In February I shared about my pleasure to be a part of the Louisville Salute to Blue Apple on Broadway. Paul Lenzi and Geraldine Ann Snyder founded blue Apple Players in 1976. Today Blue Apple Players is a nationally acclaimed nonprofit theater company. The unique gift of Blue Apple Players is their talent in presenting educational musicals, which last year reached over 65,000 youth, educators and families throughout a 10 state area. This included over 8,627 teachers and more than 594 different schools.
This year I sang from the musical, “The Greatest Hero”, which was the lead song in their production dealing with the issue of sexual child abuse. Joining me on the stage providing dance chorography to this tune was a truly inspiring group of girls who are best known as “The Miracle Dancers”. These gifted and talented girls provided inspiration through their performance as witnessed by all in attendance, celebrating 32 years of using drama to change young lives. Their flawless performance brought the house to a standing ovation. “The Miracle Dancers” are the creative work of Diana Moore and her Dance Academy. These girls are using their talents despite visual disabilities and the wheelchairs they must use to perform their dance maneuvers. It was something most unique to witness, much less to be a participant with these dancers.
Each year the Blue Apple Players invites special guests to join in the celebration of the arts and Blue Apple’s mission to educate children, and this year’s invitation added highlights that will long be remembered. Additional special guests in this year’s performance included Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo, who was the Papa Bear in a favorite story time classic. Congressman Jon Yarmuth 3rd District in KY was a soloist in “Pork and Beans”, which brought a lot of laughter to the auditorium. Miss America 2000, Heather French Henry, played the lead role, as Little Red Riding Hood from the Blue Apple Players Musical, “Don’t talk to Strangers”. “I’ve Always Gotten A’s” was performed by Katherine Mapother and Petar Mandic. Katherine created Blue Apple Players’ Education Department. Petar is a native of Serbia and has been in the United States since 1997, performing in numerous productions from “Kiss Me Kate” to “Crazy For You”. He is pursuing an acting career and will no doubt be successful. Other musical numbers included “I’m a Big Frog”, “I Am the Sunshine”, “You’re My Friend”, and “Can’t Find My Keys” as performed by Lamont Gillispie and 100 Proof Blues.
The Bible gives a parable about talents, saying that some were given one talent, another two, and another five. The master’s instructions were to take what you have and use your talents to multiply them for a return inspection by the master.
Not sure how many talents you have received, but I am certain that you have been given at least one from the Master. My only question would be, “What have you done with the gift you’ve been given?” The Master will return for an inspection. What will you present for your time spent and talent received? For the Blue Apple Player’s, it is plain to see how they are investing theirs. Why not join the team and make a difference with what God has given you….you’re up next on stage.
Until then
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Shannon Bunch - XM Radio
“Surprise, surprise, surprise” was what one could hear character, Gomer Pyle say on The Andy Griffith Show. It would normally be a surprise event happening to the Mayberry gang that couldn’t help but bring a smile to your face.
Back in my growing up days, listening to the radio, (which by the way had to be an AM Station) was the way one would stay informed and up-to-date on all the local happenings. Today, the options for music, news and entertainment still include the radio, but you also have to add satellite radio to the mix. Here’s what brought a great big “surprise, surprise, surprise” smile to my face…
I was traveling down the road and I’d switched my XM Radio over from the Bluegrass Channel to Channel 34-Enlightened so I could take in some southern gospel music. To the great surprise of my listening ears, I hear the introduction for Shannon Bunch from Barbourville, Kentucky, and his new hit, “Lord, I Thank You for the Valley”!
Now, I’ve been a fan of Shannon Bunch and his music ministry since I first heard him sing and play the piano many years ago. He has used his musical talents to be a part of my pastoral ministry in various congregations for many years. In the fall of 2002, I had the pleasure to serve as the Master of Ceremonies for Shannon Bunch Ministries’ LIVE project, “Joy in the House”, which Shannon recorded in Corbin, Kentucky. While I knew that Shannon and his wife, Melissa were pursuing his calling in the music ministry and living in Nashville, Tennessee, I just wasn’t ready for the smile of excitement that hit my face when I heard him singing his song on XM Radio.
There are those moments in life when you notice someone’s accomplishments and you say to yourself, “They’ve come a long way!” or “What about that!” and those thoughts were certainly flooding my mind at the moment I first heard his song on the radio. My excitement for Shannon Bunch and his ministry in achieving this type of success brings a big smile to my face even as I am preparing this column for publication. His hit solo, “Lord, I Thank You for the Valley”, is a Top 40 Southern Gospel Music hit in America. That is something that should bring lots of smiles, overflowing joy, and accolades of encouragement for him to continue to press toward that mark of God’s calling in his life.
Shannon has personally touched my life through his music and the sharing of his personal testimony about God’s grace and strength. One of the greatest calling cards of the ministry Shannon provides is honesty about where he has been, and that has served as the inspiration for his current hit. He has previously recorded 7 albums that have included other hits like: “Take me There”, “Chains Fell Away”, “It All Starts with a Song”, “The Harvest is Ripe”, “One Day My Day Will Come” and my personal favorite which is “You can leave here with Jesus”.
You can find Shannon performing at the National Quartet Convention every year in Louisville, and if you listen to The Gospel Greats with Paul Heil, just keep your ears tuned because his music is featured on that radio show regularly.
Witnessing the professional success of people you know personally is rewarding, and I certainly felt that in hearing Shannon’s song played on XM Radio. As good as it felt listening to him sing on the radio, my greatest pleasure has been witnessing Shannon’s spiritual growth and seeing God use an able and willing vessel for His honor and glory.
Shannon would say there are others that do a better job, and there may be. I would say that we might all be able to come up with names of people that have great talents and skills, but what can we say they are doing with those gifts from the Lord? My testimony today is not about those that God could use, my testimony today is about the witness of one that I am seeing God use. Shannon Bunch, who grew up right here among us, and is now traveling the world pursing his passion for music in service to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Not sure what makes you smile or gives you a “surprise, surprise, surprise” moment as you travel down life’s highway, but for me, Shannon Bunch did it through XM Radio. That’s a long way from AM Radio.
Until then
Back in my growing up days, listening to the radio, (which by the way had to be an AM Station) was the way one would stay informed and up-to-date on all the local happenings. Today, the options for music, news and entertainment still include the radio, but you also have to add satellite radio to the mix. Here’s what brought a great big “surprise, surprise, surprise” smile to my face…
I was traveling down the road and I’d switched my XM Radio over from the Bluegrass Channel to Channel 34-Enlightened so I could take in some southern gospel music. To the great surprise of my listening ears, I hear the introduction for Shannon Bunch from Barbourville, Kentucky, and his new hit, “Lord, I Thank You for the Valley”!
Now, I’ve been a fan of Shannon Bunch and his music ministry since I first heard him sing and play the piano many years ago. He has used his musical talents to be a part of my pastoral ministry in various congregations for many years. In the fall of 2002, I had the pleasure to serve as the Master of Ceremonies for Shannon Bunch Ministries’ LIVE project, “Joy in the House”, which Shannon recorded in Corbin, Kentucky. While I knew that Shannon and his wife, Melissa were pursuing his calling in the music ministry and living in Nashville, Tennessee, I just wasn’t ready for the smile of excitement that hit my face when I heard him singing his song on XM Radio.
There are those moments in life when you notice someone’s accomplishments and you say to yourself, “They’ve come a long way!” or “What about that!” and those thoughts were certainly flooding my mind at the moment I first heard his song on the radio. My excitement for Shannon Bunch and his ministry in achieving this type of success brings a big smile to my face even as I am preparing this column for publication. His hit solo, “Lord, I Thank You for the Valley”, is a Top 40 Southern Gospel Music hit in America. That is something that should bring lots of smiles, overflowing joy, and accolades of encouragement for him to continue to press toward that mark of God’s calling in his life.
Shannon has personally touched my life through his music and the sharing of his personal testimony about God’s grace and strength. One of the greatest calling cards of the ministry Shannon provides is honesty about where he has been, and that has served as the inspiration for his current hit. He has previously recorded 7 albums that have included other hits like: “Take me There”, “Chains Fell Away”, “It All Starts with a Song”, “The Harvest is Ripe”, “One Day My Day Will Come” and my personal favorite which is “You can leave here with Jesus”.
You can find Shannon performing at the National Quartet Convention every year in Louisville, and if you listen to The Gospel Greats with Paul Heil, just keep your ears tuned because his music is featured on that radio show regularly.
Witnessing the professional success of people you know personally is rewarding, and I certainly felt that in hearing Shannon’s song played on XM Radio. As good as it felt listening to him sing on the radio, my greatest pleasure has been witnessing Shannon’s spiritual growth and seeing God use an able and willing vessel for His honor and glory.
Shannon would say there are others that do a better job, and there may be. I would say that we might all be able to come up with names of people that have great talents and skills, but what can we say they are doing with those gifts from the Lord? My testimony today is not about those that God could use, my testimony today is about the witness of one that I am seeing God use. Shannon Bunch, who grew up right here among us, and is now traveling the world pursing his passion for music in service to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Not sure what makes you smile or gives you a “surprise, surprise, surprise” moment as you travel down life’s highway, but for me, Shannon Bunch did it through XM Radio. That’s a long way from AM Radio.
Until then
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Ward Chapel-Bell County Board of Education-Faith Temple Church
Topics of discussion are always lively conversations that produce many different points of view and considerations. So often, topics create little more then just good dialog and better understanding of your friends and their position on issues. The real difference is when leaders of those topics have also created action plans. The vision casting as presented to the Bell County Board of Education by Senior Pastor Shawn Baker with the Faith Temple Church is the type of topic that deserves action and I applaud the congregation’s efforts and their passion to move topics to action plans and make a difference because of their passions for all of us.
The decision to be rendered by the Bell County Board of Education regarding the future plans of the Ward Chapel School property is quite clear. When institutions or organizations like Faith Temple have such a beneficial and well thought out plan it is easy to say yes! If their leadership was not sure of a direction of use, or was just wanting some property out of greed that would create an easy no, but their actions are clearly for the benefit of Bell County and this is very exciting project to support. Our school board, who should be the leading agent of education in all forms, has an opportunity with this matter to be a part of something that will forever be a positive addition to Bell County.
I am grateful for my part in the development of the Bell County Drug Coalition, and humbled to be their president emeritus. That program, I authored, was the format used by Congressman Harold Rogers for the Comprehensive Counter-Drug Initiative. Today Operation UNITE is an effort that leaders of Congress see as an action plan to a topic of discussion that has also made a difference.
I spent several years working with Joshua’s Dream Foundation, Teen Challenge and other programs of faith. I see the plan to involve James Dobson-Focus on the Family, and that ministries commitment to become involved in local communities like here in Bell County through the efforts of Faith Temple and I am so excited at this chance the Bell County Board of Education has to be a progressive partner in our quality of life through support of this effort. Congressman Roger’s staff, Operation UNITE, and the involvement of others in this proposal are clear recommendations of the belief and commitment of these individuals to the success of this effort. The diverse unity of this type of coalition is unusual, yes, but in today’s environments it takes this type of collaboration to bring real change and positive impact to a community such as ours. The Bell County Board of Education is the remaining partner needed to create a flood of resources that will come through this effort.
The challenges facing our teens and adults today are life crushing problems if there is no hope or answers to be provided. To simple set back and say, “you’ve got to stop”, or “you need to change your ways”, are only lip service to a problem that requires positive examples and mentors. Through the property at Ward Chapel, Faith Temple could create an environment that welcomes questions and creates a place for answers that will change the lives of our citizens through education and support.
The challenges facing our teens and adults today are life crushing problems if there is no means to the answers that we suggest. It is unacceptable to just say or point a finger in a suggestive way to point out we never committed such a mistake by asking “why did you do this”, or “what were you thinking.” Accountability is created through meaningful relationships and genuine assistance to see folks improve their lives. The opportunity Faith Temple Church has proposed to the Bell County Board of Education is one that has HOPE spelled all throughout it’s proposal. My way of thinking is that SPELLING and education go hand in hand and when the two words are added together I cannot think of a better way for my board of education to act then doing her part for all of us, SPELLING HOPE – YES!
Until then
The decision to be rendered by the Bell County Board of Education regarding the future plans of the Ward Chapel School property is quite clear. When institutions or organizations like Faith Temple have such a beneficial and well thought out plan it is easy to say yes! If their leadership was not sure of a direction of use, or was just wanting some property out of greed that would create an easy no, but their actions are clearly for the benefit of Bell County and this is very exciting project to support. Our school board, who should be the leading agent of education in all forms, has an opportunity with this matter to be a part of something that will forever be a positive addition to Bell County.
I am grateful for my part in the development of the Bell County Drug Coalition, and humbled to be their president emeritus. That program, I authored, was the format used by Congressman Harold Rogers for the Comprehensive Counter-Drug Initiative. Today Operation UNITE is an effort that leaders of Congress see as an action plan to a topic of discussion that has also made a difference.
I spent several years working with Joshua’s Dream Foundation, Teen Challenge and other programs of faith. I see the plan to involve James Dobson-Focus on the Family, and that ministries commitment to become involved in local communities like here in Bell County through the efforts of Faith Temple and I am so excited at this chance the Bell County Board of Education has to be a progressive partner in our quality of life through support of this effort. Congressman Roger’s staff, Operation UNITE, and the involvement of others in this proposal are clear recommendations of the belief and commitment of these individuals to the success of this effort. The diverse unity of this type of coalition is unusual, yes, but in today’s environments it takes this type of collaboration to bring real change and positive impact to a community such as ours. The Bell County Board of Education is the remaining partner needed to create a flood of resources that will come through this effort.
The challenges facing our teens and adults today are life crushing problems if there is no hope or answers to be provided. To simple set back and say, “you’ve got to stop”, or “you need to change your ways”, are only lip service to a problem that requires positive examples and mentors. Through the property at Ward Chapel, Faith Temple could create an environment that welcomes questions and creates a place for answers that will change the lives of our citizens through education and support.
The challenges facing our teens and adults today are life crushing problems if there is no means to the answers that we suggest. It is unacceptable to just say or point a finger in a suggestive way to point out we never committed such a mistake by asking “why did you do this”, or “what were you thinking.” Accountability is created through meaningful relationships and genuine assistance to see folks improve their lives. The opportunity Faith Temple Church has proposed to the Bell County Board of Education is one that has HOPE spelled all throughout it’s proposal. My way of thinking is that SPELLING and education go hand in hand and when the two words are added together I cannot think of a better way for my board of education to act then doing her part for all of us, SPELLING HOPE – YES!
Until then
Thursday, March 6, 2008
There shall be Showers of Blessings
The Christian faith has many songs, hymns, and choruses that serve as a means of inspiration, encouragement and truth to life. One of those particular hymns that I’m thinking of in my mind at this time is the hymn, “There shall be showers of blessings.” The basis of this hymn of faith is that throughout our lives as Christians, the Lord Jesus Christ will shower down upon us blessings from the windows of Heaven. Recently I have been reminded of the great truths of God’s word through music and I can say I have experienced “showers of blessings”, through worship and in seeing friends.
In travels I discovered a “shower of blessing” in seeing Alan Scruggs at the First Baptist Church Woodstock, Georgia. Alan is the booking agent for Charles Billingsley and serves as his traveling pastor during tours. Alan and I partnered together when he was a youth pastor serving in Bunscomb, North Carolina. He helped me with the vision of providing Backyard Bible Clubs throughout Bell County when I served as pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Dorton Branch. Alan made sure that we had a singing group to provide a live concert for each of the housing projects. Just remembering how God had used us in those services was a blessing.
Another “shower of blessing” was in the City of Birmingham, Alabama, where I caught up with my great friend Dr. Ric T. Edwards, a lay leader for The Church at Brook Hills, with Dr. David Platt, pastor. Ric and I became friends while attending Cumberland College in Williamsburg. We were elected by the student body as president and vice-president of the Student Government Association and have remained friends for the past 25 years. The Church at Brook Hills is a different experience from your traditional church setting, the preaching of God’s word is a very open and honest conversation as presented from God’s Word. Dr. Platt and I share mutual friends through his seminary experience at New Orleans, in addition to friends through church ministries and mission endeavors. Dr. Edwards and his wife, Meg are committed Christians who love talking to folks about “taking the journey”, which is reading God’s word. Ric is a champion of asking, “Have you ever read the Bible through?” If you have never read the entire Bible through, on behalf of one of my “showers of blessings”, this is a perfect time to take that journey.
Two Rivers Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee is one of the largest churches in the state and is located across from the Grand Ole Opry. I dropped in unannounced to attend services and to see Michael L Wilson. Mike serves on staff directing the ministry of young adults. On the Sunday I attended after the opening number from the praise band, to my total surprise, the next worship element I witnessed was Mike in the waters of baptism baptizing two adults. It was a “shower of blessings” moment for me. God had used me at the Horse Creek Road Baptist Church in Corbin, KY to open a door of opportunity for this college student entering into ministry and now 15 years later, at the state’s largest church, here he was, leading folks to Jesus. After services, the first thing Michael said was, “Hello pastor, come a long way since the creek huh?” To which my answer was, “God is good.”
I’m not sure if you’ve counted your blessings lately. I’m not sure if you’ve considered if you might be in the midst of “showers of blessings”. For me, there is no doubt. I have been in one. I’ve enjoyed the blessings of God as demonstrated through the gift of friendships and just being a part of the shared life and experiences of others.
I’m not sure what your outlook on life is, but the chorus phrase of this song adds, “there shall be showers of blessings, this is the PROMISE of God.”
Until then
In travels I discovered a “shower of blessing” in seeing Alan Scruggs at the First Baptist Church Woodstock, Georgia. Alan is the booking agent for Charles Billingsley and serves as his traveling pastor during tours. Alan and I partnered together when he was a youth pastor serving in Bunscomb, North Carolina. He helped me with the vision of providing Backyard Bible Clubs throughout Bell County when I served as pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Dorton Branch. Alan made sure that we had a singing group to provide a live concert for each of the housing projects. Just remembering how God had used us in those services was a blessing.
Another “shower of blessing” was in the City of Birmingham, Alabama, where I caught up with my great friend Dr. Ric T. Edwards, a lay leader for The Church at Brook Hills, with Dr. David Platt, pastor. Ric and I became friends while attending Cumberland College in Williamsburg. We were elected by the student body as president and vice-president of the Student Government Association and have remained friends for the past 25 years. The Church at Brook Hills is a different experience from your traditional church setting, the preaching of God’s word is a very open and honest conversation as presented from God’s Word. Dr. Platt and I share mutual friends through his seminary experience at New Orleans, in addition to friends through church ministries and mission endeavors. Dr. Edwards and his wife, Meg are committed Christians who love talking to folks about “taking the journey”, which is reading God’s word. Ric is a champion of asking, “Have you ever read the Bible through?” If you have never read the entire Bible through, on behalf of one of my “showers of blessings”, this is a perfect time to take that journey.
Two Rivers Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee is one of the largest churches in the state and is located across from the Grand Ole Opry. I dropped in unannounced to attend services and to see Michael L Wilson. Mike serves on staff directing the ministry of young adults. On the Sunday I attended after the opening number from the praise band, to my total surprise, the next worship element I witnessed was Mike in the waters of baptism baptizing two adults. It was a “shower of blessings” moment for me. God had used me at the Horse Creek Road Baptist Church in Corbin, KY to open a door of opportunity for this college student entering into ministry and now 15 years later, at the state’s largest church, here he was, leading folks to Jesus. After services, the first thing Michael said was, “Hello pastor, come a long way since the creek huh?” To which my answer was, “God is good.”
I’m not sure if you’ve counted your blessings lately. I’m not sure if you’ve considered if you might be in the midst of “showers of blessings”. For me, there is no doubt. I have been in one. I’ve enjoyed the blessings of God as demonstrated through the gift of friendships and just being a part of the shared life and experiences of others.
I’m not sure what your outlook on life is, but the chorus phrase of this song adds, “there shall be showers of blessings, this is the PROMISE of God.”
Until then
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