Veterans Music Group Spreads Unique Message of “Hope after Dope”

Returning veterans, who have risked their lives for our county, often face unimaginable challenges and struggles upon returning home. One of the most devastating is substance abuse.

What sets New Horizon Music Ministry apart from the hundreds of other gospel music groups is their unique history and message. The group numbers some 40 members (men and women), who represent every branch of the armed forces. Each member is also an honorably discharged veteran who fell victim to drug and/or alcohol addiction.

The disarmingly mild-mannered, friendly nature of the individual members is almost instantly transformed into an optimistic, uplifting praise machine as they begin sharing their musical talents and testimonies of their bouts with and deliverance from substance abuse. As melodies like “Jesus is the Way,” and “God is so Good” flow from their lips, the celebration is on. Soon, testimonies like that of Patricia Stamps saying “God never left me; I left Him” starts to ignite an “Amen” chorus from the audience. Then the energy of the singers and musicians reaches a level that can best be described as frenetic joy.

Founded in 1992 in the Hampton, Virginia, area, New Horizon members credit their transformation to the work of dedicated rehabilitation counselors and to discovering the “real love of Jesus Christ.” Now these brave warriors (who are also brilliant musicians and singers) are eager to share their stories of redemption, praise, and hope with others, especially those who are concerned with the welfare of veterans.

In addition to performing in venues throughout Virginia and nearby states, their audiences have included the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Governor of Maryland and, the Mayor of Hampton (VA). New Horizon Music Ministry has won numerous local and national performing arts competitions. The television documentary “How I Got Over” (1997) chronicles their journey from drug dependency to their transformational ministry.

Upon hearing their music and their life stories, Sarah Lewis-Durham of Saints’ Memorial Community Church of Willingboro (NJ) asked if they would bring their life-changing message to the greater Philadelphia/South Jersey community if funding could be arranged. New Horizon agreed to rearrange their schedule and appear in mid-May 2013.

“New Horizon Music Ministry of Virginia” says Lewis-Durham, “will be in concert at the Willingboro (NJ) High School auditorium on Saturday, May 18th at 3 PM, thanks to our church, Saints’ Memorial Community Church of Willingboro, and business supporters including Burlington Volkswagen, Bartlett Printing & Graphics, Popeye’s of Willingboro, and Denny’s Restaurant of Bordentown. We are very grateful to the individuals who are demonstrating their support for veterans and their families in a tangible way.”

To find out more, visit http://smcc-nj.net/newhorizon or call 609-526-3466.

Contact Information

Sarah Lewis-Durham

Executive Administrator

Saints’ Memorial Community Church

(1) (609)526-3466

Contact via E-mail