The Rev. Douglas V. Noel, pastor of New Covenant Christian Fellowship Church in Crystal Springs, is known for his singing as well as his preaching. That combination of abilities has earned him recognition as one of the 2014 Sangin’ Preachers of the Year.”

Noel will receive the honor at the 36th Annual Mississippi Gospel Music Awards July 27 at 5 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel

Noel is the lead singer for the Pastor Douglas Noel & Friendz group, which also has been nominated to receive the “Group of the Year” Award.

The honors and awards are a milestone for the “Friendz” after so many years together, Noel said. The band has traveled nationwide and have been on tour extensively throughout Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama with other gospel groups.

“We have had our up and downs, our trials and tribulations, but at the same time it has only made us stronger as a group,” he said.

The experiences the band have shared along the way have taught Noel about leadership and overcoming obstacles. He said they learned the importance of not being limited by challenges, but challenging their limits.

The experiences of his band were also shared by other bands on the road, he noted. The advice that other legendary gospel groups, such as the Williams Brothers, shared with them were, in Noel’s words, “priceless.”

“I learned the important thing wasn’t about music, but about the gospel message they are delivering,” he explained.

Performing for live audiences also has allowed Noel and his group to connect with listeners through sharing similar hard times. He said some of his most memorable moments on the road were meeting people and hearing how the group’s music gave them hope and understanding in difficult times.

“It is such a blessing to see your music affect people in a positive way. To know that God helps me through music and it in turn helps others reminds me of the importance of being anchored in Christ,” he said.

Music has also changed his own life, Noel said. An example comes from his newest song, “Fix Me.” It came from a time when he had begun to contemplate taking his own life. It was a time when he felt beaten down and unloved by people he thought were going to be there for him.

“The song ‘Fix Me’ was prayer at first, then it became a song and after that my life was changed,” shared Noel.

Besides being honored at the Gospel Music Awards, Noel’s band will also perform at the program..

Fore more information on the gospel group and how to support the band, contact the manager, Gloria Thompson at 601-927-1513. Tickets to the awards presentation are still available.