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

God blessed our trip out and we are grateful.  We pulled out last Wednesday to drive to Yazoo City.  Patty’s father was through with his physical rehab and ready to get back to his house.  So, on Thursday, we got him back home and were busy lining up all the home healthcare and such before we pulled out on Friday.

It was Valentines Day, of course, and we did what we’ve done the past 27 years.  We spent it with a church family somewhere, entertaining at their banquet.  This year it was in Poplarville, MS, down close to the gulf coast at Juniper Grove Baptist Church.  We had a great time, the crowd was responsive and seemed to really enjoy themselves through the laughter and message.

We were able to lay low on Saturday and are so grateful for that.  As you know, with my voice the way it is right now, down time has become essential to my effectiveness.  On Saturday evening, the pastor who is having some physical issues as well as having to deal with a very sick mother, called and asked if I could please preach Sunday morning.  I was scheduled to lead the worship and present a program after lunch for the kids ministry as they did a Valentine luncheon.  I needed to help him, so I was a little concerned about my voice but knew God had it in control.

Everything went well and we loaded and pulled out around 1:30 this afternoon.  The next 3 days we will be laying low and getting some necessary medical tests done for the insurance company.  The good news is these tests are preventive care so we’ll knock them out at the same time and be done.

Then it will be time to get back on the road.
Blessings,
John

It was the first of November when I was diagnosed with the early stages of vocal nodules.  Thank the Lord that it was just beginning and with proper care and recuperation involving rest and rehab, everything should return to normal.  I realize that for those of you who know me…you have many observations. Thank you for remaining quiet for the time being.

In December I had a couple of bookings but for the most part remained fairly secluded and began vocal rehab and exercises. And now, we begin our ministry schedule again. It was recommended by the dr that I cut my schedule in half.  This doesn’t mean that I will have only 2 bookings a month, not at all.  I will simply have to be judicious in my scheduling, knowing how much can be done at each event and should one event go longer than a couple of days, I will take that into consideration for the rest of the month.  Time and experience will help determine everything.

And so it begins…tomorrow night in northeast MS, I will be giving a concert for area families, hosted by FBC Saltillo, MS.  It will be a fun program that will include fun music, worship, laughter, and a message of God’s love.  On Sunday morning, I will have the entire service, leading the worship and speaking.  As I said, this first weekend will tell us where we are and what effect the vocal rehab has had these past months.

Sure would appreciate your prayers.

Blessings,
John

Greetings dear friends.  It’s a split week this week as Patty left today for Yazoo City and I’m here working, rehearsing, rehabbing my voice, as well as preparing upcoming programs.

Patty’s trip was uneventful which is the way we prefer it, of course.  Her dad seems to be doing well after some recent struggles.  She will be handling some paperwork and getting with him on a few things before she heads  back home.

This time I’ve experienced with the vocal issues has been a good time at home allowing me to focus or refocus on this ministry.  There will be needed adjustments in presentations but we pray that through the rehearsal and rehabbing time that things will go well.  I believe that part of the frustration is looking for things to be fully functional and “back to normal” perhaps to quickly.  After the thought occurred to me, God reminded me of the journey of the Christian walk.  It’s a gradual, daily, moment by moment walk with the Lord, through valleys and peaks, that grow us.  That mature us into those effective servants He desires.

Today, I was able to join in the congregational singing a bit more than last Sunday so I praise Him for that.  A little sore this evening but not bad.  Tomorrow I’ll begin the process over again.  Another plus has been my horn.  I’ve just about gained my college range back on my horn.  Hadn’t seen that in a long time.

As per doctor’s orders, we are on limiting bookings right now with the whole goal to be the strongest for the summer where the schedule is full and has been set up since last year.  First engagement coming up is the weekend of February 8-9.

Thank you for the continued prayers as we take this time to grow!

John

Hi friends.  I must apologize for not doing a better job of keeping in touch.  I know there are a number of you who use this blog to keep up with this ministry and I have failed in that effort, I’m afraid.

Following my Jan 5th engagement in LA, I chose to cancel the remainder of January’s schedule simply to continue rehab on my voice and try to strengthen it.  I’ve done just that and I suppose it is improving although if I spend a fair amount of time on the phone or such, I can tell a significant difference in vocal strength.  It’s just going to be slow going but we are continuing to go by dr’s orders and pray for the ability to fulfill His call.

Patty will head home tomorrow morning, Lord willing, after being in Yazoo City since Dec. 7th.  Right now she plans on staying home a week before heading back to Yazoo City.  Her dad is “up and down” and we blame some of that on lack of attention in the healthcare facility he is currently in.  I suppose that all family members of each resident can say that at some time or another but things are different from the last time he was there.

We will be doing a lot of traveling the next several months basing some of the ministry out of Enterprise and some out of Yazoo City.  God’s got it so we trust in that fact and look for great things.  We thank you for your prayers as we continue this journey.

Blessings,
John

It’s been a bit of a battle for Patty as she has found medical personnel not willing to listen to her.  You see, it’s not that she’s qualified in the “gone to medical school way” but is highly qualified in the “I’ve been managing dad’s weight and health for over 3 years and know what it takes when the fluid begins building.  In fairness, the problem was communication.  The personnel were all taking their orders from the attending physician at the hospital.  He’s in a rehab facility and the orders were passed there when he checked out of the hospital.  Patty just requested that personnel contact Mr. Shurley’s primary care doctor in town.  That doctor has all his records and has gone through his care with Patty the past 3 years.  Well, that wasn’t done and the fluid continued building until he reached almost 20 extra pounds.  It was then that Patty was felt she was immediately removed from every Christmas Card list in the facility.  ha ha ha  Needless to say, the primary care doctor AND his nurse showed up at the facility yesterday to get everything on track.  Praise the Lord!  It’s going to be a slow process, which of course we were aware, but there is already a slight difference in his weight and a great deal of difference in his mental state of mind.  So important to the healing process.  Patty will remain there…….until………

I continue trying to focus on what God has for us and this ministry as I deal with the vocal issues.  We covet your prayers as we seek His will.  Lord willing, I will be heading to Yazoo City over the weekend and be there until my December 31st service in LA.  I will blog anything of importance should it come up but appreciate your patience in checking in knowing that I’m not blogging all that often these days!

Blessings,
John

Patty headed out this morning.  He father is in the hospital but doing so much better than when he was admitted on Tuesday.  Dehydration was the culprit this time.  She will take over the duties from her brother as he heads back to ATL for work.  The plan, right now, is for Mr. Shurley to enter a swing bed/rehab facility on Monday and be there for a week or two.  She will stay and see that he’s settled for a time then head home.

Let’s see…on the vocal front.  I’m still taking it relatively easy although I’ve been talking a little more and rehearsing a bit.  My doctor wanted to make sure I didn’t go into my two banquets next week having not talked at all.  He felt like that would be a bit too much of a shock to my cords so I’ve warmed up each day and taking it slow.  I am scheduled for an initial evaluation with a speech therapist on Monday and see where we go from here.  On Tuesday I will drive up to Anniston, AL, for a Senior Adult Luncheon then drive to Yazoo City to spend the night.  Then I will drive on out to Tyler, TX, on Wed for another Senior Adult Luncheon on Thursday.  My doctor is trying to get me through these last two events of the year before taking some time off to reevaluate.

Thanks, friends, for the continued prayers on our behalf!
John