TESTIMONY FROM DANNY WATKINS
I’m Daniel A. “Danny” Watkins, born in 1965 in Meridian, MS. Music runs deep in my family—Southern Gospel on my mother’s side and Bluegrass on my father’s. My mother was a soprano, and I like to think that’s where I inherited my vocal range, though I humbly admit it’s nowhere near as impressive as hers. I often joke that I can grab your attention with my voice, but she could truly captivate you with hers.
I didn’t take singing seriously until my early 20s, and I believe the first song I sang in church was “Don’t Let the Ship Sail Without Me,” a song famously recorded by The Hinsons. I also like to remind people that despite the short hair and long sleeves, there was a time in my life when I was lost in sin. After struggling with addiction and alcoholism, I found redemption through the Lord. To say that He has blessed my life would be an understatement, and I am truly grateful for the time He has allowed me to serve Him.
I’m blessed to be married to the love of my life, Gayle—affectionately known as MamMaw—and together we have four children, eight grandchildren, and another on the way in February. Many of you may remember that I sang with OneWay Quartet from 2012 to 2016. However, when my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I took time off to be with him. After his passing, I returned to music, but things didn’t feel the same, so I stepped down.
Now, after an eight-year hiatus from quartet music, I feel a renewed calling to return to the stage. The desire and passion to sing for the Lord has never been stronger, and I am excited to once again share the good news of Christ through song. I’d like to personally invite you to join me and OneWay Quartet as we spread His message of hope and salvation. Remember—God rules. Pass it on!
Born and raised in the Church of God at Westhaven Blvd. in Jackson, MS, I discovered my passion for music early on, surrounded by the rich tradition of Southern Gospel and a family of talented singers and musicians. My gift for singing and playing piano was nurtured in those formative years, laying the foundation for a lifelong ministry of music.
With over 20 years of experience as a children’s minister, I’ve also served as a church pianist, keyboardist, and worship leader, all while striving to honor God in every role. Today, my family and I worship at Elton Woods Church of God in Jackson, MS. I live in Florence, MS, with my wife, Mandy, and we are proud parents of two sons—Sam, who resides in Pearl, MS, and Connor, a student at the University of Southern Mississippi.
As the lead singer of ONEWAY, I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to answer God’s call to minister through song. It’s a privilege to share His message with others and to walk this journey alongside Mark and the rest of the group. I look forward to seeing the incredible plans God has in store for us as we continue to serve Him through music.
I was led to the Lord by my Sunday school teacher at the age of 13 at McCool Baptist Church. As I grew older and found myself growing farther apart from God’s plan for my life, I knew I had to make a change. At the age of 29 I realized that I had wasted many years living apart from God’s will.
After realizing the path, I was on hand to change I moved my letter to Ethel Baptist Church where my wife had been a member since she was a teenager. We rededicated our lives to him and set out on a new path he had made for us.
Bro. Chester Carlisle was the pastor at Ethel Baptist Church at that time and the Lord used him in a special way to help me find Gods will for my life. With his guidance he led me to teach a Wednesday night youth Bible study and later teach the youth Sunday school class and sing in the church choir.
In April 2001 Bro. Chester started a church quartet and guess what the name was? 4Praise.
The original members were Steve Chandler, Chester Carlisle, Novice Adams and Mark Bradberry. God used this quartet to show his will for my life and that is to share “The Message” through song.
I’m an active member of First Baptist Church, Kosciusko, MS. Thank you for allowing me to share my testimony with you.
In Christ.
Mark Bradberry
I married Julie Kate Weaver in December of 2009. She is the owner of Moore’s Restaurant in Houston. She has two children, Dan and John Thomas. Although I am not the biological father, I consider them my own. Both are now United States Marines. We are extremely proud of them! OOO RAH!!!
I was baptized as a child but realized that I hadn’t made a true commitment of faith! After many years as an adult, I realized in 2003 my need to truly commit my life to following him! I was then baptized at Grace Baptist Church in Calhoun City, Mississippi. I’ve been serving him ever since! I would like to thank my good friends Lowry and Flo Guest for inviting me to church and helping me to get on the right track.
I have to say my mother was the person who introduced me to singing. I remember all the kids standing around the organ as my mother played and taught us to sing. My brother, Thomas, sings in a gospel quartet. He needed me to fill in for him once when he couldn’t be there, and I knew from that moment on what the Lord wanted me to do.
The first quartet I ever sang in was Hearts In Service. After that I sang with Potter’s Clay and now with the ONEWAY Quartet. I know God is going to use us in a mighty way! Every time I sing, I pray that the Lord would use me to bless someone.
In Christ
Jeff Hollingsworth
