Whew!  Yesterdays journey was an adventure to say the least.  Once we hit Interstate 10 out of Mobile, showers and thunderstorms became the norm.  Most of them were just a bit of a nuisance but it got really rough around Gulfport, MS,  when the traffic came to a halt and for the next 45 min.  or so it was a creeping, slow, existence as 3 lanes became one and we finally arrived upon a multi-car pileup.  As we got past that wreck, and it was bad, that one lane of traffic was directed to go from the extreme left lane, across to the extreme right because it was 200 yds down from that wreck where there was another multi-car pileup.  We got past that one and were once again directed to the far left lane because just another 150 yds there was yet another.

Everytime we face a travel day we always pray that the Lord will slow us down where we need to be slowed to protect us.  We asked you constantly to remember us as we travel and we thank you for every remembrance.

I’m sorry for the delay but this is the first time we’ve had internet service since we arrived.  Apparently on Saturday a really large storm moved through Baton Rouge and took out the internet service.

We began Kid’s Camp today and things went pretty well.  The kids are great and respectful but really young.  I’ve prepared for a “middle to older” group of kids like I do when I do preteen camps and with these younger ones it was a bit of a rough start.  Patty says I’m being a bit hard on myself and I guess you couldn’t tell it so much by the kids faces (they stuck with me pretty well) but I felt a bit off balance through out the service.  Pray that I can be effective and keep the kids attention not just in the music and ventriloquism but through the message as well.

Blessings!
John

Hi friends.  I pray you had a safe July 4th celebration.  I spent the majority of the day with my laptop and sermons for camp but did take some time at lunch for ribs.  There is a particular bar-b-que place in town that we enjoy and so we took advantage of it.  Hey, no clean up or heat of the grill and ALL of the benefits!

I got home to get right back to work.  It was a later night getting to sleep because of the fireworks but after a night’s rest I woke to see some of my American Flags used to decorate my yard had been stolen.  Boy, that really gets me, you know?  I would never have thought to do that while growing up…guess times have changed, haven’t they?

Today has been another like the others, you might say.  I’ve been in front of this computer since mid morning today and am just about through putting all the presentations together.  That will give me another day or so to begin final study on each message.  At first look, the July schedule is very, very busy, so we will appreciate your prayers.

Now gang, I know I say that a lot but we recognize what we have in the power of many praying for us and know that we could not be nearly as effective without them.  It will be a long road trip so we need prayers for God’s provision, safety, and vehicle reliability!

I’ll blog again on Saturday to give any updates before we pull out!

Blessings,
John

Sorry friends. I had one of our prayer warriors contact asking questions, saying they had been checking the blog with no posts.

Your prayers are important to us so thanks, Frances, for the little reminder! We arrived home last night, with little fanfare and stomachs weary of travel. Patty seems to be doing well but I’m still struggling a bit.

We immediately got busy this morning. The road trip that begins this weekend is one that will be a mont long so there is much to do to assure things are in order. I started on the yard work and spent the majority of the morning knocking that out while Patty began the household tasks and making a list for groceries. The cupboards are bare from leaving them that way 2 weeks ago when we left on the last trip.

It was good to see Patty’s dad and my mom and just get that “face to face” meeting for which there is little substitute. Both are doing well and we are so thankful and grateful for those of you lifting them up.

I’m now working on my worship services for the upcoming month where I will be leading in worship and speaking. Lots to do!

Again, thank you so much for following us on this journey!

Love you all,
John

It was a good crowd tonight for family night although the people were slow in arriving. We ended up getting started a little late but everything went really well. The kids did a great job singing the songs, JJ showed up we followed the service with a grilled hotdog supper and miles and miles of cookies and cupcakes.

We are loaded and back in the room for the night. We will pull out in the morning for Yazoo City and spend the night before heading home on Sunday.

We appreciate the prayers for my voice…it wasnt real good but strong enough to make it through. Keep us in mind as we travel.

Blessings,
John

The crowd did not pick up as we hoped but there were 32 there and the energy was still good. I’ve been real impressed with the dedication of all the workers at all the VBS venues. A wonderful group of dedicated workers that you simply can’t do without. This church is no exception with workers of all ages.

We rejoiced to see 6 professions of faith tonight. There will will followup of course but we thank the Lord for moving in the hearts and lives of the little guys!

Tomorrow is Family Night so the kids will sing then there will be lots of hotdogs, cookies, and a jump house!

Time is short here and that’s probably good. We’ve enjoyed our time but there is something in the air that along with excessive ventriloquism has caused me to just about lose my voice. I’m hanging on and look like I’ll be able to make through tomorrow night, Lord willing, with your prayers.

Blessings,
John

Easy to preach on he’ll when it’s 103-108 during the day and at 8:45 it’s still 95. Ha ha
Wow, what heat but that hasn’t dampened the spirit of the kids. We were down tonight. Not sure if WED had anything to do with it. Not sure if some kids went to their own churches tonight. I guess we will find out tomorrow night.

All the leadership is pleased with everything and the pastor plans the appeal for tomorrow night so gear your prayers that way and we would be grateful.

Blessings,
John

It was fun seeing how excited the people were when 42 children showed up for VBS last night. The only time they’ve had more was the year the main campus (Green Acres Baptist) did not do VBS due to construction, which was my first year with them, I believe.

The kids really seem to be getting into it and that’s making it fun for everyone. The core group seems to be made up of 1st and 2nd grade. There is a nice group of 3rd, 4th, and 5th, but not as large over all.

Tonight we will begin the gospel presentatio, unsure if we will have an invitation tonight or wait until tomorrow. Pray for wisdom as we do the work.

Today we will be going to lunch with the campus pastor and his wife.

Blessings,
Jon

Great start to VBS tonite with 31 kids. That’s a really good group to begin with allowing all the volunteers to “get their feet under them” and make any adjustments necessary for tomorrow night.

Today we managed to walk a bit before the heat overtook the area. It was 108 at 4 p.m. We ate lunch at one of our hosts house and had a great visit. Now, we a chillin’ in the hotel. Whew!

Patty’s dad had a bit of a heart flair-up this morning and his heart dr wants to see him tommorrow so your prayers would be appreciated. I’ll keep you informed of any further developments!

Blessings,
John

We attended the morning service today and had lunch with our host. In just a bit we will be heading up to the church to move in all our equipment for this week’s VBS. Things will kickoff tomorrow night.

I was told that much advertising and personal contact was done leading up to this event. This is a small church with a lot of potential so pray that the kids in the area show up and that we have a great group.

I will blog tomorrow night,probably around 9 p.m. or so, and give you updates and any prayer requests we may have.

Blessings,
John

Hey gang,
Thanks for the prayers. We pulled out of Forest, MS, about 9:15 a.m. and arrived at 5 p.m., here in Tyler. After a bite to eat we settled in the hotel. Tomorrow we will worship with our host then tomorrow evening we will set up our equipment for VBS.

I’ll keep you posted!

Blessings,
John