Well, the school today at 2:30 was a “trip” indeed. Man, who ordered 79 degree heat on February 29?? That along with a gym filled with 1st through 6th graders and no air conditioning (the large fans were not even functional) made for a pretty difficult situation in which to hold their attention. It went fine and the kids seemed to enjoy themselves.
Tonight we had a pretty good crowd to start our meeting. Although there was no response, there were a number of visitors and the pastor was pleased with that.
Tomorrow we’ll have another service at 7:00 and would appreciate your prayers for the music portion of the service especially. Really difficult circumstances seem to have the potential to hinder the movement of the Spirit.

Blessings,
John

The UPWARD program went well last night. It was well attended and was held in the local high school gym. The only problem I experienced was that instead of being set up at center court, I was set up with my back next to those stands and facing center court, the kids on the floor in front of me. All that would be fine, except the parents and families were all the way across in the opposite stands. Made for a challenging communication process. All in all it was good, though. The guys in charge were great to work with and did everything they could to make the night successful. Their program’s success reflected that dedication as well from what I heard.
We spent the night there then headed out this morning and drove to Earle, AR. This is my 3rd year in this church where I will be leading revival services beginning tomorrow night. I will be doing both the music and singing.
Please pray for the pianist. She has been here a very long time and seems unwilling to help me much with any “new” choruses and such. So, having left a note for me today saying she simply would not play some of the song choices, I am now revamping every service. Yes, all those I exhausted myself on this past week.
So, I am going to redo but by using my chorus selections from my track library. It will turn out for God’s Will will not be thwarted!
Tomorrow we have an elementary school program at 2:30, then after the program we will break down and drive back to the hotel for a couple of hours before going to the church for the 7 p.m service. Yes, strange meeting in that we will be going Wednesday through Sunday instead of visa versa.
Thanks, for the prayers,
John

Loading up and getting all things together to head to MS. Following our brief time there we will drive up to AR to begin revival services on Wednesday night. We also have been given the opportunity to be in the local elementary school. I have been informed that I may do my Bible skits there. That’s a great deal more freedom than I have normally. Poverty in this area is considerable and we are praying that this time with those kids will make them want to come and bring parents to the services. I will be doing both the worship leading and preaching.
We pray that all who hear the Word will be responsive.

Blessings,
John

The road preparations are continuing and although it appears as though I will be heading out this weekend not fully prepared, I know I have done everything possible on my “earthly vessel” side of things and am confident He will bless all the effort and be glorified.

Dad’s doctor appointment yesterday revealed fluid surrounding the heart, steady fibrillation (or something like that, even with a pacemaker) and a need for more oxygen throughout the day. Mom said that he woke yesterday and was really “confused” so she administered the oxygen and things got somewhat better. In the past, the oxygen has been used only during the night to help him sleep. Now we are trying to obtain another unit so as not to have to move the large unit from the bedroom for daily use. Just another sign of his decline.
Mom sounds terrible. She’s developed a head cold but is self medicating for fear of leaving him. Pray that she will feel a freedom and even an urgency to call and get someone to sit there long enough to go to the doc herself. When I’m there it will be the weekend and no good. Trying to handle things from here is nothing but frustrating.

Obviously, if you are reading this, you cared enough to check in on the latest developments and are praying for us. We are so grateful. God is still on His throne and He will receive the glory in everything.

Pressing on!
John

Hi friends,
I appreciate your support and prayers. Thank you for checking in on us. I wanted to take a minute in the midst of a large workload to give you “this week’s” blog. After you read, you’ll see why.
First, our weekend in Anniston, AL, went well. I attended the contemporary service on Sunday morning then while the traditional service was going on, I led the Kids Worship time in their building. The kids were responsive and were little sponges!
Sunday evening I was the feature at the church’s UPWARD Basketball Awards Night. Again, the crowd was responsive. We pray that the seeds planted will grow.

Working with Hillcrest in the interim time was a blessing but appears now that my decision to work through January then immediately get back into this ministry has proven very difficult. Add to it the ailing parents and I am living with the sensation of “spinning plates” like a carnival act with several of the plates slowing to a wobble about to crash. I’m thankful that God is faithful and through His strength, “all things work to good.” Dad has a cardiologist appointment tomorrow and we’ve arranged for someone to help mom get his there. He is continue a downward trend and his legs, although strong, just simply are not receiving the message from his brain to move correctly. I’m not sure what mom is hoping to get from this visit but with the echo-cardiogram and consult with the Dr., maybe she’ll move closer to the reality of the situation and receive some valuable advice on his care.
I’m working feverishly on my messages for the March revivals in which I am both preaching and leading worship. The preparation is not leaving me anytime to work on new music or skits. Right now my schedule has me working messages through the day and rehearsing my horns at night and if there is time, a little solo work.
Just pray for strength and balance in it all that He may be glorified.

Now, back to work!
John

The day began early today as we went to the contemporary worship service held at 8:15 each Sunday.
Following that service we did a little visiting before getting ready for Kids Worship at 10:45. Had a great time with the kids. After a late lunch we headed to the church to set up for the UPWARDS Award Program. Lots of folks made the night fun!
We are about to crash now. We will go and load equipment in the morning and head home. Lots to do this week!
Blessings,
John

Hi friends,
We appreciate your prayers. We’ve arrived home and are probably destined for an early bedtime because of the exhausting last few days.
Tomorrow and Friday will be designated to study and prep for the upcoming revivals. We love and appreciate your remembrance of us!
John

Thank you for your continued prayers. I’m grateful for the time I’ve had with mom and dad but it is very difficult seeing him shrinking away both physically and mentally. There are times he does pretty well and can even carry a bit of conversation but for the most part those days are gone.
He struggles with muscle function. That is as noticeable as anything and just as difficult to witness. The brain just is not communicating with his muscles in every aspect which makes dignity come into play on a regular basis. I’m grateful for this time I’ve been here but it is a must that I get home and continue my preparation for the 3 upcoming revival meetings I have in March, the first beginning on February 29th.
Mom seems to be holding up pretty well and her attitude (which has a “smidge” of denial in it) is helping her day in and day out! She wants to keep dad here at the house as long as possible knowing that he will do much better here than anywhere else.

Tomorrow we will drive home so we appreciate your prayers on all fronts!
Blessings,
John

A wonderful day began with a sound check at 8:30 and just ended. The people of First Baptist may be fewer than in past years but they are sweet, gracious and receptive. It was several years ago when the church ran over 600 in Sunday School and then International Paper closed down. This took many professional jobs as well as workers. Many, being young couples, moved on to find other work and now the church is running a fraction of that number but they are very dedicated and striving to find new ways to grow and reach the community.
The morning service included one of my friends early then I played my horn for the offertory and sung for the “special”
Tonight’s banquet was well attended and fun as the Church Lady and the Professor showed up.
Tomorrow we will go to the Senior Adult Luncheon tomorrow and speak followed by a trip to Yazoo City to check in on parents. We sure appreciate the prayers as we continue our schedule and try to attend to parents.

Blessings,
John

Last nights banquet in Poplarville, MS, was a fun event and well attended. We enjoyed our time with friends there and after completing the program and loading up we headed to our nights lodging to ready for Saturday’s travel.
We pulled out this morning and headed to Bastrop, LA, north of Monroe about 25 miles. We arrived at 4 p.m. and moved equipment into both the sanctuary (for the a.m. service tomorrow) and the family life center for the big banquet tomorrow night.
Keep in touch,
John