It all continues...
This is our 15th year traveling in full-time evangelism. God has richly blessed us with the opportunity to see many souls saved, families encouraged, and churches strengthened. It is our philosphy to minister with God's people in a dynamic way that demonstrates Christ's life-changing power. We pray that as God and His Word are exalted, you will be encouraged in your walk with Him.
It all began...
In the summer of 1961,in the Baptist Hospital of Winston-Salem, NC, Randy Merrill entered the world as a PK (Preacher's Kid) with a godly, musical heritage. His maternal Grandparents, Vernon and Marion Spurr, had produced a previous generation of musical servants of the Lord (Theron, Thurlow and Donna Lou Spurr, Randy's mother who traveled extensively for Youth for Christ in the 50’s).
According to God's design, ministry and music would be a vital part of Randy's training. Early in life, preaching opportunities, instrumental lessons, church involvement, parental instruction and participation with his family, the MUSICAL MERRILL'S (Ron, Donna and Ronda, his sister) generated a love for God’s Word, godly music and a desire to encourage others to serve the Lord.
In the 8th grade, Randy became the congregational songleader at the Bethel Baptist Church (about 350 members) in Savannah, Ohio. By his Junior year in high school, he inherited the church choir responsibilities from his pastor-father. Then God directed him to Bob Jones University in the fall of 1979.
Like his father 25 years earlier, Randy became the Student Body Chorister and eventually the Student Body President in 1983-84. After being honored in Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities, Randy graduated in 1984 with a music education degree, he married his childhood sweetheart, Patricia Spoerr, was ordained to the gospel ministry and became the assistant pastor and music director of the Calvary Baptist Church in Roseville, MI. He was also the music teacher for about 270 students in grades 1-12 at Calvary Christian School before assuming a successful pastorate in Lafayette, Oregon in 1988.
In the spring of '92 after preaching a six month sermon series on Abraham— a man of faith who obeyed and transported his family wherever God led— the Second Generation MUSICAL MERRILL MINISTRY TEAM was spawned. With God’s protection, Randy’s family and his brother-in-law’s family, the Wylers, embarked in their vans and travel trailers on a journey across the country and in several provinces of Canada holding evangelistic crusades, family conferences, seminars, concerts and camps. After 12 years the 2-family Team grew to 15 members. It became apparent that the children’s abilities needed more opportunity for service. In the spring of 2004 God allowed both families to begin traveling individually. Subsequently, the RANDY MERRILL EVANGELISTIC TEAM continues to impact lives in their vibrant family-style way providing a full presentation but with a smaller crew.
Micah is currently serving on staff at BJU. The next two Merrill children travel periodically, and are preparing for full-time ministries while attending Bob Jones University (Miranda, Senior Early Child Ed. and Mattaniah, Sophmore Mass Media). The three youngest boys (Moriah, Marciah, and Malchijah) continue to travel and minister with the family.Randy's refreshing love for the Lord is reflected through his enthusiastic, soul-stirring preaching, biblical counseling, playing of seven different instruments and training of his own children. His ability to compose, arrange, orchestrate, record and conduct God-honoring music has inspired Christians to utilize their God-given talents.
Besides his own published music books, (as well as musical arrangements published by Soundforth and Bible Truth Music) Randy's desire to assist church music directors and worship leaders in creating meaningful worship prompted his book entitled "P.R.A.I.S.E. Him in Joyful Song!"
To contact Randy for ministry openings or materials, call 419-496-3607 or write Box 215, Ashland, OH 44805.
