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Mercy Rain was formed in 1998 by LaVerne Sanders and former member Kevin Kearns. Mercy Rain was born out of a desire to serve Christ in the best way they knew how. LaVerne had been a victim of a tragic bus accident many years ago, leaving her disabled and not sure if she would ever walk or talk again, let alone sing. However, God performed his miracle and by his Grace, she has been spreading the Gospel for the last 12 years in song.

Current members are LaVerne Sanders/manager/alto/lead, Joyce Summers/alto, and Clayton Thomas/baritone. Noah Sanders does the driving, setting up, etc. Keith Sanders runs the sound for the group.

Mercy Rain is blessed to have shared the same stage with such performers as: Karen Peck & New River, The Chuck Wagon Gang, the Dixie Melody Boys, The Down East Boys, Perfect Grace, and Danny Funderburk & Mercy's Way, Three Bridges, Heirline, and The Bibletones.

LaVerne, Noah, & Keith reside in Enterprise, Alabama. LaVerne has been singing just about her whole life and contributes her love of music to her Mom, Dicie Herring, who taught her the Christian way and brought her up in a very musical household and to her brother, James Lord. James spent many days and nights teaching LaVerne how to read the music in the old hymnals. Although her Mom did not sing, she always had Gospel music playing around the house. LaVerne also contributes her dedication and persistance to carry the Gospel to the group that gave her a chance 13 years ago, "The Master's Quartet". Everything she sings is in honor of our Loving Savior, Jesus Christ and "The Master's Quartet". Read her story in her blogs.

JOYCE SUMMERS is the newest addition to Mercy Rain, bringing in the alto part. She resides in Dothan, Alabama with her husband, Don. She is an accomplished instrumentalist, vocalist and composer who has ministered extensively in song through out the south at churches, conferences, festivals and camp meetings. Coming from a legacy of talented musicians and anointed vocalist, from the small Southern Northwest Florida town of "CHIPLEY, FLORIDA". "Joyce recalls growing up singing in her local church, as her mother and father would teach each child the Joy of the God given talent he gifted each child with. Joyce, being the youngest of (15) children, gave her a special platform to be the featured singer of all the children.
Joyce has authored many anointed songs. Some are featured selections on her most recent recording call, "SONGS OF HOPE". Joyce contributes her incentive for hard work in music field to the God given talent that was given to her at a young age. Joyce has been singing for 35 years and thanks for the hard work from her adopted Mentors, such as: Her Mother and Father, MR. AND MRS. JACK HADDOCK, JAVETTA SAUNDERS, VESTAL GOODMAN, DOTTIE RAMBO. To learn more about Joyce, visit her websites: www.shoutlife.com/joycehsummers and www.myspace/joycehsummers. You will be blessed by her talent and her spirit as she ministers each time.

Clayton Thomas completes the group, singing baritone. He was raised in a small North Florida town by great parents, both heavily involved in the music programs at their rural country church. He was saved at 12 years of age in that rural Baptist church and sang duets with his Dad at worship services. He has had some part in music his entire life, either as a choir member, music director, song writer, soloist, member of a trio and leader and organizer of a gospel quartet. His brother-in-law and he has written several songs and have even had some published. He loves all music but love Southern Gospel music with all his heart. His mother played the piano in church services while his Dad led the music. His sister and oldest brother have also been heavily involved in gospel music all their lives. "God has given me a strong desire to proclaim the Good News about His Son through music and as long as he gives strength to do so, I shall," says Clayton. He presently lives in DeFuniak Springs, Florida with his wife. They have two children, Craig who is married with two beautiful daughters, and Amy who is also married with four children. Craig is very active in Southern Gospel music and sings in a local family group and recently committed to sing professionally in a local group. Amy is active in her church and also loves to sing.

The newest member, filling the tenor position, will be announced soon. God has been faithful in supplying the needs, and he has sent the right person at the right time. We'll be making that announcement soon.



Be sure and come see Mercy Rain when they are in your area. You are sure to be blessed by the message their music brings and the awesome testimony LaVerne shares about her miraculous touch from God.