The event was a Baptist Associational Men’s Rally.  This years event was hosted by one of the many rural churches in the association.  Wonderful people there and I have been with a few of the churches over the years.  Well, I was familiar with the community of Zama, MS,  because of a friend I had in college from the community.  Good directions got me there but in route and on my second dirt road, I told Patty that if I heard banjo music I was turning around.  (A little Burt Reynolds humor there).

There were 3 men there when I arrived 2 hours early and as host church members they readily volunteered to help me move things in.  I set up while talking and then, as I glanced up I began chuckling just a bit.  In walks a man and his son, carrying a guitar, mandolin and yes, a banjo.  It seems they were asked to sing and play as part of the program by someone other than the program chairman.  Although unexpected, it was no problem as I made room and helped them get ready.  Everything worked out fine and it was a good night with 80 men from 10 different churches.

I used two different ventriloquism sets, played my horn and sung then challenged the men to be a man that counts for The Lord out of 2Timothy 4.  The men were very gracious and it was a joy and privilege to be part of this annual event!

Blessings

It’s been a busy and productive time in Yazoo City and now we head back to Enterprise for a few days.  We will pull out tomorrow (Monday) morning and drive home for a banquet in Dothan on Tuesday.  Unless mom gets a call from the doctor, which could happen at any time, we plan on returning to Yazoo on Thursday.  Should the call come, we will head in earlier.

We were excited to see a friend of ours begin his new pastorate at FBC Yazoo City.  We are so very thankful to the Lord for His leadership and look forward to seeing God work through Dr. Clint Ritchie.  Being here for his first Sunday was such a blessing.  God has wonderful plans!

We are thankful to hear of the 3 professions of faith and the many others being followed up from our time in Paragould this past week.  Again, not much to say but a special thanks for your support and prayers as we follow His leadership.

Blessings,
John

Praise The Lord for His strength to do His work.  This was quite a revival meeting geared for all ages. Every night while the adults were having services in the sanctuary, the students (teens) were meeting in their worship center with a special speaker and the kids in their worship area with me and my friends.

We saw several decisions for Christ and are excited to see  God work in this way. Counselors will follow up in the coming days to seek clarity and such.  The crowds were really good and the kids ministry was excited at the outreach done this week.

Our plans  are to close out  the meeting tonight and head to Yazoo City immediately after loading.  This will have us arriving in Yazoo City between 1:30-2:00 a.m.  I will be taking mom to her MRI tomorrow morning as we get one step closer to  her cancer surgery.  We thank you for your continued prayers and support as we follow His leadership.

Blessings,

John

Today was another first.  A visit with an oncologist with mom.  We went over for blood work and consultation as she faces breast cancer.  The doctor was straight forward, mentioned that it seemed her tumor on the left side was a fast growing cancer but needed to know more about the right side as well as a spot on her spine.  So, before we go further with the chemo plan, another CT scan is set for Monday as well as a biopsy on the right side.

The oncologist is notifying the surgeon and we are to expect a call with a surgery date.  Arrangements have been made for transportation on Monday as I will be in revival services in Paragould, AR, Sunday through Wednesday.  We plan on heading back here, to Yazoo City on Thursday.

God’s plan is perfect.  I find it a bit difficult to concentrate on so many different things going on but hold fast to the faith and trust I have in the Lord.  I’m thankful for the plans He has for me and look forward to how He chooses to use me.

We sure appreciate your prayers,
John

Today, March 5th, is the 2 year anniversary of dad’s home going.  I always think of so many things I was taught both by word and example.  Obviously, I was shown Jesus regularly.  I was taught to put Jesus first, above all else, in everything.  I was taught that the gifts I had been given were given with a purpose.  The purpose of glorifying Him and leading others to Him and were not to be taken lightly.  I was taught that these gifts, having been given from Him as a gift, were to be returned to Him at their very best.  That means to be prepared as well as possible so as not to present these gifts in any way, otherwise God is receiving “left overs” and that is simply unacceptable.  I learned to be aware of those around me and look for opportunities to serve.  The list continues but I think often and am thankful for the Christ-like example he was.

It’s a different day for more than just the anniversary.  Today, mom and I went to the doctor to get the report of a biopsy done a week ago.  The doctor came in the examination room, looked at us, and began the conversation this way.  “Well, it’s not good news.”  She went on to tell us what the next few months may entail and the story goes on.  Mom is doing pretty well in it all.  Mom said that at an early age she learned from her mother to face the things you couldn’t change and move forward from there.  So, we are moving forward.  I will be splitting my ministry road time between Enterprise (our home) and Yazoo City (mom’s) and will do what I can to help throughout the process.

We are grateful that nothing surprises God.  He knew this was coming.  In fact, as I began feeling more confident in my vocal rehab and settling in on the reduced travel schedule, I just had the feeling that God had something just like this coming our way.  I’m thankful for the opportunity and look forward to seeing God work in only the ways He can!

Blessings,
John

It was a special weekend in Foxworth, MS.  Actually about 7.5 or so miles from Foxworth.  This church, through the leadership of pastor Tim and an energetic children’s committee, put together their first kid’s weekend.  For lack of a better term, it was called a Kid’s Revival, but of course we all know that that particular title is not altogether accurate at its very basic level.  After all, we as the children of God, can’t be RE-vived unless we’ve been “Vived” the first time.  The weekend was set up not unlike a 1 day VBS.  Lot’s of activity including different track times and I had an opening worship time and closing.  Then today, I had the privilege to lead the morning worship service, gearing everything toward the family.

At the invitation, one sweet little girl came forward.  The pastor told me he had been talking with her over time and it was a blessing to see her come forward making her decision to follow Christ, public.  We pray that as the Word was spoken this weekend and the seed planted that God will bring it to fruition and more children may make that decision.

I am back in Yazoo City for a bit and as the Lord leads will be here until God directs otherwise.  Thank you for continuing to pray for us as we fulfill His plans.

Blessings,
John