The day began early in Hattiesburg, MS, as we got to the church a bit early to make sure everything was in line for the Sunday School program. Following that we broke everything down and loaded in time to stay for the luncheon provided for all missionaries. It was a long day but we’re home again and will, almost immediately, begin preparation for the lengthy road trip we have before us.
We will head to Tuscaloosa on Saturday, then to Mobile, AL, Gates, TN, Earle, AR, and Meridian, MS. Pray for strength, (Patty has taken on a sinus infection) and focus as we prepare.

Made it! After the thaw this morning, we headed to Hattiesburg and had no problems. Definitely a lot of ice on the side of the bridges but no problems. We arrived as planned, around 3, moved in, set up, then headed to our host home for an hour or so before heading back up to the church for the evenings activities. It was a wild night. Hmmmmm, we were alone with the kids. Do you know what small kids do when the only 2 adults in the room are busy? It wasn’t teribble just a bit difficult. We made it through and so did ALL the kids even though it was touch and go for them at times.
We will load up from our host home tomorrow morning before heading to the church then meet with the children’s Sunday School at 9:45. Following that we will be breaking down and loading equipment then we’ll have lunch with the other missionaries before heading home.
Pray for strength (we are tired from this past weeks activities) and for safety as we drive.
Blessings,
John

Hey and thanks for checking in but the Hattiesburg event went on without us today. We woke to a lot of snow, of course, as did most of the south and right before we were scheduled to leave Yazoo City and head to Hattiesburg I called Miss. Dept. of Transportation to inquire about road closings and sure enough, the lady told me that she had been told that parts of Hwy 49 (the exact route I was to take) had been closed due to the ice.
So, reluctantly, I called the pastor and he said if I could come tomorrow and be there for tomorrow night’s service and Sunday morning, then it’s all good. So, tomorrow we head out (around noon) and arrive in Hattiesburg to set up around 3 p.m.
We would appreciate your prayers that all will go well and that God will see His Word proclaimed in a pleasing way!

John

It was a fun night. Crowd not overly responsive and when that happens it makes things a little harder but all in all everything went well.
In case you are not aware, Patty’s dad had to have back surgery today so she was with him instead of the banquet, of course. He did really well and will spend the night at the hospital in Jackson before Patty and her mom return with him tomorrow. Your prayers are appreciated.
On the ministry side of things, we are scheduled to begin in Hattiesburg Friday evening. If you’ve followed the weather at all, you know they are expecting up to 6 inches of snow there from Thursday night through Friday. We are in Yazoo and will be waiting to hear from them at least up until noon on Friday then we’ll have to head down there to get there and set up at 3 p.m.
Blessings,
John

We headed to Yazoo today (Tuesday) so Patty could help her parents. Her dad, James Shurley, is having back surgery tomorrow afternoon. Prayers would be appreciated there.
I will be driving over to Clinton, MS, tomorrow afternoon to set up for a church wide Valentine banquet at Parkway Baptist Church. I plan on driving back to Yazoo City, spending Thursday night, then leaving Friday for Hattiesburg and the Missions Conference at First Presbyterian Church.
Thanks for the prayers,
John

Great morning service. Crowd was down. Many sick or “nursing” the sick at home, others through indifference but those present had a wonderful worship experience together.
We will be spending the evening here with our friends then heading home in the morning to prepare for our next trip.
Thanks for the prayers,
John

It was a really fun night. The pastor’s desire, when he booked me, was to have a light hearted fun night of entertainment and laughter for his church and everything worked out well. Lots of food and fun.
Tomorrow I’ll lead in worship in the morning service.
Blessings,
John

We arrived in good form through all the rain. We went down to the church to go ahead and move things in for the banquet tomorrow night.
We are spending the night with our friends up here and are looking forward to the weekend.

Thanks for checking in. There are many things going on this week. I have been busy preparing for upcoming programs and revival meetings as I put together some new sermons as well as rehearse music.

This is an exciting time in our church as well. Beginning tonight we have a prospective pastor coming in. Tonight is a meet and greet reception at the church followed by a question/answer time in the sanctuary.
Tomorrow Patty and I will get a chance to meet and talk personally in a private meeting in the morning.
We’ll leave town that afternoon but the deacons will meet with him Friday evening and he’ll preach both morning services with a vote following each. We are excited about the leadership of the Lord and from the reports of each committee member, they know beyond a doubt this is God’s man.
We are doing a “super weekend” in Attalla, AL, with a banquet Saturday night and Sunday a.m. service.

Thanks for the prayers,
John

Whew, what a day we had. As I blogged earlier, Patty was recovering as I headed to Hazlehurst, MS, to set up for the Sunday service. I met the pastor Saturday evening and followed him out to the church to move in the necessary equipment. As I moved things in I couldn’t help but notice the little “attendance board” on the wall that gives enrollment, attendance, and the like. Sunday school enrollment was 28.
Well, Sunday morning came and their 5th Sunday attendance was really good as we had over 50 in that little church. Following the service we had “dinner on the ground”. I mean, what else? You gotta have that. Following the meal, I broke down equipment, loaded it, and headed back the 1 hr. 45 min. drive to Yazoo City to pick up Patty. We headed home around 3 p.m. and got in about 9:30. Good to be home but a little “punchy” from the past 10 days work and travel.
Thanks for the prayers. By the way, Patty is doing well.