The Voices of Peace Southern Gospel Music Ministry of Potter, Wisconsin began in 1997 with Tom and June Balliew and Bud and Carolyn McAtee. Together, the two couples launched the first outdoor Voices of Peace Gospel Fest held at Hilbert Civic Park in Hilbert, Wisconsin.
This gospel fest continues to be held annually on the THIRD Friday and Saturday of August.
The 2-day celebration of song and music has expanded through the years and has inspired thousands for the past decade. It is known as the BEST Gospel Fest in Wisconsin!
Since Tom’s passing in 2011, Bud and Carolyn have carried the torch of this music ministry.
In 2012, the Voices of Peace saw a long-awaited dream become a reality; Bud and Carolyn took a mission trip to visit the indigenous people of Alaska where they presented the message of Jesus Christ to them through their music and testimony. This opened many doors of opportunity to further expand the ministry in the Far North.
It is Bud & Carolyn’s hope that our mission outreach to the people of Alaska and our other areas of ministry will continue to grow.
Bud & Carolyn McAtee
Bud is originally from Michigan. He is a dedicated bluegrass gospel flat picker, lead singer and he also helps out with background vocals.
Carolyn, a Wisconsinite, sings lead vocal and also fills in with harmony. They have written 15 original songs and recorded nine CDs.
Their music can be heard on numerous radio stations throughout the Midwest, Alaska, Canada and around the world via the internet.
Bud and Carolyn have also appeared on several TV stations throughout Wisconsin. Their music is soothing, comforting, and makes for easy listening. Their goal is to not only provide Christian entertainment, but to minister to those who are searching for a closer walk with God.
Bud’s Verse:
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit, fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
John 15:16
Carolyn’s Verse:
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2: 8-9
Ruth Franz
Ruth is a life-long resident of rural Manitowoc in Wisconsin where she lives on the century-old Franz Family farm.
She has played piano in church for over 6o years.
Ruth’s prayers and childhood dreams were answered when she was asked to accompany Bud and Carolyn on the keyboard. She loves traveling with them and serving the Lord.
Ruth also serves as the volunteer secretary for the Voices of Peace. Her musical talents are truly a gift from God!
Ruth’s Verse:
Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him And He shall bring it to pass.
Psalm 37:4-5
Mike Brown
Mike Brown sings bass and joins us from Chilton, Wisconsin where he lives with his wife and kids.
Mike works for Aurora Health Care as a Security Supervisor and enjoys the customer service aspect of his position where he makes a lot of contact with great people.
The Lord has truly blessed Mike and he is very excited to share God’s love through song.
Mike’s Verse:
Hallelujah! Yes, praise the Lord! Praise Him in His Temple and in the heavens He made with mighty power. Praise Him for His mighty works. Praise His unequaled greatness. Praise Him with the trumpet and with lute and harp. Praise Him with the drums and dancing. Praise Him with stringed instruments and horns. Praise Him with the cymbals, yes, loud clanging cymbals. Let everything alive give praises to the Lord! You praise Him! Hallelujah!
Psalm 150
Don & Elaine Olson
Don and Elaine Olson, who join the Voices of Peace from time to time, are from Crivitz, WI.
Don is a retired woodsman and plays rhythm guitar. He hosts a Gospel Jam the 3rd Friday of the month at the Town of Stephenson’s town hall. Don is a worship leader at their local church.
His wife, Elaine, is the Town Clerk as well as an EMT.
When traveling with the Voices of Peace, Elaine assists with the product table, sound setup, church services and other behind the scenes duties.
Don’s Verse:
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
Elaine’s Verse:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Mark & Christy Hartmann
Mark and Christy, the newest members of the group, live in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.
Christy mixes on the soundboard and also helps with the group’s website design and maintenance.
Mark lends a hand with equipment set-up and take-down and other behind the scenes duties.
Mark works for Goodin Co as an HVAC sales rep where he enjoys working with contractors out in the field. Christy is a stay-at-home mom to 3 wonderful kitty cats. They are excited to share their God-given talents!
Mark’s Verse:
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Christy’s Verse
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Voices of Peace 