The day began with the senior adult group, Keenagers. I brought a program to them that entertained but hopefully challenged them to continue to “run the race” set before them.
It was another interesting night. I managed to overcome the sound problems even though they were extremely evident. I’m tired, gang. I’m battling both on the spiritual level and the worldly level and it’s wearing.
Nevertheless, it was a good service although no response. I will spend tomorrow here at the place I’m staying and work on the upcoming weekend I have in Forest, MS.
I ask that you continue to lift up EVERY aspect of this meeting, from lives being changed to electronics.
Blessings,
John

A little bumpy start to the day. When I go into a church, I have two basic options I use with sound. One is to set my full system up and use it throughout the week. Other times, if the sound is pretty good, I will use my board and patch into the existing system then control my mix. Choosing to use the second of the two sets I moved the necessary equipment into the sanctuary Saturday night, got everything hooked up, then got the sound check. All good. Sunday began with instrumental rehearsal at 8:30. Again, things worked as expected. The service started at 10:30 so it’s all good. I rehearsed a horn piece and a vocal piece. At 10:27, the sound guy comes out of the booth to tell me he has had to make some changes because the gain was high on the guest preacher’s mike. Yes…the guest preacher’s mike. Not the channel I’m using but another. Bottom line, I managed to get through the service my adjusting on the fly having basically no sound when I first began. Everything worked out and the sound guy lived.
Folks, it’s tough to sing to Jesus when you want to kill the sound guy. I got up to the church at 4:15 this afternoon to redo the sound and get ready for the kids event at 5 which went really well, and the service at 6, also went well.
Thank you for the continued prayers.
Blessings,
John

It’s been quite a visit with friends in Mathews, LA. I think I’ve helped a bit but I lean more toward the thought that maybe my bud, knowing my heart and appreciation for all his work at my house, is just humoring me and could, in fact, do things twice as fast without my help. Kind of like when I get someone to “help” me break down equipment when they’ve never done it.
Nevertheless, it’s all good and a lot of work has been done. The plan now is to complete the tub/shower hook up, some tile work and crown molding. We’ll do what we can and I’ll be be pulling out for Poplarville, MS, around 2:30 to get there and set up my equipment for the revival services.
thanks for the continued prayers.
John

It was a busy day here in Mathews, LA. We got the floor pretty much in and partially grouted. Tomorrow morning we will begin the installation of the tub and shower over the part we grouted today. After that’s done we’ll finish the rest of the floor and grout.
Thanks,
John

Arrived in Mathews around 7:15. No problems. I had some pretty nasty storms for about 1 1/2 hrs then things were pretty clear the rest of the way.
I will be helping my friend continue work on his master bath for a couple of days before heading up to Poplarville, MS, on Saturday.
Blessings,
John

Hi friends,
Well, after a short night, we headed to Panama City around 9:30 a.m. to get Patty on a plane so she could get out to San Antonio to help my sister-in-law. My brother sure was glad to see her as he lacks that “nursing gene” like me. I just want to “fix” the issue. Make it better instantaneously and of course it doesn’t work that way.
She made it by 5 p.m. so it’s all good. Thanks for the prayers.
I drove on back here after lunch with her at the airport, arriving back around 2:30. Because of the impending storms, I cut my yard, packed and loaded for my trip to LA and Poplarville, MS, so now all I have to do is “throw myself” in the truck in the morning and I’ll be on my way.
I would appreciate your prayers as I travel in what looks to be some pretty rough storms early in my trip but I should run out of them by early afternoon.
Blessings,
John

Hey gang,
Thanks. We made it home safely. I’m working on wrapping up office work and Patty is packing for her flight to San Antonio. As you recall, my sister-in-law had surgery today, is doing well, and Patty is going out to help for about 10 days. I will drive her to the airport tomorrow, come home, then head to Mathews, LA.
I told you I was going to have the opportunity to “repay” my friend for all the help with my flooring. He is doing some house makeover stuff and I thought this would be a great opportunity for me. Well, being a bi-vocational pastor and seeing my abilities with tools, he has decided that the best way I can help him is if I do his Wednesday night service. What can I say? I might not be able to work with my hands but I can talk without my lips moving!
As that great theologian, Clint Eastwood, once said… “A man has to know his limitations.”
On Saturday, I will drive up from Mathews to Poplarville, MS, for revival services that begin Sunday.
Thanks for the prayers,
John

We had a pretty good attendance today although we were still short on students. That made things continue to be difficult since I prepared for students. We saw little movement but planted a lot of seed.
Nevertheless, the adults were gracious and it’s like family since this makes my 9th consecutive year visiting Gates Baptist.
We will head home tomorrow morning, leaving around 8 a.m. and, Lord willing, that will put us home around 4:30 tomorrow afternoon. We appreciate your prayers through this event and thank you for praying for our travel.
Blessings,
John

It was a down night tonight. No response, small crowd and the choruses I chose, although current, were unfamiliar to those in attendance. Very disappointed.
We will continue to press forward tomorrow morning and evening and prayerfully, hopefully, finish strong.
My voice is holding up well so we appreciate your prayers on our behalf.
Blessings,
John

It was a good night although there were not many students in attendance. Only about 6 actual “teens”, a number of kids, and the rest adults. Imagine how I felt as I watched the church fill with adults knowing the music and style of message I had prepared. But the people were gracious and sang and participated so it was a good night. We had one respond during the invitation and we look forward to what God will be doing tomorrow night.
Thank you for the prayers,
john