THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 7, 1996 TAG: 9603070162
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: AHOSKIE LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
John Starnes, one of country music's outstanding male vocalists, will be in concert at The Carpenter's Shop at 10:45 a.m. Sunday.
Starnes has been singing gospel music full time for more than 14 years. He has traveled around the world.
From 1978 to 1991, Starnes worked with the Jimmy Swaggart Ministries as a back-up singer. For 10 of those years, he also served as a co-pilot for the ministry airplane, flying to crusades around the world.
Starnes' solo ministry began in 1991. His singing style is not country or light rock but powerful and inspirational. Starnes has recorded 11 albums and a music video.
``We're excited about what's going on here,'' said the Rev. Wallace Phillips, pastor of The Carpenter's Shop church. Phillips, who has led The Carpenter's Shop congregation for four years, describes it as ``Christ-centered and strong on fellowship, with a close family atmosphere.''
While affiliated with the First Assembly of God denomination, The Carpenter's Shop serves people across denominational lines. In just over three years, the church has grown from a congregation of 20 to more than 175 members.
The free concert is open to the public. The church is at 903 South Catherine Creek Road, Ahoskie. Call (919) 332-6113. by CNB