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Ray Peters: Great question. That’s what is great about Christian music. You practice and practice to get every word and every note right and then you get on stage and the Holy Spirit says, “Ray this is not about you, it is about Jesus and I am taking over from here.” I can’t tell you the number of times I have lost it in a song and could not even see thru the tears in my eyes. Although I am very careful not to quench the Spirit or make it a concert that only plays on emotions, I have had times where I have had to stop singing and let the Spirit do the ministering. Those are special times. Those are times I pray for.
Jen G: Now you’re apart of the legendary group THE ENVOYS.
Your actually the lead singer, which is really cool! Tell me about how God orchestrated that?
Ray Peters: Its amazing, I put an ad in The Singing News magazine not knowing what to expect. Several groups contacted me but I just didn’t have peace about joining. Then Phil with the Envoys called. I was so convinced thru prayer that this was God’s will, I told my wife, if they accept me, I will join. She knows I don’t jump into stuff and knew that it must be the right thing. I tried out for them, they offered me the position, I said yes then immediately started learning the songs and I love it and them!
Jen G: What have you learned by working with men like Phil Felton, Val Crips and Mark Liner?
Ray Peters: They are great men of God and I look to them as mentors. I have told them that. They are prayer warriors. They are also students of the Word. We spend countless hours together in prayer and Bible study. They are the real deal. Each one has a unique gift that helps to empower me on “the walk.” By the way Phil and Val joined the Envoys in the 60’s, so they know a thing or two about the industry. What is cool about them is their desire to stay fresh in music style. Even though there is a big age gap, our sound together is so fresh and up to date. I call them hip old men. You would never know by our sound that these are men approaching 60. I wanted to be part of a cutting edge Gospel quartet and would have never thought that I would find my style in a group of old men! Ha!
Jen G: How has being apart of this group of men who have proclaimed the gospel for over forty years inspired you to go ahead and produce your first solo album?
Ray Peters: Passion and vision is the key to success. Val told me just the other week that “the Envoys will go on as long as they have the strength.” What a testimony to have a passion and vision. That’s inspiring to me! It motivates me to do something new and to stay focused. I have always felt a worship leader’s anointing on my life and I just stepped out in faith on pursuing a solo worship ministry as well. I’m still amazed at the blessings!
When I talked to them about the album they gave me their utmost support and even prayed a prayer of blessing on it. I guess you can say I have the best of both worlds. I get to sing quartet music with an outstanding group and get to do solo worship concerts as well. How much better can it get.
Jen G: In closing, what would you tell our readers about the value of having positive influences in their lives as they step forward into the will of God for their lives?
Ray Peters: Every successful person needs mentors and role models in their lives. We were not created to be alone. We need to be humble enough to submit to authority and recognize that there are people who know more than us and draw from their wisdom. In choosing friends, choose ones that will positively affect your journey in life and have a desire to see you succeed. You don’t need jealous friends. Jesus said, “be as I am meek and lowly in heart.” Remember that Jesus is the greatest role model and mentor we can have.
Contact info for bookings:
Ray Peters Music
RayPetersMusic.Net
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