Joel and LaBreeska Hemphill, longtime leaders in the field of gospel music, offer a public performance at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, at Gallatin First Baptist Church.
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The Hemphills frequently appear on television and are regularly featured on Gaither Homecoming videos. The 90-minute local event is open to anyone to attend; a freewill offering will help defray the expenses in bringing them here. Seating in the air-conditioned church will be on a first come, first served basis.
Over the past 40 years the name “Hemphill” has been one of the most recognized names in the world of gospel music. Joel and LaBreeska Hemphill combine a powerful ministry with a catalog of classic gospel songs.
This couple began their ministry as an evangelistic preaching and singing team. The duet eventually added new team members, including their three children. This family became one of the foremost mixed groups in gospel music, singing many songs written by Joel. They received six Dove Awards; Joel was nominated 10 times by the Gospel Music Association as song writer of the year.
Joel has written over 350 songs, including such favorites as “He’s Still Workin’ On Me” and “Every Need Supplied,” “Master of the Wind,” “Consider the Lilies,” “I Claim the Blood,” “Let’s Have a Revival” and many, many more.
In 1990 the Hemphill children decided to pursue other interests and the group disbanded. Joel and LaBreeska’s ministry had come full circle and it was just the two of them once again.
Then health trials occurred. Joel was diagnosed with colon cancer, and their ministry was suspended. Although surgery proved successful, prolonged complications plummeted him into severe clinical depression which disabled Joel for over two years from his normal life and ministry.
Had this depression continued, no doubt this life would have led to a tragic conclusion. However, God intervened. On Nov. 8, 1992, during a prayer session Joel’s depression lifted and he received complete healing, to which he praises God.
Today Joel and LaBreeska go the world over singing and preaching the good news of Christ’s gospel and His power to heal ailments and conquer all adversity. This couple, residing at Nashville, TN, have ministered together for over 45 of their 50 years of marriage. This includes pastoral work in Bastrop, LA, and 13 months in Nashville.
Joel was inducted into the Southern Gospel Hall of Fame in October, 2007, and was previously inducted into the Louisiana Songwriters Hall of Fame. They have recorded over 27 albums and had numerous #1 and Top Ten hits.
LaBreeska has written a book called “Partners in Emotion,” an autobiography that gives a first-hand account of the history of gospel music as it is known today. Joel’s book, “To God Be The Glory,” is a biblical study of the persion of God. Both are published by Trumpet Call Books.
The Hemphills will also lead the Gallatin congregation in morning worship services which begin at 10:40 a.m. this Sunday. Church members will share in annual church picnic activities also held at the church this year prior to the 6 p.m. Hemphill presentation.