By Rey Garza

DALLAS – Yours Forever, the debut disc from Stellar Award nominated and BMI Award winning singer/songwriter Michael Bethany makes its debut at number 5 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart.

The news stirred a moment of celebration and reflection from the preacher’s son and St Louis native. “Wow”, Bethany exclaimed. “I am always grateful to God for the opportunity He gives ordinary people to accomplish great things in the kingdom. This has been a long journey, and along the way, I dealt with issues of if this was what I should be doing, was I even good enough to do this and the associated doubts and discouragement that comes along with the process. I was quickly humbled when I realized that none of this is about me and I clung to God’s promises. When it all boils down, the answer is simple, honor God, stay in His word and hold to His promises. He will come through.”

Bethany is a Stellar Award nominated songwriter and two time BMI most performed songs award recipient for Fred Hammond’s They That Wait and United Tenors’ Here In Our Praise. In addition to working with Hammond, he has collaborated with the likes of Marvin Sapp, Tamela Mann, Kirk Franklin and others. Today, he serves as Executive Director of Worship at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church in Dallas, TX as well as traveling the country leading people to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

Yours Forever is a reflection of the multi-faceted variations of Michael Bethany, ranging from high-energy praise, intimate worship, artistic, and intense gospel. Production assistance comes from Calvin Rogers and Phillip Feaster with impeccable musicianship from savvy veterans Lawrence Jones, Rodney Jones, and Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy).

Yours Forever is available via iTunes, Amazon and other digital retail outlets. Look for Michael this summer as he travels the country in support of the album’s release.

Connect with Michael at www.michaelbethany.com