We’re heading north! On Resurrection Sunday, we had an exciting day of services in Pensacola, Florida. The 8AM sunrise service was a wonderful celebration despite the presence of rain forcing us inside. Our meeting in Pensacola gave us an opportunity to reunite with many wonderful friends and visit Pensacola Christian College where Ronda, Jethniel, Judy, and Jerrill all graduated. The northern trek continued to Hawkinsville, Georgia where we shared on April 11 at two different churches. Now we are journeying up to South Carolina to Calvary Baptist Church and School for a Ladies banquet and Sunday services. Pray along with us that the Lord will work in a special way this coming weekend. The most exciting news of April is our new CD “Perhaps Today” is now available online. We thank the Lord for His guidance during production and pray that this uplifting collection of eleven favorites will be a true blessing and encouragement. Click below to learn more.

            Easter is a passionate and beautiful celebration of our risen Lord. But rather than simply observing this holiday as a mere tradition, let the words of 2 Corinthians 5:15 inspire us to serve our Savior. “They which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”

            During the second half of March, God has given us many occasions to humbly serve Him. On March 14, we were with Pastor Harper and his congregation in Port Salerno, Florida. They recently did a gorgeous auditorium renovation that will be a great asset for their future. Next, we had an excellent revival meeting in Eustis, Florida. There was a wonderful attendance at each service, in part because of the diligent effort to use the church van to bring young people to our Kids-4-Christ program. Another highlight of the week was having Judy’s brother with us during his spring break. William sang and also preached in the Sunday evening service before heading back to West Coast Baptist College to finish his senior year.

            March 25 we were with the dear folks at Tri County Baptist in Lady Lake, Florida and look forward to returning next year for another fantastic meeting. This past Palm Sunday we sang and ministered with the delightful people at Deer Creek Church in Davenport, Florida. Tomorrow, we are off to Pensacola for an Easter sunrise and morning service and then look forward to reuniting with some dear friends from our college days at Pensacola Christian College. This Easter take a moment to consider 2 Corinthians 5:15 and live unto Him.

 

              As many of you know, Judy and I had been patiently waiting on God to supply a newer truck. Then somewhat unexpectedly our 1995 truck finally gave out. Judy and I found ourselves stranded on the side of the road with a blown transmission. During our five and half hour delay, God sent some fellow RVers to help. Then Dad drove his truck 300 miles to help me tow our broken-down truck to the nearest diesel mechanic and haul our “house” to Jerrill’s church in Port Saint Lucie, Florida for our next meeting. God was providing, but we now were without a vehicle to tow our RV to future meetings. Then on March 9th, after a wonderful checkup for both Judy and the coming baby, God supplied our desperate need. We were able to purchase a 2000 Ford F350 crew cab (pictured) with plenty of room for the baby. What a huge answer to months of prayer! We look forward to using this blessing from God to transport our ministry for years to come.

            But the story is not over. We still had to sell our old truck. Only one major problem; most people are not looking to buy a truck that does not run. But trusting the Lord, I listed it online. Within thirty minutes, I had three calls and sold it that afternoon. Jesus said in Luke 18:27, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” With a newer truck and wonderful recent meetings, we humbly thank the Lord for his abundant goodness. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

 

            On February 20th and 21st , we did two concerts in Sebring and Wauchula, Florida. God’s power, friendly people, and wonderful compliments make us look forward to serving the Lord at both events again next year. We kicked off a wonderful meeting at Brush Arbor Baptist Church on February 27. During Sunday School, we all had an opportunity to speak. Doug and Ronda taught the men and women’s classes, while Judy and I spoke to the teens. Through daily school chapels, five revivals services, and our nightly Kids-4-Christ program, we saw God work in a mighty way which included a 7th grade boy’s decision to trust Christ as Savior. Pastor Creel and his staff are truly making a difference in the Orlando area; we look forward with great anticipation to our next time together. March 7 we had a meeting at Jerrill’s church in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. Being with Jerrill and seeing how God is using Him was very exciting and a great reminder that God has given each of us a special place to serve. Tomorrow, God has placed us at the First Baptist Church of Port Salerno, Florida.

 

            In Psalm 7:17 David said, “I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high." David's psalm is our desire. On occasion, God gives us wonderful opportunities to proclaim His word through musical programs. We are excitedly preparing for two such concerts this weekend in Florida. Pray that God will use us to encourage His people and spread the Gospel as we strive to lift up His name. Check our itinerary to see exactly where we will be in the coming weeks.

 

            Isaiah 24:14 says, “They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD.” We just finished doing exactly that in Wildwood, Florida. Over 70 people filled the building at the Three Flags RV Resort. So many folks adamantly shared their appreciation for our family-style ministry. We look forward to presenting a concert there again next year! A couple weeks ago on an open Sunday, we attended the church services held at the place we were staying. To our surprise, a friend from Pennsylvania, who was in Florida for the winter, was the music director. After the service, they ask us to sing the following Sunday. God provided another wonderful opportunity for us to lift up His name. Currently, we are diligently preparing for our many upcoming revival meetings across the east coast. As we thank the Lord for many new friends, we are reminded of you and your kindness towards our ministry.

 

            Doug and Ronda just got back from seeing Rev. Ron Merrill (Ronda’s father).  As many of you already know, he suffered from two strokes on December 22nd. He was just released from the hospital on Friday the 8th.  Doug and Ronda drove from Lakeland, FL to Greenville, SC (1200 mile round trip) to be of help for three days.  Back in Lakeland, Jethniel and Judy stayed near Joel, Javonda, and Jaron and ministered at Shepherd Road Baptist Church.  With God's guidance, Jethniel has busily been working on mixing/mastering the songs for our new CD which is, Lord willing, coming out Spring 2010!