1934 WAS A HARD YEAR FOR MANY … the Great Depression had set in, the Dust Bowl was impacting my relatives in Oklahoma, and there were early signs of WWII as Hitler rose to power.
This was the same year that Paul Myers — just one month sober and newly saved — entered the scene with the idea to create a place where weary souls could find rest and hope in turbulent times… “The Haven of Rest” radio broadcast called “The Haven of Rest” was born.
“I’ve anchored my soul in the Haven of Rest …” Each program began with these words sung by Kenny Nelson, Ernie Payne, Bob Bowman, and David Kleinsasser, along with Lorin Whitney on the organ — the very first members of the Haven of Rest Quartet, endearingly known as the crew of the Good Ship Grace.
Though quartet members would change through the years, the musical excellence and commitment to Christ never changed. This rich legacy breathed hope into the hearts of countless listeners for seven decades. Many have told us through the years to share how this ministry has impacted them at a significant moment in their lives.
Stories like these have inspired us — the current crew of the Good Ship Grace — to revisit the archives and explore how the Lord has worked through this ministry for so long.
While we there, we discovered many great songs that have only ever been heard on the radio … until now. From this long legacy, we hand-selected fifteen songs from different eras of the Haven Quartet, all fitting one common theme — revival. Revival comes in many forms.
For Paul Myers, one month before he founded the Haven of Rest, revival came by way of a Gideon Bible he found in a cheap San Diego hotel room. Fast forward to today, revival took place in the sleepy town of Wilmore, Kentucky, after a few lingering students incidentally sparked weeks-long services drawing Christians and seekers from around the world.
For many Haven listeners I’ve met over the years, revival took place on a highway when this radio ministry spoke to their heart, saying just what the Lord wanted them to hear in the right place at the right time.
Where will it happen for you? Where will it happen for those you love?
One thing is certain, revival cannot take place without prayer. And so I invite you to join all of us at Haven Today in praying for the Lord to revive us again.
About the Author
As the leader of Haven Ministries, Charles Morris is always thinking of ways to lead Christians and non-Christians to Christ—hence the familiar slogan, “Telling the great story … it’s all about Jesus.” Charles is a former secular journalist, who has worked for United Press International, and as a press secretary for two former U.S. senators. He began working in the Christian world after seminary, coming to Haven as the fourth speaker in 2000. He and his wife, Janet, have written several books, including Fleeing ISIS, Finding Jesus.
Experience what it was like in the early days of the Haven of Rest! Watch the following archival footage of First Mate Bob, the Haven Quartet, and the crew of the Good Ship Grace at the original studio.
Revive Us Again: A New Collection of Haven Quartet Songs
Revive Us Again is a collection of Haven Quartet songs never before released on CD!
From enduring hymns to timeless classics, these melodies were hand-selected from the vast trove of Haven’s rich legacy. This unique album features songs focused on revival, including… Just As I Am, Blessed Assurance, Praise My Soul featuring Joni Eareckson Tada, and many more arrangements.
From the Haven archives, this multi-generational anthology will revive your heart as you worship your Savior—no matter what storms you face in life.
Then Sings My Soul
Hymns are meaningful and vital to our worship. Timeless lyrics reveal a depth of truth from God’s Word in a uniquely powerful way. But the stories behind the hymns are often treasures nobody knows about. Then Sings My Soul pairs 150 of the best-loved hymns with the stories that inspired them.
Robert Morgan’s inimitable style will help people reacquaint themselves with the hymns of the faithful. His goal is to keep these traditional hymns vital and meaningful to all generations. These devotional-style stories show the emotion and drama behind the hymns of faith that have changed many lives throughout history — the people whose faith led them to write these wonderful hymns and the people whose faith was affected by reading, hearing, and singing the songs.
Designed to be personally reflective, these stories speak to your soul and add depth and meaning as you worship God through song.