a message from manhattan “In the spring of this year, around 20 members of our church drove down to Philadelphia to catch the Gaither Homecoming tour. That was the first time I ever saw the Hoppers live, and I began looking in our area for tapes of their music. I soon found out that besides the Gaithers, southern gospel is very difficult to find up here. After a number of failures, I decided I was going to just purchase a number of Hopper tapes at the next Homecoming concert in our area. On September 8th, with another group from our church, I walked the halls of the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, NJ until I found the Hoppers table and bought my first four Hoppers cassettes. Three days later the World Trade Center towers, which are clearly visible from here in Nutley, were attacked and destroyed by terrorists. Being a pastor for a church within 10 miles of Manhattan, the phone began to ring off the hook. Many folk from our communities commute into the city, so everyone knew someone who was lost. We could see the smoke rising from Manhattan for the first week. Many of our local fire and police departments sent in two-thirds of their staff, and one week later, many are still there laboring. I cried several times that day, and wanted to let you know I received great comfort from my new Hopper tapes. Your persistent focus on the cross, the victory of the resurrection and Heaven brought much encouragement to me at a terrible time. We are currently trying to arrange for the Hoppers to come and bring their much-needed message of hope from the south to a badly shaken area. Thank you for not compromising in your music or message.” (dated 9/20/01) - Rev. Dennis C. Derhay, Senior Pastor, Bethel Assembly, Nutley NJ

Mike pictured with John Schneider at the filming of Touched By An Angel Denice pictured with Roger Bennett of Legacy Five at Pianorama Kim, Dean & Karlye in front of the White House

fan perspective "I just wanted to tell you all what a blessing you were to my husband and myself on Saturday, June 9th in Worcester, Massachusetts (The Gaither Homecoming Concert). My husband attended the first Gaither concert three years ago (kicking and screaming) but after I got him there, he loved every moment of it. This is the third year we’ve gone and I must tell you that your family was the best performance we’ve ever seen. Not only do you all have such beautiful voices, but your light really shines through while you are on stage together. I can’t express how great you all are -- it was absolutely fantastic. What a God-given talent! My husband, who is not saved (yet! but please keep him in your prayers!) could not get enough of that evening. He has been talking about it ever since (and especially the Hoppers!) -- we especially loved the performance where you all walked across the stage a couple of times arm in arm. And that’s the purpose of this letter! What CD is that song on and how do I order???? Please try to find the time to answer this as we so look forward to hearing your beautiful music again. My husband commented on how wonderful your Christmas must be because you not only seem like such a close-knit family, but the warmth of your love really comes across. He envisioned you all just singing up a storm together over the holidays -- he said he wished he could be invited over! It is obvious that the Lord uses you in a powerful way and one of the ways is to get my husband saved (he actually had tears in his eyes during your performance). This may not sound unusual to you but, he is a ‘tough ol’ FBI agent’ and doesn’t quite understand the power in real Christian music (and I know he felt the power of the Holy spirit when you all sung from your hearts). So please write and tell me how the get the CD(s)!!! Thank you so much -- may God keep blessing you and PLEASE come back next year to the next concert!!!” - Gratefully yours, Linda DiFonzo, Killingworth CT

Country Superstar Randy Travis poses for the camera with Mike at the recent Touched By An Angel taping Mike poses with actress, Delta Burke at a taping of Touched By An Angel Claude poses with Mr. & Mrs.JG Whitfield at the SGMA Awards Banquet in Pigeon Forge, TN

Christmas Album For the first time in over eight years, we have a brand new Christmas project. This album includes some of your favorite traditional songs such as O Holy Night, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear...as well as new Christmas selections written by some of today’s most prolific songwriters. Other selections include Glad Tidings, Hope Has Hands, and the upbeat I Want To Hear The Angels Sing. Beautifully orchestrated featuring the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra in the Czech Republic.