Message of Mercy was originally formed in the Spring of 1998 as a group of five friends got together and found they shared a common love for singing Christian music. What started out as a fun pastime- doing occasional performances, quickly evolved into an active, traveling music ministry heard around the world. Message of Mercy has been around for almost 10 years and they are celebrating their 10 year reunion in April 2008!
The Current Group
* Kim Neal - has a heart for God and enjoys sharing His Love. Knowing she can turn to Him for strength helps her face life's many challenges. Her children are ages 9 & 6 and she home-schools them Two other children she lovingly took under her wing are now ages 20 and 17. Kim is known in the group for her excellent organization/planning skills and for helping 'Message of Mercy' get started. She is the Booking Manager for MofM. Kim's vocal skills were developed in choirs, 4 yrs of vocal training, and leading Praise Services at various churches. She began singing publicly at the age of 6. Kim has a powerful Soprano voice and is married to Dr. Norman Neal. R aised a believer, Kim was baptized around the age of 12. 2 Chronicles 16:9 is a source of encouragement for her. Kim says, "I pray that I can be faithful to God everyday and in every situation I encounter, so I can lean on His strength when I am feeling weak."
* Erika Anderson - (Accompanist) Came to the US from Brazil in 1993, and now resides in the US. (Erika & Paula both attended SWAU in Texas.) Hard-working, Erika holds degrees in Biology, Music and Actuarial Science. She finished her studies at Southern Adventist University. She and husband, Scott, own a construction business and have 2 dogs to keep them company. Erika is fun-loving, and open-hearted. Whenever 'Message of Mercy' goes on a road trip, she makes sure the motor home is neat & clean. She keeps life interesting with her lively stories and personality! A talented pianist, Erika began taking music lessons at 5 yrs of age. She enjoys occasionally singing with the group. Psalm 23:1 is her favorite text. She says, "This was the first verse I ever memorized as a child. Now, when the pressures of life threaten to bring me down, knowing that God is my Shepherd brings feelings of peace & hope." Erika chose to be baptized when she was 13 yrs old and received Christ into her heart while attending her home church in Brazil.
* Joey Norwood Tolbert - joined Message of Mercy Sept. 11, 2005. Joey graduated from SAU with a BS in Communications, her secondary education certification to teach Bible, and an MA in Religion. A talented vocalist, Joey has released a solo project and was a featured artist for the Morning Song Christmas Tour 2005. Joey grew up in MD but has lived most of her adult life in TN. She loves to travel, having visited Russia, Spain, Canada, Central America, and the UK. Aside from traveling, she enjoys creative writing, photography, and loves animals (especially dogs). Her husband, Matt is a college teacher and counselor. He is also a talented musician & plays guitar. They have a black Lab mix named Rae & twins cats named Albert & Joseph. Joey's favorite text is John 14:1-3 because it offers hope in times of discouragement.She says, "God has blessed my life with music, I sing because of His Grace and I have dedicated my life to Him."
* Darlene Hubbartt - Darlene has been a member of Message of Mercy since January of 2006. She and her husband Rob live in Chattanooga Tennessee. She and Rob have recently welcomed their new baby Hailey into the world. Darlene's vocal style brings a rich soulful quality to the group. She grew up in very musical family and she loves to sing with her two sisters. Originally from the Central American Country of Nicaragua. Darlene is fluent in Spanish (since it is her first language). Energized and fun are words that describe Darlene. She and her husband love all sports and especially enjoy playing basketball, soccer, and football. Darlene has recently returned to school to pursue a degree in Counseling.
* Jessica Perry - joined Message of Mercy in 2007. She is one of MofM newest members. Jessica has a beautiful willing heart and her connection with Christ is evident in the way that she minsters to and receives people. Jessica works is a licensed dental hygenist. She is married to Ryan Perry (a Physical Education and Wellness teacher at Collegedale Academy) and they have a beautiful daughter Audrey. Jessica has a clear and soulful style that brings brilliance to the group's sound.
Message of Mercy: Through the Years
In August 2002, Victoria (Neal) Coulter, announced that due to changing circumstances, she would no longer be able to perform with the group. Auditions were held, and in Dec. 2002, Paula Wiesner-Woodruff was prayerfully selected to take her place. Victoria now enjoys performing solo. In February 2003, a second member voiced a desire to pursue a solo music ministry and finish her own recording project. Heather Robberson has released her first CD
'Power Beyond'
Heather is also featured on the first Message of Mercy CD.
In November 2005, after 7 years in the group, Christina Massas-Valera decided to move on in order to pursue her career as a Nurse Anesthetist. She is currently living in Knoxville, TN but travels a lot (due to her job). She recently performed again with Message of Mercy and is continually in contact with the group. She is a talented violinist as well as vocalist. She is featured on the first teo Message of Mercy CDs.
Heather Neal - is a sincere, caring person who has a heart for wellness. She earned a Masters Degree in Wellness Management and is a Certified Personal Trainer who shares her passion with others by speaking on health-related topics. She currently works from home, part-time with Florida Hospital in the development of Creation Health Products. Heather loves music, gaining much of her experience as a vocalist through participation in church and school choirs. You will usually hear her sweet, mellow voice singing melody parts. Heather is best known for spiritual leadership in the group. She is happily married to vocalist, Keni Neal, who is pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Heather and Keni Neal are now the proud parents of 3 beautiful and healthy boys. "The Lord is my lifeline, without Him I would not be very happy. God gives me a sense of purpose, opportunity, direction and fulfillment every day." Heather is featured on the first two Message of Mercy CDs.