning to the Foundation Quartet at this time in our ministry. I remember so well, almost 17 years ago, when I auditioned to join the Quartet. After singing three or four familiar songs, they said, "When can you start?" fulfilling my longtime dream of singing in a "semi-professional" quartet. I'm grateful to Craig Sandberg, Louie Brown, and Ken Reed for their time and effort in beginning this ministry and welcoming me into it. Several personnel changes have come over the years with the addition of Dave Seibel, Neil Rengel, and Dale Tornell. After a few years, Ken Vesta took Neil’s place and later, John Backstrom and Dester Kile took over for Dave and Ken. We improved our sound with the addition of our new sound equipment and Jan Tornell running the soundboard. The last 6 years featured the same voices, which really helped our blend. This ministry would not have been possible without the contribution, including the prayer support, of everyone in the group. It has been special for us to have our wives travel and assist us in so many ways. We have had some very special experiences with many laughs and even some tears. It has been a busy time, for me, doing all the scheduling and making contacts, but a joy to make so many new friends along the way. We've made several tours in Arizona, beside all the travel here in the mid-west, which has been a special blessing (especially in January), and we have some great memories from our ministry. It is our hope that we have provided some inspiration and encouragement to our audiences and we know that some have come to know Jesus Christ, through our concerts and recordings. As we've become older and travel becomes more difficult and expensive, we all felt this was the right time to "fold our tent". My thanks to all the guys and wives for a wonderful time of ministry and fellowship. I'm sure there will be tears with the smiles when the end comes.
“Hard to see it End” from Dester: I have sung with more than 25 different quartet combinations from college on throughout the years, as well as having the privilege of singing and ministering with our two daughters and son while they were in high school and college as “The Kile Family.” Later I sang with Jeanette’s brothers, sister and their families as “The Lundbergs.” I did not retire from Service Master ‘til I was 69. Jeanette and I said to ourselves, “What has the Lord for us next?” The answer came when “The Foundation Quartet” asked me to join them to sing baritone in 2006. At first I thought I might be too old, but then I figured they could not turn me down because of age; Bob was 7 years older than I was. Though singing harmony was not a problem, the hard part was memorizing the words. Singing with a group at this professional level for the last five years was more than I could have ever expected this late in my life. It has been wonderful having the wives travel with us. Each one has such an important part in the ministry. Jeanette has enjoyed the opportunity to play the piano preludes and offertories from time to time. We have had great fellowship as we have traveled all over the Midwest and even to Arizona. As I grow older, my feet, legs, and back get weary as we stand and sing for over an hour, which helped me to agree with the rest of the group to make this our last year. It is going to be hard not to be able to do concerts with “The Foundation Quartet” again.
“Toward that End—Glorifying God” from John: Isa 43:7 ...everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made. I Cor 10:31 So whether you eat or drink (or sing?) do it all for the glory of God. God does not need us for any reason. His perfection and completeness are absolute. Nevertheless He created us for His own glory. It is my hope and prayer and, yes, my belief that Foundation Quartet has existed and contributed toward that end of glorifying God. My wife, Cheryl, and I count ourselves privileged to have been members of the quartet family for the past six seasons. We thank the quartet members with whom we have served and, of course, all of our listeners throughout these years. Most of all we thank God for calling us and enabling us to be a part of this ministry. To Him be all glory and honor and praise!
“This Journey’s End” from Dale: Jan and I have been so blessed to be part of the journey of the Foundation Quartet for the last twelve years. We have had more than four hundred appearances in nine states, driven our vehicles over 100,000 miles to venues from Williston, ND to Crystal Lake, IL and from Bayfield, WI to Lake Havasu, AZ with hundreds of stops in between, singing for groups that range in size from nineteen to several thousand. We’ve sung at church services, banquets, seniors groups, community celebrations, outdoor sings, conventions, hymn sings, ice cream socials, fairs, retirement communities, RV resorts, retreats, camps, and nursing homes.... and recorded nine albums. The most rewarding part of this trip has been seeing the Lord work as we have faithfully gone where He has led, presenting His message of Salvation and Hope to this troubled world. We are humbled by the opportunity He has given us to encourage our audiences, touching hearts with the words and harmonies He has given us in these great songs. Now it is time for the next chapter in our service to Him. We are still wondering what it will be, but we trust that His hand will lead us as we continue to the Journey’s End (hey, that would be a great name for a song!).
Archived Newsletters |
||
|
|
|