Author - Joan Voges

Born in 1942, I grew up in a devout Catholic family, the fourth of thirteen children. We knelt every evening as Dad led the family rosary. I attended a one room school house in first grade in the country; seven years at St. Mary's Catholic Grade School in Chester, IL; and high school as a day student at Ruma Convent.

Although I wanted to take piano lessons when in grade school, my parents could not afford them for me. Since my oldest sister took piano lessons, Mom and Dad thought she could teach me. I learned to "play by ear" by partially playing by sound and by notes some of my sister's pieces and the songs I heard on TV. Finally in the seventh grade, I was given piano lessons in exchange for Dad doing volunteer work for the nuns. When my children were in high school, I took piano lessons for a couple years also.

In 1961, I married Ken Voges. I was nineteen. I became a Lutheran when I was twenty four years old. We are blessed with a wonderful family, three married children and their spouses, eleven grandchildren, and a "grand spouse". I worked for 45 years in my husband's business. When my children were teenagers, I prayed that God would give them a strong faith in Jesus, as Lord and Savior. God answered my prayers as they and their spouses are very passionate about their Christian faith and are involved in church work.

In the 90's I had a growing desire to write about God's love and the miracles He worked in my life. After I turned 60 years old, I began writing meditations, music, and poems. My husband and family are very supportive and helpful. Dr. Paul Schrieber, a theologian, serves as "sounding board". He has given me confidence to continue writing and is helpful in expressing my works in heartfelt words. He encouraged me to have my writings in our local newspaper and have my music produced. God led us to Chris Bergmann, a talented Christian musician and producer. Chris’ vocal performances along with Kristen Heard’s have greatly enhanced the music in beautiful ways to make it possible for many to enjoy.



Editor - Dr. Paul Schrieber

Dr. Paul L. Schrieber is professor emeritus at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, from which he graduated with a Ph.D. in Exegetical Theology, emphasis in Old Testament. He joined the faculty in 1981 after teaching for five years at Concordia University, River Forest, IL. In addition to his duties as a seminary professor, Dr. Schrieber was active in preaching and teaching in many settings including minority ministries.

Dr. Schrieber has a long-time love of music. He began playing drums for the high school band in the third grade and since then played in a wide variety of music groups. He regularly plays timpani for special services at Concordia Seminary. He has been a church organist and the accompanist for choirs at St. Paul's College, Concordia, MO; Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, IND; and Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, IL.

Upon retiring to his home town of Red Bud, IL, Dr. Schrieber became acquainted with Joan Voges' ability to write devotional material when she made a Sonshine Ministries visit with his father. Dr. Schrieber was very impressed with Joan’s creativity in expressing the Gospel in a clear, heart-felt manner. Dr. Schrieber continues to encourage and advise Joan in her writing of hymns and other meditations.



Producer / Artist - Chris Bergmann

Chris Bergmann has been professionally producing, recording, writing, and arranging music since 1988 and full time since 1993. Since that time he has produced and engineered over 2000 full production songs and over 500 vocal and piano recordings through his company
RFJ Music Production Ministries.

His extensive list of clients include the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Commission On Worship, Concordia Publishing House, LCMS Black Ministries, LCMS Youth Department, Creative Communications for the Parish, Lutheran Hour Ministries, Augsburg Fortress, Parabolic Productions, Lutheran Bible Translators, children’s video series “Grandpa Jim”, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, LCEF, The Wheatridge Foundation, Charter Cable, The Lutheran Church Extension Fund, Concordia University St. Paul, Christian Board of Publication, Lutherans For Life, Association of Courageous Churches, Smith Lee Productions, AM 850 KFUO Radio, LCMS Youth Department, Family Shield, numerous St. Louis churches and countless St. Louis artists and bands.

One of the most prolific producers in the Midwest, his extensive portfolio includes full production recordings of many different genres, jingles and advertising music, and custom music for film, video and television including award-winning dramatic and children's material.




Artist - Kristen Ashley

Kristen Ashley is a lifelong performer, entrepreneur, and professional recording artist. Her singing and speaking voice can be heard on radio station branding around the world.
Kristen's versatile vocal technique includes opera, musical theatre, jazz, pop, rock, and country styles. She is also a multi-award winning stage actress and dancer.

Career highlights include being a lead performer with recording artist Peter Mayer for the ELCA National Youth Gathering to a crowd of over 30,000 people, and later recording an album together.   She was also privileged to have performed several times in America's largest outdoor musical theater, the St. Louis MUNY.

In her spare time, Kristen enjoys writing music of her own. Kristen feels blessed to succeed in doing what she loves, and thanks God for the doors he has opened.