This months interview is with a fellow recording artist. Gene Callahan, a member of the Country Gospel Music Guild, and I met when he did a concert at First Baptist Church of Berrien Springs, Michigan last year. I had the honor of running sound and recording that event (with Gene's permission, of course) so that some of our elderly and shut in members could be blessed by his ministry.

I was truly touched by his music, and by the humility that he maintained while he was performing. It is a rare combination to have someone who is both thoroughly entertaining and humble. It seems that big ego's usually come with skillful stage presence.

Gene also did an excellent job when he filled in at the last minute and opened for me at my CD release concert when the act that was scheduled had to cancel due to a scheduling conflict.

Gene is a two time CGMG Horizon Award nominee, and has had his music chart on various formats in the US and in Europe.

It is an honor this month to welcome Gene to The Wanted Man, and to have him grant us this time to chat with him.

And now, the interview:

The Wanted Man: In way of introduction, please tell our readers a little about yourself.

Gene Callahan: I live in Sawyer, Michigan with my wife Patty and daughter Tricia. Patty doesn't say much when asked to talk in front of people, and she doesn't sing, but she has more faith than anyone I think I've ever met. She is really an inspiration. Tricia is 12 years old and she sings a couple songs with me. We have five grown children (my daughter Melissa also with us when she can) and seven grandchildren.

I've been writing gospel music for about 20 years. There are times when God gives us a lot, and times that are dry. In other words, I write a lot in a short period of time, and then nothing for years.

I love the Lord with all my heart and want to do His will.

TWM: How did you come to know Christ as your Lord and Savior?

GC: I came to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior when I felt His Spirit dealing with my heart and He called me. I repented and ask for forgiveness and by the blood He shed I was saved. I know He is always with us through good and bad times. We just need to trust and obey the Lord.

TWM: What started you into the area of music ministry?

GC: I have always loved music. I started singing when I was too young to remember and started playing guitar when I was about 14. Music has always been a big part of my life. I don't preach, so it's the way I find that I can tell people about Jesus.

TWM: What kind of Christian work have you been involved with before starting your current minisrty?

GC: I played guitar and sang in church. I have also taught the teen class in Sunday School.

TWM: Are you using any outreach methods to impact lives in your ministry today?

GC: I have not done as much as I need to do to promote my ministry, I need a lot of prayer in that area. I also need a lot of help, because although I've been in music for years, being in ministry is brand new to us and we have a lot to learn. I'm not getting any younger so we need a lot of prayer that doors will be opened.

TWM: I must congratulate you. I understand that you have been nominated for your second CGMG Horizon Award. Can you give our readers some details about this?

GC: The CGMG is the Country Gospel Music Guild, and the Horizon Award is the award for newcomers.

TWM: I know that you perform original material that you write. Just to give our readers a little look into the mind of a songwriter, could you give us a description of the inspiration or circumstances that prompts you to write?

GC: God has given me songs of from preachers, sermons, magazine articles, Bible Scriptures, conversations, and thoughts from I don't know where. Well, I do know where, they're from God, but I don't always know why. When God gives a song, it's really fast and easy. I've written complete songs in 20 minutes, but if it's something I just want to write, I may work on it for months.

TWM: If the Lord tarries, what do you see in store for your future ministry efforts?

GC: What I pray I'll see is hearts touched and souls saved. Not only through my ministry, but also through others doing songs God gave me.

TWM: What words of advice or encouragement would you offer to anyone interested in music ministry, but unsure of themselves and their abilities?

GC: Be prepared to work, be disappointed, and be frustrated. But know that it will be worth it all the first time, and every time, you look out at the people and see the joy God gives when they really listen to the message in one of your songs. The joy and blessings you receive is in knowing others have been blessed, and that makes everything worth while.

TWM: Are there any other comments that you would like to make?

GC: I love the Lord, and pray that he will open doors. We're planning a new project this year and once again 10 of the songs will be original. Please let everyone know who we are and that we need prayers, and I pray that God will bless every one.

Thanks.

TWM: And thank you Gene for granting us this interview. I pray that God will continue to bless your ministry, and that our friendship will continue to grow as we serve Him in our ministries.

Gene can be reached for bookings at 269-426-3539, and by email at spar140@cs.com. His current project is the self titled "Gene Callahan" and can be purchased directly from Gene.

Please pray for Gene and his ministry the God may continue to work His glorious will through Gene's music.