Noted gospel singer and author Janet Paschal’s travels have taken her to 11 different countries in Europe and hundreds of cities across the U.S. and Canada, and this month she’ll be making a stop in Covington County.

Paschal, a Dove Award-nominated artist, will perform in a special concert and also sign copies of her books at Harmony Baptist Church in Andalusia on Sat., Jan. 23. Her visit is a part of “Comfort Care Hospice celebrates Caregivers in Our Community.”

“We are very humbled that a star like Janet is coming to Covington County,” said Vickie Wacaster, consultant with Comfort Care Hospice. “But this event is about the wonderful people in Covington County who are caregivers in our community. We want to celebrate them, and we couldn’t think of a better way than to bring in someone like Janet who has uplifting music and a powerful personal testimony.”

The book signing will be at 9 a.m., and Paschal’s concert at 7 p.m. Tickets for either event are $10, or patrons can get a $15 combo ticket for both events. All proceeds will go to Meredith’s Miracles and the local Susan G. Komen team “Sole Sisters.”

Paschal is a native of Reidsville, N.C., and has had a singing career spanning more than three decades. Her radio single, “Hide Me, Sweet Rock of Ages,” was the No. 1 hit for the month of August 2009 on The Singing News magazine’s “Top 80 Radio Airplay Chart.” She has also authored several books, including her November 2008 title, Treasures of the Snow, which chronicles her battle with breast cancer.

“Hospice does so much good for so many people,” Paschal said. “I was delighted to join with an event like this that has such a good message behind it.”

Paschal’s first major hit was the 1997 album, The Good Road, which led to several appearances on Bill Gaither’s Homecoming concerts. In 2005, she was diagnosed with breast cancer; but by July 2007, the cancer was in remission.

“I’m going to be sharing my personal experience with sickness, and I hope some people can relate to that,” she said. “We’re just trying to make it a meaningful night for everyone in the room. It’s going to be a typical concert with singing, but I also hope we’ll have fun and laugh a lot.”

Wacaster said Paschal has a “powerful testimony” and hopes those who attend the event enjoy it. She especially thanked the local band, “Southland,” which will open the concert program at 6 p.m.

“They’re giving of their time and talent to do something nice for the community,” she said. “I’m humbled by their generosity.”

Paschal said she loves visiting Alabama and hopes Covington County enjoys the celebration later this month.

“People in Alabama, in general, are very kind and gracious,” she said. “Plus, they’re also great cooks. It’s always a treat to go to any part of Alabama, especially the small towns where there’s such a sense of community. I believe this is an event where God will show up; and when he does, everything changes. You don’t want to miss it.”