World Renewal International

It was a Sunday night to remember at Clear Creek Congregational Church near Winchester, IN. Eleven year old Eli Jones, son of Gary and Kelly Jones, filled the drum sticks of Renewal drummer, Steve Lindley, who was in the fields planting as a result of rainy weather, 12" of rain, that had already whipped out what little he had been able to plant this spring. Let me encourage you to pray for all our farmers who are in similar straits of trying to provide for their families and others.

Second, thank the Lord for the way God is blessing Gary, Kelly and sons Avery,14 and Eli, 11. Avery later played the lead guitar as his mother sang "He knows my name" and dad played the keyboard and Eli played the drums.

Eli, however, played the drums the entire concert. He came Sunday afternoon, learned the songs and did an awesome job. Even the challenging "Why didn't I repent" number that has a big and difficult drum section was handled right on the target. It was so interesting to see Doug, Mike and dad, Gary, patiently encourage young Eli to not be bashful when he played but to be strong. He was.

Avery is great on the lead guitar. Both have considerable experience playing in their home church worship team as do all the Renewal members. Gary Jones has been a member of Renewal for over 15 years.

Kelly, is a Music Ed. grad of Anderson University and has taught music in the public schools. She has a great voice. Kelly and Gary have ministered in a wonderful way together over the years of their marriage. Kelly's parents, Pastor Neil and Karen Hammons, are on staff at Van Wert's Trinity Friends Church. Neil was on staff when my wife Carol was on staff there.

It was a joy to be reunited with Pastor Steve and Mary Jean Connor of Clear Creek. I met Steve when he was a teen and they were still dating. In 1971, I was asked to do the Jay County Youth Crusade in Portland, IN. Steve reminded me I gave him his first preaching job. We were doing a tent meeting here in Greenfield and we were trying to encourage prayer and participation from area churches and I sent Steve to share in one of the churches. Steve and Mary Jean have had a wonderful ministry and continue to serve their community.

Wayne Phelps came for the weekend and was on the Welcome Home Broadcast last Thursday. He gave his testimony and shared about recovery ministries both on the radio and in each service at Clear Creek. He was right on target as well.

We had many commitments in each of the four services. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness.

Thanks for stopping by.