| I was born August 30,1947. I was raised in a Christian home by my mom and dad Eleanor and Earl Nelson. They loved the Lord and tried their best to raise me under the guidance of the Lord. I had a brother named Barry. There was always music around the house. Even when I was a little gaffer I loved to sing with my mom around the piano. My brother played the guitar and also loved to sing. In those days after church it was a common thing to go to some ones house have some goodies and sing.
I was very shy when I was young. On the other hand, my brother was very outgoing. Barry always led the singing at Sunday school. He often sang at other churches. He constantly tried to encourage me to sing with him, but never got anywhere. I was very shy and this thought frightened the life out of me, even though I loved to sing. However, one day I finally gave in and we sang our first duet at Sunday school. This is where my singing for the Lord all began. At that time, Barry was dating a young lady named Audrey, who eventually became his wife. They went to other churches singing and asked me to be a third voice. We did this a few times and I started to come out of shell and feel more comfortable around people. I really started to enjoy singing.
I never realized how important singing for the Lord was going to become in my life. I was asked to sing at a Bayview Baptist Church young peoples event. It was a special Christmas service at Sunnybrook Hospital for the war veterans. Following the service, we went back to the LaRock's house to play some games and fellowship. It was at that time I was introduced to a young lady named Valerie LaRock. Bells and whistles went off and we began to date, over time became engaged, and eventually were married December 19, 1970.
The Lord has blessed us with two wonderful girls Christine and Kimberly. They have been a blessing to our lives and have grown to love the Lord. They are both married and have a family.
Let's get back to the singing. I was doing some solo ministry at various churches and quite involved with the music at our own church, Banfield Memorial Evangelical Missionary Church. I was asked to sing and solo and play the piano at one of our Sunday morning services. Following the service John Ross, a person whom I really didn't know from within the congregation, approached me. He asked me if I had every sung in a group. I said that I had done some duet and trio work, but nothing too seriously. I knew he sang with some guys, as I had heard them once at a church function. They were called "Triumphant Sound." He asked me if I would be at all interested in coming out to help them periodically. Due to the fact I played ( fumbled around ) the piano and sang he thought it might work. After talking to Val, I called John back and said let me come to a practice and see where it goes from there.
So began my singing days with "Triumphant Sound." Well here I am some thirty years later, still singing.
I praise the Lord for the way He has used this ministry over the many years. I, and my family have many fond memories through the ministry of "Triumphant Sound." Many heartfelt thanks goes to my wife and family that have stayed by me with their support over the many years. Thanks to my brother Barry who never gave up on me but encouraged me through his short life. I look forward to what the Lord has in store for my life! |