News & Scoops

The New Year Brings New Endeavors For Third Promise Members

For Third Promise members Rená Hill, Christa Honeycutt and Carla Jackson, 2004 brought more changes than either of the three could have dreamed possible. The beginning of the year marked the release of the group¹s third recording, as well as their first Top 80 hit. The Dunn, NC, based trio, who first began singing together while they were attending Mt Olive College, was excited about an upcoming Tour, which would allow them to share the stage with Janet Paschal and The Pfeifers on at least 20 dates in 2005. They were also making preparations to begin work on another recording.

Those plans, however, came to a screeching halt on Friday evening, May 7, when two of the group¹s members, Carla and Rená, were involved in a tragic automobile accident. In the accident, Rená was seriously injured and remained hospitalized for five weeks, while God, in His infinite wisdom, chose to take Carla to her heavenly home.

Words cannot convey the gamut of emotions that have been experienced since the tragic accident on May 7 which claimed Carla¹s life. The emotional and physical scars remain, yet God has remained faithful. ³I still don¹t understand why God allowed the accident to happen or why we all lost such a precious individual,² Rená shares. ³But I do know that God is in control, and His ways are far higher than ours.²

Since the accident, Rená and Christa have experienced monumental growth in their own personal friendship, and their spiritual lives, as well. God has continued to use each of them in mighty ways, as they have sought His leadership and strength, and continually prayed for His direction. After much prayerful deliberation, the two have decided to venture into separate ministries. ³The past six months,² Christa conveys, ³have afforded me the opportunity to become more involved in various ministries at my home churchr. I believe God is going to continue to provide wonderful opportunities of ministry for me there. My husband and I are hoping to start a family, and I believe God¹s will for my life is to focus on my family and the ministry at Piney Grove.² Christa is actively involved in the youth ministry at Piney Grove, serving as the Youth Choir and Drama leader, and she is also a member of the Praise Team, while her husband, Brent, is a member of the Deacon Board.

As Christa continues to minister through her local church and its various outreaches, Rená believes her calling is to share her testimony and musical ministry wherever doors open; therefore, she will begin scheduling solo concerts and speaking engagements in 2005. ³Obviously, I¹m here for a reason,² Rená shares, ³and as long as I have breath, I will praise the Lord and go wherever He leads, through whatever door He opens. I don¹t know what the future holds. Naturally, if I had my way, Carla, Christa and I would have been singing together forever. God had other plans; however, I know Carla would want me to continue to share His promises. The promises I know she is now experiencing first hand.²

The last official Third Promise concert will be held on New Year¹s Eve, Friday, December 31, in New Bern, NC, at The New Bern Church of God. In addition to the New Year¹s Eve event in New Bern, Source of Truth Christian Bookstore in Clayton, NC, will host Third Promise on Saturday, December 18. Christa and Rená will share a few songs and have the opportunity to visit with those who have supported the ministry of Third Promise over the years.

As a new year dawns, although their ministries are charting new territory, Christa and Rená have an even greater desire to continue to trust in the One who has proven to be faithful throughout the good times and times of tragedy, as well. They are a living testimony of that faithfulness, and they are committed to accepting new opportunities and proclaiming God¹s promises, trusting Him each step of the way, wherever He leads.

Those interested in scheduling Rená Hill for a concert or speaking engagement may call 910-892-3521. For additional information log onto http://www.thirdpromiseministries.com