April 7 2008

April 7, 2008

Ministry Tools
Bob Burroughs

Quote
Deception is a cruel act. It often has many players--on different stages--that will corrode the soul.” Donna Favors
Scripture
Let no one deceive you with empty words. (Ephesians 5:6)

Prayer
Gracious Father of all Mercy and Grace, Redeemer, Friend of Sinners and the Righteous, I bless You this day because of who You are—the one true God of all the people of the world. You have provided salvation to all who will call upon Your Name and through Your blessed Son, Jesus Christ, the Great Deceiver is overcome, doomed, and powerless in our lives--unless we allow him in our being. I pray for my brothers and sisters who are faithfully serving and being true to their Holy Calling to be in Your Vineyard. I pray for those who are fighting the Great Deceiver and are battling for their very souls and are in the midst of great darkness. Stand by them. Surround them with the Holy Spirit’s protection and allow them to be victorious. I bless You for Spring—new life, a freshness in the air, plants and trees coming back to life, and fresh winds of spiritual awakening ever blowing in our living. Grant Your divine mercy to catch these winds and to be caught up in a new and fresh relationship with You. I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, defeater of the Great Deceiver and victor over death and sin—for our benefit. Amen.
What Think Ye
The Fine Art of Deception

Deception enters our lives in a wide variety of sources. It comes into our lives, our ministries, family and situations as subtle as the frog in the kettle…and before we know it, we have been fooled and deceived! Deception is a tool of the Evil One, the Greatest Deceiver of all time.

The fine art of deception convinces us:
We know as much as we need to know and therefore, it is not necessary to refresh, retool, rethink, or renew.
We are about as good in our skill level as is required by the church and therefore, it would be a waste of time to do any further study or refinement of our skills.
The only important things that happen in the Kingdom…happen within the walls of my church fortress and nothing of real value happens outside the church walls.
We do not have meaningful fellowship with other musicians simply because we just don’t have the time. There’s just too much happening in our church.
We can’t be bothered being a faculty member of a summer youth or children’s camp because the church would not survive without us for even 5 days. That is also why we never take a day off or a real vacation.
No one will ever know if I visit a computer website that might be a bit shady. After all, no one will ever know and--I’m not hurting anyone.
You see, The fine art of deception is really subtle—a true art form. Before we know it, we find ourselves caught in this web--in deeper than we ever intended. Our music skills become stale. Our choirs and orchestra members sense our conducting skills are lacking a fresh inspiration. Our leadership skills lack authority and conviction. Attendance at rehearsals and worship experiences seems to be dwindling. Our spiritual walk seems to be dormant and we find ourselves not being able to hear the still small voice of God.

In a word, we find ourselves becoming mediocre. average, moderate…and we began to sense something is wrong with this picture.

Defense…is the best weapon against the fine art of deception.
Defense…alertness…listening…communication…renewal…spiritual strength…and extremely important, quality and consistent time with our spouse. This can be the salvation factor and, as Barney Fife would say, "Deception? Nip it! Nip it in the bud.”

What think ye?
Leadership
Leadership Mantras for Success
#2. The Tendency of the Masses is Toward Mediocrity

Among the ten Mantras for Successful Leadership, perhaps the most subtle is this above statement. It is more truthful today than ever before! It has been estimated that perhaps as much as 80% of the membership of any church would be sufficiently satisfied if the staff never presented a challenge to do anything beyond the status quo—never rocking the boat, never offering a new and fresh adventure/challenge in Christian growth, and never attempting a new musical or choral work that would stretch both conductor and choir. They are happy and content in their own little world of “that’s just the way we to do it.”

We can see it in our culture today. We are finding ourselves satisfied with the way things are--and wondering why things are not changing as we had hoped. We tend to go with the flow and in the process of leaning toward doing the same old same old, and all of a sudden, we are on the road to mediocrity—the boon of complacency and comfort. We are perhaps finding ourselves:
enjoying not having to dream the dream
not thinking “future” as much as we used to
willing to go along with the flow—enjoying the peace and quiet
not having to attend conferences and workshops
delaying plans that were once considered important
turning the anthem or sermon barrel over and beginning again--without new study or preparation
noticing that the people are now leaving the church and it seems to be on the road to the past rather than to the future
The dictionary defines mediocrity as the state of being moderate.

When I was teaching Freshmen Music Theory at Samford University, Birmingham, AL, I would tell my students on the first day of class:
If you are a Composition Major, you will make an A in this class…for all the rest of your courses in Music are built on music theory.
If you are a Music Major, you will make a B in this class, for every course you take from now on will have it's base built on Music Theory.
If you make a mid-term C in this class, make an appointment with me to discuss a change of majors
Harsh, you say? Not really! In case you are wondering, the grade of C is moderate, mediocre, average…and God knows, we have too much “average” in our world today!
Consider this:
Would you have eye surgery under a doctor who made Cs in graduate school?
Would you send your precious child to a doctor who made Cs in Medical school?
Would you send your wife to a physician who came away with Cs in Medical school?

Of course not! You desire only the best qualified, most talented and most knowledgeable people to care for you and your family…and certainly, not anyone with grades of C.

Why, then, should it be different in the church? Why should we allow the church to run on a half full tank of inspiration and creativity? Why should church leadership be bound by a vocal few who want the commitment to the status quo to remain solid and firm, as the world is ever-changing and moving toward the future?

As leaders, we should not let this happen. An old proverb says a rolling stone gathers no moss. Sadly, many of today’s churches are moss-ridden because they have not moved in years.

As leaders, we do not have to be satisfied with mediocrity. It is up to the leadership to keep the church ship in the right channel—toward creativity, energy, freedom, grace, love, mercy and celebration.

If we fail, mediocrity wins.
This Idea Will Work

Choir/Instrumental Mentors

Just walking into a Choir Room or Orchestra Space can be and usually is...a very intimidating place! To walk into a room where everyone knows everyone and you know no one is very difficult. There is a helpful solution!

Every choir and orchestra needs to have “ensemble mentors" --selected people who can and are willing to "shepherd" new recruits into the ensemble family. These people are assigned to new members and sit with them in rehearsal, help them know the "ropes" of how things are done in the ensemble, where to get music, pencils, and robes. Ensemble Mentors also introduce these new people around--to make sure everyone meets and greets the new people. Do this over a period of one month.

It works and makes a new member feel so much more at home. Never take for granted people just walk into the rehearsal and are comfortable! Wrong!

Inspirational Corner

Dr. Milburn Price, Retired Dean, School of Fine Arts, Samford University, Birmingham, AL
Of Tortoises and Hares
The old fable about the tortoise and the hare teaches a lesson about the value of persistent progress toward a goal--in contrast to episodic spurts of energy that are soon diverted from progress toward the goal by momentarily satisfying pursuits. The lesson of that fable is worthy of consideration by Ministers of Music serving in churches today, particularly as it has implications for the areas of music education and worship education.

Music Education. Through much of the second half of the 20th century, churches in a variety of denominations incorporated music education into their programs for children and youth in admirable ways. At an early age, children were introduced to the joys of making music. As they matured, in age-appropriate ways, they were taught the fundamentals of music, healthy singing, and were introduced to repertoire for group singing that helped reinforce those lessons. (I contend that Jesus’ parable of the talents, recorded in Matthew 25:14-30, applies as much to faithful stewardship of the musical gifts within a congregation as to the financial resources of its members.) The result of this work was the development of persons who valued choral singing, instrumental playing and eventually took their places in church choirs and orchestras as adults.

Unfortunately, that good, steady work toward the goal of assisting persons to become good stewards of their musical gifts has been undermined during the past two decades by society’s increasing penchant for instant gratification. Some church leaders and even parents of children and young people have clamored for the music ministry in many churches to “put on a show” that would feature those children and young people in programs that were intended to “make congregations feel good about themselves.” Time previously invested during the weekly meetings of music groups for the purpose of teaching music fundamentals and developing musical skills has been diverted to spending more time preparing for the next “sacred show,” designed as much for entertainment as for spiritual nurture. Many companies—both denominational and commercial—that produce materials for children and youth choirs have succumbed to financial pressures to cater to populist tastes--instead of providing materials of musical substance.

In such an environment, the Minister of Music faces the challenge of being a persuasive advocate for the “old way”—the investment of the time necessary for solid, healthful music education to take place. It is not glamorous work, but it is gratifying work which results in young people developing musical skills and understandings that will bring “delayed gratification” for a lifetime. And--it takes time and persistent effort (hence, the reference to the fable of the tortoise and the hare)! A Minister of Music who faithfully labors—and ministers—over a period of years in the same setting, and who is persistent in his/her commitment to developing the musical interests and talents of children and young people, often experiences great fulfillment and gratification in seeing those children and young people grow into productive adults--who appreciate the value of a music ministry that provides substantive musical and spiritual experiences.

Worship Education. Certainly, enough has been written in recent years about the “dumbing down” of worship in many congregations that it is not necessary to recapitulate the dilemma here. It should be sufficient to say that, in too many settings, style has been substituted for substance, and appeal to surface emotions has taken the place of that deep engagement of both mind (thinking), heart (feeling), and will (committing) that is suggested in some of the core biblical passages concerning worship (for example, see John 4:1-24, I Corinthians 14:15, among others).

At such a time, it is important for worship leaders to lead congregations through a period of worship renewal, not by adopting the latest fad related to the style of worship, but by pursuing the study of biblical teachings concerning the content of worship. As in music education, it is not a pursuit that can be accomplished in a single session, or even in a weekend retreat. Worship education can—and should—be incorporated into the curriculum of music ministry from children through adults--over an extended period of time. It requires persistence at the task, and its rewards are, potentially, not only lessened controversy over worship styles, but increased meaning to those times the congregation gathers as the people of God to worship God, in the fullness of the Trinity.

So let’s hear it for all the tortoises--and may their number increase!
*****
If you would like to send an email to Milburn Price, his email address is: smprice@samford.edu
Marriage & Family
How to Create a Happy Marriage
Contributed by Sheri & Bob Stirof

One of the great myths of life is this: marriage will make you happy. That is not true. Your happiness--both as an individual and as a married partner--must come from within you:

Here are strategies to help create a happier you--and a happy marriage:

Like yourself. If you don’t like you, who will?
Be yourself. Don’t fake it!
Be nice to one another…a key to the relationship.
Show mutual respect—in public and in private.
Be supportive of each other.
Agree to have fair fights. Yes, this is possible.
Each evening, share with one another three happy things that you noticed during the day.
Talk about write down how you want to be remembered by each other, by your kids and friends.
Do a random act of kindness not only for a stranger each day, but also for one another. Don't talk about these acts of kindness with one another. They are for your own personal self-esteem and growth.
Fill your own emotional needs first.
Compliment and affirm your spouse often—in public and in private, especially in front of the kids.

Word of Caution: We are not saying that you can create a happy marriage when there is infidelity, physical or vocal abuse, lying, and more. A dysfunctional marriage can make you unhappy. If you are in an unhappy marriage, seek help and get professional counseling so you can make an informed and rational decision as to whether or not your marriage is worth saving.

Worship Quote
An authentic life is the most personal form of worship. Everyday life has become my prayer. [Sarah Ban breathnach]

No Ministry for Older Men?
Contributed by Joe Glass

Dude! I turn 50 this month! I don’t actually talk like that--but it just makes me sound younger. Hey! I still run two-to-three miles regularly. I can bench press my weight. I still have a few sweet moves on the basketball court, and sometimes. I secretly listen to Nickelback. OK! So I go to a Chiropractor for chronic back pain, my favorite cereal is All-Bran, I can’t read my own writing without my bifocals, my new favorite singer is Sinatra, and I just joined the AARP. You got a problem with that?!

Apparently, some do, especially if you happen to be an aging worship leader. I’ve got a friend--my age--who was asked to leave her church basically because she was too old for contemporary music--or so said her pastor. To that, I offer that old Greek term, Baloney!! And this young lady is the finest pianist I’ve ever worked with--and can play any style-any time.

If this has happened to you--or any other kind of separation--for that matter, may I say first of all that God knows your hurt, and He is there to bind up your broken heart. I’ve been through a separation before, and the feelings of betrayal and rejection run deep. God be with you in your time of need!

Then, take heart. The Lord is not through with you! No Way!! Take time to heal, grow close to the Lord, grow in wisdom and in spirit, and get back into ministry when you’re ready. It may be something totally different from what you ever expected, but I firmly believe God will place you where He wants you in the next phase of your life and ministry.

So--all you old codgers like me, listen up! Take heed, all you young
whippersnappers, because you’ll get there. It’s never too late, and you’re never too old to be used by God or to learn something new for His glory. Here are some random ideas for you:
If contemporary is really not your thing, don’t try to make it so. Plug into a traditional, blended or Southern Gospel church! Use your gifts there.
If you’re a Baby Boomer, rock-and-roll (I mean Contemporary Christian Music) is in you. You grew up with it. Learn more about it, how to lead a band and praise team, and how to lead contemporary worship. Just because you’re gray like me doesn’t mean you can’t rock and lead worship with the best of them.
Use your wisdom. Life experiences have given you perspective, and the younger leadership of the church needs your voice (whether they know it or not). Don’t check out because of small-minded people.
If you’re retired, don’t retire from ministering! My mentor, Bob Burroughs--who is in his 70’s--is more on the cutting edge of music ministry than anyone I know. My best friend and role model (who also happens to be my dad, Joe Glass Sr.) still sings solos and leads effectively in worship, and he turns 80 this year! Jack Coldiron, now in his 80’s, still teaches private voice at Baylor University School of Music and sounds like someone half his age. And you know many others who have not shelved their talents and skills, but continue to be used by God--well into their senior years. Ralph Carmichael is 81 and directs a Big Band. Sir David Willcocks is in his late 80s and is as busy as ever. George Beverly Shea is 97 and still singing. Follow their examples! The church needs you!
Keep learning and growing in the Lord! There is always something new in God’s Kingdom, as well as in music and worship.
I leave you with one of my favorite Proverbs—16:31: Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.

And while I’m at it: Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. Psalm 71:18.

And one more: Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31.

Humor
Kitchen Signs of the Modern Life

1. Kitchen closed--this chick has flown the coop!
2. Martha Stewart doesn’t live here!!
3. I’m creative; you can’t expect me to be neat too!
4. So this isn’t Home Sweet Home. Adjust!
5. Ring Bell for Maid Service. If no answer, do it yourself!
6. I clean house every other day. Today is the other day!
7. If you write in the dust, please don’t date it!
8. I would cook dinner but I can’t find the can opener!
9. My house was clean last week. Too bad you missed it!
10. A clean kitchen is the sign of a wasted life.
Anthem
CATHEDRAL ACCENTS, Responses for Worship, Fred Bock, Frederick Swann, and Mark Thallander, H.T. FitzSimons #F2342, distributed by Hal Leonard.

There just doesn't seem to be enough really exciting, innovative and challenging choral responses to worship,’ or calls to worship these days! If you are always looking for this kind of material, your prayers have been answered! This is a very exciting, challenging and powerful collection. The pieces in the collection range from the very quiet and meditative to those that are considered “barn burners!”

If you know the late Fred Bock’s marvelous anthem, LET YOUR JOY BE KNOWN, this is an abbreviated version, taking the best parts and ending with a bang! Contrast this with Fred’s setting of LEAD ME, LORD or Frederick Swann’s GOD OF ALL LOVELY SOUNDS and you have a wide gamut of sound and mood. Mark Thallander’s setting of COME, CHRISTIANS, JOIN TO SING is dynamic, powerful, and sets the mood for this hymn—or makes a super choral ending to same!

MME highly recommends this collection. It is so usable and once learned, these short pieces can be brought back again and again! Don’t miss seeing a copy of this one! Or…go ahead and order it for your choir. Has MME ever led you wrong?

Performance Forum

Introducing: Scot R. Cameron: concert artist, worship leader, music evangelist, vocal coach, choral clinician

Read what people have to say about Scot R. Cameron:

Scot R. Cameron was the 'Evangelist' of dreams...his tenor firm on the lowest notes, soaring sweetly on high, and dramatically coloring his voice by turns sober, anxious, conspiratorial, irate, horrified and...tender. (Dallas Morning News)

Mr. Cameron captured the emotional radiance and buoyant energy with astounding expertise. (Washington Post)

Cameron's tone is brilliant and expressive, his range impressive. (Fort Worth Star Telegram)

Please visit www.cameronministries.com for more information about Scot's ministry, schedule and how to book.

MME highly recommends Scot R. Cameron! He can fill any vocal task!

New Product

ONE LORD • ONE FAITH, Randy Vader and Jay Rouse, PraiseGathering Music, Non-Seasonal Contemporary Musical, SATB (Divisi), quite a number of additional products including a DVD which provides many options, including the narration, if needed!

I have just finished listening to this new work by the Vader/Rouse team and after I worshiped hearing the CD and reading the score, I wanted to hurry to the computer and write the review--while it is still very fresh on my mind--and it is on my mind--believe me!

If I were in the local church--no matter what kind of worship style we used, I would prepare and perform this non-seasonal musical--as soon as I could muster the forces necessary. I would secure a very fine orchestra and an excellent rhythm section. This will carry the musical. Of course, as always, the traxs are available, if you can't secure the instruments. It is a powerful, exciting and very meaningful worship experience for all involved--including the congregation!

Rouse has taken some very popular and singable contemporary pieces, such as How Great Is Our God, Glory and Honor, and Because We Believe, added two very fine popular hymns with very creative arrangements, O Worship the King, and How Great Thou Art--added the "Rouse Magic" and has provided both singers and congregation a feast for the soul!

The instrumental arrangement of Lift High The Lord Our Banner is perhaps the best chart in the collection! It is stirring, emotional--even without words--and worthy to give the instrumental players a great solo spot!

This work doesn't have to be done all at one time. It could be broken up, pieces sung throughout a certain period, and then, the climax would be singing the entire work at one time!

Congratulations to Jay and Randy for this fine collection! It is worthy of our praise!

Book Review

LEADERSHIP LABYRINTH, Negotiating the Paradoxes of Ministry, Judson Edwards, Smyth&Helwys, $15

Judson Edwards is pastor of Woodland Baptist Church, San Antonio, TX, and for those who do not know this tidbit, he is the brother of Mark Edwards and Randy Edwards. Edwards has pastored only two churches in his 35 years of ministry--a grand statement for any staff member!

His book is now on my list of my top three books on leadership. It is an outstanding read, and will help any staff member cope with church situations in clear, easy-to-read language. A Labryinth is, in a word, a maze--a complicated irregular network of passages in which it is difficult to find one's way. This, indeed, identifies leadership! The more help we can find that will help us to become better, stronger and more effective leaders should be a high priority for us. Each chapter of this book has a "Mantra" that will help the reader more fully understand the subject matter.

Here are some to entice you to read this book:

The Leadership Paradox: The harder you try to control a group, the less control you will have.

The Preaching Paradox: The longer you preach, the less you will have to say.

The Power Paradox: The wealthy people in the church tend to wield the most power.

The Ministry Paradox: The more you try to help people, the more helpless people become.

This book is an easy-read--but a read that will capture you heart, mind and soul. It should be REQUIRED reading in seminary for every pastor and staff member. The pastor of every church should take the staff on a spiritual retreat and process this book. The church staff would change--and the church family would change in their attitude toward staff members because of what happened in the process.

MME highly recommends this book. Don't miss the opportunity to learn how to be a better, more sensitive leader!

Exclusive Offer for MME Readers - you can receive a 20% discount by ordering from the publisher! Go to http://www.helwys.com/books/leadership_labyrinth.html This is a $3.00 discount!

Conferences/Workshops

The Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM)

The Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM) sponsors three Worship and Music Conferences each summer which seek to model a high standard of worship through the promotion of worthy church music, the arts, and through the sharpening and refining of the tools of worship. These conferences provide opportunities for intensive work in many areas of musicianship and stimulate the imagination through exposure to new possibilities for worship. The conferences provide continuing development of the skills and understanding of the entire worshiping community, including pastors, musicians, choir members, worship committee members, children--everyone committed to the worship of the church!

The conference dates are listed above in the logo. Double click on it and be taken directly to the PAM website--which has all information about who, what, where, when, cost, housing and more!

MME has attended the Montreat Conference once and it is absolutely first-class in every way. These conferences are a great way to sharpen your skills. Don't miss the opportunity to be better than you are! Your people will notice the difference!

   BAPTIST CHURCH
   MUSIC CONFERENCE
   June 15-17, 2008
   First Baptist Church
   New Orleans, LA
Rebuilding the Wall: Reclaiming Music as Ministry--a very timely theme for this day and age! President Dr. Tom Bolton and the BCMC Executive Committee are offering an outstanding conference that should interest all segments of church music leaders. The Conference will have three undergirding themes:
the need to keep the total music ministry in perspective
providing not only meaningful worship services, but also rededicating ourselves to discipleship and education of lay musicians and
using our music for evangelism and missions to reach an increasingly secular world.
Using music to do the work of the church: worship, discipleship, and evangelism—results in another goal of the local church: fellowship.
Dr. Benjamin Harlan will be in the Composer Spotlight on Tuesday morning and in the afternoon, the conference change venues and move to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary for a six-piano performance and a New Orleans style banquet--with background music provided by a jazz trio from the Court of Two Sisters—one of four meals included in the conference fee! We return to First Baptist Church for our evening performance, which features an inspiring worship concert by the 55-member Sacred Winds, including a work that was commissioned especially for this event.
Once again, to remind you, President Bolton is asking individuals, churches and educational institutions to donate $175 to provide a full scholarship to this conference for part-time or volunteer church musician from the ravaged Gulf Coast--a very noble idea! Checks may be sent to:
Buford E. Cox
Baptist College of Florida
5400 College Drive
Graceville, FL 32440
MME has provided one scholarship. I hope many of our MME readers will do the same and help in this venture!
Go to www.sbcmc.org to find all the details of the conference, including the conference hotel, rates, special events, and the complete program. MME highly recommends this conference.
July 22-25, 2008
Baylor University
Waco, TX

The Baylor University Center for Christian Music Studies, Jubilate, Choristers Guild, The Kyle Lake Center for Effective Preaching, and The Baptist General Convention of Texas will present the Annual Music/Worship Conference, ALLELUIA! Many Voices, One Song!
This four-day conference will cover almost every area of church music ministry--and will offer opportunities for each conference participant to refresh skills in voice, keyboard, conducting and much more.

There are sessions for Preachers (taught by Dr. Joel Gregory,_ sessions for Creative Worship (taught by Dr. Randall Bradley,) sessions for Bi-Vocational church musicians (taught by Dr. Chevaller,) plus a long list of additional conferences that will make these four days stellar days in your ministry experience!
Full information, conference cost, hotels and class schedules/personalities can be seen on the conference website: www.baylor.edu/christian_music.
MME highly recommends this conference.
Bits 'n Pieces

MME wishes to express deep appreciation to Mars Hill College and Dr. Dan Lunsford, President, for sponsoring the April issue of MME. I know from experience: this is a very fine school. My wife and I met the first week at MHC. It was here that I became a musician--under the careful and personal care of my music theory teacher, J. Elwood Roberts. He saw something in me that no one else could see and stood by me during the hard times. We both graduated from MHC when it was a two-year school, and some of our happiest memories surround this school. I encourage any who might have an almost college-age student to seriously consider MHC. It would be well worth the investment. Go to www.mhc.edu and check out the website. Thank you, Dr. Lunsford. You are a good friend, Sir!
Remember: if double clicked. all pictures or graphics in MME will take you directly to the website. This is a new feature for MME and another step in helping our readers.
Final Thought
Esther and I have just finished The Walk To Emmaus experience. It was my pleasure to go March 6-9 and she went March 13-16. This event was perhaps one of the top spiritual experiences of our lives. Neither of us will ever be the same again. Someone asked me recently, "Have you returned to normal after the experience?" I replied: "No, and I hope I will never return to normal!" That is the way I feel. The Holy Spirit invaded both our weekends and lives were changes, hearts made clean and confessions that are good for the soul were made. We highly recommend this Walk to MME readers. It is well worth the time. You can go to http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/whatis and find out the details. It only happens in the Fall and Spring. Check it out and make your reservation. You will not be sorry!
One final word, please. Friday, April 11, I will undergo Macular Degeneration surgery in my left eye. I recently had cataract surgery in this same eye, but it is now necessary to repair this problem. I will have to be face down 50 minutes of every hour--for one week--and sleep with my face down! Needless to say, this will be most difficult. I am not excited about this prospect. I would appreciate your prayer support as I go through this procedure. I'll give you a report in the May 5th MME.
May the peace of Christ be in your soul, spirit and life--obvious to those around you--a showcase witness for the God of all things.
Blessings.

Bob Burroughs
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