02/09/15 Young Men’s Quartet sang at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley, SC
From the choir loft, I watched as four young teenage boys handsomely dressed in suits and sports coats took the stage in front of a large congregation at Rock Springs Baptist Church during a Sunday morning service. It struck me of how confident they all stood as they raised the microphones to their mouths and began to sing “Just One More Soul” by Greater Vision. No quivering lips, no shaking knees, no staring at the floor. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Each stood with such stature that was not typical for any teenage boy. I had to remind myself that this was only their second time singing together as a newly formed group, under the leadership of Youth Choir Director, Alan Poston. As they began to sing, I found myself quickly melting in the sound of conviction and passion that flowed so convincingly through their voices. There was obvious talent through the harmony that came forth; however, what resonated with me the most was what I could not hear…their smiles. They were obviously singing about something they believed in, and it made them joyful. There was something different about these young men, and I wanted to know what it was. It was at that moment that God flooded my heart with the words, “There is your first Featured Story for Victory in Virtue.” Tears of joy filled my eyes, and I did not waste any time. I set up an interview with them that very afternoon.
To view on YouTube, click here: RSBC Young Men's Quartet
UPDATE...
On 04/19/15, the boys once again shared in song the faith they live every day. I hope you enjoy seeing/listening to these young men and appreciate the character and integrity they display as they sing..."I've Read the Back of the Book (and We Win)" by the Cathedrals.
Video provided by
201 Rock Springs Rd, Easley, SC 29642
“Don’t Be Afraid To Do What You Believe In” – Quote by John Broome
Keep on keeping on, guys!
I am impressed and blessed by what these young men had to say, and I hope you will be, too. Let their life-song be a testament to the character and intestinal fortitude it takes to be a person of integrity. I am glad that these teens have found Victory in Virtue! Be sure and read to the end, where we hear a word from their Director, Alan Poston. And, I invite you to come hear these young men in person at Rock Springs.
- Childhood nickname: “Bugspray” because I used to spray it in the ceiling fans at church camp as a prank on the other campers
- Clubs/Organizations: Currently Soccer, Formerly History Club
- Volunteer Work: None at the moment, but he would like to get involved
- Favorite movie: Courageous and Facing the Giants
- Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:13
- What made your decision to sing in this quartet?
My close friends talked about it
- What goals do you want to accomplish by being in this quartet?
I could see this as a career, but want to use it as an outreach. Other people who do not go to my church have asked about this
quartet. It has given me an opportunity to invite them as an encouragement.
- What does having virtue mean to you?
Virtue is who you are as a person and what you believe in. One who strives to be positive in life, not negative
- Who is someone you look up to who displays true virtue?
My Step-Dad, Brandon March. He displays true character and stands by his beliefs.
- Do you see things in society that you don’t like and would like to change as you grow in your teenage years? If so, what type of things and what do you plan to do between now and high school graduation to be a part of making that change?
Differences. There are clicks. Some people are scared to come to school because of their differences. I wish they could feel more
comfortable coming to school. I want to give them a smile, let them know they are welcomed, and be someone for them to lean on.
I want to let them know that I will always be there.
- What advice would you give to other young people when it comes to taking a stand for what you believe in?
Don’t be afraid to do what you believe in. It all goes back to God’s Word. Don’t worry about others’ opinions. Be yourself!
DENTON CARTER, 13, is an 8th Grader who is home-schooled
- Childhood nickname: I did not have one.
- Clubs/Organizations: Basketball (Easley Home Athletics), Flag Football (Wren Rec.), Easley Foothills Playhouse (I have been in 4 plays),
Weekly Bible Study for Middle School Boys, and (of course) this quartet.
- Volunteer Work: Meals on Wheels, Nursery at Homeschool Co-op Meetings
- Favorite book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:13
- What made your decision to sing in this quartet?
I have been obsessed with quartets and singing since my first year at Rock Springs
- What goals do you want to accomplish by being in this quartet?
I want to get fired up for God and encourage other youth men. We tried to get an ensemble together, but could not get enough
interest, so I want to challenge others to sing for God by being a good example.
- What does having virtue mean to you?
Virtue is character. Your character is what you are and who you represent. Good character displays you in a good aspect.
- Who is someone you look up to who displays true virtue?
Tim Tebow and my Dad.
I feel like Tim Tebow displays a great deal of virtue through his actions. He is a strong Christian and through everything he has done
and been through, he has praised God for it. I feel like he is a great example to follow.
My Dad displays virtue through his actions and dedication to his family and God. He has coached my basketball team, flag football
team, and taught my Sunday School Class. He does what I really struggle with doing…a quiet time daily. He is a really good example
and I look up to him.
- Do you see things in society that you don’t like and would like to change as you grow in your teenage years? If so, what type of things and what do you plan to do between now and high school graduation to be a part of making that change?
Homosexuality. I have seen this up close at the Playhouse. I think I need to give them a smile and let them know that Jesus is THEIR
Lord and Savior, too. I won’t hurt their feelings. I will show them Christ and invite them to hear the quartet.
- What advice would you give to other young people when it comes to taking a stand for what you believe in?
Try to dig into God’s Word daily…every day, not just a few times a week. Be rooted when the Devil tries to attack you. Put on the full
armor of God and study His Word (Ephesians 6) and pray daily.
CONNOR DANIELS, 15, is a 10TH grader who is home-schooled (Classical Conversions Group)
- Childhood nickname: I did not have one.
- Clubs/Organizations: National Forensics and Communications Association, NCFCA, Homeschool Speech and Debate League. Within
that organization, I am a part of the Upstate Area Debate Club, UADC. (I will be attending Regionals in May.) I am
also a member of the United States Chess Federation, USCF.
- Volunteer Work: None
- Favorite Book: Other than the Bible, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
- Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11-13
- Favorite Quote: “The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be” - Socrates
- What made your decision to sing in this quartet?
I have always loved to sing. It was presented to our youth group that we needed to form a young men’s quartet. I prayed seeking
God’s will for me. I decided that if our Youth Choir Director, Alan, asked me, then I would do it. Even after he asked, I took the time
to pray for a couple of weeks before giving him my answer to make sure it was God’s will for me.
- What goals do you want to accomplish by being in this quartet?
I want to reach souls for Christ and energize the people who hear us
- What does having virtue mean to you?
A virtuous person acts on what they believe and lives according to the Word of God
- Who is someone you look up to who displays true virtue?
I look up to a lot of people, but if I had to pick one, it would be my father. My Dad has shown me what it means to be virtuous by
being a patient father, a loving husband, and the spiritual leader of our family. In every aspect of his life, my father shows virtuous
and honest conduct, inspiring me to follow in his footsteps.
- Do you see things in society that you don’t like and would like to change as you grow in your teenage years? If so, what type of things and what do you plan to do between now and high school graduation to be a part of making that change?
Indifference. Even in the Christian community some think about being Christ-like, but putting Christ first is not a real priority. A
quartet is a good tool to use to show our priority is Christ.
- What advice would you give to other young people when it comes to taking a stand for what you believe in?
Pray daily, stay in God’s Word, and share Christ with others. Know WHY you believe what you believe and find scriptural support for
it. Ezekiel speaks of being a watchman. We are responsible for what we believe in and to share it with others…ultimately, eternity
depends on it.
CARSON EDWARDS, 15, is a Sophomore at Powdersville High School
- Childhood nickname: “Sunny” only by my brother. We were very young at the time, but we look back and laugh at those memories.
- Clubs/Organizations: Orchestra at Rock Springs Baptist Church
- Volunteer Work: Plays piano for the senior residents at Magnolia
- Favorite movie: “The Emperor’s New Groove” – never fails to make me laugh
- Favorite Song: “It Pays to Pray” – sometimes people don’t realize that it IS worth it to pray. Many times people give up on God
when a blessing is right around the corner.
- Favorite Hobby: Playing the piano, especially just opening a hymnal & playing
- Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 46:10
- What made your decision to sing in this quartet?
I love gospel music. It sets me apart from what the majority of young people sing. Singing in a group has been a dream of mine
since I was 3 years old. My Papa even built me a podium for me to stand behind and sing.
- What goals do you want to accomplish by being in this quartet?
Possibly a career, maybe even with this group. Who knows what God will do?!?
- What does having virtue mean to you?
What you believe in, stand for, and live daily
- Who is someone you look up to who displays true virtue?
Everyone has a hero, whether it is a sports figure, politician, pastor, friend, parent or actor. For me, my hero is the piano player and
southern gospel singer, Gerald Wolfe. I got the privilege to play the piano for him at one of his concerts, and that is something I will
never forget. He is definitely someone that I look up to and consider to be one of my heroes.
- Do you see things in society that you don’t like and would like to change as you grow in your teenage years? If so, what type of things and what do you plan to do between now and high school graduation to be a part of making that change?
Hypocrites. Some people call themselves Christians. I have friends who have said that they act no different than a certain so-called
Christian. I want them to know that being Godly is good. I have a couple of friends who have come to be called Christians, but
didn’t live the life of one. I pray God would move in their lives.
- What advice would you give to other young people when it comes to taking a stand for what you believe in?
Don’t be afraid to tell people what you believe in. Pray, stay close to God and read His Word.
A word from ALAN POSTON, Youth Choir and Quartet Director, Rock Springs Baptist Church…
This group of guys were already friends and came to me expressing an interest in starting a quartet. Since all of the boys were actively involved in our Student Choir, I had heard them sing and knew they were very capable of singing as a quartet.
I like one of Noah Webster’s definitions of virtue: "Virtue is voluntary obedience to truth.” I would insert “God’s truth”- the truth which He has given us through His written Word. Man’s definition of moral truth is relative; therefore, always changing. God’s truth is relevant, never changing yet still applicable to every generation. Living life God’s way still works!
I see the virtuous example these young men have set by their love for the Lord. They have a genuine desire to serve and honor Him, and they aren’t ashamed to stand for Christ.
If this group of guys will continue to put the Lord first in their lives, follow His Word, keep singing to and about Him, I know God will bless them individually and as a group, and will use them to bless and inspire others. I have been blessed working with these guys on a weekly basis...watching them take a song, learn the harmonies, and then put it all together when they sing in service, doing exactly what God created them for: honoring, praising and glorifying Him!