It was a super night! People began gathering to eat around 5:30 and we had a wonderful meal of baked chicken, sweet potato casserole, green beans and rolls. Then, dessert consisted of chocolate cake, red velvet, and peanut butter cake. Whew……
Anyway, There were 3 women who spent a day and 1/2 to decorate both the choir room and fellowship hall with Christmas lights and greenery.
We had 82 in rehearsal. A great beginning and lots of fun. Looking forward to what’s ahead!
Thanks for the prayers,
John

A busy day today in the office. Of course, it began early this morning taking my truck into the shop then the church. Got a lot done, preparing for the Christmas in August. We kickoff the Christmas program music tomorrow night with a big dinner @ 5:30 and rehearsal @ 6:30. Gonna be a fun night so there has been lots of preparation.

Anyway, got the truck fixed and tomorrow I will pick it up then head to the Dr’s office to check out a knee that’s been ragging on me for sometime now then back to the church and off we go!
Thanks for the prayers!
John

Arrived home about 7:45. Good to be back. Got a few “issues” with the truck…I guess it’s as tired as I am, ha! I’ll be taking it into the shop first thing in the morning so the guys can have some quality time with it.
Thanks for the prayers. The day went well and the church was responsive. Now, I will continue the ministry at the church first thing in the morning…….well, the second thing in the morning!

Lots to do…lots to do!
John

It’s been weird, gang. Not Marietta, but the journey itself. You know we always ask for prayers regarding all aspects including travel safety and vehicle reliability. Sure glad you honor those requests.
We headed out yesterday around 10 a.m. We got about an hour up the road and my cruise control wouldn’t work. Now, this isn’t “tragedy” but when you travel the long miles that we do, it is a luxury and makes things a bit easier. Nevertheless, we continue humming right along. We stopped in Opelika for food and fuel. While filling up I noticed my brake lights were on. Not “parking lights” or “running lights” but brake lights. As if someone were sitting in the front seat with their foot on the brake pedal. No matter what I did, they would not go off. A bit aggravating to other motorists I would imagine but other than that, not a problem. Except, what to do when we park for the night. The battery is sure to be dead in the morning.
Well, after talking with a friend who gave a couple of suggestions, we managed to find a way to “tweak” the connection under the steering column where the lights would at least go off for the night.

We arrived around 4 p.m. at Crossview Baptist Church, Marietta, to move in and set up the necessary equipment for our day today. I will be getting a sound check around 9 the will have all the kids in S.S. at 9:30. Then the church service will begin at 10:30 with praise and worship by their musicians, then I will take the service around 10:45 and go through to the invitation.
Following a lunch with kids and their parents, (this is Kids Day at the church) we will load up and head home. Please pray that nothing else will occur to keep us from getting home.

Blessings,
John

It was a short night last night as I got up early to get into the office at church to get work done and make sure all bases were covered. Tomorrow we head out to Marietta, GA, for a “Family Day” at Crossview Baptist Church. We will set up tomorrow evening then on Sunday we will have the kids during Sunday School and the a.m. service for the church.
We’ll have lunch with everyone at the church before breaking down equipment and heading home.

We’ve had a few question whether the storm up the east coast will affect us and it doesn’t appear to be a factor. Your prayers on behalf of our safety, though, while traveling would be appreciated. After all, we will be traveling in ATL. ha ha

Blessings,
John

We arrived home around 6 p.m. Boy, it is good to be home. We pulled out of Perryville, AR, this morning at 7:15 so it was a rather long day.
The plan now is to get to bed relatively early then head into the office in the morning to work on “church” stuff. Of course, I’ll get home tomorrow afternoon and load up for our ministry opportunity in Marietta, GA. We’ll pull out Saturday morning.

Thanks for the prayers. A little rest and a little extra strength would be appreciated!

Blessings,
John

Well, we will be wrapping things up tonight and will head home tomorrow. Last night we saw a 19 year old girl come a saving knowledge of Christ and several others on their knees before the Lord during the invitation.
God moved and we are grateful to be used by the Lord at this time. Finishing up tonight, we will pull out in the morning around 7:30 a.m. for the 11 hr. drive home.
We appreciate your prayers for safety, strength, and vehicle reliability. In the meantime, pray for Jim Bynum, pastor, and the folks of Harmony Baptist Church as they do the work.

Blessings,
John

Hi friends. Thanks for checking in. Last nights service was a sweet spirited service and well attended. There was no movement in the invitation but the people were receptive and kind.
We pray for a real movement tonight as I speak on true surrender and discipleship. We appreciate your continued prayers. I’m getting a bit tired so praying for His strength would be appreciated.

Blessings,
John

We are at the pastor’s house for dinner tonight before the service. He related to me a number of “victories” in the services yesterday. “Things that won’t show up in the Cooperative Program reports”, he said but real victories. We are grateful. We look for good things tonight.
I would appreciate your prayers. Handling the ministry at Hillcrest from “long distance” was a balancing act today and I’m thankful for a really good worship assistant and our executive pastor that helped a great deal.
Just enough of a distraction to make things a little difficult but it’s all worked out and I am ready and looking forward to what God has in store.
More later………..

We arrived yesterday at 4 p.m. at the church, meeting Pastor Jim, to set up the equipment. Following set up we were taken to the cabin we are staying in then went to grab a bite at a local diner.
The services today went wonderfully. A nice crowd came today for Homecoming and dinner on the ground. The folks are warm and receptive and very kind. It is a worshiping group too that love to sing. They use the Heavenly Highways hymnbook as well as one of the Baptist hymnbooks and because of the heavenly highways book, I asked that they do the congregational music “in house” and so their song leader is leading and I’m enjoying participating in worship.
There was a nice amount of movement during the invitations both this morning and tonight. I appreciate the continued prayers as we do the work.
Blessings!
John