In this world we call Southern Gospel Music; we find all kinds of people. We find some who are totally interested in the music and preserving its heritage, and that seems to be their main concern. Others are solely concerned about ministry and they seem to let quality fall by the wayside. Now, let me introduce you to a group who has a great balance of ministry and music quality. This fairly new group has only been together about 4 ½ years. Starting out as a Mother-daughter duet, Donna and Jessica Beauvais, soon found Donna's best friend Jeri VanEck was interested in singing too and formed an all ladies trio and named themselves Hope's Call. They took a chance and entered "The Big One" talent contest in 2001 and they walked away as the winners. That was just the beginning of big things that God had in store for Hope's Call.
As a matter of fact, Hope's Call was nominated in our SouthernGospelNews.com Awards as one of the female group's category, but had to be withdrawn because of an unexpected twist in God's plans. Soon after winning the talent contest things were going so well for Hope's Call that they went full time, however the schedule was more than Jeri wanted to handle, so she decided to resign. That brought about a major change for Hope's Call.
Let me back up just a bit to tell you that a little earlier at the NQC, Donna's husband, Paul was unable to get off work to set things up for them at NQC, so while Donna and Jessica were "struggling" to do the physical labor, a knight in shining armor showed up in the nick of time. A young man named Eddie Harrison, from the area of Michigan that Hope's Call was from, happened by to help these two desperate ladies. Jessica seemed oblivious to what was going on, but Donna happened to notice that Eddie wasn't taking his eyes off Jessica, and everywhere Jessica went, Eddie was sure to go. A friendship soon developed and Eddie was soon traveling with Hope's Call just to help out where he could. It was Jeri who had heard Eddie sing with another group, and she recommended that he replace her in the group. Donna listened to him sing and liked what she heard, however what confirmed the deal for her was when they were singing a song that Donna had written, "A Heart For The Lost," and she saw Eddie sitting in the audience with tears streaming down his face. Immediately she knew that Eddie had a "heart for the lost" that they were looking for to share their ministry.
Donna not only gained a great singer when she hired Eddie, but that fact the he couldn't keep his eyes off Jessica turned into a relationship, and Eddie and Jessica were married just a few months ago. So, with the addition of Eddie to the family, Hope's Call is an official family ministry! Also travelling with the group are Paul and Donna's other three children, Jason -16, Josh - 13, and Jenna - 10 and the family pet, Angel, the sharpei-cockapoo mix puppy.
Paul Beauvais worked in the auto industry for 21 years, but God directed him to leave that position and assume the position of full time manager for Hope's Call. He also runs the sound for the group. Paul handles much of the group's booking along with April Potter of the April Potter Agency.
Donna, Jessica, and Eddie all teach at the Steve Hurst School of Music and Ministry each summer. Donna was also featured on one of Steve Hurst's Vocal Impact Series videos. Donna also does private vocal and group training from her home.
Donna, a songwriter, provides a lot of the material they sing. Most of her songwriting comes from life experiences, but lately, especially since they have moved to the Nashville area, she has found inspiration in co-writing with some writers from Nashville . Songwriting is a love that allows her to speak from her heart. She feels her music allows people to drop the walls around them and get the message of the songs. Though she has written over a hundred songs, she has about thirty songs that are in circulation that have been recorded by either Hope's Call or other groups.
Though they started their ministry in Woodhaven, MI, they recently moved to Murfreesboro,TN, a suburb of Nashville . The reason for moving was simple. Nashville is so central to the nation that it allows the group to venture into many new areas to minister as well as expand the opportunities for studio work and Donna's continued writing.
I was aware that they were moving to Murfreesboro, and one day I saw them at the post office. I blurted out to the attendant, "You better do a background check on them," and they both turned around to see who this arrogant dummy was that was yelling about them in the post office. They both screamed out "DEON." I found out later that I was the first person they met that they actually knew since they had moved. Hope's Call is literally my neighbor.
During this interview, Donna had a "special ministry" moment that she wanted to share, so I'll let her share in her own words.
"...things have been challenging at times in fulltime music ministry as far as wondering how to make ends meet. Sometimes I cannot see the forest for the trees financially. I let my own fears take over and I struggle to trust in the power of God to handle everything in His way and in His time. BUT the TRUTH is HE is ALWAYS FAITHFUL! In my heart I know this, but sometimes I get my eyes on the circumstances and not on God's perfect plans...and I fail Him when I do that. This week I was very concerned about some financial things...One day I went to the mail box and found a letter there. I wondered what it was. It was addressed to Hope's Call. While opening it I was thinking...Oh, Lord, might you be providing for these needs we have financially? Well, what I found was worth more than any amount of money in the world. Here it is...
Hope's Call
by Ronald L. MackeyI was living on the street
with no hope at all
Headed straight for hell
When I heard Hope's CallAs I listened to them sing
The Spirit touched my soul
I opened my heart to Jesus
And He made me wholeMy broken heart was mended
My sins were washed away
When my Savior came in
On that wonderful dayOh, the love I saw
On my Savior's face
When they sang a song
Called, "Amazing Grace."Now I am telling others
What Jesus did for me
About the wonderful Hope
Your music gave to meThe value inside that envelope cannot be measured on earth...and it was a very WONDERFUL reminder of what ministry is about and why we do it...even if God chooses to give us nothing financially, he has given us everything in CHRIST!
That's what God knew I needed to find inside the envelope. It's not about having enough money, It's not about having great voices or popularity! It's about the HAND of GOD! That's all that really matters. God immediately spoke that to my heart and convicted me. Sure, It helps to have the bills paid and the kids provided for...but the eternal value of serving God in this life means so much more!"
You can see Hope's Call on Friday night July 30 th at the SouthernGospelNews.Com Convention starting at 7PM at the River of Life Church, 215 Sam Ridley Parkway, Smyrna,TN.
You can visit Hope's Call online at http://www.hopescall.com
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 06/01/2004
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 9
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Hopes Call is simply awesome. I love their current recording "Bright New Day" and the song "One Day I Will" is my fav on the CD.
You guys rock!
Oh man!!! What a great article about a truly wonderful group of ppl!!! I am thrilled to call them my friends!!! They are such a blessing on stage, but are even more of a blessing off stage!!! I don't know how many times that Donna has encouraged me!.. She is wonderful!!! Jess and Eddie are so wonderful too! This is a great article, Deon... but I don't think it is really possible to capture even an ounce of the great, wonderful, caring, blessing that this group equals. That is just their personalities!!! What wonderful singers!!! This is the perfect group!!!
Having had the ultimate blessing of being a part of this ministry, I know where their heart is and it is in the right place. Their kindness, compassion and spiritual integrity stand out. Thank you, Deon for your support of Hope's Call and for writing a beautiful article about them. I know the Lord will continue to bless their faithfulness to Him. Folks, if you ever get an opportunity to see & meet Hope's Call, don't miss it!!!
WOW !!!
Hope's Call is awesome! I really like their music but, I love the spirit that they share with others. Blessings to you as you work for His glory.
Great group, great sound, great people. If you want to hear where SG is going, give this group a listen. They truly know how to convey a message through song. We love both their singing and their hearts. Make sure and go see them when they are in your area, you won't be disappointed! Jonathan White/MWC
Our sweet precious friends, you have been such a blessing in our lives. Keep on keepin on!
I have been a HOPE'S CALL fan since the first radio single.. Every release has been top quality. The currrent single,.. "HALFWAY" is one of my favorite songs on the radio right now.
I had the pleasure of meeting with these great folks at Steve Hurst's Music Ministry school..they are awesome people and they are great performers! I wish them all the best!
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