Having grown up in church, then serving on a church staff, and now traveling from church to church in vocational evangelism, I sometimes come upon a reminder of the things I so often take for granted.

For example, the things you witness on the mission field…all things “churchy” that you’ve known for so long yet those you are ministering to or even with, don’t have that same level of understanding.  It’s those times, those gentle reminders where you thank God for what He’s done for you and for the opportunity to share.

It is rare that an experience like that will happen on the home front.  But such an event did occur at the recent revival services in Hampton, AR.  The young man had been a subject of prayer for some time.  His wife had given her life to Christ a short time back and he was faithful to attend with her.  On Tuesday night he came forward during the invitation, stood before the preacher, and just stared at him.  After a moment, the preacher asked; “Well, what is God doing in your life tonight?”  The young man responded; “I’m not sure but I can’t leave here tonight the same as I did the last two nights.”  So, it began.  He counseled him and led him to the Lord.  The next day the young man came by the office and talked with the pastor.  He told the pastor that on Monday night he had wanted to come forward so badly but didn’t know what to do.  He was just hoping, so badly, that someone would go forward before him so “he would know what to do”.  Amazing, isn’t it?  The things we take for granted.

We had a wonderful meeting together with God moving in many lives.  We drove to Yazoo City today.  Patty will take her father to his chemo treatment tomorrow and Saturday and we’ll judge then, when we will return home.  We appreciate your prayers.

Blessings,
John

Hi Friends,

Thank you for checking in with us.  It has been a brief and busy time at home as Patty has concentrated on house/home stuff and I have spent my time on the ministry.  Tomorrow, that will all come to a screeching halt as we gear up for the road.

Tomorrow afternoon, at 4  p.m., I will be performing at a banquet at Hillcrest, my home church.  The children’s ministry in conjunction with the senior adult ministry is presenting what is being called, “The Legacy of Love”.  It’s a grandparent/grandchild banquet but one doesn’t have to have a grandparent in town to attend, likewise one doesn’t have to have a grandchild in town to attend.  We will focus on what each age group has to give and contribute.  Here’s where it gets a bit different for us.  Unlike other banquets we do, I will be the first thing on the program.  You see, we will begin revival services in AR tomorrow night.  When the pastor called to book me for the revival, the banquet was already on the schedule and we have never cancelled one event in order to make another possible and we weren’t about to start now.  I told the pastor that I could be with him and his church if I could begin with them on Sunday night.  That was good with him.  The children’s minister here at Hillcrest graciously offered for me to go on to the revival meeting and not do the banquet to which I refused.  So, she very kindly scheduled me first so we could load up immediately following our presentation and hit the road, going as far as we can tomorrow night, then driving on in to Hampton, AR, on Sunday, arriving early afternoon and setting up equipment for the 5 p.m. service.  Sure would appreciate your prayers for safe travel and presentation effectiveness.

The parents are doing pretty well.  Mom has begun teaching the 26 piano pupils and is getting stronger each day now that those nasty medications are working their way out.  Patty’s dad is doing very well.  We praise the Lord for that and count our blessings.  It seems that he feels bad for about 10 days to 2 weeks following the once a month chemo treatment then gradually feels better until the next application.  That next treatment will fall next Friday so we will be driving to Yazoo City from AR following services there.  Patty will then be able to take him to the back to back treatment.  Once a month but two day application.  We will monitor him before driving back home.

These are busy times.  We ask for your prayers in every area.  Specifically, the revival services at FBC Hampton, AR, and Dr. Rex Horne as he brings God’s Word and me as I lead in worship.  Then for travel safety!

Blessings,
John

A wonderful morning of ministry with my Louisiana family at Trinity Baptist Church this morning.  I had the privilege of presenting this ministry in a concert format and it was such a blessing.  It’s been a really good time off with friends in Mathews, LA.  Did some fishing and although there wasn’t an excessive amount of  fish caught, the fellowship and time off the road was really nice.

Now it’s back to work.  We will head home tomorrow and get back to it as we prepare for the upcoming month of ministry.  Mom and Patty’s dad are both doing  better and we are so very thankful and appreciate your prayers.

Thank you for every remembrance of us!

Blessings,
John