Last Friday night our family sang for a dear pastor who has been a great friend of ours for many years, Pastor David Ford. We were invited to sing for a special event celebrating David's 40th year in the ministry! His wife JoAnn planned a big weekend to celebrate David's minsitry and the Lord's faithfulness. They jokingly called it "Fordstock"! ha We want to thank everyone who came out to Charity Southern Baptist in Greenfield. It was a wonderful time. Afterwards, we all enjoyed a time of fellowship around a meal with the Ford's and some of their family.
Saturday we were in Wood River, IL. If there is anyone who enjoys Southern Gospel Music and knows how to have a good time, it's Jean Sandbach. We shared a lot of stories and alot of laughs with Jean as we were setting up Saturday afternoon. She promotes many concerts at First Baptist in Wood River and does a tremendous job. A great crowd turned out and you could tell during the very 1st song, that they were ready to have a good time! It is always a special treat to hear Jean play the piano but we didn't know she had a special surprise that night. Jean has known a man by the name of Lloyd Johnson for many years and invited him to come sing during the offering. While the offering was being received, Jean sat down and played a couple of songs. All of a sudden, after playing the intro of another song, a huge voice boomed from the third pew. Folks, I think it is safe to say, we have never heard a voice like we did that night! Well, one song just wasn't enough. We quickly asked him to come up on stage and sing another. As Mr. Johnson sang "The King is Coming", you could hear a pin drop and couldn't help but picture "the King coming through the gates". He invited us to sing the last chorus with him, and that church errupted at the end! Needless to say, the night ended way to quick. Jean, we love you and appreciate your love, support and all your hard work. We are looking forward to next year! We want to say a big Thank You to the ladies who provided the meal afterwards!
Sunday morning found us at a church we haven't sang for in several years, Eldred Baptist Church in Eldred, IL. I think it might have been pack-a-pew Sunday because that's exactly what they did! PTL We had a tremendous service and such a precious time of fellowship with these folks. We want to say thanks to Pastor Hardwick and his wife Karen. We have known them for many years and ask that you join us in praying for Pastor Hardwick and his medical needs. Karen was born and raised in Manchester so it is a blessing to see what the Lord has done in her life.
Sunday afternoon we headed for Decatur but picked up a few passengers on the way. Our friends, the Groves family, were able to join us for the evening. We had fifteen on the bus and did it ever bring back old times. I know, you are wondering how could there be fifteen? Well, Grandma Elsie, the Groves, the Gobels and the eight of us make fifteen.
It is always a blessing to be with Pastor Keith Jenkins and his family. They pastor Boiling Springs Church of God in Decatur, IL. We have known the Jenkins family over twenty years and they always welcome us with arms of love. What a blessing to see Grandpa Jenkins too. We were thrilled to have many friends join us. I mentioned our friend Jon Groves (and his family) came with us, well, another good friend, John Groves (and his wife & friends), were also at the concert. We had a great service and another great time of fellowship. FYI - You never get on the scales on Monday morning after you have experienced 4 potluck dinners in three days!
What a blessing to once again celebrate the Independence of our country. Please pray for all our service people and give God the GLORY for blessing the great ole USA! Have a happy and safe 4th of July!
Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support. If we are in your area this weekend, we would love to see you!
On the Journey,
The Chosen Ones
