Sunday, April 26, at 6:00 p.m. the gospel group “The Promise” will be in concert at the Federated Church, Corner of Church and Main Streets, East Smithfield. A love offering will be collected. “The Promise” is thankful for the radio success of the songs “I Go to the Rock” (number 3) and “Repair the Old Altar (number 1). Their most recent Daywind Release “Shout Before the Walls Come Down” is currently #2 on the gospel charts. Six years ago, Debra Carter Peele felt the Lord leading her to start a group that would sing praises to God. Debra resisted the call because she does not read music and had a terrible fear of speaking in front of people, much less singing. Then, as a result of an accident she lost the hearing in her right ear. She felt very broken and unqualified. In an act of obedience, she started the group “The Promise”. |
Mandy Foster is the newest member of the group, joining after being the Promise Trio’s “Plus One” for more than a year when Tina McKinney Booth felt the Lord’s leading to pursue a different path. Mandy came to faith in Jesus at a young age and grew up singing in the church. Mandy has had a lifetime full of music from singing in children’s choirs, through singing and performing at the high school level, and then attending the University of Florida majoring in Music Education where she graduated with honors. Mandy loves using all of the gifts the Lord has given her for whatever purpose He lays before her and gives Him all the glory.
The third member of the group is Rick Blessing. Rick began singing as soon as he learned to talk. By age 10 he was producing his own recordings in his bedroom. By age 13, he was featured on local TV shows, singing on location at Carowinds Amusement Park. At age 16, he sang at various prisons with the PTL Prison Ministry in North and South Carolina. By the year 2000, his career was in full swing. Rick joined “The Promise” in September 2010 as a temporary member after Debra Peele asked him to join. After praying to the Lord for direction, he became a permanent member. Rick has a special voice and his anointing is apparent from the moment he begins to sing. Rick’s desire is to sing for the Lord and he gives God the glory for what He has done.
If you want to read more about the group or listen to their music visit their website at www.thepromise.info.