Southern Gospel Times Editor, David East is home recovering after an extended hospital stay, during which Mr. East underwent two surgeries and an MRI which revealed several ruptured discs and a displaced spine. During his time in the hospital, Mr. East was also successfully treated for a severe infection resulting from diabetes-related complications that required intravenous IV antibiotics.

Mr. East is well known among Southern Gospel circles not only for the popular Southern Gospel Times website but also for his singing and instrumental abilities. Currently singing and playing keyboards with the Original Gospel Sounds, Mr. East’s solo performance at the 2009 Branson Gospel Music Convention was very well accepted. The Original Gospel Sounds have suspended performances while Mr. East recuperates. Churches, fans, friends and loved ones have been praying and continue to pray for his recovery.

According to Mr. East’s wife, Bobbie, “I’ve seen God move when the doctors couldn’t, and there is no doubt in my mind this will strengthen our faith in Him. This trial will become a blessing, this tragedy will become a triumph, and God will make this a marvelous testimony. Sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone for your prayers, thoughts and anything else you may have done on our family’s behalf. Please continue to remember David in your prayers as he recovers.”

In Mr. East’s absence, the Southern Gospel Times news content and monthly articles have not been updated; However, the 100% Fan-Voted Southern Gospel Music Chart has not been affected because it tabulates the voting results and posts them automatically each week. A representative explained, “Because of his illness, David has not been able to approve any new content for the site. We are looking into different options to get the news and articles updated and hope to have something in place by the end of July to get everything caught up. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this difficult time.”

You can send a personal get-well wish for David East to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .The Southern Gospel Times can be found at: http://www.southerngospeltimes.com.

For more information, please contact the Southern Gospel Times via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or via phone at: 615-752-2243.