Got an Oil Well?

Just thankful I only needed 27.6 gallons vs. the full 38 gallons my tank holds! Nothing like life on the road!!

Happy Birthday, Emily!!

We as a family celebrated with Emily on her first birthday!! We didn't throw a big party, but we did have fresh Illinois strawberries, cake, and ice cream...and didn't have to share any!!!

It is hard to believe that our little girl is now ONE! She is walking a couple steps at a time, and her communication skills are clear and humorous. She certainly has a tenacious spirit and a captivating smile. I look forward to what God has in store for her little life!

I am overwhelmed to think God could have blessed me so much with two incredible kids and such a beautiful wife! Anthony will be 4 on August 17th, and Gail and I will be celebrating 10 years of marriage on August 9th.

85th Illinois District Council ~ Peoria, IL

Gail and I had the privilege of attending our annual District Council in Peoria, IL.

The Assemblies of God has it's national headquarters in Springfield, MO. The Assemblies of God are geographically divided into districts that typically follow state lines. Each district conducts an annual gathering of ministers, missionaries, evangelists, and church delegates called "District Council".

The 85th Illinois District Council theme was "Transformed to be Community". There has been a sincere desire across our district for the strengthening of relationships and fellowship among our churches. While there has always been a good cooperation between churches and ministers, there has been a call for a greater intentionality. The council approved some major structural changes to better serve and facilitate the changes necessary to connect ministers, churches and their communities with the ever changing global climate.

This was also a very special council for us as Gail was ordained this year. Our council always begins with the ordination service where those who have been approved and have completed the rigorous process of ordination are commissioned and presented before the council. Ordination is the highest level of credential offered by the Assemblies of God. This is an exciting milestone for Gail. Congratulations!!

I will be adding pictures as I get them. Kurt, my father-in-law, took pictures at Ordination that I don't have yet...but they will come soon!

Thanks for stopping by to see what's happening in our world!!

Aunt Angela Pettibone & Anthony

Coaching Session

It has been Whole In One's mission from day one to evangelize the world, equip the saints, and to elevate the ministries of the church with excellence. We believe that "anything worth doing, is worth doing well." Too many churches sink into the "if we were only bigger, or had this program or had more money we could do _____" The truth is, churches already have what they need to reach and impact their community--if they would simply be committed to excellence with what they have. In an endeavor to fulfill the third part of our mission, we desire to partner with churches through consultation to help develop, challenge, stretch, and coach church ministry leaders and laypeople to accomplish the vision that God has given their church.

God has been marvelously opening doors. We've consulted with five different churches just this year. We've been able to share our insights with vision casting, leadership development, building programs, worship teams, and various other ministries of the church. In March, I "secret shopped" a church and found some great things and some very alarming security issues as well as other "outsider" observations. Our travels have provided us with a broad perspective on church life and ministry. We are really looking forward to what God has in store as the ministry of Whole In One continues to blossom!!

Jerseyville First Assembly of God has invited us to assist their worship team and technical staff. We are partnering with them on a monthly basis for rehearsals, workshops, and Sunday observations to assist them in this great endeavor. We have submitted written and oral reports of their progress. It is amazing to see the transformation that is occurring for this team. Though they already had a good team, it is interesting to watch what slight adjustments can do to enhance their effectiveness.

A huge thanks to Pastor Randy Cartwright and the team for allowing us to serve and partner in this capacity. We always enjoy the fellowship and sharpening that comes from our time together!!

P.S. Anthony & Emily say, "Thanks for the PIE...got some more?!?!" ;)

Jerseyville First Assembly of God, Jerseyville, IL

Anthony enjoying lunch with Pastor.

Emily says, "Hmm? Tortilla Chips. Good!"

Preaching Machine, The Holy Rev. Randy Cartwright

North Texas District Fine Arts Festival

Whole In One and the Gummermans made the journey to the Lone Star State! Through friendships forged at the National Fine Arts Festival in Orlando last year, we received an invitation to evaluate (judge, adjudicate, BE critical...whatever you want to call it!!) at the North Texas District Fine Arts Festival. Gail, Kurt, and I evaluated while Martha took care of the grandkids!! We had a blast...it was a great weekend. They have a wonderful program.


As many of you know, Gail and I are the Fine Arts Coordinators for the Illinois District. We went to serve them AND steal any good ideas. We were able to gain some wonderful ideas for next year for our festival...and I think we were able to give away some of our secrets too!!


Thanks to the whole Texas crew for a blessed weekend. Thanks to Jon Catron (DYD), Pastor Scott Russell (DFAF Coordinator), and Dan Elliott (DFAF Evaluator Coordinator) for a fabulous weekend!

I was much to busy to take many pictures, but here are a few shots!

Large Percussion Group ~ Merit Award Pastor Scott Russell, District FAF Coordinator
Students and Parents preparing for the Awards Service
Awards Ceremony Platform, SAGU
Arriving on Southwestern Assemblies of God University campus. (AND Already Sweating) Too Cute!!

Jon Catron, District Youth Director

Our Friend, Dan Elliott, District Fine Arts Evaluator Coordinator

"Delight yourself in the Lord"

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart!" Ps. 37:4

It's funny how God answers our prayers sometimes when we're just oblivious to His moving. Each winter, it seems, Gail and I go through all of the questions of "are we still where God wants us?" and questions of whether we should still be on the road. A couple of months ago, we really felt that there were a few things that have yet to take place in the original vision of Whole In One Ministries. Two of those things were an intentional encouragement of pastors and supporting various church ministries in a consulting capacity. While we've made it a matter of prayer, we've continued on sharing the Gospel through music and drama as we have always done.

Over the past several weeks, we've spent long meals after services encouraging pastors and their families, listening to their hearts, and ministering to them. Though many of you who read this blog do not necessarily understand the life of a pastor or pastor's family, it is not always as glorious you might think. I could insert antedotal stories of the "glorious" life, but I'll spare you. To you, I say, send a card, pray, love on your pastors and their families!!

Not only have we seen God open opportunities to love on pastors, we've had numerous opportunities to coach and consult for several churches. From sound issues to worship teams to drama teams to consultation on a future building project, God has opened these doors and allowed us to deposit into the lives and ministries of others. Whole In One from the very start has been dedicated to building others up and giving away all of our secrets!!

You name it...Video Projectors to business cards...We've let all the secrets out of the bag!! (Now all I have to do is figure out how to get these companies to support us!!)

It is true...when you delight yourself in the Lord, He WILL give you the desires of your heart! We look forward to fruitful ministry on the road as long as God desires!! Thanks for all of your love and support. Blessings!

~Joel

WIO in Nashville, Baby!!

Yep, that's right....Nashville! Like all of the music greats, we've now been to Nashville...

....Illinois that is!! While Nashville, IL may not be known as a music epicenter of it's counterpart in TN, it is a beautiful little community 45 miles east of St. Louis on I-64. We had the privilege of sharing in ministry at Nashville Assembly of God with Pastors Ryan and Nanette Winters and their sharp-looking three boys!

We were very warmly received by the congregation and lives were touched. It is true that God's grace is amazing and His love is beyond explanation. This was our first trip to Nashville, IL, but we look forward to seeing what God has in store for that church body as they continue to serve Him faithfully!!

Gail & Emily, Nanette, Max (2 weeks), Pastor Ryan, Sam, Ben, and Anthony

Exercise I can even do!!

Pastor's a little intimidating at 12'8'', but he's really a gentle guy!!