We perform in churches of many different denominations, retirement homes, jails, camps, and theatres. Following are recommendational letters from the leaders of some of the venues we’ve performed at in the past.
Baptist Churches
To whom it may concern,
Our church, Devon Park Baptist Church of Fredericton, NB, had the a cappella quintet One Blood minister at our church this past summer, & it was truly a blessing having them in our midst. This family music group consisting of world-record holding strength athlete & father, Gregg Ernst, along with his four eldest sons, form a very talented Christian male quintet. Our church as a whole was encouraged, challenged & blessed by One Blood’s ministry in song, & I stress the word “ministry” here. This Christian, male quintet, see their concert times as an opportunity to minister to the church body, & glorify the LORD. It’s easy to see the group is not singing for their own reputation or promotion, but for God. I would recommend visiting their website (www.oneblood.ca) to get better informed about One Blood, & to have the opportunity to hear their music. I would encourage you to strongly consider having One Blood minister at your church. God bless.
Sincerely in Christ, Pastor Micah Hiltz
Bethel Baptist Church had the pleasure of having Gregg Ernst and his sons (One Blood) minister to us in September 2010. The church decided to make an “event” for Fellowship, Edification, and Evangelizing and we were not disappointed.
Their voices and repertoire truly glorify the Lord. I even found myself listening with my eyes closed from time to time. All who were present were amazed at the quality of their presentation. Their heart-warming testimonies and stories also contributed to this wonderful evening. They are thankful, humble, and cheerful – a model for all of us.
I strongly recommend them – you will not be disappointed.
God bless,
Rénald Leroux Jr., pastor
We at Long Branch Baptist Church, Toronto are glad to commend to you the singing group, “One Blood,” composed of Gregg Ernst and his four adult sons from Nova Scotia.
Two years ago, we had the whole large Ernst family with us and they were a blessing to the congregation. A month ago, Gregg and his four oldest sons were with us to do a Saturday evening concert following our international pot-luck supper. They sang very well, blending their voices together in beautiful harmony and mixing in a bit of humour where appropriate. They have a godly witness for Christ.
They are open to serving in additional ways in each community through their music. We were able to have them sing to the senior residents at nearby Lakeshore Lodge here in Etobicoke and the chaplain informed me afterward that they did a fantastic job. They were willing to go there for free. In the case of their concert at our church they simply requested a love offering and a good meal. Some of our people put them up for a night or two along with some additional meals, and I know that they really appreciated that.
A number of people purchased some of their CD’s afterward.
I am glad to share this information with you in the event that you may consider how they might be used in your church and community for God’s glory.
I would like to heartily recommend to you this outstanding group of gifted musicians. I sat with anticipation for their opening number. But as the first strains of the opening words wafted through the air, my mouth simply dropped. I had never heard anything so beautiful. And the evening simply got better as they moved from one song to another with changing styles, increasing complexity, moving simplicity, humour, depth, warmth and sincerity. I sat there transfixed, and quite literally breathless and moved to joy. Please give you and yours the gift of a truly unforgettable, first class, professional and inspiring concert. You will be lifted up.
And on a more personal note, having also had them in our home for a few days just added cream to the experience, for it became even more evident that all they do and sing is from their hearts and not just a “show.” What you see is what you get, and you get a lot.
Blessings on all who share in this music.
For the next four days, sometimes twice a day, the group sang at Retirement Homes, other church services and at our Teen Challenge Centre. The comments after went from “spine tingling” to “amazing,” “gifted,” “talented” to “we can’t wait till they come back.”
I highly recommend this highly talented group who have a range of songs from southern gospel to classical and other spirituals. They bring with them a refreshing spirit of godliness and servanthood and so are great examples of Christian men who love the Lord. We thank God for them as they are true ambassadors of Christ. They left us invigorated and encouraged as they sang for God’s glory. Praise God.
Our very many thanks, again, Gregg. Please let us know if/when you will be coming back this way.
Presbyterian Churches
To Whom it May Concern,
Maplewood Presbyterian Church welcomed OneBlood on October 4, 2009 and the congregation was deeply moved by the a cappella offerings of this male quintet. The father and four sons of the Ernst family from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, are quite special and perform vocal arrangements from classical to contemporary. Their ability to invoke the holiness of God is truly awesome and any chance to hear them is an unforgettable experience.
Blessings to you all, John Vaudry
Many blessings,
Kenneth D Bell
Session Clerk
Côte des Neiges Church
Other Churches
Word has gotten around about your concert on Friday evening and the whole town is abuzz about what a wonderful evening we had. Those who missed the concert are now expressing their regrets and hoping you will be back this way. At one point during the evening, Peter remarked that at times when he listens to music he feels that one can almost hear the strains of heaven. I can tell you that during the concert whenever I closed my eyes I certainly experienced such a feeling, particularly in your rendition of the Naval Hymn.
The word is getting around, and I am sure that if you were to come back this way there are many churches in the area tha would appreciated a concert, and friends of mine in the New Liskeard area have also expressed and interest.
Thank you again, and until we meet again, may God bless you and yours in your ministry through which God has truly blessed us.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Robert R. Campbell, Anglican Parish of Vankleek Hill
To Whom It May Concern:
Recently OneBlood presented a Saturday evening concert and ministered in our Sunday AM Worship Service. They related wonderfully with all ages. Our
people were impressed with their testimony as a group and as individuals. It was so refreshing to see a father and four sons minister together in unity
and harmony relationally as well as musically. The testimonials and stories between songs were interesting and well done.
In these days when the message is often drowned out with instruments and at a sound level higher than the human ear was created to comfortably hear, it was refreshing to hear just voices lifted up in praise to God. I was impressed with the beautiful blend and harmony of the group. Their pitch was
as near perfect as one will ever hear with a precise sense of timing. As I observed them preparing for the concert, I noticed the attention to detail
and the effort to get every part of the song ‘just right’. Their voices range from high tenor to bass. It is rare to find this range in the same family. Their presentation was truly professional in every respect.
I highly recommend this group to all.
Our Church was certainly blessed with your ministry amongst us. Your story of strong man feats is interesting and fun and engaging – and pretty amazing besides – but that isn’t the best part of your ministry. Your testimonies of faith mixed with beautiful and inspiring music is the best part. Your voices blend so well, the songs you sing are powerful, and it is obvious that your family loves the Lord.
For anyone wanting their church or group to be inspired, encouraged and uplifted, I would highly recommend your ministry. We are hoping that we can have you back to our church some time in the future.
In Christ,
Pastor Mark Barrett
Schools, Colleges, etc.
Thank you again for coming to Tyndale and ministering to our community. Many were blessed by your music and spirit. As a father myself, I was taken by the beautiful spirit of your boys: their cooperative desire; their vocational contentment; their magnanimous ethos of work and play. You and your wife ought to be very proud.
The musical performance was beautifully executed and clearly sung for the glory of our God. We deeply appreciate the playfulness, talent (including the intricate arrangements), and cascading harmonies. Thank you for being with us on that Tuesday and throughout the week.
I would like to highly recommend the Ernst family singers of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Gregg Ernst, his wife Jennie, and seven of their children are being used in the work of the Lord with their singing, instrumentation and Christian testimonies. I have personally heard them perform and was blessed and impressed.
Gregg also sings with his four sons in a men’s acapella quintet. They sang here at New Brunswick Bible Institute at our Men for God Rally and greatly encouraged men of all ages. Their character, testimonies and spiritual songs were very well accepted. Regardless of the venue you may be organizing, the Ernst family will definitely be appreciated.
Sincerely in Christ,
R. Barry Beebe
President
New Brunswick Bible Institute
Seniors Homes
To whom it may concern,
After listening to the beautiful acappella voices of Gregg Ernst and his sons, it was nothing short of breathtaking! I had the pleasure of hosting a lovely and charming group of men who entertained our seniors at The Centennial Retirement in Oshawa, Ontario.
The Centennial Retirement Residence was approached by Calvary Baptist Church to host the choir who was travelling through this region and we were very appreciative of their music.
In summary, I highly recommend Gregg Ernst and his sons for any occasion or endeavour that you may seek to pursue. They will be a valuable asset for any organization who wishes to acquire their talent for pure listening spiritual enjoyment.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
On Monday, October 19th, the residents of Wellington Terrace Long Term Care Home were delightfully entertained by the group One Blood, consisting of 4 young men, all brothers, and their father. The group performed popular, folk and spiritual songs a-cappella, and were enthusiastically applauded by the resident group enjoying their performance.
The residents generously shared their impressions of the group and the following statements reflect their enjoyment:
“This is the best thing that has happened in the last 3 years”
“Very talented”
“Very spiritual and soothing music”
“Beautiful voices”
“Would like to hear all ten children perform the next time they are in the area”
“Very friendly as they posed for pictures and spoke with us after the performance”
“Lovely to listen to”
“Very personable”
“Easy to listen to and relax”
“They were simply wonderful”
It would be our pleasure to engage this group at any time in the future and we are most certainly recommending the group, One Blood, to others.
To the Ernst Family. [OneBlood]
“Thanks, Thanks and ever Thanks!!!” (Shakespeare)
Here are a few of the comments I heard from our residents after your performance here at Lakeshore Lodge on October 15, 2009.
“WHAT A TREAT!”
“THEY ARE AMAZING!” “FANTASTIC CONCERT!”,
“WHAT A WONDERFUL FAMILY!” “SUCH TALENT!”
“WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL – BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES!”
“A HANDSOME AND TALENTED NEW GENERATION” “THEY ARE SO NICE!”
“THEY MADE ME FEEL SO GOOD I’M FROM NOVA SCOTIA” “GIFTED”
“THEY ARE PROFESSIONALS!”
“SO ENGAGING, THEY TOOK TIME TO TALK WITH ME”
“SUCH BEAUTIFUL MUSIC” “WONDERFUL TO TALK TO”
“REAL CELEBRITIES” “ACAPPELLA!” etc.
As you can tell from only some of the comments, our Residents truly enjoyed listening to the classical and religious music selections you sang as well as watching you perform. Some of them were in tears (of joy of course!). They so appreciated the talent and quality of you and your four sons. You touched their hearts with the story of the child you lost, the diversity of your life as a husband, father, Olympian, blacksmith, East coaster, and the wonderful values you bring to all aspects of your life and that of you family.
Our Auditorium was filled to capacity overflowing into the hallways nearby.
A very special “Thank you” Mr. Ernst for coming with four of your sons to bring this concert to our Residents.
It would be a real privilege to recommend you to other facilities and churches.
What a blessing it would be to have you back the next time you come to Toronto.
May God give you health and strength and may He continue to make you a blessing to many.
Prisons
Dear Gregg, Joshua, John, Peter and Elijah – One Blood
On behalf of the Staff and Offenders at the Algoma Treatment & Remand Centre, we would like to thank you for visiting our facility today and sharing your inspirational music and stories with us.
Your music uplifted, encouraged, and blessed us. You have made a difference in the lives of many today and you have created a wonderful memory in a place where it is difficult to find joy and happiness.
Thank you for coming all the way to the Sault [Sault Ste. Marie] jammed into a Toyota Echo after your van broke down on the way out of Nova Scotia. Your commitment is truly amazing.
We wish you well on your journey and thank you again for sharing your blessed gifts and time with us. May you be blessed.
John Booker
Chaplain
Lori McQueen
Coordinator of Volunteers
Even the kids like us!
