"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!!

"The Evangelist Stretch"

ELEVATE 6.8Gail and I have found it very humorous that we are often branded based on what we do at a church. For instance, we've done a variety of VBS's for churches, and they call us "Children's Evangelists". We've done youth services and rallies...we're "Youth Evangelists", etc!

Whole In One has done everything from Kids to Seniors and EVERYTHING in between. In fact, just yesterday, we had the privilege of ministering at Jerseyville First Assembly (Jerseyville, IL.) at the senior saints "Gospel Sing" from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and at Elevate 6.8, the Junior High youth service, from 6:45 PM to 8:00 PM. There aren't too many evangelists that can do that effectively.

We had a wonderful time in the morning service, where we sang heaven focused hymns and shared some special Southern Gospel style music. Our line up for the evening Junior High services was, well, a little different!! From an interactive drama to music to a challenging message to "Elevate your Ears, your Eyes, and your Expectation". Over 15 young people responded to take that first step toward a new relationship with Jesus Christ.

The services were both very different, but powerful and effective. We are so grateful to God for allowing us the opportunity to share His incredible message of hope with so many different people of varying age groups.

Following the Elevate service, we coached their Human Video team. A huge thank you to Senior Pastors, Randy and Kathy Cartwright, and Youth Pastors, Shaun & Shelly Williamson!! Here are some pictures to highlight those events.

The One, The Only, Everybodies Favorite, Pastor Randy Cartwright

Yes, they're praying, NOT sleeping!!!
Anthony & Gail share in song
Gail Fiddling Around!
Interactive Drama ~ Elevate 6.8 The secret to feeling cool at my age....hang out with this crew!!Elevate Worship Team Practice
Over 80 Junior Highers in attendance!! Incredible!! "Ever try to listen to a conversation in another room with your ear against a glass?"
"God has an incredible plan for your life"

Resurrection Sunday ~ Easter 2007

BCCC~ Worship Team

Dressing casual and partying hard!! It was an incredible celebration from start to finish!! With noise makers and balloons, Bureau County Christian Center in Princeton, IL made a party atmosphere joined with a passionate celebration of our Risen Savior!! There was an energy that bubbled throughout the whole service. More important than the fun atmosphere was the lives that were touched and changed by the truth of the resurrection...there is victory in Christ!! We prayed arounded the altars and throughout the auditorium with many who wanted to know Christ and the power of His resurrection!! Here are just a few shots of our Easter Celebration!!

Lead Pastor, Heath Beard

I think this is the first time I've ever officially worshipped with the Easter Bunny!

Gail and Anthony singing a Christian "ABC Song"

Gail and I sharing a humorous skit on communication.

Violin, "My Redeemer Lives"

As the time conscious people we are, we were feeling really good as we started on time and ended early at 11:42 + 18 minutes. Yes. the clock died mid-service!! Kept looking up thinkin' we're doing great...oh well. Many commented that "obviously God wanted to do some great things this morning."

Goooood Friday!!

We had the privilege of partnering with O'Fallon Assembly of God (O'Fallon, IL), our home church, for the Good Friday service. We shared in ministry with O'Fallon's Drama Team and Worship Team to present the "Living Lord's Supper"...an O'Fallon tradition, with a Whole In One twist.





It is always fun to be home. Kurt, Gail's father, joined Gail for a couple special violin duet numbers during the service. Martha wrestled Emily, and Anthony got to play one of the "Hosanna Kids" (Triumphal Entry). He's such a cutie!! A huge thank you to Pastor Edwards, Pastors Todd & Angela, and the whole crew at O'Fallon for inviting us to participate in this great evening!!

Here are some pictures from that service.

Gail, tickling the ivories!

Kurt & Pastor Edwards greeting before serviceGail and her Dad...half the man he used to be!! Way to go, Kurt!!
Anthony...Too cute for words!
Hmmm...wonder why they all sat on one side??