Wendy Word is no stranger to traveling and ministering the gospel. The day after being brought home from the hospital when she was born, her parents loaded her up on the bus. Traveling, singing, and ministering have been a big part of her life ever since.
“I can remember sitting on a pew at the age of eight, hearing God’s call on my life, and singing my first song,” mentioned Wendy. “The desire to see lives changed through musical ministry was born on that day.”
At a young age Wendy began to write songs as God planted that seed in her soul. “I wrote ‘Willingly’ at 13 years old, and God has used that song tremendously ever since.”
While God was developing Wendy’s talents, He was also training up a young man, Tony Word, as well. Spending time in his local church leading worship and being in ensembles, Tony began to fall in love with musical ministry.
“I had not really been exposed to Southern Gospel Music until after I met Wendy,” mentioned Tony. “Now it’s a part of my life that I absolutely love and I wouldn’t trade singing it for anything in the world.”
After the two were married, Wendy Word + forgiven was formed. “Wendy Word + forgiven was born on March 22, 2003,” said Wendy. “We have been running for Jesus ever since.”
Mixing Wendy’s country-tinged vocals, individual songwriting talents from both members, and a heart for people, Wendy Word + forgiven has been touching lives across the nation ever since.
The group has since released two critically acclaimed projects, 2003’s 7fold and 2006’s Heartfelt. In addition, several songs released to radio on those recordings have gone on to chart well on both Southern Gospel and Christian
Country radio charts. They have been honored by the Governor of Alabama with a certificate of recognition for their work. 2007 marked an even greater event in the group’s history as they received their first Dove Award nomination in the Special Even Album of the Year category for their participation on Bluegrass Gospel Time.
More than songs that chart and awards won, though, the group’s desire is to see lives changed through this ministry that God has given them.
“We do what we do for the simple reason of seeing people’s lives changed, bondage broken, families restored, depression lifted, and knowing that we are pleasing unto God,” responded Tony. “We love to sing and minister, and it is fun to travel and be part of Gospel music. However, when we step on the stage, we are serious about being used of the Lord in the power of His anointing.”
Wendy agreed, “We always leave excited when the Lord has moved in His anointing and when people have come to the alter and have left changed.”
When asked about the future of Wendy Word + forgiven, the group’s vision is simple.
“We have a great big vision for this ministry that the Lord has entrusted to us,” responded Wendy. “We have plans to do more than just have a singing ministry. We believe God is going to open doors for other outreaches as well, and we are excited about what God is going to do through us!”
