Chosen Witness Reunion

It's taken me over a week now but I wanted to share some thoughts about the Chosen Witness reunion that we had on Saturday night March 17, 2007. The preparation for such a event can be overwhelming at times. So many little details that you think of that need to be handled. Then there are all of those little details that you didn't think of that need to be handled that come up at the last minute.

With all of those little nagging things behind now I want to say how much I enjoyed the evening.

Chosen Witness came together over 10 years ago with the purpose of ministering through Southern Gospel Music. We've stayed with that purpose over the years and as a ministry I believe we've been blessed. There have been rocky roads along the way but we've continued the journey. If your ministry has purpose and is making a difference then there will be rocky roads to travel at times. How you travel those roads will speak volumes about who you are and what your ministry is. I know there have been times that I haven't handled those rocky times as I should have but I am so thankful that I serve a loving Father that is there to pick me up and carry me on.

Whew, now that the preaching is over let me get back to the reunion...preaching?...did I say preaching?...

It was so wonderful to again sing with the guys that have been a a part of the group. Johnny Lesley, Scott Bouldin and Rodney Brazil were all there an took part. We had so much fun just remembering things that have happened over the years. Different ones remembering different things about songs, practices or concerts. Steve Ingram was also there with us that night. Steve helped run the sounds for the group for several years. Of course Daniel Key was there who has been running our sound for the last several years and he and Steve did a great job that night.

The current group Mark, Greg, Johnny D., Loretta and myself were all there as well and shared a few songs. As we traveled through the years with the different singers we sang samples of 10 years of Mark Jones' writing. We also shared a song written by Johnny D. and even one that I wrote. It's been such a joy to share this fresh new original music with folks over the years.

Mark Bishop was our guest and shared the evening with us. Mark's writing talent is just unmatched in my opinion. His ability to tell a story in a song is such a gift. I have labeled Mark Bishop as the 'Tom T. Hall' of Southern Gospel Music. For those who don't know Tom T. Hall is known in the world of country music as 'The Old Storyteller'. Mark brought joy to the evening with his wit and humor and his wonderful music.

Although the evening was about coming back together as a group, the message in the songs that were shared is unmistakable:

• Jesus Christ is Lord.
• He was born of a virgin.
• He did live as a man.
• He was crucified.
• He did rise on the third day.
• He does live today in the hearts of those that believe and accept Him.
• He is coming back.

My prayer is that this message will continue to be heard and accepted through the music ministry of Chosen Witness.