Left to right- Phil, Clareann, Clare, Lisa, Tina    Amy, Paula, Sarah, Kim, Katie

THE BERCHTOLD FAMILY



DAUGHTERS OF SONG


SINGING SISTERS & MOM

       WELCOME! We are Phil, Clareann and 8 daughters, 6 of whom live on a little farm in our 17 room “Double Blessing” home in Virginia.   Our singing family is first of all a fellowship of believers in Jesus Christ who worship Him in our House Church of 46 years. We’re called the Philadelphia Home Church since we see ourselves as Jesus describes them with, “a little power,and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” (Rev 3:8) You’ll see the Name of Jesus all over this site.



   OUR STORY:  At age 23 Clareann had given birth to 5 girls, then in 1980 with 7 girls ages 2-15, the father walked out.  Divorce was not an option until God revealed Matt 19:9- “except for immorality” and 1 Cor 7:15- walkaways.  Two weeks later a handsome bachelor felt God sent him “to pick up where one man left off.” A miracle!  Now after being married 44 years this Valentine’s Day we still feel like honeymooners!     All glory to Jesus!  Phil adopted all 7 Sisters, and daughter #8 was adopted from Virginia Foster Care in 2007. Born 1½ lbs. with 17 medical conditions, we took Clare from the NICU at 6 months.  Jesus heals, and at 19 she’s perfectly healthy and the joy of our lives.  Five of the sisters live at home and these amazing women of God all work remotely in medical. The second youngest Sarah runs a charitable organization in Romania and Tina, the oldest and only married sister, lives in a lovely home in PA.  None of the 8 sisters have children.

 

    OUR MUSIC:  Many of our original 2,000 songs are on CDs and are heard around the world.  We credit our Bible verses put to song for helping us to stay strong on the Narrow Road.  Our family was called by God to be “Temple Singers…under the direction of their father." as were the families of Asaph and Heman. They also "lived in the chambers" together as we do, (1 Chron 9:23) and it’s been a joy to sing for the King.  In Acts 21 Philip dwelt with his "four virgin daughters who were prophetesses”, and the Phillip here has 2 more who dwell with us!   Although our Church Family is counter to American culture, the decades of living together for Jesus proves obeying God’s will yields peace and prosperity. We credit our family’s blessings to the mercy and freedom of Jesus for, ”Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. “ (2 Cor 3:17)

   

   OUR PURPOSE: It’s not easy living in the same house as your congregation where you cannot hide from your failures. But if one commits to God’s Word of love and honesty then unity will thrive. “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth” (1 Jn 3:18), We believe the Bible is 100% accurate and eagerly await Jesus’ return. (Ro 14:11)  We also believe our purpose is to share the Gospel, and that the practice of one’s faith is the greatest witness, “I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, that the world may know that Thou didst send Me, and didst love them, even as Thou didst love Me..” (Jn 17:23) May you come to know the love and salvation of Jesus, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16)  

         



 

            



All Original Music: Clareann & Lisa  Engineer: Phil  Keyboards: Lisa Guitar: Clareann     

     “SING TO THE LORD A NEW SONG”  

Click for Youtube: The Berchtold Family Sings                          In Brasov Romanian Church   Easter ‘24

 Having my family visit Brasov Calvary Chapel on Romanian Easter, May 5th, was a tremendous blessing! My mother shared her testimony of how God healed her physically and emotionally after a tragic slip that broke her leg. She was joined by my 5 sisters (there are 8 sisters total) who sang in beautiful harmonies Biblical scriptures songs composed by my mother, Clareann.  I hope it is a blessing for you!  Sarah  

JESUS SAVES!   SALVATION PRAYER


  "If you abide in My word then you are truly disciples of Mine, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31,32  Our desire to post this site is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  May these Scripture and personal songs, composed since I was Born-again in 1973, lead you to salvation and help sustain you on the Narrow Road until Jesus returns.  The Bible says if we Repent of sin (Luke 13:3) and Ask Jesus to be Lord and Savior, we will be washed in His Blood and Saved!  

   “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” Romans 10:9 Confess sin when you fall, read and obey God's Word and Jesus will remain in your heart by His Holy Spirit forever!

Lead Vocals: Clareann & Lisa   Backup Vocals: Lisa, Sarah, Kim, Paula, Amy, Katie  

A Few Thoughts On My Songs…     

God’s word memorized in song will strengthen  and equip you with “the sword of the Spirit” to defeat the enemy. Life will never be easy, but Jesus promises victory for those who repent and obey His Word. Below are a few of the hundreds we’ve recorded.

The song that most boosted my faith is, “Thy Will Be Done” because it releases me to no longer expect things to go my way. The latest, like “Whirring Wings” is awesome, and “Wistfully” helps because it’s King Hezekiah’s humble prayer, and mine too. My husband says they’re all his favorites and plays them daily, saying they lift him to God’s Throne.  May you find the same blessings. Clareann  

 

Jesus Got A Hold Of My Heart  Great testimony written and sung by Lisa

 

  Matt.26:39 “Behold The Lamb”   “From birth to death in a place of shame You laid. Why?”

“Wistfully” King Hezekiah’s prayer-“I am oppressed. Be my security.” Clareann Isaiah 38:14

“This Is My Body” Our Communion Song Clareann, Lisa- Clare on drums.    Luke 22

 “Reconciliation” “For the love of Christ controls us” Lisa,  Sarah, Clareann 2 Cor 5:14-21

“Man in the Corner”  Clare introduces her hero. Paul and Silas imprisoned.  Clareann Acts 16:24  

   “Where Jesus Is”  2000  Lisa, Sarah  

“Sound His Praise Abroad”  Awesome! Clareann  Ps 66:8  

“Voice of the Unborn” 1998   Lisa, Sarah, Clareann

“Cornerstone”  I love Lisa’s keyboard here. It’s like I’m floating down a river. Clareann Matt 12:10


       

We had so many opportunities to share the love of Jesus… Right: Singing for the manager at Marriott Praia del Rey, Lisa with a street singer in Obidos. Left: Amy, Katie, Lisa and Sarah walking the beautiful coast at the Marriott Praia del Ray, Portugal                            

 Psalm 96:1


 “The doors on the street are shut…and all the Daughters Of Song will sing softly.” Ecc 12:4

Click to enlarge photos                           

THANK YOU FOR VISITING!        COME AGAIN!



WHAT’S NEW?  Scroll Down  *Looking Back: 53 Years of Ministry  *Song: “FOR THE LORD IS GOOD”

*SEE US IN IRELAND

PORTUGAL MISSION OUTREACH MAY 2025

 Berchtold Philadelphia Home Church  Since 1980

Jesus: “Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world to test those who dwell upon the earth.” Rev 3:10

  “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!… For there the Lord commanded the blessing-- life forever.” Ps 133 Below: Singing in Brasov, RO Church… Birth of our beloved Nigerian Dwarf Goats

 

 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." Romans  1:17 .In Lisbon bringing the Gospel to Bogota from Africa.   Lisa, always entertaining us.

OUR 16TH MISSION TRIP TO ROMANIA

HOW DO YOU GET 5 GREAT GRAND CHILDREN WHEN YOU HAVE NO GRAND CHILDREN?


We’ve been to Romania 16 times and met Geanina through Dani who came to our home in 2002. .


 Both were former Ceaucescu orphans in life- threatening health issues.    After helping Dani to get well, in 2014 she asked us to fund an operation for her friend Geanina.


Praise God, after 20 years both are healed, with husbands, 3 beautiful children and in lovely homes!  Geanina always called us Mama and Papa, never knowing parents or siblings,        and we call her our 9th daughter.

Geanina now has 5 beautiful grand children, so someone said, “Doesn’t that make you great grandparents?”

Yes! “With God all things are possible!”  


 Geanina: In Romania with her son and 6 new siblings one year after her life saving operation in 2014, Geanina with Mama & Dani.and in 2025 looking beautiful and healthy!  For many years Geanina’s been a care worker for Special Needs children and adults near the Ukrainian border. Family with Sarah.


 



  Contact us at: philb7@earthlink.net  We’d love to hear from you!

  Decades after its finale, the series remains incredibly popular, drawing billions of viewers around the world. Even when overseas we’d turn on the TV and there it was!  Here are a few photos with Laura (Melissa Gilbert), ,Albert (Matthew Labyorteaux) and Ma with Ma (Karen Grassel),. Sadly, Michael Landon had  passed away in 1991..


HEROES OF THE FAITH

 

All of these great servants of Jesus have kept to the Word of God, brought honor to His name  and passed on to their rewards.  We can’t wait to meet them!  ( L-R)


*Derek Prince: 1915-2003      England

*Lester Sumrall: 1913-1996  

     USA   

*Smith Wigglesworth: 1859-1947     England

*G C Bevington: c1850-1940

     USA

 *Corrie ten Boom: 1892-1983      Netherlands

*Howard Pittman:1928-2019       USA

*Paula Gassner: c1900-1983     Germany

*David Davies: In prison for his       Faith in the 40s    Wales

*Lydia Prince: 1900-1983      Denmark

  

                           

 Our New Hero of Faith, Lester Sumrall.


 We’ve had such joy to see these saints as we walk our hallway. While we could fill the hall with other Heroes of the Faith, God has inspired us with these who’ve had stellar reputations to the finish, and of them blessing us for many years. Now we are so excited to hear of Lester and learn from his testimonies and  teachings.                    

  FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, PREACHERS  & EVENTS

Recently Marie (below) visited us from  MA. She’s been a super loyal friend since 1962.  When I was left alone 45 years ago, she fixed me up with her friend, Phil!  We married  44 years ago.    Oh, what a Happy Day!      Above: Some favorite neighbors and friends!

  What a blessing for our daughters to have Little House on the Prairie as a wonderful Christian family role model growing up. To meet the cast at their 10th reunion was a highlight of  living in California.



Pamela Ward from Florida shares her 4 miracles that makes Jesus so real Lisa said, “I want to watch this not once again, but once a week!” This is probably our favorite, for if 8 DOCTORS witnessed her healing, who would deny Jesus is alive and SAVES?? And the money miracle is amazing.                     GOOGLE BELOW:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cudLkZ8QNmQ&t=1627s  Delafe Testimonies… Every minute will captivate you!





  CLICK HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cudLkZ8QNmQ&t=1627s            

“BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, AND EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM." Rev 1:7



 A FEW  FAVORITES!  NEW WORSHIP SONG!   “For The Lord Is Good” Ps. 135:3 & 136    “Where Would I Be?” Composed at age 25 with 5 girls, no father and no money!


Listen to “Whirring Wings” Is.iah 8    REVIEW  from David Morton, Director of Ministry Advancement for Favor International in Africa      “REALLY AWESOME SINGING…you did a great job capturing the aura of the Cushite people…Very beautiful.”    

IRELAND MISSION OUTREACH  MAY 2026

Phil returns to Ireland with his Irish Citizenship

Mom’s  Birthday Dinner


 Singing “God is Love” with the Irish band. We never had so many opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus than this trip to Ireland.

What joy to share the love of Jesus with our new friends!  

Noreen (age 80) from Kenmare and Kasha from Poland…Birthday flowers from Sarah

 


Singing Parknasilla Hotel above and Clare in their villas. “Spillane’s Bar”- Phil’s Irish grandmother’s name.  Mom sings on her 79th birthday


THE HOMESTEAD

 ROMANIAN MISSION OUTREACH  SINCE 2002


 WITH  LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE CAST



 “BY FAITH, NOAH Being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness.”  Heb 11:7    "For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah.” Matt 24:37   "I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book."  Rev 22:6            Come, Lord Jesus!   Above:  Tina lovingly cared for our Homestead while we were in IR.

 

   Jesus said,  "Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it.” Matt 7:13



FIRST REUNION 1998

     SONORA CA


 LOOKING BACK ON 53 YEARS OF MINISTRY  



 God granted us countless ways over the years to share Jesus in prisons, nursing homes, restaurants, churches hospitals, schools, television and so much more. Here are a few from around the World.


Where it all began: Singing in MA Church 1976                Prison Ministry in MA 1984, then in CA and VA


MEDIA

 WBZTV Boston Interview with Arnold Zenker 1973

KOVRTV California Interview 1998  

Pennsylvania TV Interview ‘05 Diaper Drive at PA Church ‘06


Singing in Romanian Hospital, Jerusalem Streets, Russian Church in Crozier,VA,  and  Restaurant in VA Beach