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.
Right at the end of our overseas term with IMB, we had the opportunity to spend some time in the area close to Athens, Greece. The occasion was a big “company” meeting where many many workers gathered for a season of renewal and refocusing. This was a nice experience in some ways and a sad…
Last night at the Gathering, our younger sister, Kate, shared a powerful devotional / message. Kate is a highly motivated, educated, and direct person… and I use those descriptors with a warm heart 🙂 She is passionate about her faith. I am certain that is one of the reasons our eclectic little fellowship loves her…
On this leg of the trip, we visited the Corn Palace, a truly unique and interesting place. Then, we went to Wall Drug Store, which was a huge gift shop and touristy destination. Leaving in the sunshine… Mitchell, SD… Rapid City, SD
Lately it seems… I have been often reminded about, listened to discussions about, seen the painful results of, and written collegiate papers on the topic of change. The times, they are a changin’. Change, change, change. I can hear the old songs running through my mind. When you examine the photo chosen for the feature…
About a week ago, I was invited to an event at the old Central High School in Alamo, TN. A good ministry friend, Dr. John Freeman, had invited me to join him there as the Crockett Co. Alumni gathered for a fundraiser to support an important project… the Crockett Co. Community and Family Resource Center….
December 10th, 2022 was Dawn and my 40th Wedding Anniversary. We have been down many roads together, near and far. We have experienced life in unique and unusual ways. We have honored our marriage covenant through the good times and the less than good times 🙂 We brought two children into the world and raised…
