April 4, 2005 - Just a Peek: A Reflection of My Two Nights and One Day at the 30th Annual JCM National Music Ministry Conference

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Just a Peek: A Reflection of My Two Nights and One Day at the 30th Annual JCM National Music Ministry Conference
By Ladonna Brown
April 4, 2005

A Peek at the City

This was my first peek at Jackson, Mississippi. I explored the city on the Internet while safely at home in the hills of Kentucky. I was puzzled about the motel and restaurant addresses. Frontage Road. Interstate 55. How could any building have an address of Interstate 55? Frontage Road? How could one road be so long? Just one peek and I knew. Super-easy city to drive around in. You will find everything you need right on Frontage Road.

A Peek at The First Pentecostal Church

First Impression: Clean. Nicely Decorated.

■ Organized Greeters—Did they just happen to miss us or were they talking to each other the whole night?

■ Sanctuary—Comfortable. Nice padded pews. (So many churches have those uncomfortable chairs now.)

■ Sound System—Screech. Static. Static. Screech. Can you hear me now? Hmmm. This is the 30^th year, and they still don’t have the sound system right?

■ People in the sanctuary—They looked like Pentecostals, lifted holy hands like Pentecostals, clapped their hands like Pentecostals, danced in the aisles like Pentecostals. (Yes, you guessed it. I was peeking at the people when I was supposed to be praying and worshipping.) Wow. People in Mississippi act just like they do at my church back in Kentucky.

A Peek at the Tuesday Night Concert

Interesting.

Master of Ceremonies Dan Davis plays talk show host and interviews Mark Condon, The McGruders, Melanie Elms, and The Guitar Band. (The Guitar Band is not their real name. I lost my notes. Sorry, Bro. Johns.) We were able to catch a peek of each artist’s history, musical style, songs, thoughts, and most of all a peek at their hearts full of worship for Jesus Christ. It’s all about Him.

A Peek at Wednesday

Break Out Sessions: Typical. Listen closely enough and you can always pick up something new to use.

Highlight of Wednesday: Sis. Priscilla McGruder’s inspiration session. Real life testimony. Anointed speaker. Voice of an angel. God’s presence moving, touching, mending, healing. Tears of repentance. Tears of joy. Yes, I will soar like an eagle.

A Peek at the Wednesday Night Concert

Sound system: Hmmm….Can you hear me now? Screech.

Still a wonderful evening of anointed Pentecostal music and drama featuring Madonna Massey, Kirt and Pam Denney, Andy Daniels, Tim and Lana Chandler, Kristyn Leigh, Howi Tiller, The Gordon Sisters, Road Less Traveled, Melanie Elms, Rhonda McCoy, Brian and Elaina Angel, Rejoice, and Darlene Boyte.

A Peek at the Food

There were some good cooks back in the kitchen somewhere. Chowder. Spicy hot with bits of potato and corn. Philly cheese steak, fried chicken, scalloped potatoes. Real Southern sweet iced tea. Chocolate something with crunchy stuff on top. Hmmm. I would love some of that chowder now.

A Peek at the Leaders

Bro. Richie Allen—JCM Dean of Music. Energetic. Leader. Good at moving worship into the right direction.

Bro. Randy Lemk—NMMC Coordinator. So very nice! (Actually Bro. Lemke, you were the nicest person we met while in Jackson.) Quiet, yet strong personality leading and coordinating the team.

Bro. T.L. Craft—We only heard you speak very shortly Tuesday night. But if God ever moves us to Jackson, you will be our pastor. Your humble and kind spirit is prevalent.

A Peek at Next Year

Make your plans now to attend March 14-17, 2006.

ninetyandnine.com

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A Peek at the Writer: Ladonna Brown can be found on Sunday mornings in the floor of the toddler class, wiping noses, tying shoes and giving hugs. During the week she can be found at the local post office licking stamps and mailing packages.