The River of Life Gospel group started in the early to mid 80’s out of the midst of the newly founded Beulaville Church of God! The new church needed some musicians to help carry out the service and there were only a few people present that even knew how to play! We formed a small choir and began singing together in the church services. Harold Kennedy and his wife, Anita; Jerry Koonce and his father Otis and Greg Drinkwater started singing at other church revivals and gatherings around the community and soon became the River of Life Singers!
After a few years of enjoying a very busy schedule, brother Jerry’s father was diagnosed with cancer and became very weak! Even through his sickness we could still hear him say “I’m gonna keep on going till I can’t go no more!”
Just before brother Otis died, he said, ”Boys, don’t ever stop. I’ve gone as far as I can go. Keep on working for the Lord!”
Over the past twenty years we have seen a lot of group members come and go. Some became preachers, some left the area and some went home to be with the Lord. And some just got completely out. But after a few years past without brother Otis, the group acquired a new member that is still with the group to this day; my wife Cecelia Drinkwater. Together my wife and I watched the group get smaller and smaller until it was just the two of us and my son Tommy Drinkwater.
About four years ago Mrs. Marion Cole joined in to help us with the vocals and the task of setting up equipment and the following year Mr. Richard Taylor became our solid percussionist! It seemed very good to have some more bodies that would help us carry out the work that God has called us to do!
Working together as a group for the Lord is more than an occupation would call for! It is the uniting of souls as a close family working together Through all of our mistakes, blunders and goof ups and never being angry with each other. Instead we laugh and have a wonderful time serving the Lord and watching new souls being won to the Lord! God bless each and everyone who reads this and may it be words of inspiration that when times get tough, don’t give up! Keep on going! God is always right there with you and we will be right here praying for you!!!