Hi, my name is Maria, I'm 54 years old and live in Gregory, MI. My husband Bob and I are the proud parents of 9 children and at this time, 8 grandchildren. Bob has served as an elder of the church for many years. I enjoy writing and directing the children's worship program at our congregation.
I can't remember a time when I didn't sing! It was not unusual for my siblings to say "Maria, stop singing!" My mother has a beautiful singing voice. After becoming a Christian I realized that singing is a very spiritual means of expression and emotional release. I believe that God loves the many ways we make ourselves instruments of service to others in our lives. I pray that we are instruments for God in our song ministry.
My personal testimony for Christ is this: I grew up in a very troubled home. My father was tormented with undiagnosed and untreated Bi-polar disorder and sadly became an alcoholic. My mother was left alone to raise 5 children by herself in her early 30's. My worldly family was unable to give me a sense of direction or hope. Jesus Christ has been the surrogate "big brother" I so desperately needed in my life as a young person. With God's guidance I have been able to become a loving supportive wife, (my husband and I just celebrated our 37th anniversary) and dedicated mother. Jesus truly transformed my life in so many ways that I often forget who I once was and I give thanks for who I am, a sinner redeemed and accepted by God.
Singing with Living Water A Cappella has meant many different things to me. When the group formed, I was quite ill but was asked to be a listening ear and to give advice. When one of the sopranos left a year later, I replaced her and singing with the group became my physicl therapy, helping me to regain the strength I'd lost to my illness. It has also been a source of opportunity to develop deeper relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ. I very much enjoyed singing with my biological son Patrick Belcher, who sang bass with the group until he left 3 years ago to become a U.S. Marine. But my greatest joy in singing with the group has been the opportunities to sing for the unchurched at community events such as parades and right to life functions.