God is a God of great detail. Many times in surprising ways! In this week’s episode of ENCOURAGING WORDS, Jon unpacks for us the amazing story of Celebrants’ ministry in Malta.
“Jon, you can get into any country on earth to preach the gospel…as long as you’re not concerned about getting out.”
These words were spoken to me over 40 years ago by one of the greatest Christian missionary figures of our time, a gentleman simply known as Brother Andrew. His full name is Andrew van der Bijl but he could never use it because from 1955 onwards, this courageous, rougish, Dutchman spent his entire life taking Bibles and sharing the gospel into some of the most dangerous and difficult parts of the world. God has used him in extraordinary and singular ways to bring the good news of Jesus to millions of persecuted people. He’s still alive at 93 years of age, and though quite infirm, his spirit remains indomitable.
In this 3rd episode of our special 3-part ENCOURAGING WORDS series focusing on my new book, HERE’S ONE, you’ll hear a truly historic and world-changing account of how God opened a door for us to openly proclaim the gospel in the most closed and inaccessible country on earth…Albania. We followed Andrew’s admonition and counsel. We went in…and we weren’t terribly concerned about getting out. It could easily been our last and final outreach as we entered the most repressive and dangerous Communist country on the planet.
My new book, HERE’S ONE is the story of the history and experiences of CELEBRANT SINGERS…a group of committed, talented and dedicated individuals that I founded in 1977 who’ve shared the gospel in more than100 countries around the world. Now, for the first time ever, you can read the compelling story of this miracle-filled ministry. You’ll clearly see how God led, protected, provided and faithfully revealed His will and His plans over their 40-plus years.
I believe with all of my heart that God will use HERE’S ONE to encourage and uplift you. I wrote the book for YOU…to inspire and bless you…and to give glory to God. Be sure to get a copy for yourself and give them as gifts to anyone you know who needs a spiritual shot in the arm.
Here’s what others are saying about this special book:
“God’s vision in a human heart is a very dangerous thing. Those who dare to believe God’s voice often steer a course down roads less traveled even when easier and more lucrative options lie before him. In Here’s One, Jon Stemkoski shares his story as God works over decades to put together a worldwide music mission that has made Jesus known in some of the most unlikely places. Through the ministry of Celebrant Singers countless thousands of people have come to know faith in Jesus and a desire to walk with him. I’ve known Jon Stemkoski for almost fifty years, having worked alongside Celebrants on many occasions and knowing well many who came to share this journey with him. His story rings with authenticity as he shares the risk of following his heart time and again when the outcome for doing so was far from certain. You get it all here, the joys and struggles along with some sound wisdom you can take into your own journey.”
Wayne Jacobsen, Author
He Loves Me, Live Loved Free Full, co-author of The Shack
He Loves Me, Live Loved Free Full, co-author of The Shack
Here’s One is the story of Celebrant Singers by its founder, Jon Stemkoski. It’s a story of how God shaped a young man and gave him a vision to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth – often ministering in difficult countries where Christians were suffering, oppressed and persecuted for their faith. His father, a successful California businessman, said he could help Jon in other fields, but he knew nothing about ministry. Jon would have to do it on his own, he said. Except, he didn’t do it alone. God was with him. So were the more than 3,000 Celebrant alumni who have shared the adventure with him. You’ll be blessed and thrilled to read Jon’s story about what God has done in and through a man who was and remains determined to honor God. Because of that God has honored him (1 Samuel 2:30). Jon Stemkoski and Celebrant Singers, you are touching lives you will never know. You’ve certainly touched the life and heart of this journalist.
Cal Thomas
Veteran Fox news contributor, New York Times best-selling author and syndicated columnist
May God bless richly as you listen to Episode #3 of HERE’S ONE in today’s ENCOURAGING WORDS.
Jon F. Stemkoski, Founder/President
Celebrant Singers
“Go forth into all the world and preach the gospel…making disciples of all nations…teaching them all I’ve commanded you…and surely, I am with you always…even to the end of the age…” – Matthew 29:19
The above words are our marching orders…our calling…the very reason we draw breath. These words were spoken by Jesus Himself to His disciples just before His ascension back into heaven. His last words were not a suggestion, but rather a commandment…a commandment to be embraced by every serious Christian.In this 2nd episode of our special 3-part ENCOURAGING WORDS series focusing on my new book, HERE’S ONE, you’ll hear about God’s call to go “Where His Light is Dim and His Voice is Heard Small”…words I heard in university and again in the Communist country of Poland some years later. You’ll see how the Lord opened unprecedented doors of ministry for us in Iran, India, and the Catholic Church…our work with Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II…and the amazing way God answers prayer. It truly is a great testimony to His faithfulness.
HERE’S ONE is 50% autobiographical and 50% the history and experiences of CELEBRANT SINGERS…a group of committed, talented and dedicated individuals who’ve shared Christ’s love in more than100 countries since 1977. Now, for the first time you can read the compelling story of this miracle-filled ministry. You’ll clearly see how God led, protected, provided and faithfully revealed His will and His plans over their 40-plus year ministry.
I believe with all of my heart that HERE’S ONE will encourage and uplift you. I wrote the book for YOU…to inspire and bless you…and to give glory to God. Be sure to get a signed copy for yourself and give them as a special Christmas gift to your family and friends.
Here’s what others are saying about this special book:
“One of the most interesting and entertaining times I’ve experienced of late, is reading the book, Here’s One – the autobiography of Jon Stemkoski, founder and conductor of the world famous CELEBRANT SINGERS. The fascinating people he meets and the opportunities he’s offered are unbelievable. I could not put the book down… the power of faith is released in each and every chapter. If you want to be inspired, pick up this fantastic piece of literature!
Dolores “Dodie” Wilcoxon
College of the Sequoia’s
Visalia, CA
“God’s vision in a human heart is a very dangerous thing. Those who dare to believe God’s voice often steer a course down roads less traveled even when easier and more lucrative options lie before him. In Here’s One, Jon Stemkoski shares his story as God works over decades to put together a worldwide music mission that has made Jesus known in some of the most unlikely places. Through the ministry of Celebrant Singers countless thousands of people have come to know faith in Jesus and a desire to walk with him. I’ve known Jon Stemkoski for almost fifty years, having worked alongside Celebrants on many occasions and knowing well many who came to share this journey with him. His story rings with authenticity as he shares the risk of following his heart time and again when the outcome for doing so was far from certain. You get it all here, the joys and struggles along with some sound wisdom you can take into your own journey.”
Wayne Jacobsen, author
He Loves Me, Live Loved Free Full, co-author of The Shack
“I once saw a 15-year-old boy trying to be 21 and succeeding. I helped birth him but only because God loaned him to me for a little while. Through the years I’ve watched as Jon plowed his dreams into reality as he rallied thousands of troops called CELEBRANT SINGERS, to change the world for Christ. Some of us have done similar things, but none of us have been directly face to face on the front lines as Jon always was and still is. It’s all here. The drama, the adventure, the risks and rewards, the fabulous excitement, the short-lived disappointments, and the over-the-top successes followed often by the dip into the dark valleys. We’re supposed to bear fruit. Jon learned that fruit grows in the valleys – not on the mountaintops. Still he always found a way to make it to the top. Forty significant years is proof! This book? Get it…read it…share it with all your friends…and have your life changed!”
Cam Floria
Founder, Continental Singers
May God bless richly as you listen to Episode #2 of HERE’S ONE in today’s ENCOURAGING WORDS.
Jon F. Stemkoski, Founder/President
Celebrant Singers
One of the biggest and most important questions for every serious Christian is, “What is God’s will for my life? What is His plan for me? How do I discover it and walk in it? I really want to follow Him and have my life count!
In today’s episode of ENCOURAGING WORDS you’ll find some answers to those important questions. Drawn from my book “HERE’S ONE,” you’ll see how God redeemed my less-than- perfect start as a child born out of wedlock…the product of two journalists engaged in a workplace tryst… placed me in an amazing love-filled home, and formed and shaped me for a lifetime of international missions ministry. It truly is a great testimony to His faithfulness.
HERE’S ONE is also the story of the history and experiences of CELEBRANT SINGERS…a group of committed, talented and dedicated individuals who’ve shared Christ’s love in more than100 countries since 1977. Now, for the first time you can read the compelling story of this miracle-filled ministry. You’ll clearly see how God led, protected, provided and faithfully revealed His will and His plans over their 40-plus year ministry.
I believe with all of my heart that God will use HERE’S ONE to encourage you, uplift you, and help you greatly to discover and discern God’s plan and purpose for your life.
I wrote the book for YOU…to inspire and bless you. Be sure to get a signed copy for yourself and give them as a special Christmas gift to your family and friends.
Here’s what a couple of people have said about this special book:
“Jon’s book chronicling the historic path of CELEBRANT SINGERS, sweeps across four epic decades with a literal smorgasbord of spiritual feasting and iconic personalities. It’s a history book, a travelogue, a ministry manual, a devotional, and an adventure thriller all rolled into one. This anointed work will impact your life eternally.”
Randy Swanson, Esquire
St. George, Utah
“Have you stopped believing in miracles? Have you forgotten about the power of prayer? Then I urge you to read Jon’s book. It is written so perfectly, that while reading, he took me around the world with him. I, too, was there at the Vatican singing for the Pope, talking to Mother Teresa, and was in the jungle with Salvadorian rebels holding an AK-47 in my stomach, as Jesus heard our prayers and saved us. I’ve known Jon most of my life, and what an example to go by. Watching him bring hope, joy, faith, peace, and healing to so many in need, inspires me to be the best person I can be every day. Get the book. Go on his journey with him. GET THIS ONE DONE…FANTASTIC!”
Judy Bell, Entertainer
Palm Springs, CA
May God bless richly as you listen to Episode #1 of HERE’S ONE in today’s ENCOURAGING WORDS.
Jon F. Stemkoski, Founder/President
Celebrant Singers
The afternoon of Friday, November 19, my phone rang. It had been ringing solidly all day but this one was different. This call contained a message I never wanted to hear. It was my dear friend, Sheryl Donald…a woman I’ve known, loved and admired for 45-plus years…who said through her tears, “Jon, I’m at the hospital and heading inside to see David. It doesn’t look good.” About an hour later, David, for whom we’d prayed fervently for weeks as he battled Covid, went home to Jesus. The news of his passing is surreal and very hard for all of us to comprehend.
My journey with David began in 1965. Lyndon Johnson was in the White House…the Vietnam war had just begun…the Civil Rights movement was in full swing…a movie called The Sound of Music premiered…the Dodgers won the World Series…and David Robert Donald, one of the most gifted, talented, fruit-bearing, wise, compassionate and authentic Christian men I’ve ever known and I became best friends. We were in the 7th grade.
Pool parties, pick-up basketball games and the ever-famous “taco nights” at the Donald house soon followed and our friendship grew and deepened quickly. David was so affable and friendly with an ever-ready smile. He excelled at athletics but it may surprise many to know he was not yet a singer…I don’t think it was even on his radar screen at the time…which is pretty astonishing considering what an amazing a singer he ultimately became. I’ve often said, “I’d rather hear David Donald sing than any man I know.” That statement holds true to this very day.
David possessed so many amazing qualities it’s impossible to enumerate them all. He played a major role throughout his long tenure with Celebrant Singers. I regularly referred to Dave both privately and publicly, as the “soul” of the ministry. His Godly influence was profound and thoroughly woven into the fabric of who we were. God’s fingerprints through his life were everywhere and we all immensely benefited. He was a dedicated, committed loving husband, father, and a “big brother” role model to his siblings. Throughout all the years he was deeply involved in his church and a great number of other Christian activities as well. I’ve seldom met a man as thoroughly and universally loved and respected as David Donald.
It was David and another friend named Rex Kennemer, who together led me to a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ at 14 years of age. We sang in both school and church groups all through high school, and later went off to Biola College (now university) to join the Continental Singers in 1969…a ministry we dearly loved and served in together for eight years.
One of my fondest memories with Dave on that first tour to the Bahamas, was sitting outside on the top deck at night. We’d make our way up and sit for hours talking about everything and nothing, staring at the blanket of stars against a pitch-black sky, listening to the waves against the bow and the drone of the ships powerful diesel engines. The setting of the open ocean, the peace and tranquility drove us toward spiritual musings. I remember saying, “David, any idea what God has in mind for our lives?” Even then my friend was wise beyond his years. He’d say things like, “Only God knows, Jon…only God knows. Our job is to seek Him and be willing to obey.” How could we have known much of anything at 15 and 16 years of age? The only thing we knew is that we wanted to be God’s men. Who could have imagined on those warm July nights over 50 years ago that David and I would spend the better part of our lives working together in ground-breaking international music and missions ministry?
It’s impossible to describe the amount of love, appreciation, and friendship equity I have with my “brother from another mother.” In addition to being my closest and most loyal friend, perhaps the best thing I can say about David is that he was a Christian…a true-blue, genuine, fruit-bearing Christian. In more than 50 years of friendship, in the midst of extremely challenging circumstances, I never heard a bad piece of advice come out of David Donald’s mouth. God placed a deposit of wisdom in David that was truly remarkable and immensely valuable. His contribution to Celebrant Singers and to all of our lives personally, is deeply profound. Only eternity will reveal the whole.
The news of his passing is inestimably sad to all in the CS family. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Sheryl…a magnificent lady… and precious children, Danielle, Jon, Ben and Michelle, along with innumerable friends and ministry co-workers.
Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control…the entire list of the fruit of the Spirit…were all in abundant evidence in David’s sterling character and well-lived life.
Well done my dear brother…enter into your reward. For me, there will never be another you. Thanks for showing us all, in such an extraordinary way, how to faithfully and authentically follow the Master. Your imprint is indelible and you will never be forgotten.
–Jon Stemkoski
David Robert Donald
April 26, 1952 – November 19, 2021
When you’re tired and weary….the road is long and you’re just putting one foot in front of the other…it’s at those very times when God promises to renew your strength. In this episode of ENCOURAGING WORDS Jon unpacks for us the amazing way that our ever-faithful Heavenly Father raises us up on eagles’ wings!
What do you do when troubles come…when fear, anxiety and heartache overwhelm? In this episode of ENCOURAGING WORDS, through the life of David…Israel’s greatest king, Jon unpacks for us the secrets of comfort, strength, peace and victory found in thanksgiving, praise, and worship.
Jon and Ralph at LAX 2013
Last Tuesday night, October 19, having just pulled in to my daughter Chelsea’s driveway for a family dinner, my phone rang. It was my dear friend, Thurlow Spurr calling from Orlando like a man on a mission. “Jon…have you heard the news? Ralph passed away.”
As always with these sorts of calls, it takes a moment to soak in. Thurlow and I talked for 15-20 minutes trying hard to comprehend and assimilate the news. We shared our shock and sorrow, reminisced about this man who had meant so much, accomplished so much in his amazingly fruitful life, and tried hard to put words to it. It was impossible, but we did our best.
Of course we knew that Ralph was in his 90s and this day was inevitable. But it doesn’t make it better or easier. The shock of it all is so profound. As Paul Johnson shared in his beautiful tribute, “We somehow thought Ralph would outlive us all!” It’s true! He filled that big of a space and impacted us all so deeply.
I first met Ralph in 1968 when he and Clare Fischer drove up from Los Angeles to the San Joaquin valley to present some new music from Ralph’s relatively new publishing company, Lexicon Music. I was 14 years old and a brand new Christian. One of the songs sung on the night I came to Christ was “He’s Everything to Me.” God used it to draw me to Himself. It was a thrill to meet Ralph and he spoke to me as though he had all kinds of time and nothing else to do.
Just a few months later I saw my first Continental Singers concert under Cam Floria’s direction, was totally captured by it all, auditioned, and joined them the following summer for what became an 8 year run…four as a singer and four as a director…that set the trajectory for the rest of my life. In those years we sang dozens of Ralph’s songs as Cam and the Continentals took them from Ralph’s garage to the world. “He’s Everything to Me”, “Pass it On”, “Miracle of Grace”, “Beyond All Time”, “Reach Out to Jesus”, “All My Life”, “Quiet Place”, and of course, “The Savior is Waiting.” Ralph was there every night…in those concerts…through his amazing songs…touching thousands. We’ve also recorded several with Celebrant Singers.
Years later at Oral Roberts University, Cam and Ralph sent, at their own expense, Hal Lindsey to attend and speak at a production of Cam’s first musical, “It’s Getting Late!” I’d put together on campus. Ralph, who published that musical, even sent Bill Cole, his long-term record producer to Tulsa to record the entire event.
The following year Ralph sent Bobby Hammack…former ABC west coast music director whom Ralph had led to Christ…to attend a presentation of his songs called “Have a Nice Day” that we’d woven into a musical about his life. Ralph wanted Bobby to re-live and see on stage his conversion experience. Bobby cried through the entire evening. This was quintessential Ralph…always investing in somebody’s life.
Through the years, as with so many of us who were trying our best to share God’s love with the world, our paths crossed and intertwined. Times at the Woodland Hills office with Ralph and his first-rate team of Ray Devries, Carl Seal, and personal assistant, Lillian, were never without impact.
In 2013 I felt led to call a meeting at LAX. It was kind of a “State of the State” meeting about the past, present and future of Christian music, and the role it played in evangelism. Ralph, his longtime producer, friend, and right-hand man Paul Stilwell, Thurlow, Cam, Randy Swanson, and Jimmy and Carol Owens were all there. Ralph sat to my immediate left for two full days as we shared stories, glorified God, and examined from whence He’d brought us and where He might be taking us. Ralph was fully engaged through the entire time, shared greatly, and inspired all of us every time he spoke. I’m so glad we had that time. It was the last time all of these iconic, amazing people, who’d been used so mightily for decades to impact the entire world, set the pace, blazed the trail, and forever-changed the course of Christian music, were together in one room. Sadly, it will never happen again.
Ralph, Thurlow Spurr, Cam Floria & Jon – 2013
My final time with Ralph was a visit to his home where we made a video in his backyard. He and Mar were so gracious, and true to form, so generous with their time. Upon leaving, I mused as to whether this might be the last time I might ever see Ralph, enjoy his presence and fellowship, the twinkle in his eye and his ready smile. His very life was so inspirational as many have recounted.
As Thurlow said in his phone call that Tuesday night, “Well, Jon…the Savior is no longer waiting…He’s taken Ralph home.” Hard to believe…hard to comprehend. But, of course, this bigger-than-life man, whom God used so mightily is now exactly where we one day long to be….with Jesus…who was in fact, everything to him.
We’ve lost a giant in you, Ralph. No question about it. With love and deep gratitude, we thank you for blazing the trail and inspiring us all. Your contribution, leadership, impact and inspiration in our lives is without measure. Only eternity will reveal the whole. May God grant those of us who remain the grace and courage to be so faithful. You will never be forgotten.
Ralph Carmichael
May 27, 1927 – October 18, 2021
Friends…good friends…good solid friends…are a huge component in life. So treasured, so valuable. The Bible tells us that Jesus is a “friend that sticks closer than a brother.” In this episode of ENCOURAGING WORDS, Jon keys in on the uniqueness of our Savior’s love and the never-ending friendship He offers us so freely.
As we travel through today’s troubled world, there is no need to hide or be fearful. In this episode of ENCOURAGING WORDS Jon sheds light on some important truths for victorious living in the midst of chaos and confusion.
CONNECT
