People across the county were certainly not disappointed recently when they visited Blackville First Baptist Church (BFBC) to attend Award winning Christian recording artist LouAnn Lee’s single night concert and dinner gathering that followed. Lee, who traveled the furthest herself, didn’t think twice when asked to fly coast to coast to simply bless our humble community.
The invitation came from Blackville residents and devoted members of BFBC, Darlene and Steve Brandt. The Brandts became close friends of Lee’s years ago when they attended church in California where Lee served as their worship leader. “LouAnn is anointed by God and will always have a special place in my heart.” Darlene Brandt said.
Lee’s flight arrived in South Carolina’s borderline city of Charlotte, N.C. where she began her turn around, fast paced weekend. The Brandt’s began that Saturday morning early as they drove upstate, picked up Lee, returned to Blackville where BFBC had a tent set up in participation for the celebrated local Music and Arts Festival. Lee never showed or mentioned an ounce of exhaustion from extensive traveling and remained filled with The Spirit of Love. Even before settling in, she sang a couple of songs for the community that very afternoon at the town’s festival.
The Brandt’s made arrangements for Lee to rest and relax at Wisteria Cottage, run by Lill and Alvin Stoltzfus, on Jones Bridge Road in Blackville. Lee said of the accommodations, “Wisteria Cottage cottage is so quaint and wonderfully relaxing. I slept very well there and very much enjoyed the sounds of the countryside.”
After a short break to unpack and rest a bit, that evening the singer rehearsed and did a sound check at the church with Sound Tech, Scott Kaigler, Worship Leader, Betsy Hair and Pastor Ken Frederick. Suzanne Frederick, the Pastor’s wife, cooked a homemade dinner for the small gathering; giving the small group time to break bread, pray, talk, laugh and enjoy.
During Sunday morning service Lee offered a few original songs and shared a glimpse into her testimony; inviting the congregation to return that evening for more details, praise and worship.
A table was set up in the fellowship hall where church members were welcome to meet with Lee after service and have the opportunity to purchase CD’s, T-shirts, songbooks, hats and more.
Sunday evening the church was filled with community members from various denominations, races and ages. Lee commented on how she loved “looking out and seeing such beautiful unity with the audience raising hands in praise and worship to our Lord Jesus.”
Steve Brandt noted, LouAnn's music is unique and uses scripture in her original songs. She encourages people in the audience to join in to worship the Lord".
Her selections were sung from the heart with distinct beauty and vocal range. Her favorite song, she said, titled, “Love” was especially powerful and moving. As a lyricist, keyboard musician, with a gift for angelic vocals, Lee mixes simplicity with a depth of emotion that’s indeed, anointed.
Darlene Brandt commented on the Blackville Info Page she and her husband, Mark (Steve) Brandt run on Facebook. "What a blessed weekend BFBC and our community had because of having LouAnn Lee sing at the Blackville Music and Arts Festival on May 18th and then on Sunday May 19th at the BFBC 10:30 am service. She sang two of her beautiful songs, Great Day and Behold. Later at 6 pm, she captivated all of us with her scripture-based original songs and her testimony. I miss you already LouAnn. Until next time. We love you."
Pastor Ken Frederick, who has an active passion for sharing Christ with the community through various events geared for all ages, shared these thoughts, “We were blessed to host LouAnn Lee for this special weekend. Sunday night's concert was an encouraging time of worship with friends from across our area. We look forward to other events like this one and pray the Lord will continue to use LouAnn across our nation and in her ministries in the Philippines--for His Glory!” Amen to that.
Members of Blackville First Baptist Church unanimously agreed on their Facebook page by posting, “Thank you, LouAnn Lee for sharing your gift with the citizens of Blackville. What a blessing!”
Lee was just as pleased with the opportunity to visit and perform here for the first time in South Carolina, saying, "What a joy to sing the songs God gave me and to share the stories behind them at Blackville First Baptist Church. You all instantly became family to me. Thank you for the warm reception, your kind words and beautiful enthusiasm for God's presence. I can't wait to come back. May God bless each of you with His love and grace!"
More highlights about LouAnn Lee’s Music Ministry can be found on Facebook, Youtube and at her website:
www.louannlee.com.
