From left, Pastor Jeremy Shoulta, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, former President Jimmy Carter and International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend Randall Franks.
photo by Randall Franks Media
Country music humorist Randall Franks, Officer Randy Goode from TV's "In the Heat of the Night," recently debuted music and comedy from his upcoming Christian CD “Keep ‘Em Smilin’” at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga. to an international congregation.
“Performing years ago for a Carter family gathering and grand marshaling the Plains Day Parade are some of my favorite memories of my entire career and I shared those experiences in my latest book Encouragers II,” Mr. Franks said.
“I was so honored to join in study, worship, and sharing of musical gifts with the congregation at Maranatha, including some old and many new friends. It was a blessing to be with the Carters again, whose service greatly influenced my youth and inspired my desire to serve.”
Pastor Jeremy Shoulta shared a musically-themed sermon entitled “Why Sing” based on Colossians 3:12-17. Mr. Franks blended his fiddling, guitar and Appalachian dulcimer sounds with songs and humorous stories intertwining with the message and congregational hymns. Hymns were led by music leader Danny Ariail and supported by Maranatha musicians Carol Anderson and Jan Williams. The congregation included worshippers from China, Japan, Australia, U.K., Canada, and within the U.S. from Hawaii to Washington, D.C. Former President Jimmy Carter taught a lesson on King Solomon and then joined in worship with former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Also among the congregation was National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis.
Mr. Franks's latest book is “Encouragers II: Walking with the Masters” and his new CD “Keep ‘Em Smilin’” from Crimson Records will release in May.