Three years ago, we were invited to perform at the Nashville Rescue Mission’s annual Music with a Mission concert, an event that has raised over $525,000 to help feed the hungry and house the homeless in Middle Tennessee. It is a marvelous event. The venue is beautiful, the symphony is incredible and the artists who perform are some of the best in the music industry. They also care about the less fortunate and perform not just to entertain, but to make a difference encouraging others to do the same. The event is truly a moving experience as each year, a graduate from the Mission’s Life Recovery Program shares a few words. It’s amazing to hear the success story firsthand, directly from someone impacted by a donors’ gift.
Larry, Steve, and I have been performing as Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers since 1976, but it really started in 1955, when we were 2, 4, and 6 years old! We’ve had several number one songs, been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, nominated for CMA and ACM awards, and are now on our 60th anniversary tour. We have been blessed! But this success means nothing if we haven’t used our platform to help others. Luke 12:48 says, “From everyone whom has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” To us, this means we must invest our talents to give hope to those in need. We’re commanded to care for the widows, the orphans and those who can’t help themselves. And this concert is a very tangible way to do that.
Volunteering to serve meals at the Mission and sing Christmas carols in the dining room, along with my daughter, was really where I saw the heart of this organization. Sometimes people think they can’t help because they can’t donate money. But they can, by giving their time and assisting on the front lines, serving meals to the homeless, and listening to them share their stories. It definitely changes a person’s perspective.
My brothers and I look forward to this year’s Music with a Mission event. Those who attend won’t be disappointed because once again it’s a lineup filled with talent and passion. It’s a chance to interact with the Mission on a different level and help the homeless of Middle Tennessee. I can’t wait to see you there.
 
God Bless,
Rudy