The Waylighters are truly being blessed by the New Year.  We received a call from some wonderful folks at Stewart's Chapel Methodist Church last week asking if we could fill in for "Southern Praise."  We would like to extend our prayers and sympathy to this group upon hearing of their loss of a loved one.  
We were truly made welcome by these fine folks on January 20.  After a delicious meal, we assembled in the auditorium for the singing service.  Let me tell you, these folks fired us up and we could've stayed even longer had we not had another singing to attend that evening.  Sharon (keyboards) and a sweet lady (whose name we failed to get, but at one time played for "The Jubileeans" sat down at the piano and played a duet together while the guys was breaking down the equipment.  We were honored when they asked if we could come back and be with them next year on January 18, 2009.  We also want to thank one of our new friends from Elvester that recommended us to this church. 

After leaving Stewart's Chapel Methodist Church, The Waylighters headed on down the road to Oneonta to be with the folks at Allgood Baptist Church on the evening of January 20.  Please keep this church in your prayers as they have suffered the loss of  a child recently and also are without a pastor at the moment,  but they continue to serve the Lord!  
It was a cold evening outside, but the spirit of the Lord was evident in the church and we had a wonderful time.  Our hearts were blessed when we heard shouting from a gentleman in the audience.  Thank the Lord that He still lays it upon people's hearts to let go and let God have His way.  We will be back at Allgood on August 17, 2008 and are already anticipating a blessing.  Come and join us if you are able and let's all have a good time together!

The Lord continues to bless as The Waylighters traveled to Chelsea, Alabama to be with the congregation at Prospect Baptist Church on January 26.  It was apparent that the folks there were ready to have a singing!  They have had a couple of deaths in the church and we ask that you remember them in prayer and even though the weather was still a little bit on the "cool" side, the presence of the Lord warmed our hearts.  Three of the churches children got up to sing a special followed by a member of the church that played an accordian special.  She did a beautiful job, followed by a gentleman who sang "The Apple Tree Song."  For those of you who have never heard this song, it is a recitation that will touch your heart.  After the service, we gathered downstairs for a time of fellowship and food.  We thank the folks for making us feel so at home and we look forward to being with them again.  Next week, we wil be singing at South Shadescrest Church with The Dotsons.  Please come and be with us if you have no other plans.  GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!!!! 

We are proud to announce that our keyboardist and vocalist, Sharon Emery, also has an album that she would like to share with you entitled "Going Home."
Contact us either at one of our singings or by email and we would be glad to see that you receive one.

The Waylighters had the opportunity once again to be at The American Diner on February 9, 2008.  Just as last time,  everyone had a wonderful time of fellowship.  We want to acknowledge some of our friends that were able to be there  from Shades Crest Baptist Church.  We also had our  friends, The Joymasters, and some folks who we had met at Tannehill Opry who were also in attendance.  We want to thank each and every person who came to be with us.  Wanda, the owner, also happens to be one of the best cooks in the area and if you get the chance, stop by and try her home cooked meals.  They are delecious!  And to the fine waitresses, a great job as always.  We would also like to ask for your prayers for a member of our group.  Danny Littleton showed up that night with a terribly high blood pressure and he is still having problems getting it under control.  These guys are so dedicated and always give 110%.  We would appreicate it very much if you would continue to remember the group as they continue in their ministry.

What a blessing The Waylighters received on Sunday, March 16, 2008 as they traveled to Jasper, AL to be with the congregation at New Life Baptist Church.  It is so true what is said about going expecting a blessing and the Lord will provide!  Pastor Ed Frazier preached from the book of Matthew chapter 12 about the "unpardonable sin."  And what an annointed message that was and a challenge to us as Christians!   This also happened to be a special day to us as one of our quartet wives, Mrs. Miki Adams, celebrated her 71st birthday on this day.  Miki is the wife of Charlie Adams (baritone) who will also be celebrating his birthday on Friday, March 21st.  We want to extend a warm birthday greeting to both of them and many more to follow.  After the services, the church treated the quartet to lunch at Mary's Diner across town where we enjoyed some taste of home cooking and continued fellowship in the Lord.  We want to extend a thanks to the church and Pastor Frazier for their kindness to the quartet and look forward  to being with them again in the future.

March 30th turned out to be a busy day for The Waylighters as we traveled to Jasper, AL to be with the congregation at Cane Creek Baptist Church in the morning service.  This was the second straight year that the group was blessed to be with these folks.  Actually, it was Gary (Tenor) and Sharon's (Keyboards) first year, as they weren't able to be with the group last year.  John (Bass), Danny (Lead) and Charlie (Baritone) carried on for the group last year as a trio in Gary and Sharon's absence.  Following the morning worship service the ladies provided a wonderful meal.

Then on the evening of March 30th the group traveled back to Brookwood, AL to be with the folks at Midway Baptist Church.  This was our first time to be with this congregation and the spirit was evident in the service.  These folks have a lot of church talent and we received a blessing from listening to them.  They are looking forward to having a dedication service of their new fellowship hall and renovated church in the future.  After the service we gathered to have refreshments.  We want to thank both of these churches for allowing us to come and be with them and worship.

The Waylighters were in back to back services on April 6.  We were with the congregation at Liberty Baptist Church in Adger, AL in their morning services.  The church has had many renovations since the group was there last and the Lord is blessing.  The group loves to be in services that includes sermons from the pastor.  The message title for this service was "Deny."  The passage of scripture was taken from Matthew 16:24 and the pastor used Greek terms for every word.  The passage reads: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me."  This is a passage that speaks to us of putting Christ first and foremost in our lives.  At the conclusion of the service, everyone gathered for the noon meal prepared by the ladies.  We want to thank the church for feeding us spiritually and physically. 

On the evening of April 6th, The Waylighters were happy to make a return visit to the folks at White's Chapel Baptist Church in Moody, AL.  This was our second year to be with this congregation, and they have sure made us welcome both years!  Our friends from "The Dotsons", Christine Dotson and Carol Hutto were able to be with us and we appreciate their coming and showing support for the group.  Sharon (Keyboards) also received a special blessing when one of her best friends and former co-worker, Autumn Null attended the service with her precious five-month old baby daughter, Allison Noelle. We also would like to say a special thank you to the singing chairman, Larry Smith for being so accomodating.  At the end of the service Pastor Bill Edgill read Psalm 100.  "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.  Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.  Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter unto his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."  What a wonderful passage to end the service with for our music ministry! 

The Waylighters would deeply appreciate your prayers for our baritone, Charlie Adams.  Charlie's wife, Mikato went home to be with the Lord on April 18 at 7:00 PM.  Charlie has stated that he knows she is home with the Lord and that this is a comfort in his hour of grief.  Please remember Charlie and his family in the days to come. 

I ask for forgiveness for not getting the groups news out sooner for the month of May.  Lots of different things going on and keeping extremely busy.  The Waylighters started off the month at Lakeview Baptist Church in revival on May 4 and May 7.  Our good friends, Lost and Found were there on May 5 and The Dotson's also blessed our hearts in song on May 6.  Brother Ronnie Thompson brought wonderful messages each night and received an additonal blessing when his own grandson, Corey was saved on Monday of that week.  All who attended on Wednesday evening's service gathered in the fellowship hall for finger foods and desserts.  We praise the Lord for this soul that has come to the Lord and for being able to be a part of these services. 

It is a rare occasion that The Waylighters get bookings on a Wednesday evening service, but we were very honored and blessed to be with some really nice folks on May 14th.  The congregation of First United Methodist Church in Bessemer, AL prepared a fine meal for the group in the fellowship hall and then we presented the message in song.  There is so much history in this church and we were fascinated by some of the stories that we heard.  The church's main auditorium is breath taking!  We were also told of the church organist who played for 75 years!  What an awesome commitment of service from this dear lady.  She played up until two months before her death at 102 years old.  We are truly thankful for the time that we were allowed to spend with this church and hope to be with them again in the future.

It's always nice going back to be with our good friends at Welcome Baptist in Palmerdale, AL.  This church sure lives up to its name because we truly do feel welcome each and every time we go.  Very few churches have "book" singings anymore and The Waylighters always enjoys participating in them.  And the church itself has a tremendous amount of local talent.  I would like to give a shout out to our friends, "The Turner Family."  It means so much to see familiar faces that show up at our singings and support us.  We may not always get the chance to tell you, but we do appreciate you.

I was unable to attend this service due to the fact that my father had surgery earlier in the week in Illinois.  I have it on good authority though that leaving these guys by themselves without me is hazardous to their heatlh!  This is one singing that you folks will have to ask for the stories!  I truly believe though that when the devil tries to get in the middle of it, GOD IS AT HIS BEST!!!  And I'm happy to report that my dad is doing great, and the guys came out of it unharmed!

Due to the fact that I was in Illinois on May 25, the guys sang with music that John and I had put on tracks.  I have it on good authority that they did a great job!  I really missed not getting to be there.  Please continue to remember my dad, James Tanner as he continues to recuperate from his surgery.  The Lord has answered so many prayers already.  The surgeon was able to remove all of the cancer and no further treatments will be needed.  What a mighty God we serve!!

The Waylighters traveled to Bessemer, Alabama on June 1 to be with the congregation at Faith Missionary Baptist Church for their homecoming.  Brother Brad Robertson brought the morning message.  The scripture was taken from Numbers 21:1-9.  Brother Brad spoke of sin being the most deadly disease that has ever entered this world, but God provides the remedy!  What a comfort to know this.  After a wonderful noon meal prepared by the ladies, we assembled once again and brought the message in song.  We look forward to being with them during their revival which begins on June 8th and will end on June 11th. 

On June 8th The Waylighters traveled to West Blocton to be with the folks at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.  This was a very special day for Charlie (baritone) and Gary (tenor) as they were able to visit with some friends that they hadn't seen in quite some time.  Pastor Shane Cochran brought the morning message, and his scripture was taken from Phillipians 4:1-4.  His message was titled, "Standing up for Jesus" and his main verse was verse four reading, Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice."  I truly believe that this man is on fire for God!  After we enjoyed the noon meal prepared by the ladies of the church, we assembled once again in the church and brought the message in song.  We are looking forward to being back with everyone on July 20th for their homecoming.  We would like to invite you to come and be with us.  The singing starts at 1:00 PM.     

The Waylighters were back with the congregation of Faith Missionary Baptist Church on June 9th for their revival.  The evangelist explained the meaning of revival which is "regenerating what we already have."  Brother Wayne was a blessing to listen to and hear.  He told us that he has one degree and that is, "Devil Disturber."  What a wonderful degree to have!  His scripture was taken from I Corinthians 15:1-4.  He also went on to explain what the gospel is, which is the birth, the death and the resurrection of Christ.  We all have a choice of whether to accept the Lord as our personal Savior.  Brother Wayne challenged our hearts and we were truly thankful to be able to participate in this service.

The Waylighters traveled back to Arab, Alabama on June 22 to be with our friends at Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church.  This is our third year that we have been honored to go and be with the folks for their homecoming.  Pastor Vann Moore brought the morning message which was taken from Mark 2:1-7.  This is a scipture that is familiar to most of us concerning the man whose bed was lowered from the roof of the house.  Brother Vann spoke of we, as Christians should be determined in our faith to see souls saved.  In verse five it reads, When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."  He also added that emotions will not produce the spirit of God, but the spirit of God will produce emotions. We were thankful for the ones who came to the altar and we will continue to pray that the Lord will hear and answer prayers.  After enjoying the noon meal, we gathered once more to sing His praises.  It was good to see our friends, Richard and Barbara Flack.  The Waylighters are truly blessed to have many friends who come to be with us and also those who pray for our ministry.  We are already looking forward to being with everyone next year on June 21, 2009.    

It was truly an honor to be at Grant Street Baptist Church on June 23 and participate in their revival services.  Brother Ben Corley brought the message and this is a man who is truly anointed by God.  His topic was the life of Paul.  Fourteen of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament were written by Paul.  Paul was a man of dedication, faith, hope and love.  But first and foremost, Paul was a man of prayer!  In Ephesians 3:14-21, Paul prayed that the church at Ephesus would have a more clear, concise and complete understanding of God.  In his message he continued by saying "The length of God's love is ENDLESS"!  When Brother Corley asked the question, "How do you measure God's love?'  His answer was, "You would have to go to an old rugged cross." The Waylighters are thankful for men like Brother Ben Corley who will still preach the word of God as it needs to be preached!

What a joy it was for The Waylighters to be with the congregation of McNeil Baptist Church on the evening of  June 29th.  This was the first time that Danny (lead) and Sharon (keyboards) have been to McNeil, but the folks made us feel like we had known them all of our lives!  A little bird made some phone calls during the week and many of Charlie and Gary's family showed up in full force and support!  Thank you Lana for the calls that were made!  The group is so blessed to have the support of our spouses and we are so thankful for them.  After the singing we assembled in the fellowship hall for home-made ice cream and watermelon.  So many thanks to the folks for making us feel at home and for the refreshments.  

Please continue to remember Charlie in your prayers as he will be having surgery in the near future.  We know that God is in control!

The year just seems to keep flying right by for The Waylighters.  God has really been opening the doors and we are so very grateful for all of the blessed opportunities that He has given us to go in and witness.  On July6, Sharon (Keyboards)was unable to attend due to an ongoing back and neck problem that acts up from time to time, but the guys did a wonderul job!!!!!!!!!  It also helps so very much when you have a  wonderful congregation that supports you so totally.  Refreshments were seved following the service and a good time was had by all.  We are looking forward to being back with the congregation of Allgood on March 1, 2009.

What a wonderful time The Waylighters had when we traveled to The Gospel Barn in Sumiton, AL to be with Buck Smith & The Royalmasters on July 12.  It has been about six years since I've had the opportunity to be at a singing with Buck, and as always, it was a joy to be with them again.  The place was almost full to capacity and everyone seemed to have a really good time.  It's always a joy to be with God's people and to have good Christian fellowship.  This also happened to be Danny's (lead) birthday, and of course we had to have a little fun with him.   Danny is a wonderful Christian example and has a beautiful voice and we are truly honored to have him with The Waylighters.  The Gospel Barn will be introducing a new program in the future concerning our youth and getting them involved in Southern Gospel Music geared for folks their age.  Please pray for those that will be involved in this. 

The Waylighters traveled to Vance, AL on July 13 to be with the congregation at Bibbville Baptist Church.  This was their homecoming and the second year in a row that The Waylighters were able to be with these folks.  We truly missed Pastor Mike Rayborn who went home to be with the Lord this past April. We are truly honored to have had the priviledge of knowing Brother Mike and his family and ask that you join us in continuing to remember his family each and every day.  Pastor Jim Collins truly made us feel welcome and his message was taken from Revelation 21:1-4; 22:1-5 entitled, "Home is Coming."  What a truly appropriate title for the day.  Part of his message spoke concerning, "Aim for heaven and you will get earth thrown in: aim for earth and you will get neither."  C.S. Lewis said that if you read history you would find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.  Most people, if they were to look into their own hearts, would know that the "heaven" they want cannot be had in this world.  "Heaven is the place where God most fully makes known his presence to bless.  

The Waylighters were very happy to be back with the congregation of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church and pastor Shane Cochrane on July 20, 2008.  This was the church's homecoming and pastor Cochrane  took his scripture from Psalm 90:1-8 and based his message on how long before we are called home to be with the Lord.  Brother Cochrane used several other scriptures including Psalm 146:1-2 emphasizing that we need to be the example and proclaim the message and be excited about praising the Lord.  It was a wonderful day of fellowship and the noon meal was wonderful.  We truly enjoy being with these folks and feel like we are returning to home when we are with them.  We thank the ladies for the food that was prepared and for the warm welcome that was extended to us and are looking forward to being back with  them next year on April 19, 2009.  Please mark your calendars now and come and be with us in the afternoon at 1:00 PM.

It had been a while since The Waylighters had been at Hubbard Springs Church, but we traveled their on July 26, 2008 and thoroughly enjoyed being back.  You can always feel the presence of the Lord when you are with this congregation.  Gary (tenor) was on a business trip in Florida that evening, so Sharon (keyboards) filled in as best she could for him.  When one is missing from the group though, they are sorely missed.  We have now been together for three and a half years and are starting to fit together vocally.  Fortunately, members are rarely unable to atttend.  And this is something we are very thankful for especially due to the fact that several members have ongoing health problems.  We would like to ask that you remember the group as we continue to do the Lord's will.

A growing tradition for The Waylighters Quartet is traveling to be at BJ's Restaurant.  We were happy to be back with sister Betty, the owner of BJ's on August 9, 2008.  We probably had the best crowd since starting to sing their last year.  Something we also enjoyed was lots of folks requesting songs.  This really puts the quartet to the test and Charlie (baritone) and Sharon (keyboards) gets a workout on who knows the most material.  Actually, Charlie has the upper hand on this one because he's been around a lot longer (sorry, Charlie!)  We love audience participation and are considering adding a "request time" to our program because folks seem to enjoy it so much.  Many thanks to Betty for opening up this time to spread God's word through music.  BJ's is a great place to eat also.  Tell them that The Waylighters sent you!  We will be back with Betty and the gang on November 1, 2008.  Make plans to come and be fed, both physically and spritualy.

The Waylighters were honored to be with our friends at Faith Missionary Baptist Church on August 16, 2008.  This was a benefit for the church and we shared the service with The Hoggle Family.  This is a family that is so blessed with talent.  Five children and their mother join with another gentleman and his son to make up this group, and their ages start at around six years old.  This was the second service that our quartet has had the pleasure of singing with The Hoggle Family.  There were lots of different churches represented that night and the Lord truly was with us.  Sharon (keyboards) was especially happy to have her friend, Julia from Eastern Valley Baptist Church there.  Sharon had returned from Illinois the day before where her father is critically ill and Julia sat and prayed with Sharon during the service.  It is so great to have Christian friends who will pray with you and stand beside you in times of trouble.  We received a "thank you" note from the church later and appreciate their taking the time to let the groups know how much they appreciated their coming and being with them.  The folks at Faith are on fire for the Lord and we ask that you remember them in prayer that God will do great and mighty things through this church.

Oneonta, Alabama was next on The Waylighters schedule on August 17, 2008.  And another record crowd was there on this night.  The community had a "book" singing that afternoon at another local church, so all area churches were dismissed for the singing at Allgood Baptist Church at 6:00 PM.  All services are special to The Waylighters, but this evening's service touched everyone's heart in a very special way.  This church has been going through many trials and tribulations during the past year, with many members being called home to be with the Lord.  This church is also known for their wonderful "book" singings and tonight was no different.  Lots of youth participate in this service.  Many of our youth doesn't even know what "book" singings are, but Allgood is alive and well for this.  The group has became very attached to our friends here and we are looking forward to going back and be with them on February 15, 2009.  Make plans to come and be with us and I think that you willl agree that they are very special folks.  

Another special church to The Waylighters is New Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in West Blocton, Alabama.  Unfortunately, Sharon (keyboards) was unable to attend due to illness and being in the hospital  on this day.  The good news is, we have recorded most of her music and are able to use tracks if needed.  Of course the guys always do a wonderful job.  And there was lots of other local church support in the afternoon.  We would especially like to recognize Smith Hill Missionary Baptist Church for attending the afternoon services.  This really helps the group a lot when local churches come out and support us, and also support the home church, New Hebron.  Charlie Adams (baritone) had been in the hospital the previous weekend and we were so thankful that he was able to be back with us.  Please continue to remember Brother Charlie in prayer as the doctor's have told him that surgery is not possible.  But we know the Great Physician and also know that He is able to perform miracles!  Thanks also to the ladies for the wonderful noon meal that was prepared.  They always do a wonderful job.  We are looking forward to being back at New Hebron on March 22, 2009. 

On August 31, 2008, The Waylighters gathered at Prude's Creek Baptist Church to sing the glory down.  Two years ago, Sharon (keyboards) was unable to attend at the last minute and ended up in the emergency room.  But this was not the case this time and Sharon thoroughly enjoyed herself!  The guys were in top form also and we all just had a great time being in the house of the Lord and worshipping in song.  Folks, if you don't believe in miracles, you really need to attend Prude's Creek and listen to the prayers that are being answered here.  We know of at least three examples of answered prayer that were sitting in the congregation Sunday evening.  But there are others who still need them.  Please remember a very special request, Tammy Aldridge as you pray.  This Christian lady had surgery last week and isn't doing well.  The Waylighters would like for you to join them in asking for God's healing touch for this lady.  This congregation truly has a burden to see souls saved and lives touched and we join them in praying for God's divine touch.

We gathered in the fellowship hall after the service and shared in a full meal prepared by the ladies and we thank them for all their hard work and preparation of the food. 

The Waylighters Quartet would like all to pray for Sharon Emery and her family as her father passed away on September 2, 2008 after a long illness.  Pray for Sharon as she travels to Marion, Illinois to comfort her mother and family and her return to Alabama.

I would like to personally thank the group for all of the support and love shown to my family during my Dad's illness and passing.  I've always told everyone that The Waylighters are more like my family and not just a group I sing and play for.  I would like to ask that all would continue to remember my family, and especially my Mother during this time of loss.  Thanks again.

On September 11, 2008, The Waylighters were blessed to be with the "Young at Heart" folks at Grant Street Baptist Church in Bessemer, AL.  Sharon (keyboards) was unable to attend due to the death of her father, but the guys did a wonderful job using tracks that had been pre-recorded.  Food was in abundance and delicious and we thank the ladies for preparing the fine meal.

On September 14, 2008, The Waylighters traveled to Bessemer, AL to sing for the congregation at First Baptist Church of Shannon.  This is a church that the Lord has truly blessed with loads of wonderful talent.  Several congregational numbers were sang at the beginning of the service and then the group did two sets, with several specials in between. "The Campbells" sang several songs during the break and did a wonderful job.  The Waylighters throroughly enjoyed the afternoon and received a blessing.  We thank the church for the opportunity to come and be with them and share God's message in song.

On Saturday, September 20, The Waylighters traveled to Jemison, AL to The Blue Barn.  What a wonderful time everyone had.  "To The End" and "The Fred Smith Family" were the featured singers and both groups did a great job in bringing the message through song.  While both groups took a break to eat, The Waylighters, Haven Aires and various other talent sang.  The Barn holds 320 people at maximum capacity.  There was another singing locally that night, so the attendance was down a little.  But we still had a large number of folks able to attend.  We are looking forward to returning on January 17, 2009 and will be sharing the program with "To The End."  Make plans now to come and be with us on this night. 

During the remainder of the month of September, The Waylighters will be taking a small break, but October will find us starting back in full force.  Below are a list of singings that we will be doing.  Please come and be with us if you get the chance.

October 3, 2008 - Valley Grove Baptist Church - 6:00 PM
October 4, 2008 - Third Baptist Church (Homecoming) - 10:00  West Blocton, AL
October 12, 2008 - Elvester Baptist Church - 2:00 PM
October 19, 2008 - Community Baptist Church - 1:30 PM  Brierfield, AL
October 24, 2008 - American Diner - 7:00 PM - West Blocton, AL

Plan to come and be with us at one of these events and let folks know.