This spring, God blessed me with two new kids from Indiana. Here I am with nine-year-olds, Christian and Jessica, looking at some really neat tactile representations of the American Flag produced by National Braille Press. We met and spent time together just before my concert at Oak Grove General Baptist Church, Oakland City, IN, Sunday, April 10. Proceeds from this concert helped benefit a special “Road To Orlando Fund,” allowing area blind youth to attend this summer’s National Federation of the Blind Convention. My thanks to teacher Jeanne Lee, and the families of these beautiful kids, for the joy of meeting and staying in touch with them!
Sunday morning found me presenting The Message In Music at Trinity United Methodist Church, also in Oakland City. It was great to meet and share in Worship with Pastor Larry Stoops and his congregation!
My friend, Carolyn who often drives for me, came over to Indiana from Springfield, IL. Here we are by the beautiful stained glass window at Trinity UMC.
Saturday, April 9, after visiting with Mark, Grandpa Ed, and the guys on Princeton Radio Station WRAY Country Gold, Carolyn and I enjoyed an afternoon in New Harmony, IN. We visited the Roofless Church, a must-see if you’re ever in New Harmony, then walked back to the river.
Of course, I had to climb down the rocky bank to a spot where I could dangle my bare feet in the water. Carolyn snapped this picture on my ascent back to level ground. She didn’t worry…much!
During this Southern Indiana weekend, I was blessed to work once again with Rev. Tarrell Thompson, a long-time friend of my ministry and me personally. Here I am with this “adopted dad” of mine after a presentation for the residents of Transcendent Healthcare of Owensville and a visit with Tarrell’s wife, my dear “Mama Lena.”
I spent time sharing music, reading and fun with the students of Home For Your Heart School Evansville, and then Carolyn and I drove over into Illinois.
Palm Sunday was spent in Rantoul, IL with worship and concert ministry at Bethany Park Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. It is always a joy for me to work with Rev. Linda Trowbridge, who now serves as pastor at this church. She took time to pose with me for a picture by the baby grand piano. I am honored to be her "kid sister in Christ"!
My thanks also to Rev. Ken Roedder, another long-time friend and “foster dad” shown here with me at Bethany Park. His generosity, hospitality, help with transportation, fellowship and ongoing support of my ministry mean more than words can express. In appreciation of Ken and his precious wife, Maxine, I was honored to also present a concert for the residents of Tuscola Healthcare Center in the Roedders' home community of Tuscola, IL.
Thank God, and thank you, for your prayers and support which help keep my ministry growing and going!
Stay tuned for more posts like this. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!
© 2011 by Laurel Jean Walden
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