NEW – MINISTRY, ARTISTS, WEBSITE

(Click the title for the complete story) The new launch of Maack Ministries has finally arrived complete with new artists, expanded ministry focus, and a new polished web site.

Nathan Maack is pleased to be bringing back the Desert Oasis Quartet and bringing on harmonica player Larry Bates to the artist roster. Desert Oasis brings the classic four-part male harmony sound to quartet standards, hymns, and new songs. Although the majority of time, the quartet will be singing at their home church, on occasion the group will join Nathan during his solo concerts and will also do a select number of quartet concerts throughout the year. Larry Bates brings his harmonica playing and exciting energy to the ministries with new ideas and outreach opportunities. Larry will appear with Nathan at many of his solo concerts and the two will also combine efforts on duet performances to further the ministries and provide assistance to Christian organizations and missionaries

The web site has been redesigned to provide a professional, polished look to the ministries and to provide easier access to the artists and activities. The site will now continue to have updated information. It also provides more interactivity and new features will constantly be added included blog postings, photos, and videos.

One addition to the ministries next year will be an added emphasis to missions and helping those in need. All artists with the ministries have a heart for missions and helping Christian organizations to help others and further the gospel. We are planning ways to work with the organizations and missionaries across Arizona and the world in reach the lost and hurting for Christ.

Birthday Of A King

Last year, I decided to record a few of my favorite Christmas songs and release them as a gift on my website. The response was overwhelming with comments coming from all around the country.

After having many people ask if there would be Christmas music on the website again, I am pleased to release "Birthday Of A King" as my gift for you this Christmas. Those who listened to the music last year will see a few of the same songs again this year but they have been re-recorded with new arrangements and added instruments. There are also several new arrangements to enjoy.

Feel free to listen to the MP3 files here on the website or download them onto your MP3 player or burn them onto a CD. Also, if you enjoyed the music, tell someone else about it! The songs will only be available through December 31.

New Plans for 2010

As you can probably see, not much has been done with the website this year. That is because the ministries have been in a time of transition.

We are working hard behind the scenes to bring the very best of to you in 2010 with CD's, concerts, and a new website.

Check back for new updates.

Happy Easter 2009

From all of us here at Maack Ministries to you, have a great Easter this 2009. May we never forget the cost of the cross and the miracle of resurrection that Jesus performed to give each person in history, present, and future a chance of eternal life.

Jesus Lives!

Desert Oasis Quartet Personnel Changes

The Desert Oasis Quartet announces personnel changes that took effect earlier this month of March.

After the quartet reformed in 2008, Bob Fincher became the group’s tenor and spokesman. However, he resigned from the group late last year to focus on other commitments he had made.

In January 2009, longtime lead singer and founder, Daniel Burritt, resigned to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family. Daniel had been the group’s only lead singer in its ten-plus year existence.

“I will miss these two individuals and all they brought to the quartet,” says current baritone and pianist Nathan Maack, “Each one brought something special to the group and their voices and presence will be missed but never forgotten. They continue to be friends and both Ron and I support the directions they have taken.”

Nathan Maack and Ron Brinkman (bass) continue with Desert Oasis as co-owners. Nathan handles the music and performance aspects of the group and Ron handles the business-end of things.

In November 2008, Desert Oasis welcomed Bud Burt to the tenor position. He along with his wife currently lives in Wickenburg, Arizona, but is considering moving back to the Phoenix area. He has sung in different quartets throughout his life so is no stranger to the four-part harmonies. Bud is over 80 years old and enjoying every day.

In March 2009, Desert Oasis asked Gary Burt, Bud’s son, to join the group as the lead singer. Gary and his wife live in the Phoenix area. This is Gary’s first job in a quartet and is doing a tremendous job.

Sunday, March 29, the new Desert Oasis lineup sang in two Bible Study classes at their home church as part of their “Sunday School Tour.” Both classes seemed to enjoy the singing. Three songs were sung in each class, At Calvary, Have Thine Own Way, and Since Jesus Came Into My Heart.

Merry Christmas 2008

From all of us at Maack Ministries, I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!

It's still amazing to think that the Son of God (Jesus) would leave the perfect world of heaven and come down to this sinful world as a tiny baby not able to take care of himself. That's how much He loves us. He left everything for and we gave Him nothing. And He knew that before entering this planet.

Enjoy the family and friends, the food, and the gifts - especially the gift of everlasting life!

A Simple Christmas

Nathan Maack just released his Christmas gift to everyone for 2008. Free Christmas arrangements played on the piano as only Nathan can. Listen to classic Christmas carols and songs that you have listened to and sung along with your entire life.

Presented in MP3 format, these songs can be listened to on the computer or can be saved onto your hard drive and burned onto your own CD or put on your MP3 player.

If you enjoy this gift, please e-mail Nathan at the e-mail address on the Christmas page and let him know. Tell everyone about the music for others to enjoy the sounds of Christmas.

maackonline.com/christmas

mm