The Barn Again Gang

Last week my husband and I attended a meeting where a group was scheduled to sing. I had heard the group before and knew they were good, so I told many people in my acquaintance. When we arrived, almost all the seats were taken, but we found two together and began visiting with those around us, waiting for the program.

After a nice meal, the Barn-Again Gang took their places. As I remembered, there were three people in the group, two men and a woman. Brenda played bass while her husband, Gene strummed his acoustic guitar. Their friend, Steve, sang harmony and his wife, Debbie, took care of the sound equipment.

                                

As the trio sang, I was not disappointed. The close harmony of the three singers took my breath away and brought some tears to my eyes. They sang old hymns, mostly. Their website www.barnagaingang.com states that they sing Southern/Country Gospel.

Besides the uplifting music, I was touched by Brenda's testimony.

Brenda wanted to share with us how much God truly cares for us and the lengths He goes to speak to us personally to give us strength and courage, so we can fight the battles we face. She stated that early one morning in 2006, while standing at her kitchen window praying, she cried out to God in desperation because of a heavy burden. She looked out the window and saw a helium balloon laying in the grass. She went out to see the balloon and found a card attached to it from a little girl in Vacation Bible School in another state.

The balloon had traveled 250 miles to Brenda's home in less than 24 hours, and on the card attached to the balloon, she read these words: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go, (Joshua 1:9). Brenda held the card close to her heart and looked to heaven, thanking God for his promise that day, little knowing just how much that word from God would continue to hold her up.

The following year, 2007, Brenda was diagnosed with breast cancer. She would read the card and trust God as she went through surgery and treatment. By 2009, the cancer had metastasized. She knew that meant it was terminal, yet, still, she held on to God's promise. She read her Bible daily and trusted God.

Brenda, her husband, and their friends have been singing for several years. They continued to sing. (The first time I heard them sing, Brenda had very little hair on her head because of her cancer treatments. Last week I noticed she had a nice cap of curly hair.) They continue to praise God with their music and are a great testimony to His promises. Brenda still carries that card with her to this day. As she continues to fight this battle with cancer, they covet the gift of every prayer offered on their behalf.

The group lives in House Springs, in Jefferson County, Missouri. If you get a chance to hear them, you will be blessed. Check out their website www.barnagaingang.com to see the CD's that are available for purchase, or to invite them to sing at your church.

                                                       THE BARN AGAIN GANG
                                                               Steve, Brenda, Gene

                          CD's available, among others. Check the website www.barnagaingang.com