March 2011

"Tennessee Waltz"

The Columbian Ballroom Orchestra

HOW TO VOTE

1. One dollar = One Vote. The following payment methods will be accepted at the event:

Check (Please make your check out to A Heart Connection.)

MasterCard

Visa

A Heart Connection is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and your donation (votes) is tax deductible.

2. Each dance duo is already a winner for volunteering to dance for a charity of their choice. We want to thank

3D Studio of Dance & Fitness in Sevierville, and Academy Ballroom in Knoxville for providing the very

talented female and male partners for our volunteer dancers.

Proceeds will be given to each charity. Each charity is guaranteed $100. The dancers are listed below in

alphabetical order with their charities:

Ronald Bickers - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, East Tennessee Chapter

Greg Coffman - National Kidney Foundation

Michael S. Gibson - First Priority Tri-States, Middlesboro, Kentucky

JP Miller - Parkway Church of God, The Refuge Student Ministry, Severville, Tennessee

Vicki Phillips - Our Mason Jar Foundation (Dogs for Autistic Children)

Lisa Jinks Smith - American Cancer Society - Prostate Cancer Research

Hunter Walker - Cub Scouts of America, Pack 110, Den 5, Sevierville, Tennessee

3. Absentee Voting. If you are not able to attend the event and would like to support your favorite dancer/charity,

please mail your donation to :

A Heart Connection

PO Box 6089

Sevierville, TN 37864

We must receive your donation no later than Saturday, March 12, 2011.

4. The winning dance duo will be announced at the conclusion of the event on March 19, 2011. The winning dance

duo will also be announced on A Heart Connection's radio program (By Women, For Women) on Praise 96.3 FM,

Tuesday evening (6:30-7:30 pm), March 22, 2011.

Hunter Douglas Walker

Hunter, the son of Scott and Monica Walker, is eight years old and attends third grade in Sevierville, Tennessee. He is an "A" honor-roll student and participates in a variety of extracurricular activities, including:

Drama - He played Elvis, the lead in the third grade Christmas play.

Student Council member

Basketball - MVP for the past three years and Starter for the Sevierville third-grade basketball team. EXTRA: The Sevierville third-grade basketball team won the Sevier County League on February 12, 2011! Upward Basketball team player for the prior three years.

Baseball - MVP for the last three years.

Football - Played for the Pigeon Forge Tigers, winning the AFC Division three years he played to advance to the Super Bowl.

English Horseback Riding - He has taken dressage lessons for the past year.

He started playing sports when he was five and hopes to turn pro when he grows up. This is his first year in Cub Scouts; Hunter has earned many badges and is working on more. His hobbies are playing with his friends, reading and putting together Lego products. "If I don't make it in the sports world, I want to be a Lego designer when I grow up," says Hunter.

Hunter accepted Jesus Christ in his heart last summer and is a member of Sevierville First Baptist Church.

He is dancing to raise money for his Cub Scout Pack. For more information, click

Southern Gospel Music. Soon after developing the courage to perform in front of crowds, Brad began receiving invitations to other churches to sing and play God’s praises.

After graduating from high school, Brad remembers watching “The Mulls Singing Convention,” with Rev. J Bazzel & Lady Mull which developed in him a desire to enter into the broadcasting industry.

He began pursuing a radio career as a DJ at WCTU-FM 94.1/105.9. He worked weekends at the small market station while majoring in Music Business at Middle Tennessee State University. After two years of experience, God opened the door for Lee to seek a job in a larger market station.

Lee began working with Praise 96.3 WJBZ-FM, Knoxville. Praise 96.3 is the top rated Christian station in East Tennessee. Needless to say, it was a dream come true; working with the station’s long-term owner, Rev. J Bazzel Mull. Rev. Mull and his wife, “Lady” (Elizabeth) Mull, have promoted Southern Gospel Music in East Tennessee and the South East for over 40 years. Brad recalls back in the fall of 2006, “I was in Nashville and heard the news that Preacher Mull had passed away. I had to pull to the side of the road and just cry.” Lee credits the Mull family for all the support and encouragement given to him during his time with the station.

Brad Lee was nominated for the Singing News Fan Award DJ of the year during 1999, 2000, and 2001. He credits his fans, along with industry leaders, and most of all God for his success in Southern Gospel Radio.

Throughout his radio tenure, Brad Lee began writing music and ministering in East Tennessee and surrounding areas. Lee said, “God truly was blessing. We saw people accept Jesus Christ and allow God to meet their needs.”

On June 2, 2000, Brad Lee, at the age of 20, faced the most traumatic event in his life. With plans on getting married, he had taken the weekend off from work to prepare for the wedding. Because of a drunk driver, driving on the wrong side of the highway, Brad and his fiancee were involved in a grinding automobile accident which caused the instant death of his fiancee. The fatal accident also left Brad fighting for his life. Among many internal injuries, Lee suffered a broken ankle, femur, and hip; his spleen, gall bladder, and appendix removed. Brad Lee had over 30 surgeries, procedures, and over one hundred pints of blood. The body contains nine pints of blood. Lee only had one pint working in his system when he was flown into The University of Tennessee Trauma Center.

Brad Lee testifies, “When my blood wasn’t working the blood of Jesus Christ was working for me.” Lee also is living proof of Ezekiel 16:6, “And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto the when thou was in thy blood, LIVE; yea I said unto the when thou was in thy blood, LIVE!”

Lee stayed in the Trauma Unit at the University of Tennessee Medical center before being transferred for rehab at The Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center for intense therapy. In spite of terrible pain, Lee made a remarkable recovery. Brad Lee is living proof that God is still in the healing business.

After the wreck, God blessed Brad to travel and give his testimony to many churches and conferences. He also has released two studio albums, Something to Live For and Salvation. Brad Lee married and has a 7 year old daughter that he says “he lives for.”

However, in December of 2009, his wife who was a 9 year post heart transplant patient went into rejection and passed away on December 20, 2009. Again, Brad was heart broken and still dealing with symptoms of depression. Brad Lee says his hero is Job. “He was able to say the Lord gives and the Lord takes…BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD!” Job also had the strength to say in his darkest moment, “I KNOW MY REDEEMER LIVETH.”

Brad has continued serving God in the midst of tragedy. Brad’s first single, “If You Could Just See Me Now” received strong response from radio stations all around the world.

Brad Lee is not only a nominated DJ, but is an anointed and powerful deliver of the message of God’s words, his songs, and testimony. The message and music is a language of the soul that can move an audience to tears and in the very next moment have them shouting and praising God for his mighty works.

For more information about Brad, click

Cody Smith - works at the Wilderness Resort and attends Walters State Community College,

Sarah Caldwell - attends Furman University, and

Sean Smith - attends Seymour High School as a junior.

I am employed at the Jefferson County Department of Education as Administrative Specialist for Curriculum and Instruction for Pre-K thru 12th grade. I am also a member of the French Broad Baptist Church in Dandridge, Tennessee. My hobbies include: spending time with my family, attending church, daily devotions, traveling on Cruises with Sonshine Promotions, attending UT Vols football and basketball games, swimming, shopping, and cooking.

Favorite Scriptures: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Philippians 4:13

Be still and know that I am God! Psalms 46:10

Lisa will be dancing for the American Cancer Society for Prostate Cancer Research in honor of her father and her father-in-law. Her father, Eugene Jinks, is a prostate cancer survivor for four years. Lisa's father-in-law, Charles Smith, is currently undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

To find out more, click

Lessie's passion for dance began at a very young age. She was a cheerleader, a member of the dance team, and choreographed many routines for other groups and schools. Even then, her true desire was to use her talents for God. The Lord opened doors in 2002 for her to travel in a Christian dance and drama ministry called "3D". She is still very involved with that ministry today. Lessie has been blessed to work with people of all ages teaching church groups, choreographing many routines, and leading dance workshops all over the U.S. Over the years, she has recognized the need for dance to be taught in a clean, Christian atmosphere. Lessie says, "I want to make a difference that will have an eternal purpose."

For more information, click

Vicki Phillips

Biography coming soon.

Thank you to the following professional dancers!

Mark Beckers

Katey Gibson

Kaedyn Griffin

Emily Loyless

Kassadi Mace

Lessie McCarter

Jeremy Norris

Undignified

Undignified and is the Youth Interpretive Dance Team from First Baptist Church, Sevierville, Tennessee. Their leader is Kristen Laura Turner.

For more information, click

Mike Southerland

Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mike Southerland has a loving wife, Carol, who supports & serves the Lord with him. They have two wonderful sons, Dustin and Darren. Their daughter, Karrie, has blessed them with a precious granddaughter, Paisleigh.

For many years, Mike was an addict. Today, he is saved and healed by the grace of God! His mother, Betty Jo Southerland, prayed for him. “Thank God for praying Mothers,” Mike says. He helps alcoholics and drug addicts in Knoxville through his business. God has blessed him with a wonderful ministry. He considers it a joy to see people change their lives through the help they provide.

Mike's main love is singing praises to the Lord and giving testimony for what God has delivered him from. He completely healed Mike’s body in October, 2006. Doctors had diagnosed him with Hepatitis C, which is very rare to control with medicine. Doctors also took him off of the medication because it wasn’t doing any good. But, through prayer and the grace of God, he is a walking miracle… he was completely healed.

Mike wants everyone to know that no matter what man tells you…God has the final say in it all. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It is better to put confidence in God than to trust in man. Man will let you down, when God will stand with you and walk before you in every valley you go through. What a great life and blessing God has given to Mike, and his desire is to share his blessings with you.

Special Thanks To:

Greg Coffman

Greg started singing at the age of six and has had a life-long passion to sing professionally some day. Gospel Music has been his path, but at the age of fifteen, he added Country Music to his journey. He entertains all over East Tennessee, loving his craft and living his dream.

Friends like Country Music artist, Con Hunley, and Gospel Music artists, Shane Roark and Michael McMeel (former drummer for Three Dog Night) have helped Greg along his path and kept him headed in the right direction. The most important thing is, Greg loves what he is doing and he is doing it for the Lord.

talents and abilities. The second person that had such an impact on my life is Henry Bunch. Henry deepened my love for music, Martin Guitars, and good ole' fashion harmony. Thirdly, my Pastor, and uncle, Seven Gibson taught me many lessons about being a faithful servant, and the importance of our local church.

Special thank you to my wife, Deborah, for loving me, and supporting me all these years. To my three children, Caleb, Keaton, and Katey, you guys are the love of my life. A Special thanks to Greta and Terry. I love both you guys so much and thank you for working so hard to make this dream of serving the LORD through music, a reality.

Michael is dancing for the First Priority Tri-States in Middlesboro, Kentucky. For more information, click

3D Studio of Dance & Fitness

We provide top-quality dance, tumbling, fitness, personal training and nutrition education in a complete Christian atmosphere for all ages. Our goal is to encourage every individual to gain confidence, self-esteem and a positive self-image while reaching their fitness, dance and weight-loss goals. Please contact us today to schedule your FREE consultation to discuss your needs.

Lessie and her husband, Waylon, are the founders of 3D Studio of Dance & Fitness. Lessie was born in Tampa Florida, but has lived in Sevierville, Tennessee most of her life. Lessie married her high-school sweetheart, Waylon, in 2002. They have a beautiful daughter, Aleya.

Vicki is dancing for Our Mason Jar Foundation which provides dogs for autistic children. For more information about how dogs are a therapy aid for autistic children, click

Greg is the Youth Choir Director at his church and a member of the Bob Hamill Variety Show. In his spare time, he enjoys showing his chickens, riding his horses, fishing, hunting, camping, bicycling and playing soccer.

Greg has had a number of friends and family members who have had kidney problems. Currently, his grandmother (92) is in stage four of renal failure. He would also like to recognize Dr. G. Edward Newman and the staff at the Knoxville Kidney Center for their involvement in raising money for the National Kidney Foundation.

In June 2011 there will be a local walk to raise money for the National Kidney Foundation. In addition, the Knoxville Kidney Center will also have a bowl-a-thon. Money that Greg raises for this event will go towards that goal.

Greg is dancing for the National Kidney Foundation. For more information, click

Brad Lee

God, the giver of all, prepares each individual for their own prospective divine existence. With prayer, trust, and obedience to God’s divine will, desires are achieved and the results are infinite.

Brad Lee is seeing those results as God takes his life and ministry to new heights each and every day. Lee was introduced to music at an early age. Lee describes music as, “the only artful universal language of the heart and soul that has the power to reach Heaven and Earth.” At the age of six he was singing and playing in his home church, in Luttrell, TN. That is when he developed his love for

Michael S. Gibson

I don't ever remember a time in my life when I was not totally surrounded by music. Many people have commented that everyone in my family plays an instrument, or sings, and for the most part, that is true.

When I stop and think about those who have challenged me to become the man I am today, I first think of my father, Ike Gibson. He bought me my first guitar, and instilled in me the importance of serving the LORD, and giving Him the best of my

Lisa Jinks Smith

I was born April 3, 1966. God blessed me with wonderful parents, Eugene (Gene) and Norma Jinks, who served as Youth Leaders at church when I was very young. I accepted Jesus Christ and was saved and baptised in September, 1972.

My parents have been involved with Sonshine Promotions for many years. Dad is a part-time bus driver for Hyssongs, The Roarks, Tony Gore and many more gospel groups. Mom works the CD tables for The Roarks and Tony Gore.

Chris, the love of my life and husband, and I reside in Kodak, TN. We have 3 children:

Ronald Bickers

Ronald has lived in the Atlanta area all of his life. He and his wife, Kathy, have been married for almost 25 years, and reside in Douglasville, Georgia. They enjoy traveling, including taking cruises, and attending gospel music events.

Ronald spent over 30 years working in construction, and is now retired and has been volunteering at a local hospital since 1997. He was a member of a square dance club for over 10 years, and still enjoys going to dances.

He was saved on Thanksgiving night in 1966, and has shared his testimony with many people over the years. He has a special gift of working with seniors and is a real "people" person. He is very happy to be participating in this event, not only because he enjoys dancing, but because money will be raised for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - East Tennessee Chapter, which is a cause that is close to his heart, because he is a diabetic and has lost several family members to the disease.

For more information about his charity, click

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Lessie McCarter

Owner/Dance and Fitness Instructor

A Heart Connection Archive - March 19, 2011