My love for music began at the age of nine years old when I began taking banjo lessons from E. C. Miller. After seven years, my mentor and teacher advised me that his services were no longer needed, because I had written my first song, Departure. As time went on, I performed in several bands, including my mother’s band, The Country Gold. Music is a very important part of my life, and I am proud of both the awards and the members of the bands I have had the pleasure of playing with. In 2015, I was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ at Apostolic Faith Tabernacle in Bristol, TN. Since then, God has been using my musical talents for His Glory and Honor, and I have had the pleasure to play with my pastor and other church members on several occasions in our local church assembly. Now, God has further blessed me to be a part of the Bluegrass Gospel group, Ready To Go. I am very honored to be a part in something that allows me to share my love for both music and our Lord.
Mark Moody / Guitar, Vocals
I feel like what we say should have an impact on the person reading it with a goal of leading them to Christ. My hope is that the path I've walked may be a help to others and knowing that it's never too late to allow God to work in their lives. God has a plan for everyone and sometimes we just need get out of the way and let him lead. This is surely the path that brought me here and I believe God worked in our other member's lives for us come together as a group. I grow up in a good old fashion Baptist Church out in the country along with my five sisters. A song we sing titled "Little Mountain Church" reminds me of those earlier days going to church and setting on those solid oak pews and dinners on the ground and hearing God's messages for our lives. We had the good fortune of having parents that had their priorities in order and knew the importance of God being first in our lives. This upbringing laid the foundation of our lives which I still believe and rely on each and every day. Although it took me a good number of years to profess Jesus as my Lord and Savior. The knowledge of knowing that Jesus suffered and died for me as he did for all of mankind was always there. A turning point in my life came during the time of my mother's cancer as I witnessed her faith in God and prayer. That had a profound impact in my life. It turned out that the last conversation that I had with my mother was in her hospital room when she pulled me to her side. As I sat on her bedside her only concern was for me to get back in church. She knew where she was going and wasn't at all concerned for herself. Her unselfish love and concern for her son was the only thing that mattered to her. I honored her last request of me and got back in church and got saved a few months later. I was 24 year old. Several years after I started playing guitar and I loved to play gospel bluegrass music. I didn't know it at the time but God was preparing me for his plans in my life. My Farther had a short stay in a nursing home, during which time God gave me a burden and compassion for people in the nursing homes in our area. Soon God opened doors an opportunities for me to go play and sing bluegrass gospel to people, some of which in many ways have been forgotten, tucked away from society . God is still working in people's lives and I know I've been very blessed with the opportunities he's provided and watching him use this for his glory.
Kevin Fredericks / Mandolin, Vocals
I developed a love of gospel harmony singing as a young child listening to my family sing around the piano, at church, and the radio. Mamaw always had it on while she was working and would sing and whistle along. My mother played the harmonica at night when we had no T.V. and I became fascinated with making music. I learned to play drums in high school and played for gospel groups. A few years ago my wife bought me a mandolin for Christmas after I told her how much I loved the sound they made.
I was saved as a young teenager at Rockford Baptist Church in my family’s hometown of Rockford, Tennessee. I knew I needed a savior when I came to realize we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. I currently teach an adult Sunday School Class and play drums at Volunteer Baptist Church in Bristol Tennessee. Our mission statement of “To be a blessing to the Saints, witness to the lost, and above all glorify God” is my sincerest desire for our ministry. I know God is real and loves His children because he has often answered my prayers in a way that cannot be denied. I can’t imagine going through life without Him and His guidance. If anyone in need of a Savior comes to understand that need from something we sing or say I pray that today would be the day you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Mike DeBord / Bass, Vocals
Jesus saved me at an early age during an old-time singing service at Horse Creek Baptist Church. I didn’t ask my parents; I just went up when the invitation was given. I was later baptized in Horse creek. That music and singing during that service inspired me to persue music and singing. God had a plan for me and that was the beginning. It has not been an easy road. It has been rough and rocky. But I know God wants us to use our talents for the building of his kingdom and glorify him. He blessed me with these musical talents and I am going to praise Jesus with song, music, and testimony as long as I am able to do so.