Andy Pursley, Tenor
Andy Pursley was born in Springfield, Missouri and raised a short distance away in Willard. He and his family currently reside in Owensboro, Ky. Andy works as a paramedic when time allows.
He was saved at the age of ten in the pastor's office at Community Baptist Church in Willard, MO, and first sang in church at age 13. It has been in his blood ever since. He gained local and state recognition in both vocal and instrumental presentations throughout middle and high school, yet he knew God had "Something Better In Mind". After high school, he signed with a music show in Osage Beach, MO, owned by Elvis's second cousin; Terry Presley where he performed for two years while attending college as well. After many years of going where he wanted and doing what he thought he wanted, he finally gave in to God's Will and surrendered his life to music ministry.
Firm Foundation became a part of his life in late 2005. In 2007, Andy joined the Mystery Men Quartet out of Nashville from May through December. Though he learned about the business of full-time quartet travel and improved his skills as a vocalist, he knew that Firm Foundation is where he needed to be. "I'm happy to be back with the guys again," he says, "it's going to be a great year, I can feel it!".
He would like to thank FFQ, his daughters Jesse and Shasta, a grandson Zach, and his wife (of almost 15 years!) Lavona for their continued support and encouragement. "Without God and my family (in that order), this would be impossible." He would also like to thank the loyal Firm Foundation Fans who have remained with us through the good times and bad.
Favorite verse: "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible: but with God all things are possible" Matt 19:26
Steve Bridgmon, Lead
Steve, born and raised in Owensboro, Ky, is no stranger to the southern gospel platform. Performing in major events across the nation, Steve has been a voice in ministry for the past 20 years. From 1991-93, he worked in Washington D.C. for Wabanna Camp and Conference Center bringing the gospel to inner-city children.
In 1994, Steve was selected by the Southern Baptist Convention Student Works Department to do missionary work in Paonia, Colorado. In Fall 1994, he returned to his hometown of Owensboro, Ky to take a position with Red Hill Baptist Church as their youth and music director. For the past 15 years, Steve has been seen on stage in such productions as You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Secret Garden, and over 60 other major stage productions. Being the director of one of the highest ranked middle school theatre programs in the nation for the past 8 years has prepared Steve for leading Firm Foundation to the next level. Singing lead for the past 6 years, Steve has never missed a concert with the group. Other than leading young people to Christ, his proudest moment with the group has been finding out their song was on the Dove Award ballot in 2007 for Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year.
When he is not singing or teaching, he enjoys traveling, playing ball with his nephew, and visiting new places. Steve is currently single and living in Owensboro, Ky.
Marc Ray, Baritone
Born in Wichita, Marc was raised in Augusta, KS. He is very excited about getting the chance to sing with Southern Gospel's BEST progressive group on the road today. At the age of 2, he started playing the piano. This increased his interest in southern gospel music and at 8 years old, Marc came to Christ when he asked his father in the dining room about God. At that moment, he told Marc all about Jesus dying on the Cross for all of man and how to accept Jesus as his savior.
God called him into the ministry, but he was still unsure of where he would lead. His dream was to someday sing in a southern gospel quartet. About 6 years ago, while still in school, Marc became good friends with Steve. He prayed that one day he would be able to sing with Firm Foundation. 6 years later, God would bring that dream to fruition and put him in the baritone position, making Marc's dreams come true. This was proof that waiting on God really does pay off. After 6 years of getting to know Steve, they finally met in person for the first time in January 2008. Steve, Anthony, and Andy are all great guys to work with.
Marc has a beautiful wife, Jessica, of three wonderful years. His awesome son is 19 months old. Marc says, "Jessica has been my strength through all of this. She has stood strong with me in these decisions we've made to be a part of Firm Foundation." They both credit prayer and commitment as the two things that's led them to where they are heading today....to Kentucky, thanking the Lord everyday that He has shown their family the way.
Marc wants to thank Jessi and his family for believing in him. Also, thanks to Steve for giving him the great opportunity to sing with FFQ. Most of all, he thanks the Lord for allowing him to minister to the children of the world and spreading His Word.