Author: news

Three Members of Gospel Family Group The Nelons Killed in Wyoming Plane Crash

Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband, Jason Clark, and their daughter, Amber Nelon Kistler, were en route to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise in Alaska. Four additional people, including the pilot, were also killed.

Three members of The Nelons, a prominent gospel music family group from Atlanta, died in a plane crash on Friday afternoon that claimed the lives of four other individuals, according to a statement issued by Gaither Management Group on Saturday.

The accident occurred near Recluse, Wyoming, a small community in the northeastern part of the state, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Those who died were identified as Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler, as well as Amber’s husband Nathan Kistler, assistant Melodi Hodges, pilot Larry Haynie, and his wife Melissa.

Group En Route to Gaither Cruise

Gaither Management Group noted that the family had been headed to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska at the time of the crash. While investigators are still determining what led to the tragedy, the NTSB confirmed that it occurred following reports of an autopilot malfunction on the Pilatus PC-12/47E turboprop aircraft.

Surviving Daughter Issues Statement

The only member of The Nelons not on the plane, Autumn Nelon Streetman, is also part of the group. She released a brief statement expressing gratitude for “the prayers that have been extended already to me, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be-born baby boy, as well as Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark.” She added, “We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days.”

On Friday, the group’s last Instagram post showed them making a stopover in Nebraska. In the video, Jason Clark could be heard saying, “Gaither Homecoming Alaskan cruise. We are on our way,” before showing everyone else on the trip.

NTSB Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board, which is currently examining the crash site, shared that the pilot reported a problem with the plane’s autopilot system shortly before the crash. With the aircraft located in a remote area, investigators are just beginning their work to determine the exact cause.

Fragments of the plane were found scattered around a wide debris field, the NTSB spokesperson said, emphasizing that information will remain limited until the agency’s on-site assessment is complete.

Remembering the Victims

Pilot Larry Haynie also served as chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp expressed his condolences, noting that Larry and Melissa Haynie were “devoted to one another, to their grandchildren and family, and were also devoted to — and staunch supporters of — the GDC family.”

Gov. Kemp also said he was “truly saddened” by the tragic loss. “Our entire family is asking everyone to join us in praying for those who have been lost, for their loved ones and communities, and for those throughout the gospel music community who have lost dear friends in this heartbreaking accident.”

Legacy of The Nelons

Founded in 1977 as The Rex Nelon Singers, the group evolved into The Nelons, made up of Kelly Nelon Clark, Jason Clark, and their daughters Amber and Autumn. Known for hits like “Thanks,” “Come Morning,” and “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown,” The Nelons have recorded more than 35 albums and scored over 20 Top 5 Southern Gospel radio singles.

They were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2016 and, over the course of their career, received numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination for Best Southern Gospel Album in 1991 and 35 GMA Dove Award nominations. Their most recent Dove Award came in 2021 for “If God Pulled Back the Curtain,” which was named Country/Bluegrass/Roots Recorded Song of the Year.

Jackie Patillo, president of the Gospel Music Association, released a statement on Saturday mourning the loss. “Our deepest condolences and prayers are with Autumn and the rest of the Nelon family. They will be forever cherished and remembered in the GMA Hall of Fame.”

A 70-year-old man has never been married. One day,

he meets a beautiful 17-year-old girl, and it is love at first sight. They get married and go to Florida for their honeymoon When they get back, tel frie, howvas him, “Oh, it was beautiful,” says the man. “

The sun, the surf, we made love almost every night, we -” His friend interrupts him. “A man your age! How did you make love almost every night?’”Oh,” says the man, “we almost made love Monday, we almost made love Tuesday.”

A woman was having a passionate affair with an inspector from pest-control company.One afternoon they were carrying on in the bedroom together when her husband arrived home unexpectedly. “Quick,” said the woman to her lover, “into the closet!” , and she pushed him int closets tark undressed. The husband, however,

became suspicious and after a search of the bedroom discovered the man in the closet. “Who are you?” he asked him. “I’m an inspector from Bugs-B-Gone,” said the exterminator. What are you doing in there?”

the husband asked. I’m investigating a complaint about an infestation of moths,” the man replied.

And where are your clothes?” asked the husband. The man looked down at himself and said, “Those little bastards!”

A man sat at a local bar and said: “This is a special day, l’m celebrating.” “What a coincidence”, said the woman next to him, “I’m celebrating, too”, she said and clinked glasses with him. “What are your celebrating?” the woman asked. “I’m a chicken farmer, and for years all my hens were infertile,

but today they’re finally fertile.” “What a coincidence”, the woman said, “For my husband and I have been trying to have a child. Today, my gynaecologist told me l’m pregnant! How did your chickens become fertile?”, she asked

. “I switched cocks”, he replied.
“What a coincidence”, she said.

An old man goes to a restaurant and orders a chicken dish. By the time the food is ready and he is about to eat, the waiter comes back and says, ‘Sir, I’m afraid there has been a mistake. You see, that police officer who is sitting at the next table is a regular customer of ours and he usually orders the same dish.

The problem is, this is the last chicken in the house. I’m afraid I’ll have to take this dish to him and arrange for another dish for you!’

The old man gets really upset and refuses to give up his food. The waiter walks over to the other table and explains the situation to the officer. A few minutes later the officer walks over to the old man’s table and says, ‘Listen and listen good.

That is MY chicken you are about to eat and I’ll warn you, whatever you do to that chicken I’ll do the same to you. You pull out one of its legs, I’ll pull out one of yours. You break one of its wings, I’ll break one of your arms!’old man calmly looks at the chicken, then sticks his middle finger in the bird’s r*ctum, pulls it out and licks it. He then gets up, drops his pants, bends over and says, ‘Go ahead!’

One night after a date, a guy takes his 19 year old girlfriend home.

After kissing each other goodnight at the front door, the guy starts feeling a little horny. With an air of confidence, he leans with his hand against the wall and, smiling, he says to her, “Babe, do you want to, you know, get it on?”

Horrified, she replies, “Are you crazy? My parents will hear us!”He replies, “Oh come on! Who’s gonna hear us at this hour?”

She says, ”But can you imagine if we get caught?!”Oh come on!” he pleads. They won’t know, they’re all sleeping!

”No way. It’s just too risky! she says. He begs, “Oh please, please, I love you so much!’”

No, no, and no,” she insists. I love you too, but I just can’t! “Oh yes you can. Please?” No, no. I just can’t!”

I’m begging you… ” Suddenly, the hallway light turns on, and the girl’s sister shows up in her pyjamas, hair dishevelled, and in a sleepy voice she says, “Dad says that you should go ahead and do it, or mom can do it. Or if need be, dad says he can come down himself and do it,”…”Bu tell him to take his hand off the intercom!”

A Few Months After His Parents Were Divorced, Little Johnny Passed By His Mom’s Bedroom And Saw Her Rubbing Her Body And Moaning,

“I Need A Man, I Need A Man!” Ouer The Next Couple Of Months, He Saw Her Doing This Several Times.

One Day, He Came Home From School And Heard Her Moaning. When He Peeked Into Her Bedroom, He Saw A Man On Top Of Her. Little Johnny Ran Into His Room, Took Off His Clothes, Threw Himself On His Bed, Started Stroking Himself, And Moaning, “Ohh, I Need A Bike! | Need A Bike!”

My wife found out that our dog (a Schnauzer) could hardly hear, so she took it to the veterinarian.

The vet found that the problem was hair in the dog’s ears. He cleaned both ears, and the dog could then hear fine. The vet then proceeded to tell Andrea that, if she wanted to keep this from recurring, she should go to the store and get some “Nair” hair remover and rub it in the dog’s ears once a month.

Andrea went to the store and bought some “Nair” hair remover. At the register, the pharmacist told her, “If you’re going to use this under your arms, don’t use deodorant for a few days.”

Andrea said, “I’m not using it under my arms.”
The pharmacist said, “If you’re using it on your legs, don’t use body lotion for a couple of days.”

Andrea replied, “I’m not using it on my legs either. If you must know, I’m using it on my Schnauzer.”
The pharmacist says, “Well, stay off your bicycle for about a week

JOKE OF THE DAY: A guy suspects his wife is cheating on him, so he comes home early from work one day. His wife meets him at the door in a bathrobe, her hair a mess. “Where is he?” he demands. “Where’s the guy who’s been sleeping with you?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, dear,” she answers. So the guy tears the house apart, looking for him. Finally, he’s on the second floor in the kitchen, and he looks out the window and sees a guy sitting in a Volkswagen.

“That’s him,” the guy thinks. “That’s the guy who’s been sleeping with my wife!” Furious, he picks up the refrigerator, throws it out the window, has a heart attack, and dies.

St. Peter meets him at the gates of Heaven. “Why are you here?” he asks, and the guy answers, “I knew my wife was cheating on me, so I came home early. I saw her boyfriend sitting in his Volkswagen out on the street, threw the refrigerator at him, had a heart attack, and died.” St. Peter scowls and says, “You don’t belong here. Go to hell.” He pulls a big lever, a trapdoor opens, and the guy disappears.

A couple of minutes later, another guy comes up to St. Peter at the gates of Heaven. “What are you doing here?” St. Peter asks, and the guy answers, “I don’t know! I was just sitting in my Volkswagen, minding my own business, when somebody threw a refrigerator at me!” St. Peter wags his finger at him and says, “I heard about you. You go to hell too!” He pulls the big lever, the trapdoor opens, and the guy disappears.

A couple of minutes later, another guy comes up to St. Peter at the gates of Heaven. “What are you doing here?” St. Peter asks.

The guy scratches his head and says, “Honestly, I have no idea. I was minding my own business, just sitting in this refrigerator…”

Two years after her husband’s death, Barbara finally faces the overwhelming task of sorting through his belongings in the garage. Among the old memories, she discovers a hidden safe and a secret that changes her life. As she pieces together her husband’s past, Barbara must decide if she is ready to open her heart to the unexpected.

Grief is a strange and unwelcome guest. It sneaks into your life, sits heavily on your chest, and refuses to leave.

For two years, my sorrow kept me away from the garage, the last untouched part of my husband Mark’s life. Sixteen years together, sixteen years of laughter, arguments, adventures, and quiet moments.

Sixteen years without children, because we couldn’t have any. Adoption was a whispered dream, but life always seemed to find ways to delay it.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” Mark would say, usually massaging my feet or holding my hand tightly. “It will happen for us. We’ll be parents, one way or another.”

And you know what?

I believed him.

And then he died.

For the longest time, I struggled to remove anything of Mark’s from our shared space. Eventually, my sister, Amy, came over to help me move his clothes into the guest room.

“I’m sorry, Barb,” she said. “But it’s time, sis. You don’t have to get rid of all of Mark’s things, but let’s move some. Okay?”

I nodded and let her pack Mark’s clothes into large cardboard boxes.

After that, I walked through the house and did the same, slowly removing traces of my husband as I healed. Everywhere, except the garage.

That place was Mark’s domain. And it felt like opening the door would be an intrusion. But on a cool autumn morning, something shifted. The weight of grief turned into determination. I grabbed a water bottle, tied my hair back, and opened the door.

The air inside smelled of dust and forgotten summers we had spent together. Mark’s familiar chaos greeted me—half-labeled boxes, precarious stacks of tools, a fishing rod propped against the wall.

I started with the nearest box, finding old camping gear. Lanterns, a worn-out tent, a rusty can opener—it was like opening a time capsule from our past.

Memories of starry skies and smoldering campfires flooded my mind, Mark’s laughter echoing in my head.

The next box held his high school yearbooks, pages filled with amusing inscriptions.

“The funniest guy in the room!”

“Most likely to be rich and famous!”

“Most likely to show up drunk to his own wedding!”

But I wasn’t prepared for what I found next.

In the far corner sat something I didn’t recognize. A small, sleek, black safe—locked and completely unfamiliar to me. My heart pounded as I ran my fingers over its cold surface.

Why had Mark never told me about it? And what could be inside?

I spent hours searching the house, my mind racing. Finally, at the back of his desk drawer, I found the key. It was inside a plain, labeled envelope.

For Barbara

With trembling hands, I unlocked the safe. I had no idea what I was about to find.

Inside, everything was meticulously arranged. Documents, photographs, and a sealed letter. I picked up the first photographs, completely confused. A little girl I didn’t recognize smiled in each picture, sunlight in her hair and a playful look in her eyes.

But then, it got even stranger.

Beside her stood Mark, his arm around a woman I had never met.

I collapsed onto the floor, the unopened letter in my hands, my pulse pounding in my ears.

Who was she? Who were they? What was happening?

At last, I opened the envelope. I told myself that the only way to get answers was to read that letter.

Mark’s handwriting greeted me, each word both a comfort and a weight.

---

My dearest Barbara,

If you’re reading this, it means I’m gone and you’ve found the safe. I dreaded this moment in life, but you deserve the truth. So now, in death, you will have it.

The little girl in the pictures is Lily—my daughter. I had her before we met, with a woman I loved but couldn’t build a life with. When Lily was three, her mother passed away, and I had to make the hardest decision of my life.

I left Lily with her grandparents to raise, believing they could give her the stability I couldn’t provide at the time.

I know I should have told you, Barbara, but every time I thought about it, I feared you might see me differently. Our life together was so perfect, and I didn’t want anything to taint it.

I watched Lily from afar, supporting her quietly, visiting when I could. She has grown into a brilliant and beautiful young woman, Barb. And now, I ask you—if you are willing—to help me build the bridge I left behind.

Her contact information is here.

Please, give her a chance to know the love you’ve given me.

Always,
Mark

---

I read the letter three times, my emotions swirling between anger, sadness, and disbelief. He had hidden this part of his life from me. He had made decisions without me.

But then, another feeling crept in.

Hope.

Mark was gone, but Lily was something he had left behind. A thread that connected his past, our present, and her future.

The next morning, after a sleepless night, I dialed the number in the letter. My hands shook so badly I almost dropped the phone.

It rang twice before a young woman answered.

“Hello?” Her voice was hesitant but warm.

“Hi, Lily,” I said, swallowing hard, the oatmeal I had eaten earlier threatening to come back up. “My name is Barbara. I am… I was your father’s wife.”

There was a long pause, followed by a deep, shocked inhale.

“You were… you were married to my dad?”

“Yes,” I said slowly. “I… I didn’t know about you until now.”

Her voice wavered, a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.

“I always wanted to reach out to him,” she admitted, “but my grandparents told me it might hurt him more. They said he was heartbroken that he couldn’t take care of me. At some point, they told me he needed a break from me. I didn’t know what to think.”

The pain in her words shattered something inside me.

“He loved you,” I said quickly. “He cared for you, Lily. He watched over you from a distance. He always made sure you were okay. I think… I think he had to do it in his own way.”

“Can I meet you, Barbara?” she asked quietly.

“Of course,” I said before I could second-guess myself.

---

Lily and I built a fragile, yet inevitable relationship.

We spent hours going through photos, laughing and crying, as we pieced together Mark’s story. Lily was 17, on the verge of adulthood.

Over key lime pie and hot chocolate, she told me about her childhood, her grandparents, and her dreams of studying photography.

“It’s not a lazy career, like my grandpa says,” she laughed. “It’s about… capturing a moment you’ll never experience again. And I’ve lost so many beautiful moments in my life, you know? Moments I’ll always dream of. Memories I could’ve had with my mom. With my dad…”

“I think that’s a beautiful concept, sweetheart,” I said. “You have to show me some of your work sometime, okay?”

She smiled and nodded.

She wanted to know everything about Mark—the Mark I had known and loved.

As winter melted into spring, I realized the truth. What I had found in the garage wasn’t just a piece of Mark’s past.

It was an invitation—to expand my life in a way I never thought possible.

---

Sometimes, grief feels like the end of a story.

But that morning, with a dusty safe and a trembling phone call, I learned it could also be the beginning of something new.