All's Well that Doesn't End

Greetings from Northern Ireland!!!  Boy do we have a story for you!  We have had quite a memorable adventure thus far and have finally caught a moment to fill you in!  

We left Nashville TN at 2:40pm on St. Patricks Day (Mar 17th) to begin our  long anticipated 10 day tour in Great Britain! How cool to be going to Ireland, where this holiday was started..  on St. Patty’s Day!!  

We have always dreamed of coming to Ireland, and the UK, and were so excited that we might have gone a little overboard clothed in our “I love Ireland” tee-shirts and flashing pins! Lol…. We planned to surprise our hosts with this patriotic attire, and were, as cheesy as it was, green to the max.. nobody was getting pinched on our plane!  After a 3 ½ hr layover in Newark, we left at

 9:30pm that night for our direct flight to Belfast, N.Ireland.   The flight was 6 hours long but smooth.. And with our 5 hour time change, we landed safely in Belfast around 8 the next morning.  This is where the story begins:

We got our carry ons and headed toward the customs/ immigration to flash our passports and proceed to get our luggage and meet our promoter Ronnie and the pick-up crew…  Ben was first in line.. He flashed his passport and began to answer the string of questions the immigration officer had for him.. She soon learned that we are a band here to play some concerts and quickly asked for the proper documentation to enter the country under the working clause.  Oopsy…  we didn’t have any papers to show her!!  She asked us to sit in the corner and wait till the end of the line so she could deal with us together.  After waiting for about 45 minutes, she finally finished checking the other passengers through and came to talk to us…  We were starting to get concerned, but none of us knew the seriousness of what she was unveiling.  After speaking to our promoter, and her chief officer, she returned to tell us that this is not a good situation and we would most likely be denied entry into N. Ireland!  What? Are you kidding me??  We just flew half way around the world, we are exhausted, and there are thousands of ticket holders expecting to see 6 concerts within the next 10 days!  Denied entry?  There MUST be some mistake!  We waited longer as she left to draw up some papers.  We were then taken to wait in another room downstairs.  So, security searched our bags and padded us down, then took us to a freeeezing room where a few officers stayed with us.. FOR THE NEXT 6 HOURS!!! Wow..  We were so exhausted,  no sleep in 24 hours, hungry, cold and worried.  After about 4 hours, they sent a lady with papers and a finger printing machine.  We ALL had to get fingerprinted, and had a mug shot taken!!  How did we become criminals all of a sudden??!! (least that’s how it felt!) This less than nice immigration officer certainly was taking her time in getting anything done.  I guess in hind sight it was good because it allowed our promoter to get in touch with some powerful people who started working immediately to fix the problem.  We did have some extra nice security officers guarding us though, and they got us water, tea and cappuccinos and some sandwiches to hush our growling tummies…  Thanks Amanda and Adam, and the other nice guards whose names I cant recall… A few of them even watched our live from Norway DVD on Becky’s computer while we waited…  

About an hour after our fingerprinting, the officer came back in with a handful of documents, which she proceeded to pass out to each of us.  “These are your papers saying that you have been DENIED entry to the country. We have rebooked your flights and you will be flying home in  30 hours.  We are keeping your passports and you must report at 7:30 Friday morning to collect them and fly home or you will be arrested.  You also will be arrested if you perform during your temporary stay.”  Whoa !!!  That was verrrrry disappointing news! Then the part that sent Becky through the roof… She continued “Only the 7 onstage have to leave.  The children (Levi and Jakobi, Becky’s kids are with us) and Steve (also traveling with us to help out) will be keeping their original flights home on the 28th…”  Seriously?  They expect the kids to stay in Ireland without their family?  That part was ridiculous and when Becky lividly stated that she would NOT leave her kids , the officer suggested we talk to the airline to change their flights too.  WOW… That was shocking! 

When they finally released us to go to the hotel for the night, we tried to stop at the airline desk to change the kids flights, but they were closed for the night.  We called everyone we could think of to start a prayer chain to help get this ruling reversed… and we crashed that night, trusting that God would take care of it!

We slept until 11:30 the next morning, just exhausted, and woke up to a phone call… Ronnie called Moms room to tell us that his friends (and Gospel Music Fans) in government and the Parliament had convinced the immigration control to allow us to stay, and to perform!!!!  Praise the Lord!  Thank you Ronnie, and all the invisible heroes who worked so hard to help reverse this decision, it is not a frequent happening here!   Jakobi answered the phone when Levi called our room to tell us the news, and  it was the cutest thing ever!  Her eyes got as big as saucers and with happiest, most excited voice I’ve ever heard, she shouted out to us “Don’t pack your bags! We’re staying!!!”    AHHHH!!  What a relief… What a BIG GOD!!  

Yes, what a BIG GOD!!  He is our Comforter and our Provider.  Prayer is so powerful!!  It not only brings peace when your back is to the wall, but it moves mountains too!!!  We know that He has called us to be here and only time will tell the reason the enemy fought us so hard to keep us away.  The Lord is triumphant and we Praise His Holy Name for seeing us through!  

Thankfully, we got our passports back and have been able to enjoy the rest of our trip so far.   I will try to blog more this week.. So stay tuned for more from Northern Ireland!!!

Sonya & the gang

Current Ireland Time

The Isaacs are touring Ireland and Scotland. They have 5 concerts planned over the next few days. Join us in praying for their safety as they travel.

To read some responses from concert attendees the last two nights.....click on comments at the bottom of this post. Emails are coming in and also some photos from concerts. Nathan's mom Peggy has been keeping us updated and it sounds like they are having a great time. Ben, Nathan and Thomas played a little golf yesterday with the promoter and really enjoyed it. Hopefully we'll hear from some of the Isaacs sometime this weekend.

Blessings!

Photos from Craigavon Civic Center 3-19-09

Photos from Belfast 3-21-09

A few photos from Hoofers Gospel Barn in Lagrange, GA

Saturday March 14th, 2009

by Peggy Fauscett

The Isaacs in Fork Union, VA March 6th, 2009

A GREAT WEEK END WITH THE ISAACS.............by Carl Bagby

 

               THE ISAACS GOT INTO FORK UNION ON FRIDAY ABOUT 10 AM AFTER DRIVING MOST OF THE NIGHT FROM NASHVILLE. FORK UNION IS A MILITARY ACADEMY LOCATED IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS OF VIRGINIA. THE SCHOOL THRIVES ON DISCIPLINE AND SCHOLASTICS. MANY ATHLETES PREP FOR COLLEGE HERE. THEY PRESENTLY HAVE 13 GRADUATES PLAYING FOOTBALL IN THE NFL. COLONEL FRED HARDY HAS HAD 5 FUTURE OLYMPIANS RUN THROUGH HIS TRACK AND FIELD PROGRAM.

               LILY ASKED COLONEL FRED, " WHY US,?" MEANING WHY DID FUMA CHOOSE THE ISAACS TO COME AND PERFORM AT THE SCHOOL. FRED AND I HAD SEEN THE ISAACS FOR THE FIRST TIME AT GRAVES MOUNTAIN IN '03 AND WE WERE SMITTEN WITH THEIR MUSIC. HE WAS THE MAIN IMPETUS BEHIND BRINGING THE ISAACS TO FORK UNION LAST YEAR WITH FUNDS A PARENT HAD GIVEN THE SCHOOL TO DO SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR THE CADETS AND FACULTY. THAT SOMETHING SPECIAL WAS THE ISAACS. IT’S NO WONDER THE ISAACS WERE BACK FOR A SECOND YEAR.

               THE TEMPERATURE WAS IN THE 70S, WITH A WARM GENTLE WIND BLOWING ACROSS CAMPUS AS FRED ESCORTED THE ISAACS TO THE MESS HALL: A FAR CRY FROM THE SINGLE DIGIT TEMPERATURES AND A 9-INCH SNOWSTORM A FEW DAYS EARLIER THAT HAD KNOCKED OUT POWER, PHONES, AND THE HEAT. IT OCCURRED TO ME THAT AT MANY TOUR STOPS, THE LOCAL FOLKS GO OUT OF THEIR WAY TO PROVIDE WONDERFUL MEALS FOR THE ISAACS. BUT THEY DO HAVE TO BE PREPARED TO EAT WHAT IS PLACED BEFORE THEM AND SMILE. THE BILL OF FARE AT A MILITARY SCHOOL IS, SHALL WE SAY, SPARTAN.

               AFTER LUNCH, COLONEL FRED HAD ARRANGED TO HAVE CADETS HELP THE ISAACS UNLOAD AND SET UP. THEY DO HAVE IT DOWN TO A SCIENCE, WITH MIKES, SPEAKERS, SOUND BOARDS- INSTRUMENTS ALL NEATLY PACKED AWAY IN CRATES THAT THEY WHEEL ABOUT ON DOLLIES. THEN THEY HAVE TO SET IT ALL UP AND DO A SOUND CHECK. THE GIRLS HELP ON THEIR END BY PUTTING UP THE PRODUCTS TABLE. THE WHOLE PROCESS TAKES A COUPLE HOURS. AND AFTER MAKING SPECIAL MUSIC........ALL THIS HAS TO GO BACK INTO THE BOXES AND BE CAREFULLY LOADED BACK ONTO THE TRAILER BEFORE THEY LEAVE FOR THE NEXT STOP.

               DINNER AGAIN IN THE MESS HALL BROUGHT COMMANDANT AL. HE, SONYA AND BEN BANTERED BACK AND FORTH WITH PLAYFUL TEASING. THEN THE ARTISTS WENT BACK TO THE BUS TO GET READY FOR THE BIG SHOW. THE ISAACS PLAYED BEFORE A PACKED HOUSE OF 6OO+- ALL THEY COULD FIT INTO THE CHAPEL. WITH COLONEL FRED, AS WITH THE ISAACS, IT'S ALL ABOUT FAMILY. (SEE PIC) FRED'S WIFE JO, TWO SONS AND A GIRLFRIEND, HIS OLDEST SON, WIFE AND TWO GRANDCHILDREN, AND HIS IN-LAWS WERE ALL THERE. FRIENDS ANDY AND ELLEN CAME IN FROM WARRENTON, AND KIT AND RUSTY FROM VIRGINIA BEACH. THEY WERE PART OF THE ROLLICKING, FOOT-STOMPING FRONT ROW CROWD THAT REALLY GOT INTO THE MUSIC. A FEW BARS INTO THE FIRST SONG, IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THIS AUDIENCE WAS GOING TO BE INTO THE SHOW ALL NIGHT. IT WAS THE MOST ENTHUSIASTIC AND PARTICIPATORY ISAACS AUDIENCE I’D EVER SEEN.

               LILY TOLD ALL ABOUT HER PERSONAL JOURNEY FROM THE DEATH CAMPS OF EASTERN EUROPE TO A JEWISH GIRL SINGING GOSPEL MUSIC. SHE RELATED HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS FOR A JEWISH GIRL RAISED IN THE JEWISH TRADITION TO FIND JESUS IN A SMALL COUNTRY CHURCH AND FORSAKE ALL FOR HER BELIEFS. SHE TOLD THE STORY OF THE AMERICAN SOLDIERS LIBERATING HER MOTHER AND FATHER AND THE IMPORTANCE TO OUR WONDERFUL COUNTRY OF THOSE WHO SERVE IN UNIFORM. SHE RELATED HOW, HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THESE SOLDIERS LIBERATING HER PARENTS SHE WOULD NOT BE STANDING HERE TODAY. THIS WAS AN ESPECIALLY POWERFUL MESSAGE HEAR AT FUMA, A MILITARY SCHOOL WITH A LONGSTANDING MILITARY TRADITION. THEN SONYA STEPPED ONE STEP DOWN OFF THE STAGE AND BEGAN THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER. BECKY STEPPED DOWN BEHIND HER AND BEGAN HER HARMONY, AND THEN BEN FOLLOWED. WHAT AN AWESOME, POWERFUL MOMENT! THIS AUDIENCE, WITH MANY CADETS AND RETIRED MILITARY, STOOD WITH HAND -OVER -CHEST AT RAPPED ATTENTION, IN DEEP REVERENCE. THERE WAS MANY A MOIST CHEEK. I DO KNOW THAT SINGING THIS PATRIOTIC SONG IS DIFFICULT. NO ONE - - NO ONE BRINGS THIS NATIONAL ANTHEM OFF LIKE THE ISAACS.

               COMMANDANT AL WOULD GET HIS TURN. SONYA INVITED HIM UP ON STAGE TO DO THE BROTHER /SISTER PART SOLO OF "IF THAT DON'T MAKE YA. WANT TO." I CAN TELL YOU THE ISAACS GREATLY ENJOYED THIS PART. CHECK OUT THE PICS. THE AUDIENCE..........THE CADETS WERE RAUCOUS.

               FUEL FOR THE TANK: I DIDN'T GET TO RELATE THIS TO THE ISAACS. A GOOD FRIEND OF OURS, WHO IS A FINANCIAL ADVISOR, HAS NATURALLY HAD A TOUGH YEAR EMOTIONALLY IN THIS CURRENT MARKET. YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE SHEER JOY ON HIS AND HIS WIFE'S FACES. FOR THIS MAGICAL EVENING, THE DEPRESSION MELTED AWAY. I ALSO MET HEATH AND ALICE FROM BUCKINGHAM COUNTY. HEATH HAD BEEN INJURED RECENTLY AND WAS IN A WHEELCHAIR. THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THE ISAACS BEFORE BUT HAD BEEN LISTENING TO THEIR CDS. THEY HAD COME EARLY TO GET A GOOD SEAT. LILY HAD INSISTED I TAKE AN EXTRA DVD WHEN I TRIED TO MAKE A DIESEL DONATION. I MARCHED RIGHT BACK DOWN TO MY SEAT AND GAVE THEM THE DVD. THE ISAACS TOUCHED THESE PEOPLE VERY DEEPLY THIS NIGHT. I KNOW TOO THAT THE MESSAGE THE ISAACS HAD FOR THESE YOUNG IMPRESSIONABLE CADETS WAS REAL AND WELL-RECEIVED.

               EVEN THOUGH THE ISAACS HAD MANY MILES TO GO TO BE READY FOR THEIR NEXT STOP IN GRANITE FALLS, NC, THEY BACKED THE BUS DOWN THE ROAD AND SHARED SOME QUALITY TIME WITH COLONEL FRED AND HIS FAMILY. FRED'S FOUR-YEAR-OLD GRANDSON WAS STARSTRUCK, AND SONYA, YOU HAVE A NEW ADMIRER.

               LISA HILDRETH TOLD US ABOUT THE ISAACS IN GRANITE FALLS, NC ON SATURDAY. SONYA ASKED LISA AND WADE TO STAND AND ACKNOWLEDGED THEM FOR THEIR TIME AND CONTRIBUTIONS WITH THE WEBSITE AND OTHER MATTERS. SHE RECOGNIZED GINA BLACK AND DAVID CARMACK AND HIS FAMILY FOR THE SUPPORT THEY LEND THE ISAACS ON THE ROAD. ALL THESE GOOD FOLKS PLAY A ROLE IN PERPETUATING AND EXPANDING THE ISAACS MINISTRY.

 

               GOD BLESS THE ISAACS, THEIR MUSIC, MESSAGE, THEIR MINISTRY, THEIR HEART AND SOUL. 

The Isaacs in North Carolina

by Lisa Hildreth

The Isaacs made an appearance in North Carolina on Saturday night.  Granite Falls was the place. A nice little town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The day was warm, almost hot as the temperature was up around 75 degrees.  The stage was set and 6:00pm sharp The Isaacs entered the auditorium.  The rest is history........

When we arrived at the church around 4:00 The Isaacs were just finishing up their sound check. They had gotten a late start with set up as there was some confusion on the bus about what time the concert started.  Some thought 7:00pm but it was actually scheduled for 6:00pm.  They finished up and I went to the bus to catch up with Lily.  I got to listen to some rough recordings of their new acapella project.  I say rough because the songs haven't been mastered yet, but it didn't sound too rough to me.  It's gonna be amazing! I can't wait to have a copy in my hands and for each of you to have one also.  

Soon the bus got crowded as everyone came in to start getting dressed.  I made my way back to the auditorium to find my hubby who was chatting with my friend Gina and my other friend Carl Bagby.  The auditorium was filling up.  Final count for the night was over 900 people in attendance.  The concert was awesome.  One of the sweetest parts is when Lily came forward and shared her testimony.  I've said this before, but it always brings me to tears.  She is indeed a very special lady and her story is so special.  She is still working on her book about her life story and believe me it will be worth the wait.  

The Isaacs are gearing up for a trip to Ireland in a couple of weeks.  We'll be sure to have some blogging and photos from their trip.

Speaking of photos, Tracy Pyle shared these photos from Granite Falls last night.

2009 National Quartet Convention

The Isaacs will be appearing at the National Quartet Convention again this year. Their schedule has recently changed and they will now appear on the main stage on Tuesday night September 15th and Saturday night September 19th.

For more information visit natqc.com

Cruise with The Isaacs in 2010

The Isaacs recently returned from a fabulous cruise with Templeton Tours. Plans are already in the works for the "Singing at Sea" cruise 2010.

Visit this link to read all the cruise information.  You can read all about the cruise ship, scheduled entertainers, etc.  The Isaacs would like to encourage you to make your reservation online right away.  Some cabin selections are already sold out and the rest won't last long.  All you need is a $200.00 deposit to reserve your reservation.  

If you would like me to email you a brochure just email me at Lisa@theisaacs.com and be sure to put Cruise 2010 in the subject line of your email.  I can also mail you a brochure.  Be sure to list The Isaacs as your host on your application!!

Make your plans now to join The Isaacs on this wonderful trip.   

Templeton Tour cruise 2010

The Isaacs travel to the Pacific Northwest

Come hear the Isaacs in Portland, Oregon on February 20, 2009! Simply go to www.iTickets.com to get your tickets online or call 1-800-965-9324. We’re excited to be appearing in the Pacific Northwest and don’t want you to miss this special event. You’ll hear songs from our latest album, BIG SKY, our second release for Gaither Music Group. Nothing expresses God’s love and mercy quite like a powerful song. Bring your friends and family and experience an incredible evening—a unique fusion of blue grass, gospel, and country!

February 20, 2009 – 7:00 p.m.

Central Bible Church

8815 NE Glisan Street

Portland, OR 97220

General Admission: $12 advance; $15 at the door

Gold Circle: $16 advance only

NOTE: Service charge applies. Gold Circle tickets not available at the door. Groups of 10 or more can receive a 10% discount on General Admission tickets purchased in advance.

The Isaacs at First Baptist Church of Lake Wales, Florida

February 14th, 2009

by: Tammy Wells

 

 

The Isaacs did an outstanding job at the First Baptist Church of Lake Wales.   They were looking sharp in brown and with the glow of sun on their skin.   The Isaacs had just finished a Gospel cruise that went to Mexico and Grand Cayman Island. 

 

The singing and playing were outstanding.   The Isaacs did many of their best songs.  They started off with the upbeat "Great is Thy Reward"  which features Ben on Vocals.  Of course the night would not be complete with out the popular "Blue Grass Medley". Becky did a very passionate "Through the Valley".  Becky's vocals continue to amaze me.  Her voice is so strong and just fills the room.   They also did "I Have a Father", "The One I'm Dying For", and "It is Well".   It was an outstanding first half.  

 

In the second half they did some requested songs.  In honor of Valentines day Becky sang "Thats alright by me".  Becky also did a couple of more songs that she is featured on including the often requested "Stand Still" which is always so moving.   She also sang with Sonya the song "Lord I thank You for Touching me today".  I'm not sure if that is the title but this song ministered to me in a very special way.   The whole evening was very moving and filled with great fun.  I can't think of a better way to spend my Valentines Day than being where the one who loves us most is honored. 

The night in fact was a great success as some came by the tables to tell the Isaacs that their music and ministry had touched them and that they were rededicating their life to Christ.  What an awesome Valentine!

 

As always the evening is over way too soon and it's time for the Isaacs to pack up and head to the next stop.  

I am so thankful for the Isaacs and their music and ministry.  It has meant so much to me and my life.  

I hope you will try and see the Isaacs soon.  You will be blessed!

 

God Bless,

Tammy   

Bon Voyage!

Photo by Becky Isaacs Bowman
See more photos from our cruise HERE

The Isaacs left today on a cruise with Templeton Tours. See below a detailed description of the cruise.

About 4:00pm EST this afternoon I heard from both Sonya and Becky. They send their love and these photos! They were aboard the ship in Tampa, Florida and they were heading out. We hoped to have a blog or two from them this week but Becky said they would not have use of their phones or computers. She said they would take lots of pictures to share with everyone! Have fun Isaacs!!!

TEMPLETON TOURS has chartered Carnival Cruise Line’s Inspiration for this Southern Gospel Music Cruise. The bars, casinos, and slot machines are closed and the ship’s entertainers are replaced by inspired preachers of the gospel and THE BEST IN SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC.

Our first stop of the cruise will be the resort island of Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman is kissed by sparkling, turquoise waters…where you can enjoy virtually every water sport you can imagine. Snorkel with stingrays go scuba diving, sport fishing or just relax along the island’s most magnificent stretch of oceanfront, Seven Mile Beach. Thursday morning we arrive at Cozumel, a resort town of fashionable shops and beautiful beaches. Cozumel is world-renowned for the superb diving opportunities it offers, including Palancar Reef, home to thousands of kinds of brilliantly colored fish. Shop til you drop, dive in, or just kick back on a sun drenched Mexican beach and say ‘adios’ to all of your everyday concerns.

Our home for this adventure will be Carnival Cruise Line's Inspiration. The newly remodeled Inspiration features a world class spa, putt-putt, and a three-story water park for the young and young at heart. During the cruise you will enjoy gourmet delights and sumptuous buffets. From the Welcome Aboard buffet to the 24 hour Pizzeria, you will not have a chance to get hungry. The Inspiration also offers a complete children's program with supervised activities for ages 2-15 each day. Kids can enjoy treasure hunts, movies, video games, ice cream parties, and even their own swimming pool. While the children enjoy supervised activities, you can enjoy inspiring Bible study or great Gospel music. This is the ideal vacation for the family.

You will enjoy Christian fellowship, comedy, preaching, and Great Southern Gospel Music every day. The week is yours to relax and enjoy vacationing in a Christian atmosphere.

2009 SGN Music Awards

The voting has begun.........

Click HERE to vote for The Isaacs!

Voting ends on February 15th.

Thanks for voting for The Isaacs!!!

Concert Review from Hawkinsville, GA

The Isaacs in Hawkinsville, Ga.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

My husband Randy and I made the trip down to Hawkinsville on Friday with plans to attend both Isaacs shows at the Hawkinsville Opera House.  The Opera House is a beautiful, historical building that was originally constructed in 1907.  It isn’t huge, it only seats about 380.  But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character. 

We had dinner on Friday night with friends Peggy Fauscett, Kemper Meadows, Tammy Wells and Lucy Dudding.  We were all looking forward to the concerts on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.  Peggy is of course, the mother of The Isaacs drummer Nathan Fauscett.  The concerts were to honor her late husband, Byron Fauscett whom we lost about two years ago.  Byron was a very much loved man and he is truly missed by his family and friends.  Everyone involved, which seemed to include most of the town, did a wonderful job of honoring the memory of Mr. Byron Fauscett. 

The Isaacs enjoyed lunch on Saturday with some folks from Peggy and Nathan’s church, including Nathan’s high school band leader.  Tammy, Lucy, Randy and I went out for some light shopping, a street tour of some of the old homes in Hawkinsville,  then a spaghetti  lunch at The Horse Shoe Restaurant.   We met The Isaacs at the Opera House at 1:00 for the load out and set up.  

It is always interesting to see the transformation that comes over the band members when the trailer door opens.  They systematically start rolling boxes and carts of equipment off the trailer into the venue and the work begins.  All the equipment has to be unpacked and set up-----just right.  Folks, there is so much more to this than just unpacking the instruments and singing.  Ben does a great job getting the sound just right for each venue.  Sound check is an interesting experience, too.  It went quickly in the opera house because of the attention that was paid to the science of acoustics when the place was built.  

The show was scheduled for 7pm.  We had our choice of seats but we soon found that there was not a bad seat in the house.  The Saturday show was sold out weeks ago.  It didn’t take the place long to fill with excited fans and friends.  The Isaacs had two friends traveling with them for the weekend, Tim Dillman of Music City Coach and Mike Bilanchi from World Vision.  In addition to Randy and me, Tammy Wells and her mom Lucy Dudding drove up from Brandon, Florida.  Dee and Mary Hill drove up from Murrell’s Inlet, SC.  The Beckers were down from TN.  And might I add, Peggy and Nathan had a friend or two there!

The Isaacs took the stage in black and silver.  They gave an awesome performance for the first half of the show.  The sound was perfect.    We were pleased to see John Bowman filling in for Thomas Wywrot.  Thomas had a prior obligation for the weekend when he came on full time with the Isaacs and they had John filling in.  I love to hear John pick and his voice is wonderful.  Becky was really happy to have her husband along for this special weekend. 

The cajon was placed at the front of the stage so Nathan could really show off for his hometown.  While playing his solo on “Walk On”, he looked around when the audience started laughing…..every member of the group had walked off stage……Nathan was out there alone.  It was a total surprise to him and his expression was priceless.  Sonya told me later it was Ben’s idea.  Great prank, guys! 

There was an intermission and then the second half of the show.  The concert promoter, Norman Bonds, called Peggy, Nathan and Kelly to the stage and talked about Byron.  This is when Nathan was asked to speak about his mom and dad.  Nathan was very emotional, feeling very close to his father as he talked to his hometown crowd.  He spoke eloquently about his parents and what a loving home he grew up in and how great his dad was and how great his mom is.  There were lots of tears shed during that time.  But, I knew Nathan had a secret that he was getting ready to reveal.  He finished talking about his mom and dad, and then about his new road family, The Isaacs.  Suddenly, he spun around to Kelly, his girlfriend, and dropped to one knee as he pulled the diamond engagement ring from his pocket and asked her to be his wife in front of nearly 400 people!  The crowd went nuts!  Go Nathan!  That really took some guts----especially knowing that the Isaacs band members had tortured him about it for months.  You know, things like hiding the ring from him and asking what he’d do if she said no in front of all those people…..

The concert somehow continued after all that.  Ben, Sonya and Becky did a new song, “I Will Praise Him”.  It was an acapella that they’ve been practicing for their new CD.  As you know, they are in the studio now, working with Bill Gaither to record a CD of mostly acapella songs.  Ben and Bill Gaither are producing the CD and Bill asked them to try the song on their audiences to see what their reaction is.  Well, I don’t know about anyone else, but it brought many of us to tears.  It is a powerful old hymn and their performance was breath-taking.  I don’t know how anyone who knows the Lord could listen to that performance without crying.  Ben said later that he was not able to hit the high notes because he had a little bit of a sore throat.  Trust me, he was mistaken.  His voice was perfect doing that song.  I can’t believe how The Isaacs continue to get better and better at what they do.  One would think it wasn’t possible for them to improve……seems there is no room for improvement because they are so good……and then they go and kick it up another notch.   Glory to God, for they are simply amazing and anointed by Him to do what they do so well.  

After the show, we were treated to a great home-cooked meal at the home of Peggy Fauscett.  She is such a good cook!  Some of us should take lessons!  We had chicken and roast, vegetables, potatoes, gravy and biscuits.  There were two scrumptious desserts and plenty of iced tea.  And, lots of talking,  joking around and fellowship.  Peggy had made a poster with the heading, “She Said Yes”.  She had added some pictures of Nathan and Kelly and one questionable photo of Nathan……..it looked like he might be wearing a Barbie Band-aids shirt that was a little small for him……it made some folks ask why she said yes……..Just kidding, Nathan!  We didn’t stay long after eating, everyone was very tired.  We shuttled everyone back to the bus and got to bed at a reasonable time.  We were all looking forward to the next day’s events.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

We were all meeting at a local restaurant, The Steakhouse, for a Sunday buffet lunch.  Randy and I got ready and checked out of our hotel and drove over to the bus which was parked at the Opera House.  We had a great visit with John, Ben and Mike Bilanchi while waiting for the others to finish with showers.  Peggy was shuttling band members from the hotel to the bus and we’d come to offer some assistance.  They all made it to the restaurant by noon…….we were supposed to be there by 11:30.  We enjoyed a delicious buffet….including Nathan’s favorite, homemade macaroni and cheese.  We went over and over the previous night and Nathan’s successful proposal.  Sonya shared the video she made from the stage which you can now see here on the blog.  Ben suddenly stood and said, “Guys, we sing in exactly one and a half hours!”  We finished up and caravan back to the Opera House, actually getting everyone into a vehicle the first time.  I’m not sure if there were more, but I know that at least one seat belt violation occurred………

There wasn’t a packed  house on Sunday, but there was an avid crowd.  The Isaacs did songs I had not heard them do in a live show.  A local dobro player joined them on stage for a song.  Good job, Jimmy!  Then, they called Peggy Fauscett to the stage and she did a song with them playing for her.  She has a great voice but the highlight of the song for me was when Lily took her mic over to the drums and Nathan harmonized with his mother!  He has a great voice, too!  Sonya said they had a new name, “Nathan Fauscett and The Isaacs”.  This brought a huge round of applause.  Then, Ben made Nathan introduce all the band members.  It was hilarious!   

After the show, it was load-out time.  The guys got things packed up and we all stood out in the street talking and saying our good-byes.  It was a rare occasion for the Isaacs bus to return to TN before the wee hours of the morning.  They actually pulled out a little before 5pm.

This was a totally awesome weekend.  There were many special moments.  Some of the highlights for me, in no particular order, included:

The proposal (and having Nathan tell myself and my husband about it ahead of time but    

making each of us promise not to tell anyone, including each other)    

Seeing Tammy, Lucy, Dee, Mary, the Beckers, Kelly and Kemper

            Hearing Ben, Sonya and Becky sing “I Will Praise Him”

            Hearing Peggy sing

            Eating Peggy’s cooking

            Having time to have meaningful conversations with each member of the group and family 

It was so much fun to have other fans and friends there for the weekend.  Randy and I have made so many special friends because of our interest in The Isaacs and their ministry.  And the group really does love seeing familiar faces in the crowd when they go different places.  So, check the calendar often and look for a show near you.  You won’t regret it!  Thanks Peggy and Norman for a great weekend.  May God continue to bless The Isaacs and each one of you!

Gina Black 

Congratulations! An Engagement!

Last night in his hometown of Hawkinsville, Ga, Nathan (aka Spickett) asked his beloved Kelly to be his wife. He did this right on the Isaacs concert stage on Saturday night. She said Yes!

Sonya caught it on video and shared it with us........

Please visit our gallery for more photos from Hawkinsville.

Congratulations Kelly & Nathan