Bill's love for singing gospel music began as a child while attending church. During high school, he was a member of a boy's quartet and sang at various school functions, assemblies and baccalaureates. While in college, Bill helped organize a "Chi Alpha" choir, composed of college youth at the Assembly of God Church in Tahlequah, OK. He later joined with three of his collegemates to form The Ambassadors. They traveled on weekends singing at church services, revivals, campmeetings and youth rallies. He currently sings the baritone harmony part, but has also sung bass on several of the earlier recordings of the group. Bill lives near Mounds, Oklahoma and is involved with several civic organizations of the community.
A health crisis just prior to a mission trip to Alaska put the group's schedule on hold temporarily, but Bill's miracle is touching more lives than ever and the group is back on the road sharing in testimony and song.
Roger Sharp has always had music in his life. He was inspired by a first grade music teacher to sing harmonies and that is something that has remained with him all of his life. He started singing in church at an early age but a significant event happened in 1969 that changed music in his life forever. He stood around the piano with two new friends on Easter Sunday 1969 and out of that encounter “The Peacemakers” began. During his college years Roger sang in two musical productions at Oral Roberts University and in 1995 was a part of the ensemble in the Integrity Hosanna Music’s production and video of “God With Us”. He has sung with many local groups throughout the years including The Ambassadors so it is with great anticipation that he once again joins Bill and Mike to continue to spread the gospel in song. “I usually sang the lead in most groups, but this is a wonderful opportunity to sing tenor and apply what Mrs. Gardner taught me so many years ago”.
In-between his ministerial duties in various capacities across the state of Oklahoma, Mike has traveled with The Ambassadors for over 18 years. He is currently serving as Pastor at Beams of Light Church in Sapulpa. Mike shares the Gospel on weekly "Live" Facebook broadcasts and enjoys bringing the scriptures to our audiences with his song introductions as Emcee for the group. Mike provides media production from his Sapulpa studio for several television ministries and local business clients. Mike is on several of the group's recordings singing primarily the lead part. He and his wife Lori live in Sapulpa which is their home ministry base.
Our History (organized in October of 1966)
The Ambassadors began while the four original members were attending college in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Although there were a few personnel changes, The Ambassadors traveled and ministered in churches, concerts, camp meetings and revivals throughout Oklahoma and the surrounding states for many years. Several former members of The Ambassadors have continued in the ministry as evangelists, pastors, youth ministers, missionaries, church musicians and recording engineers.
The Ambassadors endeavor to spread the Gospel through a Spirit-directed selection of gospel songs, commentaries and personal testimonies. The main focus of each appearance is directed toward reaching lost souls for the Kingdom of God.
Jack Bates
Bill Chilcoat
Gene Kaiser
Steve Taylor