Since the formation of Karen Peck & New River (KPNR) in 1991, the group (comprised of Karen Peck, Susan Peck Jackson, and Jeff Hawes) has been nominated for three Grammys, received three Dove Awards, and has been honored by numerous publications.
And now, the tradition of musical excellence continues with the release of PRAY NOW.
“The theme of PRAY NOW is encouragement,” Karen says. “Every song has a special meaning, but the album as a whole says, ‘Whatever you face in life, you are not alone! God loves you and He cares. Keep trusting in Him and you’re going to be okay. God is with you even in the darkest times.’”
After the title cut “Pray Now” was penned by Karen, Dave Clark, and Michael Farrren, Karen’s husband (Rickey Gooch) was diagnosed with throat cancer. “None of this was brewing,” Karen recalls. “We [Karen, Dave, and Michael] were just talking about the Lord’s Prayer because my pastor (Jentzen Franklin) had challenged us to pray it every single day. We did, and by springtime it seemed every time I looked at the clock, the numbers would be triple or double digits [such as 1:11 or 12:12]. I asked God the significance of this, and He impressed me to pray the Lord’s prayer every time this happened. I shared that story with my co-writers and said, ‘If we can get the Lord’s prayer into this song, I think God will bless it because this is the model prayer.”
A music video for “Pray Now” released online with a positive response. “We were shocked when we started seeing the number of views,” Karen says. “Our goal is to reach the world for Jesus. We know many people are going through difficult times, but God gave us this platform to let others know God cares, and that He is good and faithful.”
“Pray Now” has ministered to KPNR significantly throughout Rickey’s treatments. “It has been overwhelming,” Karen admits. “We literally felt the love and the prayers carrying us through. Even the first day of treatments, Rickey said, ‘There must be a lot of people praying. I feel a peace!’ People have rallied around us even here in our home town, and it has been a tremendous blessing.” Rickey has completed treatments, and is getting stronger every day. “He’s a trooper,” Karen comments. “He’s done everything and more of what the doctor required him. Not eating and the pain of the radiation and the sickness of the chemotherapy really got him down, but he is getting better every day.”
KPNR keeps a busy schedule. Recently the group hosted the annual homecoming singing on the Gooch property featuring the Hoppers, the Guardians, Josh and Ashley Franks, and Tribute Quartet. Karen also co-hosts Gospel Music USA with Danny Jones and Mike LeFevre. “We’re having a ball doing this! We have the top groups performing, but we also do interviews. This is exciting because we are introducing Southern Gospel Music to an audience that may not be familiar with our artists. We tape out of Atlanta on TV 57, and our shows can also be seen on the internet.”
Karen says she wants our readers to be encouraged! “Whatever you’re facing – maybe your toughest time – know it won’t always be this way,” Karen says. “God will continue to help you through it. Keep doing what you’re doing for the Lord. Stay strong and faithful, and He will bless you beyond measure.”
Visit http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com.
