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CIRCLE OF LIGHT MINISTRIES

One God. One Christ. One Body.
June 23

WHAT HAVE YOU REALLY GOT? LIFE...OR 'STUFF'?

I'd like for each of you to ask yourself what you'd be willing to give up to have eternal life in Heaven, or if you'd be willing to give up eternal life in Heaven to hold on to all of the things...your stuff...that you have right now.

A young man once got very upset with Jesus when told he should give away everything he owned, sell all his stuff, and give away what he made from the sale to the poor. It was the only way, Jesus told him, that he'd be allowed to go with Him. The boy pouted and stomped off.

Some of us feel that way now. We claim to want to go with Jesus...but we are looking back at our stuff as though we want to ask Him, 'can't I just bring this? Or just that...just that too...ok, this is the last thing'

But it never is. We hate the idea of not having 'stuff'. Even stuff we don't need, which is most of it. Some of it we've never known what to do with, but it's ours and we want to keep it.

So what would you do if someone came up to you today and told you, point blank, that it doesn't matter how often you go to church, or how long you've been going to church, or how much you do at church, or how much you give at church. The only way you could get into Heaven is to give up ALL your stuff. Today.

You'd even get the added bonus of being allowed to live another fifty years.

Right now most of you are thinking things I probably shouldn't hear!

What if someone had told you what was going to happen to your life ahead of time? What it would take to get all that stuff ? What it would take to keep all that stuff once you had it?

I'll tell you.

You drag out of bed and off to school every morning for years and years so you can learn how to get it. Of course, education used to be for the sake of knowledge, but we all know enough now to see that's not the case anymore. Now, we go to school and send our kids to school so that they can learn how to get a job, where to find a job, how to get the best job making the most money so they can get stuff we never had enough money to get.

But back to my point.

You finish school, get that wonderful job, make the money to get the stuff. So now, all you have to do is worry about keeping it, replacing it, repairing it, or losing it. You get ready for bed every night, but before you can lay down to sleep you have to check on it, clean it, adjust it, or secure it. If it's not all the way paid for, or you have to pay to use it, you lose more time that you should be asleep thinking about that too.

When you drag up out of the bed in the morning...still tired from all the time you spent the night before awake... you have to check it again, to be sure it's still there, because you never know, right?

Then you spend an hour or two trying to wake up, wash up, eat up, and hurry up, yelling at and threatening anybody who's holding you up, keeping you from spending you day's pay driving around to drop people off at school and other jobs, before you finally race along to your own job, where you spend all day trying to get people to believe you're good enough to do it all over again the next day, and the day after that.

You do this day after day, making plans, moving things around to accommodate your self, your wants, your stuff.

Then one day you wake up, and you realize that the few years you had to spend down here are almost over, and you start wondering what happens when they are over, and there's no more stuff to get.

You've got six different kinds of illnesses, aches, issues, and problems with your body. You're on five different kinds of medicine that keep the doctors happily grabbing at that money you worried so much about making all your life. And you realize that you've actually missed life.

Missed it all.

Now you notice those people who don't have a lot, but are healthy. Those people everybody labeled lazy for not spending sixteen hours of every day away from their kids and loved ones, who are able to laugh, and sing, and have fun just knowing that they are alive. Now all the things you hear at Church start to make sense. Focus on God and not on worldly things, because the things of the world, including your body, will pass away.

Is it too late to change? Of course not. As long as you still draw breath you can call on God to change your perspective and teach you what's really important.

But why wait until you've had to do it the hard way?

Jesus said that to gain the world is to lose your life. So who's to say that you'll get to that old age where you can look back and regret not having paid attention? If you died tomorrow, what would the record show had been more important to you? Keeping your stuff in this life, or laying down all that weight so you could run with Jesus?

Look at it this way. If you were drowning, would you want someone to throw you a car or a floating tire?

You ARE drowning Saints. Trust me on that. You've gone overboard in the sea of life in the middle of a raging storm, you're in the water, and you're hollering for somebody to throw you a car, a house, a pair of shoes, a tv, a box of stuff. Jesus...is reaching out his hand saying 'take it. I'll get you out...just leave that stuff and take my hand and I'll save you!'

And while the waves are knocking you all over the place and the water keeps crashing over your head and going down your throat cutting off your air, you're using every ounce of strength you've got to hold on to your stuff.

And you're going to die if you don't let it go.

With Him right there, with all the power in the world to save you, you're going to die...because you want to.

If you can't see that all this stuff is temporary, if you've let it all become so important to you that not even getting saved from dying is more important, if you've let the Devil trick you into believing that the only way to do it is to grab hold of your stuff...your friends, your jobs, your money, your house, your electronics, your popularity, your this and your that...and keep holding on to it no matter what anyone says...

Then you've chosen, and you'll be left here for the Devil to do what he wants to do with you. And you'll die. Because you can't take anything from this world into Heaven. It's all dirt. All games played in the Dark. All lies, all deception.

Don't believe it? Ask yourself where any of it will be in a thousand years.

Dirt.

But the soul doesn't die, and it's got to go somewhere when the body goes where the rest of this stuff is going.

Where is yours going? Will you make it out of the raging storm? Or sink with your stuff?

You tell me.

Minister LP Johnson
Circle of Light Ministries
For Prayer...  prayerwarrior68@yahoo.com


VISIT "THE CIRCLE INSIDER" THE WEB-JOURNAL FOR THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY!
April 06

INTERVIEW WITH ''LETTING GO'' AUTHOR SANDY HANCOCK

WELCOME TO ''THE CIRCLE INSIDER''!


MINISTRY/MISSION SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

 ***************************************************************************************************

 WHO'S IN THE SPOTLIGHT?
I'm speaking with: Sandy Hancock, Author of
"Letting Go, Pathway to an Amazing Life."

 


Q. Let's talk about Sandy the Person first. I know that you now live in California...do you live near the ocean or further inland?

A. I live about a hour and half from the ocean.  About 30 minutes west of Palm Springs.

Q. Were you born there?

A. I was born in Anaheim, CA; same town as Mickey Mouse.

Q. That’s something we don’t hear often. You seem quite the Outdoors person Sister Hancock...I noted in your profile you mention horseback riding, a 4x4 and camping, do you own your own horse and where do you dive?

A.  No I do not own my own horse.  As a child my family had a farm in Central California and at that time I had a horse.  As an adult my riding has been only when I am able to rent a horse.   I go scuba diving in warm water.  Some of the places I have been are the Caribbean, Mexico and Fiji.   

Q. Ok, I also noted another, more unusual past-time...Ballroom dancing...how did you get into that?

A.  I have always loved to dance.  So when I was planning for my wedding it appealed to me to take ballroom dance lessons to have a routine for our dance.  We really enjoyed it and continued for awhile after our honeymoon.  When my husband left me I took lessons again. 

One of the primary lessons to learn in ballroom dancing is that unless there is a good connection between the dancers, the dance will not be flowing and beautiful.  It is the job of the male dancer to lead the female in the dance.  The female may know what type of dance they are performing; for example, it may be the foxtrot or a waltz.  However, she does not know what step the gentleman is going to lead her in next.  When she is not connected to him, she tends to try to anticipate the next move and starts to move in her direction.  As a result, the two no longer move as one graceful pair.  With proper connection, the gentleman can lead her in a number of ways.  It is the lady’s job to stay connected.  So it is with us.  It is God’s job to lead in the path He has for us; we simply need to stay connected.

Q. A very apt analogy! Tell us something of your childhood.

A.  The days as a young child hold a lot of precious memories for me.  At Christmastime, my mom would make sure we had plenty under the tree, with gifts stacked on top of each other.  Each present had different wrapping so that no present looked the same as another.  In the days leading up to Christmas, I would lie by the tree for hours, shaking the boxes and singing, “O Christmas Tree.” 

Sunday evenings were also a special time in which my family would gather together.  We would watch television together.  First we would watch Wild Kingdom followed by The Wonderful World of Disney.  In the winters we would have a roaring fire that I would lie down in front of with my dog, Joe, which I would use as a pillow.  If music came on the television, I would jump up and dance for my mom, dad and brother.
I enjoyed the school I attended, and I am thankful my parents made the decision to enroll me in a Christian school.  My parents did not know God, but they knew the value of a good education.  They felt a Christian school would give me a better education.  It was at school that I learned who Jesus is and about the love of God.  I value those days and the valuable lessons I learned.  Those lessons were what would get me through many challenges in my future. 

During the summer after my eighth-grade year, my dad stopped coming home.  My mom began to panic.  She had never worked, except for a short time when she was much younger.  She had no job skills or education.  The banks from which my dad had borrowed large amounts of money were now coming after her.  We began to hide at her friend’s home so she would not be served papers for lawsuits.  Her goal was to stay hidden until our home sold.  She would end up selling our home for less than market value.

Up to the point that my parents’ marriage began to fall apart, I had lived a very sheltered life.  Most of my childhood had been a happy one, but once they were divorced I was living with a scared, bitter mother.   She took me from the life I had known in Southern California to live in Oklahoma.  I went from private school to public school.  Left behind were all my friends and most of the relatives I had known.  What lay ahead was foreign to and dreadfully frightening to me. 

The family I once knew and loved was gone.  No more did I feel that I had a place where I belonged and where I felt safe.  All I depended on was no more.

Q. And still you’ve come through, which is an amazing testimony to God. So what about now? Are you married? Any Children?

A.  No I am not currently married.  I have two grown boys, ages 22 and 25.  Both live in Florida. The oldest works in construction and the youngest is in the Navy.

Q. What and where is your Church Home?

A.  I attend a Protestant based church in Calimesa, California

Q. How has your writing been received there and in your own community?

A.  Here are a couple of reviews that I have received so far . . .

** “Phenomenal book! From her personal experience, Ms. Hancock gives inspired counsel on how to have a truly amazing life.  Her insight often goes against the modern cultural norm, and challenges popular notions by taking us back to basic concepts that have been known and have worked for millennia.  A must read, if you dare.  Warning!  Do not read this book if you’re happy and content with just miserably existing in this world.  You will be challenged.”

** "This book has a great message to anyone who reads it. The author shares many of her life stories plus a great pathway to happiness. It is a true must have for any Christian reader. The book holds your interest from chapter to chapter."

** “As an avid reader of mostly non-religious books, I was pleasantly surprised how much liked this one.  I found "Letting Go" to flow smoothly between scripture and the stories of the author and others.  This is a REAL story, from a very REAL person who takes us on a journey through her trials & tribulations of looking for her "true love".  She would come to discover that the only "true love" can be found in Jesus Christ.  This is a terrific book about life and living it to its fullest. A very inspiring book to readers of any denomination and I recommend it highly."

Q. Excellent. I myself have been researching your book Sister Sandy, and am eager to read it as well! Now, tell us something about how you came to write ‘Letting Go’.

A. Most of my life I have been a Christian.  As a Christian I knew the Bible said I should have joy and peace.  Yet something was missing; I was not completely satisfied.  I knew that salvation was mine but this did not bring me the happiness I was longing for.  I lacked contentment.  There had to be more to life.  Then I went through what I call a “wilderness experience”.  Through this the Lord changed my focus and my life.  What resulted is a strong desire to tell what I discovered to all who are on the same pursuit for happiness that I was on.

Q. I like that; ‘Wilderness Experience’ – maybe more of us should consider things in that perspective! Ok, so, the title rather speaks for itself, but please give us a little background on how you decided upon it.

A.  I have found in life we hold onto many things we think bring us happiness. For me I believed I would finally find the happiness I was looking for when I was in love and had a happy marriage.  What I would discover is marriage doesn’t bring the contentment in life that I was looking for.  Now don’t get me wrong, I believe in marriage and think it can be a wonderful blessing.   However, marriage or anything else cannot bring fulfillment and purpose in life.  Things in this world can bring temporary happiness but only the Lord can give us lasting peace and joy. 

Even though I was a Christian my focus in life was to find happiness in what the world offers.  My relationship with God was more about what He could do for me.  I looked to God to help me in the things I wanted.  Then I would realize that I had to let go of running my life and pursuing the things I desired.  It was when I let go that I discovered the path to finding real joy was to let Him lead and to share the same dreams.

Q. Amen. Now, the second part of the title asserts that there is a "Pathway" to an Amazing Life...so one must believe that the primary focus of the book is on Christ and becoming closer to him, correct?

A.  Yes.  The primary focus of the book is growing closer to Christ and having a more intimate walk with Him.

Q. Is this book, do you feel, directed at a specific group of readers? Say...young people, married people...women or those dealing with recovery in some fashion?

A. No, it is not directed to a specific group.  It is for anyone who has been searching for happiness and yet never seems to find complete contentment in life. 

Q. You've very generously allowed us, Circle of Light Bookstore, to feature and offer your book for purchase (through Amazon). Where else can our readers find it? Do you have your own web-address?

A.  The book can be purchased at bn.com or Amazon.com.  You can also check with your local bookstore; if they do not have it in stock, they can order it through Ingram/Springarbor.  My website address is www.pathwaytoanamazinglife.com.

 
Q. Are you associated with any other organizations you would care to share the details of with our readers? 

A. Yes I am the director of Amazing Life Ministries.  Amazing Life is dedicated to helping youth who are turning 18 and “aging out” of the foster care system.
Most young people who grow up in the United States reach adulthood healthy, prepared for work, and able to move successfully into adulthood. Unfortunately, many of the youth aging out of foster care are not prepared. They lack the knowledge, skills, and experience that will enable them to be productive members of their community. 

Foster youth face enormous challenges in making a smooth transition to adulthood and building successful lives. These young people often leave the foster care system with few resources and very little support.  They enter adulthood with little hope or preparation for a successful future.  Common among these youth is homelessness, limited education, unemployment, incarceration, substance abuse, and unwanted pregnancy.

Half the proceeds of Letting Go go to Amazing Life Ministries to help these youth.


FINAL THOUGHTS: God has truly blessed you with His Grace Sister Hancock. You have shared an amazing testimony, and more importantly I believe that this book is going to be a means of encouragement and Enlightenment for someone who really needs it today. Someone who will read this page today. That's the way our Father works! He WANTS His children to find out more about Him, and frequently places people in our path that will be a blessing as He has blessed them. You, certainly, have been a blessing to Us, and we are so thankful for you having taken the time to share a little bit of yourself with us and tell us about this wonderful book! Please keep us updated on how it's coming along, and accept our warmest welcome 'Inside the Circle'! God keep you and continue to Bless you!

NOTE: SANDY'S BOOK; "LETTING GO, PATHWAY TO AN AMAZING LIFE", IS OUR 'FEATURE BOOK OF THE WEEK, AND MAY BE PURCHASED RIGHT HERE IN CIRCLE OF LIGHT'S OWN ONLINE BOOKSTORE. IT'S POWERED BY AMAZON TO ASSURE SAFE, RELIABLE PAYMENTS AND IMMEDIATE SHIPPING!

March 24

EXCITING INTERVIEWS. NEW FEATURES. DON'T MISS OUT!

CIRCLE OF LIGHT MINISTRIES/UNITY MISSION

Worshiping Together In Spirit and In Truth


Hi again everyone! Yes, it's that time again!


I don't want for you to miss this week's Edition of

ONE GOD. ONE CHRIST. ONE BODY.
YOUR Online Christian Web-Journal.


This has been an incredible
week my friends, and I'm eager to have you share in all of the special
connections the Lord has provided for us this week! We continue to grow
and pray that we grow better, and YOU are a large part of the reason
why!


First and foremost, do make The Prayer Circle one
of your primary stops. There are so many ways that the Enemy is busy
trying the saints of God, and we want to do all we can to uplift them
and help them maintain hope, faith, and strength. Prayer Works!



Also be sure and take a look at our SPOTLIGHT Interview Page. I'm excited to have with me this week Sandy Hancock, the Author of a fantastic book! It's called 'Letting Go, Pathway to an Amazing Life'.
This young woman is really letting the Lord lead in her life, and tells
an amazing testimony in the pages of this book! Meet her, and learn
what it's all about!



And we have a few new additions this week.

My very good friend Maurice Herron is now hosting an online radio show with "BlogTalk". The show is titled 'Men Enpowered" and is a truly postive and creative undertaking. You don't even have to leave the page to listen in! Simply click on the ''AROUND THE WEB'' tab to find the feed box! Then listen and enjoy and be enriched!



Finally, we now have a "JOIN CIRCLE OF LIGHT MINISTRIES'' Link to our Yahoo Group. Look for it on each page, click, and "JOIN THE CIRCLE''!
You'll be able to read up on past interviews, find the links to some of
the various people and interests we've featured before, brush up on
your Bible Scriptures, add your own stories and links of interest, and
of course connect with other people who are seeking a closer
relationship with God! JOIN TODAY!


And of course, look for all of your favorites!

You can link directly from HERE or copy and paste it into your Browser.

http://jointhecircle.community.officelive.com/MAILING.aspx/


AND PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO BOOKMARK US...AS WELL AS PASS ALONG ANYTHING YOU ENJOY OR BELIEVE MAY BE OF HELP TO ANOTHER!

MAY THE LORD KEEP YOU IN HIS PERFECT PEACE

SELAH.

Minister LP Johnson

Circle of Light Ministries/Unity Mission

lpj@circleinsider.com



PS! Almost forgot...next month, we're adding another page! Updates and
Praise Reports from Missions we've feature in the past, including a few
which are overseas working for the sake of the Gospel. Also on this
page will be an 'Editorial' space, where you...YES YOU...will get to
voice your opinions! Stay tuned in for more information as it becomes
available...and keep the Faith! God Bless!

Those in need of prayer may write to me via the above address, or post a request onsite.

INTERVIEW: CELEBRATING RECOVERY!


OUT OF THE PEWS AND INTO THE COMMUNITY
SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

Escapism. Here is a word for which explanation is unnecessary for most of us. For those who do, it generally means using something which is superficial at best to 'go away' from more important matters. An example would be the housewife who is so attached to the Soaps that she hasn't gotten any of her real life work done - because the people on the screen and their dramas and riches and 'action' allow her to 'escape' the reality of her family's financial situation. Or perhaps the elder widower who gardens obsessively - not because it is HIS passion, but because it was his late wife's, and he misses her so much this allows him to focus on her rather than his pain. Some 'Gamers' - those who play video games to a point some deem too much - have known this label as well.

There are, obviously, many, many forms of 'Escapism'. Some of them are generally benign - just needing a little time away from it all - as in reading. Unfortunately, there is a point when 'needing to get away' becomes something else. A point at which for some - yes, even among the Saved - the escape turns out to be a trap. One which has proven difficult and at times nearly deadly to 'escape' from.

Addiction. Another word that speaks for itself. What came to the minds of most of you just then was an association with; A. Drugs. B. Alcohol. C. Sex. And these are likely the most common, or at least the ones most of us hear about or experience within our 'world'. But as any recovery counselor - or Minister - can tell you, there are as many forms of 'addiction' as there are reasons to want to 'escape'.

On the physical level, this can and usually does lead to a variety of life trials. A downward spiral that often ends with loss - of friends, of family, of marriages, of work, of Self. And sometimes of life itself.

Like an animal trapped in a hunter's snare, desperation is usually what leads to the determination to break free.

But what happens then is what determines success or failure. Recovery, true recovery, often depends upon having in place a support system for not only the physical Self but the Spiritual Self as well. A multi-tiered network of those who listen to you, those who talk to you, those who counsel you, those who push you, those who encourage you, those who pray for - and with - you, those who yell at you, those who cry with you, those who care.

Where to find such people?

Our guest today is going to share with us some information about just that.

Who's IN THE SPOTLIGHT; Celebrate Recovery

I'm Speaking With....Nora

Q. A little background; Tell us a little about yourself. Where you were born and grew up, something of your childhood. Are you married and where you're living now. Any children?

A.  I was born in Jessup, Maryland. I grew up in Odenton, a small town near Ft. Meade. My child hood was not reflective of my adult life! The mistakes I made as a teen and later as an adult can only be traced back to my own poor judgement and the choices I made. I have the most wonderful mother in the world. She's always been very supportive of me and spent her life making sure that our needs were met. She was fun and loving. I am the only girl and the youngest of three.

I have been married twice, both times to alcoholics. I have three children, each having a different father. I started doing drugs and having sex at age 14. I wanted to be a part of something! I wanted to be accepted by the crowd. I was always looking for a place to belong. Even though I had a very loving and secure home, it didn't quite fill the emptiness I felt. My father was not in the home and I believe that is why I used the sex for men's attention. I spent years in this pattern of behavior before God showed me what was missing.

All this time, I was missing HIM. After years of drug abuse, unhappy relationships, dealing drugs, doing jail time, near death experiences, and loss of self, God came over me one night and I could feel Him all around me, it was like nothing I've ever felt before and I can't even explain how awesome it was. He said it was time to follow Him. At that moment I knew He was what I had been missing and searching for all those lonely, messed up years. At that moment He removed my desire to use drugs, and the need for a relationship. I could have a relationship with Him. He wouldn't ever hurt me and He would always be there for me. And He has and is.

Q. How did You become involved with 'Celebrate Recovery'?

A.  I started attending a church in Md. called North Arundel Church. This place was amazing! These people were Christians, but they were bikers, and recovering addicts. And they were wonderful. I felt accepted there. I soon found out that they had a program called Celebrate Recovery. I went there until we moved in August of last year. When I told the leader of "CR" that I was moving, she found a "CR" here in SC for me. I was in contact with the leader here before I had even moved.

Q. Is this a rehabilitation program, a church organization, or something of both?

A.  This is a Christian based recovery program. We focus on Jesus Christ and recovery through Him.

***The floor, so to speak, is open for you, tell us about this program, why it's something you recommend and what they're doing. Is it just for those who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol?***
 
A. "CR" is not just for chemical addictions. It is for ALL "hurts, hang ups and habits. It's for the person who has been abused or is being abused. It's for those that are living with addicts. It's for the co-dependent, people with food issues, anger issues, fear or control issues. It is for everyone and everything. It's about letting Jesus heal you and remove all your character defects. It's about living again.

We have a 12 step program, but it is Bible based. Our ONLY higher power is Jesus Christ. We have open share groups for men and women, where you can share your struggles and your victories with other men or women who will share with you and pray for you. ( other men and women who are or have been going through what you are going through right now) One on one prayer is also available before and after the meetings. "CR" is "like Vegas" so to speak! What's said there stays there! Confidentiality is a must. We form accountability partners and teams, friends who are there for us, to listen to pray and to hold us accountable for our actions and lack of actions. It's a wonderful program.

I'd also like to add that there is also a program for teens w/in "CR". It is called "Life hurts God heals". It is for teens who are either living in a home with family members that have issues or teens that are having issues themselves.

Q. I've noticed mention of several upcoming Studies, Conferences and Seminars. Tell us something about that. Will it only be in one place, or can our readers expect a visit to a city near them?

A. We are having a conference here in May. Our church will be hosting it. They have different types of things going on all over the US and Canada.  I have not been to one yet, this may will be my first. I know that they do a lot with training new leaders at these seminars. The main campus for "CR" is Saddleback Church in California. But there are many branches of this core "CR". Different "CR" locations will have different things going on.

Q. How does one connect? Share with us any links please.

A. The best thing to do is to look up Celebrate Recovery. Type the name into the keyword and it will take you to the site. From there you can maneuver through the site and see what it's all about. You can also find out where there is a "CR" near you. (Editor's Note: Entering "Celebrate Recovery" into the 'search' will provide a list of the various Cities in which this Program may be found. To access the Home Site of Celebrate Recovery, copy and paste this link -- http://www.celebraterecovery.com/ ...)


FINAL NOTES: Thank you, again, for taking the time to share with us your own incredible testimony, and the information of a service which is so desperately needed by so many. It is our prayer that God continue to be able to use you as a vessel, and may you continue to be blessed and be a blessing as you have been for us here today. We gratefully welcome you to 'The Circle!'
March 17

INTERVIEWING 'THE CHURCH MUSICIAN' - RAY V. JACKSON

OUT OF THE PEWS AND INTO THE COMMUNITY
SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW


Music is a Ministry all in itself. Many of us, however, have become accustomed to listening to it performed with technical instruments and find it somewhat intriguing when we come upon an actual group of Artists who are doing it the old way - with real instruments rather than recorded sound.
 
Except, perhaps, those of us who are blessed to belong to a church where the choir still sings with an organist or pianist, and perhaps an accompanying drummer. Add a few other musicians - strings, horns, conga drum perhaps, and you've icing on the spiritual cake.
 
Well readers, today my guest is the leader of just such a group of talented musicians. They play together, for an actual Church, and I'll tell you; personally, your editor usually has preferred 'get up and dance for the Lord' music...but this group has recorded one of the sweetest, smoothest, most relaxing compilations of Gospel music I have heard in quite some time.
 
Who are they? Where to hear?
 
Let's find out.

Who he is: Mr. Ray V. Jackson
 
Brother Jackson, first let me thank you for taking a few minutes with us to share this. So we'll begin with the basics.
 
Q. Tell us something about your life outside of music...your family, your wife, your parents, where you were born and grew up, and where you are living now.
 
A. I was born here in Montgomery, Al. to then Rev. J. Leon and Sister H.M Jackson, the second of 4 surviving children, 3 sons and one daughter.  I went to school here in Montgomery, moved away to the "big city: after High School, and moved back home to settle down and raise a family. I am currently living here with my Bride of 24 glorious years. We have seven children, six sons and one daughter who is the youngest, she is 22 years old.
 
Q. How long have you been Saved?
 
A. I feel like I was born saved.... My parents taught me to go to church and to love God along with my abc's. I believe that I made my earliest confession of Salvation at the age of 6. My dad was the Pastor and I was one of the Church's Musicians at around 12years old. Of course as children grow up and leave home they, like me, try to pretend as if they are just like everybody else and try to act and participate in the things that everyone else is doing. I left Montgomery in 1974 after graduation, moved to New York City and married a young lady from Harlem. We subsequently divorced after 8 years and the Lord gave me custody of my five sons from that marriage. Even though I didn't act like I was saved then, I had sense enough to know that the Lord was watching over me and I still attended Church.
 
Q. Where is your home Church? Who is your Pastor and how long have you been a member there?
 
A. We are presently serving at Living Faith Tabernacle Ministries here in Montgomery. We felt the unction of the Holy Spirit and followed His lead to this Ministry. Of course we had a conference with our then Pastor and received her blessings. We have been at Living Faith for a year an a half, now. Our Pastor is Rev T. Lee, an anointed Woman of God with a true shepherd's heart.
 
Q. What do you feel is the Spiritual impact of your music?
 
A. I feel that I have to just play and let the Spirit do the impacting. I have been told, "...Brother Ray, you sho do let the Lord use you...." and, "...when you play, man, I can feel it!..." ...My thing is, because I don't have the training that is customary in todays music circles and because of the way that I learned to play, my mother taught me my first song on the piano when I was maybe eight years old and stricken with polio, so I couldn't run and jump outside with the other kids, but I could sit up at a piano, I MUST rely on the Holy Spirit to do what He wants to do through my music. Mother doesn't read music either and I don't know how she learned to play. I believe that God gave it to her just like she passed it to me.  I think that I listen and follow the Spirit's lead more than some musicians when they are playing in worship and praise services.  I know that some times there are certain songs that will break a yoke or mend a heart when played or sang at the precise moment in worship and if we as musicians are attentive to the move of the Spirit, we can really be comparatively more instrumental and effective in the flow of the service and be the musicians of 2Chronicles Chapter 20, Leaders of the Army.
 
Q. You play keyboards...any other instruments?
 
A. I started out wanting to be a drummer, but in the "old line" Holiness Churches, where I was reared, there were like 8 to 10 drummers and only my mother and the Bishop's wife that played the piano, so I began to play piano more than drums, but I do play drums a little... and I try to play bass guitar.
 
Q. How long have you been playing? And did your experience as a musician begin in the Church?
 
A. ...all of my experiences began in the Church and I mean that literally. I think that I began playing for my Dad's Church at the age of 10 or 12. We were in Church quite a bit....2 to 3 times on Sundays, every Wednesday night and every Friday night of every week. ...And there were those Conventions, State Assemblies, Diocese Assemblies, Youth Nights, and Revivals.  Plenty opportunities to get a little practice in.  Back in those days, I never knew anyone that could read music but everyone seemed to be able to play any song and play it all night!
 
Q. Let's talk a little about the Group. How many are in it? Who are they, and how long have you all been playing together?
 
A.  I am a member of a local Gospel Group called, "The Sounds of Salvation".  The group has been together for over 10 years but I have been a part of the group for about 8 years. There were 12 of us at one time. We had a horn section, two keyboard players a lead and a rhythm guitar player, a bass player, and a drummer. During those years we ministered on the TBN television network and we were given the experience of playing on the Bobby Jones' Gospel, New Artist Showcase. Now there are 5 of us, one keyboard player, me, and an awesome drummer, Corey who is the son of Larry, our manager. 

   Before then I had a choir at my Dad's Church and Dad joined a local Gospel Singer's Union. The choir went to sing at another member's Anniversary program and a lady heard me play and asked me to consider playing for her group. I began playing for the Choralettes of Montgomery and then, the Mighty, Mighty Travelers of Burkesville, The Sweet Sounding Singing Tornadoes of Wetumpka, the McCall Singers and a host of local Churches and Choirs over the years in the 1980s. Now it's the "Sounds", and my Church Choir, Living Faith Tabernacle Voices of Praise...although I am trying to help a very new group called New Vision when I can....

 The music that you hear is mostly just me on a keyboard. I played and recorded it and played back with the recording, and recorded that. The drum sequence is the keyboard. My bass player and one of our guitar players played with me on a couple of songs but it is mainly just me on keyboards. These are a few of the songs that God gave me years ago and when I began to play with the "Sounds of Salvation", they gave me the opportunity to put some of my original music on a CD, so at the studio one day I began to play and the manager at that time, Henry began to record it. That is what you are listening to....  no mixing, no mastering, no editing, just me playing into a recorder with a drum machine.
 
Q. I noted on your profile that you travel quite a bit. Is that usually for the sake of the Group, or family? Tell us a little about some of the places you've seen and your experiences there.
 
A. My Bride and I love to travel and one of my favorite places in the world is the Great Smoky Mountains. We have vacationed there countless numbers of times. One time, I wanted to buy a chateau there but visiting will have to do for a while, besides, my wife wants us to visit other places on vacation. I lived on Staten Island in another life, worked in Brooklyn and went to Church in Jersey City. I have two sons in the Washington, DC area and we have driven there. My younger brother, the Bishop lived in Miami at one time and we would go down there in the summer during the fourth of July. I have a son and a sister and brother, (I don't use the in-law part), in the Atlanta area and we still visit them from time to time. More recently, we were in Columbus, Ohio where one of my sons got married to a beautiful young lady on Valentine's Day. The same day of my parents wedding.
I have traveled quite a bit with various groups and choirs over the years, primarily in the Southeastern US... Great experiences, great memories, and a few good photos.
 
Q. Is the Group touring now? Or do you have plans to do so?
 
A. No, we are not touring now and I don't see it in the near future. I believe that my focus should be on the ministry at my local church more so now and really helping to grow that Ministry. It is a relatively new ministry with a lot of young people and young married couples, a young Pastor..... actually I think that at 52 years old, I am probably one of the oldest, if not THE oldest member there! I know that the Father called us to that ministry and if I keep my priorities straight, He will let me play with the groups from time to time, but the Church is first. All of us in the groups are members of different Churches here in Montgomery and when there are no conflicts with other services, we get together and LIFT HIM UP!
 
Q. Do you spend a lot of time away from home?
 
A. When I'm away from home, usually my bride is away with me. We travel with the Church mostly, singing with the Choir and worshipping with "Sister Churches" in the area. my days of traveling with the group are minimal. We went to Pontotock, Mississippi once. I think that was the longest trip I have made with the Group. The Group has been to Houston, Texas but I couldn't make that trip with them because of my committment to my local Church.

Q. I understand that there is a certain Event coming up...care to share with our readers what that's about?
 
A. On the 5th Sunday in March, we are having an evening of singing and shouting at our Church, Living Faith Tabernacle. The Pastor asked us to do our part in Kingdom building and one thing that I can do is invite Soloists and Groups out to worship together with us, so we are having some of the Groups that I have worked with in the past to come to our new place of worship and help us lift up the name of Jesus. I like to call it a BUILDING FUND PROGRAM. The building being the "Body of Christ".
 
Q. Your music style is quite unique Brother Jackson. While I listened to it I found myself relaxing and wanting to just sit and enjoy it. I also noted a touch of the 'Old School' sound, from a time when the old spirituals used to really get the Service in Church going. I really enjoyed "AT and T", "Resting Easy" and "You're the One". Tell us a little about what inspired you to put together this kind of collection. Is this something new, or have you always done music like this? Would you say it's a result of what you listened to or experienced growing up?
 
A. I truly believe that we are products of our environment and experiences, naturally and spiritually.  The songs come to me usually when I'm out fishing alone and just thinking about the Lord's Goodness in my life through the years.  The idea behind ATandT is when you call on Jesus, you won't get a busy signal or a "temporarily disconnected" message. Resting Easy comes from the scripture, " Come unto me, all ye that labor..." and "You're The One" is a collaboration with an old friend that wrote words and I put music to it and wrote more words. It's just the way that I play and it's how the words come to me. If I could do it another way, I probably would but I think that I'm doing it like the Lord has gifted me to do it. I really can't do it any other way.
 
Q. What is the name of your album, and where does it stand now? Is it ready for release? And if so, where can it be purchased?
 
A.  The name of my Album, when it is released will be called You're the One. The only copy is in a CD case at home with my picture on it and it is the copy that the manager, Henry gave me when he recorded me at his studio over 4 years ago.
 
Q. I genuinely hope it doesn't stay that way for long! In the meanwhile, I like for my readers to be able to hear this sweet music...please give us your web address, and any others you'd care to have our readers know about.
 
A. My son set up for me, a "myspace" page on the second of November last year, and now I have been blessed with over 500 friends. it is, myspace.com/rayvjackson. My email address is jacksongs4u@yahoo.com.
 
Q. What (and who) do you listen to when you aren't writing or playing your own songs?
 
A. I love Commissioned, John P Kee, Hezekiah Walker, just to name a few and I am trying to learn to play some of their music for my Choir.

IN HIS OWN WORDS: Is there something more you'd like to share with us today Brother Jackson? 
 
Yes... I would like to say, ALWAYS think of another person's wants and desires above your own. Always be ready to give a compliment, add COMPASSION to your vocabulary and ALWAYS treat women like royalty!
 
 
Final Words: A truly remarkable testimony Brother Jackson. It is our prayer that God continues to use your hands and voice and wonderful spirit to lift up others for the Glory of His name. Thank you again, so much, for your time and forthright answers. We will certainly be eager to hear of any updates or new events, so please keep us posted! Our warmest welcome to the "Circle"!

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Min. LP Johnson

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I love the Lord First. I'm an explorer, I like finding out new information, seeing new things, meeting new people. I'm a writer, a poet, a singer, a mother, and an animal lover. I like art, most kinds of music, science, sunny days, beaches, prettiness. I view life from a Spiritual perspective, and try to stay positive, for I believe that Love and Hate are energies, forces, that can not exist in the same place within one's heart. To truly love others, we must look inside the clay pot (the outer body) and into the true, spiritual self. On that level, we all come from the same place.
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