Petey:
"I was born in a small mid-western town. TWICE! The second time was more memorable for me than the first. This may seem simplistic, but the truth of the matter is- someone shared Jesus Christ with me in a way that made a profound impact on my life. I met a person who talked with me about Jesus as if he lived next door to Him. What the man said appealed to me so much that it touched just the right spot in my heart. I had never heard anything like that before. That night I prayed for the very first time and invited Jesus to come into my life. I had no idea that a simple prayer would change my life. Actually, that is the night my life BEGAN!
"Since that time I have been involved in a variety of ministries. I've participated in a number of gospel singing groups, I've been a youth pastor, a counselor, and for more than 15 years I have devoted my life to helping people of all ages make positive choices. The Lord has opened doors for me to speak in schools, churches and social groups all over the country. More than one million students have seen my school programs. I would have never dreamed that so many doors would be opened to me.
"What a thrill it is for me to be able to visit churches and work with local congregations. It is a joy to be able to share how God has taken the pieces of my life and put them together in a way that is fulfilling and purposeful.
"Everyday I think about Romans 8:38, 39 and I try to share the very real truth that God's love is higher, deeper and wider than we can ever know and that He will hold us with a hand that will never let us go! I love helping present Christ in a way that lets others realize He not only wants to live next door to us, He desires to dwell in our hearts!"
Marky:
"I am the middle Stratton Half Brother. Music taught me to love Jesus and give my life to Him. From the very beginning, my musical family sang me into church and living for Him. I have always been so thankful for parents who shared their faith with me and gave me every advantage to know Christ by going to Christian schools, attending church and spending many evenings around the piano and guitar singing with my family. It’s because of this foundation, that I truly love sharing music with our audiences.
I love to see the look on someone’s face when I tell him or her that I am a pastor. They can’t believe I can have so much fun, that I can laugh at my crazy half brothers and that we sing great music and also be a clergy person.
But it’s true! I have been a Youth Pastor for 19 years, taught Religion in Christian high schools and worked in churches all over the place. I have grown to appreciate how much job there really is in the Lord! The reason I love Him is the main motivation I have for wanting to share our music with people. It is so rewarding to be a part of His great musical family!"
Milford:
"I love being Milford Stratton of the Stratton Half Brothers. Some ask me why I do this. There are several reasons, and they are very simple!
First of all, it makes me happy to cause others to laugh and smile. I get such a rush out of creating joy in others that it creates it a win - win situation with great personal rewards.
Secondly, I grew up thinking that Christians couldn’t have any fun in the Lord. I have come to learn that that is nothing farther from the truth. It is precisely because of our eternal hope, our joy and security in the Lord, that we can afford to laugh and let go of our troubles. It is very Biblical to celebrate, especially at family gatherings. Each time we perform for a group of Christians it’s like getting together with family... it’s a big family party! After all "we share this blessed Hope."
Finally, as a Youth pastor of a large church, I’m an event planner myself and I know how much risk and work it is to bring a lot of people together for a common cause. I have seen too many wonderful positive events fail because a performer didn’t know his audience and didn’t know the Lord, and it showed. It made me want to create a show that was funny and faithful to the values of one re-born in the Spirit of Christ. Is it possible to have cutting-edge and funny comedy with live three-part harmony that can be appropriate for all groups, ages and genders? Absolutely!
Because of Outreach Events, I am excited that churches and groups of faith see our show. Comedy and harmony is an awesome way to “draw-in” the community, so that they can hear the “Good News,” and know that they too can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is also a way to disarm secularism and cynicism. That’s my kind of church witness!
I love the Lord and I am thankful that He made each of us different. Some of us so different that you just have to laugh! Jesus will return one day and that will be the true joy and fulfillment of our lives. But, until then, we should care for one another and make each other laugh and sing."
My favorite verse:
John 14:2-”There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly” - (NLT).