I went to an old-fashioned gospel singing jubilee on Friday night. It was a wonderful event, filled with memories and joy. Many of the artists ministering to us were old friends and I traveled around and sang with many of them… oh, let’s say… over 20 years ago. This was during the years when I sang baritone for the Kindred Spirits. I’ll post several pictures below for you to see and “maybe” even a short audio clip taken with my phone that night.
This night had another purpose which was poignant and, I am sure, difficult for the members of the Master’s Call singing group. This was their farewell performance as a group, after many many years of singing together on the road. Their “retirement” is due to the other elements of their lives, including Mickey’s position as pastor of Oakfield Baptist Church and the overall business of their lives. All of their group serve the Lord in multiple capacities and Denise is on staff with CEF of Greater Jackson as office administrator. Now, let’s get back to a few memories 🙂
Joan Gregory sang that night and I knew her family as a long-standing powerhouse in local gospel music over the years. She sings solo now, but I remember the days of The Jones Family, Gospel Edition, and when I took part in recording sessions at Bobby Jones studio over in Bells, TN.
Jay Arrington was one of the first people to greet me at the singing and I remember when he was a little boy. His dad did a good bit of MC’ing and concert promotion back in the day. I have known his mom for years and Jay has always been quick to step up and help CEF when we organize local singings / benefits. Rusty Petty was there too. I remember when Rusty played piano for the Gospel Edition way back when. Both these men now sing, along with Jay’s wife and another fellow that I don’t know well, as Living Truth.
Eddie Long and his family group sang last night and I instantly remembered his brother Steve and those many years ago, hearing Steve share his powerful testimony and singing “He’s Got An Angel Watching Over Me.” Mike McMinn and Tony Stevens were there too… man, what memories!
Poppa Royce Barnett and his crew were there and, again, I was catipulted back to the days when we all traveled around and sang together as members of the Gibson County Gospel Music Association. They have always been good to me and never have come across as haughty or “out of reach.”
Moving on… I talked with Barry and Bart Ross and that reminded me of their dad, Bill Ross and his bright red hair and rather outgoing personality! Yes, indeed, I have enjoyed singing in Miflin, TN with those guys in years gone by.
I’ll wrap up with a little more about Master’s Call. I traveled for a little over 20 years singing with a quartet and I remember how hard it was for me to step away from the group and start moving toward a life in missions. For all of them… Mickey, Denise, Tommy, Jeremy, and Jimmy… God bless you all as you take another step in this journey with the Lord. I appreciate you and all you have done for me and for CEF.
Let me start off by telling you a little about my past… something you may or may not know about me. Then I’d like to share a prayer that I have for you that will spring from a verse of scripture recorded in the Old Testament. Ok, here we go! If you have been around…
On Saturday, June 2nd, there was a community event in the area close to our mission church. This event was called “Ghetto Fest” and it was designed to allow the minority community of Brno enjoy their culture through music and fellowship. I believe that the event was also designed to encourage Roma people and their…
A few days ago, I was blessed to help in a cooperative effort to serve the residents who live at Allenton Heights. It is a residential area managed by the Jackson Housing Authority. I was not “officially” representing CEF of Greater Jackson, but some of our committee members and friends helped in the event. Folks…
Watch and listen to this video. Lately, I have been overwhelmed with the things that God has done in my life, the places He has taken me, the people He has allowed me to meet, and the love that His Son bestowed upon me – when I did not deserve it. This is just a…
This is a bit of a different posting. It is not designed to alarm anyone. Rather, I hope it will educate you on what foreign-service missionaries often deal with. I don’t suppose there is a specific term or syndrome to designate to the problem, but it can best be described by a sudden feeling of…
Some may not know that many years ago, Dawn and I were members of the Church at Sugar Creek. This was not long after we got married and just before I took the choir director position at Chapel Hill Baptist Church. Yep, you (some of you) just discovered another new thing about me 🙂 Well,…
