We want to highlight the fantastic artists that are glorifying God right in our backyard! If you’re a local artist please use the form below to submit your best song and you might hear yourself on the radio during the Tri-State Music Connection show, every Saturday from 6-7PM!
Meet Your Host: Mark R. Bales
It has been one of the greatest blessings of my life to spend the first 18 years traveling full time with my parents, Fred and Ida Bales, who were called by God to spread the Gospel through preaching and singing in revivals and camp meetings across America, Canada, and Jamaica.
I still remember when my sister, Nancy Bales McGinnis, and I officially became part of the ministry at the ages of three and four. Together, we sang, “The Devil Is a Sly Old Fox, I’d Like to Catch Him and Put Him in a Box!” By the age of eight, the Lord had taught me how to play the guitar, forming a simple but special musical band—me on guitar, with Mom playing the piano or accordion. What a band it was!
In 1978, The Good News Trio was formed, consisting of my sister Nancy—who writes most of the lyrics—her husband Ray McGinnis, and myself, writing the music. Later, my sister Joy Bales Jones joined the group along with her husband, Tucker Jones. Today, Nancy, Ray, and I continue to sing together, praising God for the many lives touched as we share the “Good News” through revivals, camp meetings, concerts, and other ministry opportunities. The Lord has blessed us with ten recordings, and in 2003 we were deeply honored—and completely surprised—to win First Place at the National Quartet Convention Talent Search out of 66 groups.
In 1980, my beautiful wife Joy and I said, “I do.” Over the past 45 years of marriage, God has blessed us with three sons, three daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren. Joy is not only a precious wife, devoted mother, and loving “Gammy,” but also a tremendous encouragement to the ministry. Together, we pastored full time at the Minford Church of the Nazarene from May 1998 to November 2018, and at 3:16 Ministries from December 2018 to the present, while continuing to preach revivals as the Lord leads.
As the Lord continued to open doors, I was blessed with the opportunity to join the staff of 98.3 The Rock. I currently host a weekly radio program, “Tri-State Music Connection,” airing every Saturday at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of the program is to give the Holy Spirit free rein—to encourage believers, reach the unsaved through music, prayer, and God’s Word, and to share a little laughter along the way. We are also committed to supporting local artists by playing their music and promoting their upcoming singing dates and locations.
To God be the glory for all His blessings.
