PriceHarrisMinistries

Laredo Mission Experience

2010-09-27T05:03:00.000-07:00

Labor Day – 2010

Price Harris Ministries
September 1-4

For more than 20 years Price has led this trip to the border of Mexico and in co-operation with the Rio Grande Missionary Help Ministry. This has provided a place where people of all ages can have an intensive missionary experience for a minimal cost.

This year the trip was unique. Because of the violence within Mexico, Bro. Bro. Bill Waldrop (the founder of RGMH) called a month before the event and requested that we not plan to come because of the danger. We had already received deposits from nearly all of our travelers at that time. The busses and drivers were in place and people from all over the Ark-La-Tex were committed! I simply asked, “Bro. Waldrop why not pray about us coming and ministering in your community on this side of the border.” Bro. Bill in conference with Bro. Kelli Hein, his son-in-law and the pastor of the Friendly Baptist Church called, and very excitedly accepted the challenge.

In preparation for the mission I share very early in the planning that it is a very difficult weekend physically. We leave on Thursday afternoon at 4 p. m., drive over 600 miles with very few breaks, and arrive in Laredo long past bedtime. (this year we got in bed around 4:00 a. m.) In spite of this we were blessed to have 49 travelers from at least 10 churches.

After a few hours of sleep, we were blessed by a challenge by Pastor Richard Kaufman from Martin Baptist near Coushatta. We then boarded the busses and had dinner with the team and our hosts at a local restaurant. After dinner we stopped by Wal-Mart and each team member was asked to buy a gift for the mission. We suggested cleaning materials, toilet paper, other paper products for the mission to use throughout the year. I call it a “Little is Much” offering. We were amazed at the amount of materials our group bought for the mission.

After the stop at Wal-Mart we went back to RGMH for a time of orientation. Each team member was assigned to a team for visitation, and reminded of their responsibilities in puppets, face painting, Balloon art, etc. Late that afternoon we boarded the busses for a time of canvassing in the local community. Divided into 8 teams and following a light rain, the teams were dropped off to knock on every door and deliver an invitation to a party the next afternoon. One of the residents had given permission to use an empty lot. On muddy streets, with many dogs, and many empty homes, we were obedient to give the invites to passing vehicles, to those who were at home, and by faith leave the papers on doors and fences. My faith was small! After at time of fellowship and a meal we returned to RGMH for a great devotional on “Finding the Will of God” by Dr. Mike Anderson from Haynes Avenue Baptist Church. Lights Out came easy!

In preparation for our trip, God opened a great opportunity for us to go to the Sacred Heart Children’s Home in Laredo. Sister Maria Isidra Valdez gave us freedom to share with 55 beautiful children the story of Jesus and to share gifts with each child. They in turn served refreshments at the end of the program. We were blessed to have Luke and Tori Durst join us to share their ministry of Blankets and Bears. They live in Panhandle, TX and flew down for this brief meeting. Tori shared in tears how God had led her to collect Bears and Blankets and to distribute them just to say “God Loves You”. I was amazed how the children and the Sisters cherished these bears. We followed this with music by Beans and Rice (Pastor Armando Santos and Kalen, grandson of Bro. Waldrop), puppets, and a presentation by Evangelist Carl Carrigan and his friend Andrew, the gospel worm. We are so grateful for the seeds sown of the gospel at this beautiful facility right on the banks of the Rio Grande River. Evidence of the high level of danger was a border patrol car parked on the property and overlooking the river.

Immediately, we went to downtown Laredo for an hour of shopping and literature distribution. It is amazing how many contacts 50 people can make in an hour, and how much they can purchase. One of our pastors was late to the bus. Later we learned he had led a Chinese girl to Christ who sold him a gift for his wife. Evidence of the providence of God was the fact that this pastor had pastored a Chinese mission earlier in life. Can we ever doubt that God is in control. Also Jimmy and Kathy Johnston met a gentleman from Venezuela who was a believer – he was interested in attending the service on Sunday morning! After lunch, rest, and a brief orientation, we left RGMH and headed for that empty lot. I asked the team to pray that we would have 30 people out of the community to attend.

We parked our bus and Bro. Waldrop’s trailer. The trailer is unique, a screen, a platform, and chairs for seating. The puppets set up their elaborate equipment, the face painters, balloon experts, and gift givers made preparation for those who were coming to that very vacant lot.

We were ready for our scheduled start time at 6:30 and all of a sudden were overwhelmed with autos bringing children, and also children and parents walking toward us. In just a few minutes we counted more than 60 there for our party. What a blessing – everyone was wonderful in giving themselves so that the people felt a real part – that they received their gifts, and that they heard clearly presented the way of salvation. Pastor Amador Santos, a native of Puerto Rico and an old friend gave an invitation and more than 20 lifted their hands for salvation. Many stated for a gospel film afterward. We made our way rejoicing to have some fast food, a testimony time and a brief message by Zack Anderson from Martin Baptist in Coushatta, LA. Again lights out was easy.

Sunday morning we were up at 7 a.m. to clean our rooms, and the RGMH compound. We then packed the busses and joined together for the second wonderful breakfast prepared lovingly by several of our team members. My wonderful wife Ann headed the team of cooks.

At little before 10 a.m. the people began to fill up the small room where the Friendly Baptist Church meets. We were on shouting ground as several families we met at the party came to church, and the gentleman from Venezuela showed up. After messages by Bro. Armador and Bro. Carl Carrigan we were blessed to see 3 people come to the Lord. At the end of the service Bro. Carlos Meza, pastor of the Spanish church sponsored by Calvary Baptist in Shreveport, presented the visitors with packets of beans and rice for them to take home!

I just cannot thank our team enough! The Waldrops, the Heins, every team member – especially Bo Attaway and Wallace Scarlett (our bus drivers) were suberb! What a wonderful display of how God works when we are in unity and selflessly use our gifts for His glory!

After a looong trip home we arrived at about 3:00 a.m. Tired but a good tired. Again lights out came easy!

August - September Newsletter

2010-07-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

Craig and Melodie (Easter-2010)

Price and Precious Gypsy Girl (Romania-2010)

August-September 2010

Dear Ones,

Craig was our beloved son-in-law! He was diagnosed with non-small-cell lung cancer December 14 of last year. He immediately started treatment for the cancer which had already progressed beyond the possibility of surgery. Over the weeks – there was some good news, but the cancer finally had its way. Craig went to be with the Lord on June 30. Seldom, if ever, have I experienced an outpouring of love like we did in the community of Hoke’s Bluff, AL. For weeks the people came with love, with tangible expressions of love, and then at the viewing on Friday night the First Baptist Church of Hokes Bluff was filled with friends. On Saturday, the church was filled again with people who loved Melodie and Craig and their boys. Several days before his death, Craig’s youth pastor, Allen Hudson, came by and it was a thrill to hear them recount when Craig was saved and baptized as a teenager. Pray for Melodie, Baylor, Blake, and Brandon. We will miss Craig –and look forward to that wonderful place called Heaven.

ROMANIA - 2010
“In June, a special event was Price’s visit. He and the team from America are very devoted to us and very close to the children born through the Estera foundation. We put together a festive meal and enjoyed a short program prepared by the States team. The mommies felt so well that they didn’t want to leave. It was indeed an unforgettable time. Several of the Mother’s indicated that they gave their lives to the Lord during this meeting.” (an excerpt from the Esther Foundation newsletter) Our trip to Romania was so fruitful. We had almost 300 people respond to the gospel – we had a wonderful time of encouragement with our Christian friends. The special projects with the Gypsy children and with the Esther foundation were so blessed. We also were able to help several families and students with gifts because of your generosity. Thank you for the opportunity to be used among a dear people of another culture and many miles from our home.

As we remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we want to send you a reminder of this event that has affected all of our lives. Thanks for helping us as we seek to lift up Jesus! Don’t forget January 7, 2011!! (the Night of Praise)

In HIS love,
Price Harris

Encouragement to Stay by the Stuff!

2010-05-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

Dr. Mike Johnson is the head master of Cair Paravel Latin School in Topeka, KS. We became friends when he was on the staff of Calvary Baptist Church in Shreveport where I also served with Dr. W. D. “Step” Martin. Bro. “Step” was an evangelistic pastor in the truest sense. Every week we were given assignments for evangelistic visits and were held accountable that these visits were made. Dr. Mike shared recently the result of one of these encounters. I share with you because of the encouragement it gave me to keep on telling the old, old, story. When we share Jesus – we may not know until we get to heaven the entire results. Let me encourage you to build a prayer list of people who need to know the Lord. It takes prayer, concern, asking God for boldness, and just generally persistence. By the way, Dr. Johnson is one more intellectual – pray for him as he plants a love for the gospel in his students.

Dr. Johnson,
You probably do not remember me. I graduated with the class of ’89 at Captain Shreve and was fortunate enough to have you as my teacher in basic Latin. I write now to thank you. Not for your teachings in Latin (which were terrific as I recall), but for your interest in my salvation. While a student in your class, you invited me to a church service wherein at the end of the service the pastor extended an invitation to those in the congregation to come forward and accept their savior – I remained in my seat. You also invited me to attend early-morning “bible study” sessions you were hosting before school once a week at Captain Shreve. Although I came on several occasions – I remained in my seat. Undeterred, you even took me to lunch at El Chico. I remember distinctly you pulling out your Bible, laying it on the table and speaking to me about Christ – I remained in my seat. . . Sir, I report to you now as a brother in Christ, having accepted the grace so freely given and waking each day in the newness of life as only Jesus can provide. Mike, I think of you often and the time and effort you spent with me. Your impact on my life has been profound. I accepted Christ and was Baptized ten years ago in a small Baptist Church in Pintlala, Alabama. However, my walk to salvation began with the first small steps taken with you. I was speaking to some people the other day about “my high school Latin teacher” and your attempts at opening my heart 20 years ago and it dawned on me that I never thanked you. So, here goes, thanks for planting a seed in my heart; thanks for not giving up when I repeatedly shut down the conversations about Christ; and thanks for being an example for me in proclaiming the good news. Last Sunday an inquisitive 19 year old student in my office asked if he could attend church with me and then go to my Sunday School class. He did and as I stood in the hallway after class speaking with him about the lesson (Romans 12), I had to laugh – who would have thought 20 years ago that anyone would be going to church with ME!!! In short, this thanks is long overdue – I hope this email finds you well – be encouraged in your efforts - you keep doing what you did 20 years ago with me – those first small steps cracked an otherwise hard heart – I would write something cool to say here in Latin but I forgot everything!!!!!!
In Love,
Mark

North Country - 2010

2010-05-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

Good Morning from the North Country! We are as close as you can get to Canada without being there. I didn't bring my passport, so I might as well be 10,000 miles. There may be a spiritual lesson there. Without spiritual credentials we just aren't going to get into the heavenly city of heaven - regardless of how close we may be - living in a gospel saturated society, in church all of our lives! We have to have a passport (be truly saved, born again)!

This morning we had breakfast with Bro. Micah Carr. Micah is pastor of the Lawrenceville Baptist Church where we are ministering. What a Godly young man. He and his oriental wife, Lo, met at Liberty University. Micah came to New York on a mission trip and God called him to pastor here. In an intense snow storm in January almost 3 years a go they moved into the modest pastor's home and began to minister. The thing that blesses me most is to see them so content and sure that this is where God wants them to serve. When they moved, Lo was pregnant with their daughter, Lydia. Last week she gave birth to a son, Malachi! Pray for them as they seek to win the lost and provide growth opportunities for the saved. In an age where we are so concerned with personal comfort - I am impressed that God is on His throne and still calling young men to follow His leadership. You'll love the picture of Lydia! She reminds me of some Martin kids that I saw grow up to be missionaries!!

You have a great day - we love you and praise God for your prayers for us.

Romanian Revolution - 20 Years Later

2009-12-24T19:57:00.000-08:00

A Candle in the Darkness
Twenty Years Later

December 24, 2009

As people across the world tonight light Christmas candles at Christmas Eve services, my mind goes back to another Christmas 20 years ago in Romania, when the country was still in the grip of communist tyranny.

The story begins with Laszlo Tokes, pastor of a fast-growing reformed church in the city of Timisoara. His powerful preaching had caught the attention of communist officials, and they began a strategy of suppression. They stationed police officers around his church, machine guns cradled in their arms. They hired thugs to attack him. Finally, just before Christmas, they decided to send him into exile.

But when the police arrived to hustle Pastor Tokes away, they were stopped cold. Around the church stood a wall of humanity. Christians from around the city—Baptist, Pentecostal, Orthodox, Catholic—had joined together to protest.

All through the day they held their post. As it grew dark, a young Baptist student named Daniel Gavra pulled out a packet of candles, lit one, and passed it to his neighbor.

Then he lit another. One by one the burning candles were passed out among the crowd. Soon the darkness of the December night was pierced by the light of hundreds of candles. When Pastor Tokes looked out his window, he saw a sea of faces lit up by a warm glow.

That night, he said later, was the “turning point in my life.” He would never erase from his mind the picture of believers from all denominations joining hands in his defense.

Two days later, police finally broke through the crowd and dragged Pastor Tokes away. But that was not the end. The people now streamed to the city square and began a full-scale demonstration against the communist government.

Once again Daniel Gavra passed out his candles. Once again the night was lit by their glow.

Finally, the communist officials began to panic. They brought in troops and ordered them to open fire on the crowd. Hundreds were shot. Young Daniel felt a searing pain as his leg was blown off.

Yet the brave example set in Timisoara inspired the rest of the nation. Within days the entire population of Romania had risen up and the bloody dictator Ceausescu was gone. The churches filled with worshippers offering praise to God.

For the first time in half a century, the people of Romania celebrated Christmas in freedom.

In the hospital, Daniel Gavra celebrated while learning to walk with crutches. His pastor came by, offering him sympathy, but Daniel wasn’t looking for sympathy.

“Oh, Pastor,” he said softly. “I don’t mind so much the loss of a leg. After all, it was I who lit the first candle.”

What a powerful image for us here in America as we celebrate this Christmas—the picture of a black December night lit up by a glowing testimony to the unity of God’s people.

What mighty things the church could do today when it is truly is the church: when we stand shoulder to shoulder with all our brothers and sisters, ready to fight evil, prepared to give our limbs—and yes, even our lives—to light a candle in the darkness.

A GREAT WAY TO BEGIN - 2010!!

2009-12-24T13:08:00.000-08:00

Night of Praise - 2010

You will love the Night of Praise. 19 years ago, I invited about 100 guests to join me in the fellowship hall of Calvary Baptist in Shreveport. We had a wonderful time that evening and so we decided to do it again the next year. Our Pastor, Bro. "Step" Martin suggested that we use the worship center and so we planned a program and invited the community to join us. That evening there were over 400 in attendance. Since then we had made this a gift to our friends and have used it as a means of blessing and also communicating our ministry to our friends.

This year we have invited several people to bless you. Be sure to get there on time. I usually just start the program by 15 minutes so I get to sing a little bit. We'll start at 6:15 p.m. event though the time is advertised at 6:30 p. m. Our special guest this year is Aaron Wilburn - with the Allen Family, the Calvary Boys, Johnny Parrack, the Praise Choir from First Baptist Church , Haugton, LA singing for us.

We will receive a love offering for our mission work through the year - all of the guest will display their products - this is a great time of fellowship. I want you to be there!!

Price Harris

Regardless of Who You Pull For!!

2009-11-30T06:17:00.000-08:00

Only Positives in Tebow’s Time in Swamp
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — If you can’t stand Tim Tebow, Saturday wasn’t a total loss. After putting on a command performance in his final home game, Tebow went for a victory lap to thank his millions of fans. Near the end, he stepped on an adoring cheerleader’s ankle. “She went down hard,” Tebow said. “I felt terrible.” That’s not much for Tebow haters to cling to, but at this point they’ll take any body part they can get. His last appearance at Florida Field showed why Tebow should go down as the greatest player in college football history. Nobody has impacted more people than Florida’s quarterback. After Saturday’s 37- 10 demolition of FSU, you can even add Bobby Bowden to the list. “I need to go home and do some soulsearching,” he said.
If Tebow has driven Bowden into retirement, a lot of FSU followers might join the Tebow Fan Club. Even when he does something negative, it has a positive impact. The thing is, Tebow has done nothing truly negative since arriving in Gainesville. That’s driven Tebow haters crazy. They would have been sickened by the sweetness at Senior Day. There weren’t really millions of fans in attendance. But the 90,907 who were waved palm branches as Tebow rode in on a donkey. In case you’re not up on your New Testament, that’s yet another Timmy of Nazareth comparison. I tried to come up with another reference point years ago, but Mother Teresa never scored more than 100 touchdowns. After passing for three and running for two against FSU, Tebow’s career tally is 140. But it’s not the records or the national championships or the Heismans that make him the greatest. Tebow’s not the best passer or runner
college football has ever seen. But great doesn’t mean the fastest or strongest. It’s a combination of talent and so much more. The man who hugged Tebow when he ran onto the field tried to sum it up. “I don’t know where you start,” Urban Meyer said. You could start with style. Tebow’s rambling, reckless approach redefined what a running quarterback can be. Some say he’s really just a fullback taking snaps. Show me a fullback who’s completed 66 percent of his passes in his career. His only disappointment Saturday was
that his final touchdown wasn’t a jump pass. It was one of his trademarks; a playground move that made it look like the guy was just having fun out there. Tebow did a jumping motion toward the bench on his final scoring drive, hoping the play would be called. It was, but the receiver was tripped at the line of scrimmage. It would have been a touchdown, Tebow said. He had style, he had stats. He also had those off-season performances in the Philippines and Croatia and various prisons around Florida. He preached to inmates, built missions and circumcised underprivileged
natives. He professed to being a virgin and wasn’t embarrassed to say so. It was all so corny, yet all so genuine. We live in a world that should be cynical of sports heroes, but TMZ
could have put a surveillance team on Tebow for four years and never found him doing anything Billy Graham wouldn’t have done. “He made unselfishness part of college
football,” Meyer said. Teammates loved the fact he’d show up at 6 a.m. to lift weights with the offensive linemen. Nobody cared more about winning. The proof is on the wall at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. There’s the plaque with his post-game speech after last year’s loss to Ole Miss. The one where he tearfully vowed nobody will work harder or push his team as hard as he would. That was 22 straight wins ago. Fans will pose in front of that plaque for generations. People will tell their grandchildren they saw Tebow play in person. He went from super recruit to Heisman winner to mythical figure, which is why the stadium was bursting with flashes in the fourth quarter. “Everybody wanted to get a picture of his last snap,” receiver David Nelson said. Everybody noticed it except Tebow, whowas too busy trying to put one more touchdown on a hated rival. Nobody was more competitive, and the way he waved his arms to fire up the crowd got on some people’s nerves.So did the way he wore his religiosity on his face, with the Bible-verse eye patches. So did all that publicity he’s gotten, as if he could have done much to stop it. Imagine how much more Tebow would have gotten if he’d failed a drug test or been in a bar fight or been chased out of his dorm by a girl swinging a golf club. All he did for the past four years is behave himself, get good grades, work harder, win more, care more and inspire more people
than any player we’ll ever see. If you don’t think that’s great, it says more about you than Tim Tebow.

The Gospel on Offense

2009-10-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

The Gospel on Offense
The Faith of Tim Tebow
By Mark EarleyPublished Date: October 01, 2009

There’s a reason you’ll find cover stories about Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. And it’s not just his football prowess.

America’s largest church has a capacity to hold 16,000. But while Tim Tebow may not be a preacher, when he runs into the University of Florida’s football Stadium—affectionately known as “The Swamp”—his congregation numbers just over 90,000. And you can bet they’re hearing Tim’s message.

It’s not just that this University of Florida quarterback wears Bible verses etched into his eye black on game days. Tim Tebow has been making headlines for more than simply his Heisman Trophy win as a sophomore and his two national championships. This summer the New York Times, GQ, and Sports Illustrated all covered the quarterback’s strong Christian faith.

Last year, when the Florida Gators won the national championship, the pre-game show followed Tim into a local Florida prison where he can regularly be found sharing his testimony and preaching the Gospel.

And this top-notch athlete, who spends his spring breaks and summers ministering to orphans in the Philippines has actually helped change the culture of the University of Florida. According to Sports Illustrated, “Since Tebow’s arrival on campus, and in large part because of him, the University has launched a series of community-service initiatives.” Even coach Urban Meyer has taken his family on a “Tebow-inspired mission trip to the Dominican Republic.”

The press seems to be fascinated with outspoken Christian quarterbacks like Tim Tebow; Sam Bradford, the 2008 Heisman winner; and now USC’s Matt Barkley. Only a few decades ago, it would have been taken for granted that these would be the kinds of fellows any father would want his daughter to marry. Now they are put under the microscope as some kind of curious anomaly—well-known athletes who actually exhibit character.

In our doped-up, mug-shot celebrity culture, sadly these young men do look a little out of step. And that’s to our culture’s shame.

Perhaps that why last year when the press asked Tim Tebow a rather impertinent question—they were more embarrassed by the response than he was. It was at a Southeastern Conference news media event where one reporter asked in front of the crowded room, “Are you a virgin?” Tim answered with an unequivocal yes and had yet another platform to explain how his faith impacts every area of his life.

That platform for sharing the Gospel is exactly what Tim’s parents prayed for before he was born. Tim’s father, Bob, a missionary in the Philippines, had been weeping over the millions of babies aborted in America. It was then that he prayed, “God, if you give me a son, if you give me Timmy, I’ll raise him to be a preacher.”

Soon after, when Pam Tebow learned she was expecting, the parents’ faith was put to the test. After a series of grave complications, doctors encouraged them to abort the child. They refused. Born small and weak, Timmy struggled from the beginning. But his dad continued to tell him, “God’s got a purpose for you, and at some point, He’s going to call you to preach.”

Dad was right. God’s message would come through the roar of the crowd, beamed to millions via satellite. But little did they know, Tim would don a jersey, not robes, and use a stadium for his pulpit.

Tim’s a great example of an opportunity every believer has—to put our faith to work on the field of play where God has gifted us and called us.

(A personal note: Recently, in our fellowship here in Shreveport, one of our men read the Sports Illustrated article on Tim. He confessed to his wife that for years he had dodged the preaching of the word by doing other things in the church because he knew that even thought he was a preacher's son - he didn't have a personal relationship with Jesus! Our friend, Ed Hearron - deacon, great father, moral giant - bowed His knee to trust Jesus as the way the truth and the life. Don't miss heaven for anybody or anything! - Price)

2009-08-07T11:31:00.000-07:00

First Baptist Satsuma Homecoming

[Photo] Ann and were so blessed to be at First Baptist Church Satsuma for their Homecoming Weekend. Pastor Roy Hill and his staff were such good hosts and we enjoyed staying with our friend, Perry Shewmake. God is working there - they baptized three young mothers and their daughters at the beginning of the service. How many times have you seen that happen? We were saddened at the death of one of our favorite friends while we were there. George and Carol Davenport and their girls were so faithful. George was on his patio watching the birds and drinking a glass of tea when the Lord just suddenly took him home. Pray for this family during this time. Ann and I were there from 1994 to 1969 and worked with music and youth. Precious Memories of Old Friends. Price Harris

Labels: Old Friends

The Passing of a Pop Star

2009-07-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

A very tender and inciteful article

The Pinnacle of Success?

July 8, 2009
I am an aging, white conservative Baptist. My taste in music runs from Bach to Mozart to Lawrence Welk. Indeed, my staff might say I am the un-hippest man alive.
So you might think that I am surprised by the frenzied and non-stop media coverage of the death of Michael Jackson—perhaps the greatest pop star of all time. But I’m not.
You may think that I don’t “get” why his fans by the millions are grieving, buying up Jackson CDs like they are going out of style, holding vigils at his mansion, desperately trying to get tickets to his memorial service in Los Angeles. But I do.
Here is why they have reason to mourn: Michael Jackson was, by any standard, a musical genius. His albums and his videos thrilled successive generations of pop fans. In fact, I was enthralled myself when I first watched his video presentation at an Epcot exhibit some 20 years ago.
There was, indeed, no one quite like Michael Jackson. And now there will be no new albums, no comeback concert tour, no new dance moves. That’s why they’re mourning.
But here’s why they—and all of us—should mourn the real tragedy that Michael Jackson’s story is. Andrew Sullivan at the Atlantic Monthly blog said it well: Michael Jackson “was everything our culture worships; and yet he was obviously desperately unhappy, tortured, afraid and alone.” He was, as Sullivan noted, nothing but a creature of our culture, which puts “fame and celebrity” at its core, with money as its driving force, without regard for the person caught up in it or the character he exhibits.
By numerous published accounts, Jackson was emotionally abused by his father, a man consumed by the idea that his child could be a superstar. Jackson was a drug addict accused of pedophilia, given to all manner of bizarre behavior. He was, in the end, as Bob Herbert opined in the New York Times, “psychologically disabled, to the point where he was a danger to himself and others.”
It makes the scenes of adoring crowds pushing and shoving to get near yesterday’s memorial service, and the non-stop live television coverage, all the more bizarre and tragic. We worship the celebrity for his fame, degenerate lifestyle not withstanding.
Jackson achieved the summit of what this culture values most—fame—and paid for it with his life. And that is a tragedy.
Life is filled with teaching moments. And for parents, this tragedy is an opportunity to talk with our children about what they really want out of life—what matters most.
And it’s also a time for parents to look in the mirror and ask what we really want for our kids. If the answer is success in life, then we had better know what that definition of success is.
That’s because even Christian parents are not immune to the siren song of fame and fortune for their kids. It’s great that your child can sing and dance. It’s wonderful that he can hit a baseball a country mile. She just might win that academic scholarship to Harvard.
But winning that scholarship, or playing in the major leagues, is not the Christian definition of success. Doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with your God is.
Character matters. Not fame. No matter how un-hip that sounds.

www.breakpoint.org

July/August 2009

2009-06-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

July/August 2009 Dear Friends, As we reflect on our trip to Romania, our hearts are just full. The highlight of the trip was to see 144 precious people respond to the gospel message. Several years ago we met a precious Campus Crusade missionary, Cristina Marinescu. We became involved in helping her through your gifts to our work. I had the joy of sharing with her sister, Ionela, on one of our earlier trips and she was saved. Cristina has been burdened that her parents come to Christ. Her Mother was saved earlier, and that left her Father. He is a professor in a university in Ploiesti, Romania and every year has come to our meetings there. After church this year, after the team had prayed faithfully for him, Bro. Mike Goforth had the joy of leading him to Christ. Cristina interpreted as he was saved!

We were able to give to the Viisoari Gypsy Ministry the funds for continuing the program through the 2009-2010 school year. What a quality ministry! We were there for a morning and saw several respond to the gospel. Also, we delivered funds to the Esther Foundation. They continue to help young ladies and couples as their babies are born. Romania leads Europe in abortions, but our help saves many precious lives each year. Thanks for helping me bear the burden for these ministries. We will go back to Romania in June of next year. Why not begin to pray about making this trip with us.

One of our most faithful supporters was a lady named Lena Lively! We met Lena over 30 years ago in a meeting in Baton Rouge. Every month she faithfully sent a small check and a note of encouragement. We will miss her so much. The last time Ann and I saw her was at Jefferson Baptist Church. She probably weighed less than 100 pounds, but came with her oxygen bottle to support us. Pray for her family and know that our ministry survives on the Lena Livelys’ who feel impressed to pray for us. Lena looks on from heaven and is a motivation for us to be faithful.

This year our Labor Day mission will be to New Orleans, LA. There has been so much trouble and publicity about the borders of Mexico, that I felt it would be wise to divert to another plan. We will leave early on Friday morning of September 4, drive to New Orleans and then on Saturday minister at the Global Maritime Ministry until noon. The director, Phillip Vandercook is a long time friend. That afternoon we will work with Pastor Dave Fochum and the River Place Campus of Celebration Church. We will have a block party and then stay for the services on Sunday morning. We will leave from Shreveport, but if you want to join us in New Orleans, be sure you send a $50 deposit to our address by August 1.

We have a busy schedule the remainder of the summer – there are some good dates still available this fall. Pray with us that we will fill these dates as the Lord leads.

The year is quickly passing – it won’t be long until January and the Night of Praise. What a great night is planned for January 8, 2010 with Aaron Wilburn, Johnny Parrack and the Calvary Boys. Circle this night in red on your personal calendar. God bless – pray for us to be faithful, healthy and in the center of HIS will.

In HIS love, Price and Ann Harris

MAY - JUNE NEWSLETTER

2009-05-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

May/June 2009

Dear Friends:

My Choice

I want my breakfast served at eight, with ham and eggs upon the plate,
A well-broiled steak I’ll eat at one, and dine again when day is done.

I want an ultramodern home, and in each room a telephone,
Soft carpets, too, upon the floors, and pretty drapes to grace the doors.

I want my wardrobe, too, to be, of neatest, finest quality,
With latest style in suit and vent: why should not Christians have the best?

But then the Master I can hear, in no uncertain voice so clear,
“I bid you come and follow me, the Lowly Man of Galilee.”

If He be God, and died for me, no sacrifice too great can be
For me, a mortal man to make; I’ll do it all for Jesus sake.

Yes, I will tread the path He trod, no other way to please my God;
So henceforth, this my choice shall be, my choice throughout eternity.

Missionary William McChesney
(martyred in Congo – November 24, 1964)
http://www.inlovewithjesuschrist.com/slain-missionarys-mother

I have pondered and prayed several months about sharing this poem with you all. However, as we approach our leaving time for Romania this summer – it was good for me to reflect on on our purpose for making the trips. So many of you give to make it possible – we want to labor for the Master and for Him alone. Pray for us – we’ll leave on Tuesday, June 3 and return on Monday, June 15. There will be 16 travelers from all over. It will be a great blessing to have Bro. Carl Carrigan with us this year. This will be his first trip – and the people will love his ministry. Also, Jim Lyons, a long-time friend will be going with us. Jim is a world-class weight lifter and has won many awards in his age category. Jim is from Louisiana but lives in Dallas and is a member of Prestonwood Baptist. He really felt God speaking to him about the trip at our Night of Praise in January.

As has been our practice, for several years we will be taking gifts for the two special projects that we support there – The Esther Foundation (a pregnancy crisis ministry), and the Viisoara Gypsy Feeding ministry. Your gifts this month will help us complete the goal for this year. Pray that God will save many precious souls and that God will use us to encourage the people. We have in our garage a great collection of children’s clothes that friends have donated. We will be getting these ready to ship over between now and our departure date. A precious lady in Bossier City has given us knitted caps for each of the gypsy children. Every work for Jesus will be blessed! The offerings for Millions for Missions (pennies and special gifts) have been more than $4500.00 since the first of the year. About $1500.00 are actually pennies that we have received and counted. “Little is Much When God is in It”.

Thank you for your continued prayers for our family and for Jon specifically – he is back at work. God has done a great work!

In HIS love,

Price and Ann Harris

Pray for our son, Jon!!

2009-02-11T12:45:00.000-08:00

March/April - 2008

Dear Friends, Our trip to Jamaica was a great blessing. We had a team of eight, and I was
amazed at the amount of ministry we had over the island. We had church services, impromptu evangelistic meetings, large school assemblies, and a street meeting. I am so grateful for everyone who participated in making this possible.

As we were preparing to leave, we had a call from our daughter-in-law, Amy, informing us of a critical situation with our son Jon. She had called earlier to tell us that he had the flu – that he was not doing well – but the evening before, her call was more encouraging. On Tuesday morning he was rushed to the emergency room, and by evening he was extremely critical with pneumonia. His body immediately became sepsis. (Sepsis is a severe illness caused by overwhelming infection of the bloodstream by toxin-producing bacteria.). After a monumental decision, he was transferred to L. S. U. hospital and placed under their care. The team has been so thorough and helpful throughout his treatment. As I write this letter (Feb. 11), he is still critical, but we are so encouraged with his progress. Please pray for Jon and Amy and his three wonderful sons – Parker, Jackson, and Jake Hayden. We are trusting God for his complete restoration physically. Jon is a joy to our heart - Please pray for Him and for Amy and his boys - Parker, Jackson, and Jake Hayden! I was scheduled to be with my friend Bill Bolton in a meeting during this crisis and he was so gracious to allow me to be with our family.

I have been so blessed by our friends who love and pray for us. One particular scripture that has been particularly sweet is Matthew 14: 25-31:

“25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

When Peter began to sink, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. When Peter’s faith faltered, he reached out to Christ, the only one who could help. He was afraid, but he still looked to Christ. We must remember in our troubles that He is the only one who can help – and He is always there.

We love you all – if you write in March you’ll receive the DVD of this year’s Night of Praise! Thanks you for all of your concern and your support. Our next mission trip will be in June. Our plans as of now are to go to Romania to minister!

In HIS love,

Price and Ann

NIGHT OF PRAISE - JEREMIAH RAAB

2009-01-19T20:36:00.000-08:00

Price Harris Night of Praise Delivers
Jeremiah Raab

On Friday, January 9th, crowds descended upon Calvary Baptist Church of Shreveport for it’s annual Price Harris Night of Praise. Musical groups and soloists from all over the country used their talents for the glory of God through singing and fellowship.
If there had been tickets for the show, it would have been close to being sold-out. The floor seats were filled, forcing those that were late to move to the balcony. Thankfully, there was not a bad seat in the auditorium.
The musical acts included The Allen Family, The Needhams, Johnny Parrack, Cheri Taylor, and many other special guests.
The Allen Family now officially reside in Branson, Missouri, but stay on the road for most of the year, logging thousands of miles a year traveling to and from shows. Their set provided beautiful harmonies provided by Todd and Michelle Allen, and accompanied by their eight children. This was their 12th appearance at the annual event.
The Needhams have been playing music for a decade. Hailing from Tennessee, their sound was melodic, rife with family harmony, and their songs were rich with gospel imagery.
Johnny Parrack, now pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Alma, Arkansas is known for his unwavering tenor singing voice. He has sung for many years and sang with the Kingsmen, as well as other groups.
After their performances, all of the acts could be found in the lobby, where attendees could fellowship with the artists or buy their favorite music of the night.
But most importantly, the cause of gospel evangelism was furthered by the concert. There was a love offering taken, and as the Needhams played their song, “Pennies from Heaven,” the audience was given the opportunity to bring all of their pennies and donate them toward mission work. Last year alone, Price Harris Ministries raised $21,000 in pennies to further the call of evangelism in the world. At this year’s event, probably 600 pounds of coins in were donated.
In the end, everyone at the concert seemed to share in the same desire of seeing the Lord Jesus Christ glorified: through singing, listening, fellowshipping with other believers, and giving. Next year’s program will be on Friday, January 8, 2010.

Night of Praise - January 9, 2009

2008-10-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE NIGHT OF PRAISE ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2009! WE'LL START AT 6:00 P. M. THIS WILL BE SWEET SINGING AND SWEET FELLOWSHIP. JUST A LITTLE REHEARSAL FOR ETERNITY. PLEASE INVITE SOMEONE AND COME EARLY!! PRICE

Excited about Sowing the Seed!!

2008-10-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

This week I listened to a message by Dr. Roy Fish. He used the illustration that we have placed here from Godtube. Don't miss listening!

I am going to Australia in November. I'll be traveling with my long time friend, Dr. Robert Meyer. Robert was so instrumental in my coming to know the Lord and then in showing me how to grow in Christ. Robert is the Southeast Asia director of Baptist Internatial Missions. We'll be visiting several of his churches and also his son who is a missionary pastor in Brisbane, Australia. Pray for our trip. Don't fail to watch this video.

In HIS love,

Price

2008-10-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

September 10, 2008
By: Marvin Williams

“…For of such is the Kingdom of Heaven”

Two buses loaded with people and gifts from various North Louisiana churches such as Calvary, The Spanish Church in Bossier, Koran, Fillmore, Shreve City, Blanchard, Oil City, Martin and Hunter Magnolia Baptist churches pulled out from the Calvary Baptist Church parking lot on August 28th at 4:30 p.m. to begin a 4 day mission trip to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. As the sky grew dark and the rain poured down, no one even mentioned Gustav which was heading into the Gulf of Mexico.

Before a team of almost 70 people loaded up, they gathered in a circle in the parking lot to ask God for traveling grace and a special anointing as they would share The Gospel in the coming days. Bro. Price Harris, founder of Price Harris Ministries and sponsor of the mission trip led the team which was made up of ministers, youth, and laypersons.

After traveling all night, the weary but expectant group rolled up to the Rio Grande Missionary Help facility in Laredo, Texas. They were welcomed by Bro. Bill Waldrop and his wife Carolyn who founded RGMH. Everyone got a hot shower and breakfast before going across the border into Nuevo Laredo to visit the children at a combination orphanage/school known as Casa Hogar Douglas.

As 3 vans and 1 bus loaded with mission-minded Christians parked outside the gate, they were met with the smiling faces of children running toward them shouting, “Hola amigos….como esta!” (Hello friends….how are you?) Each child was given a gift bag which included personal hygiene items, toys, pencils, baseball cards, candy, etc.

The Gospel was presented to the children and teachers in various ways including a puppet show, string ministry, and skits. They were also treated to balloons fashioned as the cross (which the children soon turned into colorful toy swords to play with) and face-painting.

On Saturday, the team went into the streets and markets of Nuevo Laredo to minister. Gospel tracts written in Spanish were handed out. The love of Jesus was shared with many before moving on to another orphanage named Casa Hogar Elim which currently houses 115 children. Some of these children are physically disabled, some have parents who are incarcerated, and some where just dropped off there by parents who couldn’t care for them.

As the gift-giving, face-painting and other festivities were underway, a young girl was noticed standing in a distance peeping around a wall to see what was going on. One of the team approached her with the intention of offering a gift bag and an invitation to join in. She turned and ran away. The team member asked one of the youth to see if she could encourage the little girl to accept a gift. A few minutes later, they both walked into the open and it was obvious that the little girl of 11 had been abused and would soon give birth to a child. One of the team shared with her in Spanish that Jesus loved her and gave His life for her. Tears flowed from her eyes as she asked God to forgive her and save her.
As the children led their newfound friends around the compound, there was only laughter and smiling faces. The only tears seen were in the eyes of those who knew they’d have to leave the little ones behind until the next time.

Immediately following a church service in the chapel at RGMH on Sunday, the buses were loaded and the team began the trek home. Many people were changed over what was to be a long Labor Day weekend. Decisions were made in the streets of Nuevo Laredo as well as in the orphanages and church at RGMH.

As the buses arrived in Shreveport around 2:30 a.m. on Monday, the weary travelers were still discussing plans for the next opportunity to return.

For more information about how you can minister and be a blessing, Price Harris can be contacted at: phea2@aol.com or by visiting his website at: http://www.dcw.net/phea/.

All Things for Good - Jeremiah Raab

2008-09-19T03:27:00.000-07:00

Despite many setbacks, the 66 men, women, and children who took part in a recent Labor Day mission trip to Mexico kept their heads up high.
The travelers, led by Price Harris and sponsored by the Price Harris Evangelistic Association of Shreveport, were scheduled to leave Calvary at 4:00 p.m. on the Thursday before Labor Day, and head south to the Rio Grande Missionary Help in Laredo, Texas. They would then spend the next two days traveling across the border to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, where they would evangelize to the Mexican people there face-to-face, and also through a block party that would be held on Saturday night.
But, seemingly as a taste of what would come, the first incident occurred. In the parking lot at Calvary, the buses waited for 30 minutes past departure time for a young woman to arrive. When she was finally contacted by phone, she told them that she had gotten mixed up and thought they were leaving Friday. She was in Monroe at the time so the group was forced to leave without her. Harris said she told him, “I guess I didn’t need to go on this trip.” Also, she would be the first of many that weekend to quote Romans 8:28.
Approximately 12 hours later, they arrived in Laredo, but their relief in finally getting there was short-lived. One of the buses ran out of gas just a few miles away from the RGMH. Thankfully, a gas station was in view, so the other bus pushed them to the station, where they filled up the empty gas tank. But since the bus had a diesel engine, it would not start immediately. Several men began to work on the engine, but 2 ½ hours later, it still would not crank. With the good bus, most of the people were taken to the RGMH where they finally got some much-needed rest. The several men that stayed behind were not as fortunate.
At noon, the group gathered their things and crossed the border into Nuevo Laredo. Their first stop of the day was an orphanage, hidden away in one of the local neighborhoods. It had a large fence surrounding it, which surely gave the children comfort. One of them, a small boy with his name, Gerrardo, painted on his shirt, kept saying “Thank you, thank you,” followed by a bow. He was a born entertainer.
After reigning them into a large room at the back of the complex, the group had a small service. They put on a puppet show, a message was preached, and songs were sung. One could hear the children’s voices echoing gospel songs from outside the gates.
The next stop was the neighborhood in which they would hold the block party the following evening. On this day, the group had planned to go door-to-door, handing out flyers explaining the time and location of the service. But on the way, another glitch came their way: rain. When they reached the neighborhood, a steady flow of water had already begun to run down the streets. The flyers would not go out that night.
By the next night, with rain still in the forecast, it was decided that the group would hold their block party at another Neuvo Laredo orphanage, the Casa Hogar Elim, which was run by a woman named Guadalupe Carmona. She started the CHE 23 years earlier, with some of her former inhabitants presently at the university-level. At this time, she had approximately 100 children living there.
“Our goal here is for every child that comes here to know the Lord Jesus Christ,” said Carmona.
The children were treated with candy, puppets, music, and the gospel. Carl Carrigan, president of N.I.T.O.E. ministries and a long-time participant of the Labor Day trip, taught the children about salvation using the same street evangelism techniques he has used all over the world; in places like New York City, the Phillipines, and Belize. Carlos Mesa, pastor of Calvary’s Spanish church in Shreveport, preached the gospel message to the children.
Several members of the group prayed and talked with particular individuals after the service, and it seemed that the block party had been well-received.
“Only heaven will reveal how many were saved as a result of the witness of the 66 people who lost a couple of night’s sleep to be missionaries for the weekend,” said Harris.
By the end of the weekend Romans 8:28 was being repeated constantly: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
During the Sunday morning service, right before the group left to go back home, Pastor Mesa told everyone not to expect things to go exactly the way they wanted them to go in life, because they would meet disappointment at every turn. But rather, he said, to trust the Lord and know that His way is best. It was something the group needed to hear on this trip, and even more so at that particular time: a couple of hours later they would be changing a flat tire in San Antonio.

(The Labor Day Mission planned by Price Harris Ministries is designed to give a fast, safe, and inexpensive look at another culture and the opportunity to be a witness.)

Gypsey Children of Vissori, Romania

2008-09-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

Romania #1

2008-09-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed to be in the country of Romania. Today we drove to Timisoara, Romania from the city of Budapest, Hungary. As we were leaving the hotel in Budapest, I asked a group who were also leaving, "Where are you from?" One of the young people responded, "We are Romanians!". After a brief, sweet talk (so many Romanians have some command of the language), I was able to give all of the team a tract, "The Big Question" in their language. That excites me, because every tract was a seed sown in places I will never go. I believe some will be fruitful - and we'll know bye and bye.

We just completed our first meeting at a small village church. There were about 40 children of various ages. We had handwork and were able through some wonderful young Romanian interpreters to share the love of Christ.
Tomorrow our team will be in seven churches in the area. Pray for us!

This is the first year I have been able to bring some folks from Louisiana on this trip. Pray for Dionell Watson, Jim and Teresa Dodson, and Brian Chase as we minister.

I'll write more tomorrow.

Price

Mexico - Romania - Australia

2008-09-01T21:45:00.000-07:00

“We talk of the second coming;

half the world

has never heard of Him

coming first. -

Dr. Oswald Smith

Dear Friend,

We were so blessed to go again to the border of Mexico over Labor Day weekend. The picture is Pastor Carlos Mesa, who is the pastor of the Spanish church sponsored by Calvary Baptist here in Shreveport. His passion for the souls of men, coupled with his fluency in the Spanish language make him a valuable part of the team. He was the man who made the appeal at the end of our meetings. Only heaven will reveal how many were saved as a result of the witness of the 66 people who lost a couple of nights sleep to be missionaries for the weekend.

Thanks so much for helping us continue to stay involved in evangelism. When you read this we will either be on our way to Romania, or we will be there already. God bless you for your faithfulness. I'll be a year older the day before we leave (September 3)

Pray for our trip to Australia in November. I will be going with my friend Dr. Robert Meyer for most of the month. We will be visiting churches in several areas of that vast continent to encourage and share the gospel. I understand that there is coldness toward the things of God. I want to be used of God there. Robert is a long time friend. We attended Clarke College in Newton, MS together. He was so instrumental in my coming to know Christ in a personal way! He serves as the Southeast Asia Director of Baptist International Missions in Chattanooga, TN.

Also begin to pray and put on your calendar our 2009 Night of Praise. January 9 is the day – Millions for Missions will be our goal. Plan to save your pennies and bring them that evening as a testimony to the cause of Christ. Johnny Par rack is coming with the Allen’s, the Needhams, and a new friend, Cheri Taylor. Pray for a great crowd and the presence of the Lord.

Love in Him,

Price and Ann

Cristina and Ionela Marinescu!!

2008-08-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

This is Cristina and Ionela Marinescu! They live in Bucharest, Romania! Several years ago I met Cristina at the First Baptist Church of Ploieşti in Romania. She is a staff member with Campus Crusade for Christ. (Christina is on the right!) Cristina works with college students in Bucharest and has a wonderful heart for the things of God. At some of our meetings, I have met these girls parents and they have become great friends.

The second year that I went to Romania, Cristina introduced me to Ionela. There in the church, I shared briefly with her about her need of Christ. Because of Cristiana's precious example of living as a Christian before her - Ionela's heart was tender and she prayed to receive Christ at that first meeting.

Over the last few years these girls have been precious to write to Ann and me. In January of this year Cristia visited in our home for a weekend. Ionela is a young business professional now and is serving our Lord faithfully.

September 4, Ann and I will be going to Romania for a mission. Pray that God will have other divine appointments for us to share Christ with the Romanian people. Pray for Cristina and Ionela to grow in Christ and to share the gospel with their friends there.

The Name - Jonathan Drake

2008-08-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

I watch a lot of baseball. While I concede that the only sport more painful and boring to watch on TV is probably golf, baseball is a family (and an American) tradition. The Drakes have been devoted fans of the New York Yankees since their hollowed inauguration in 1903. We don't even acknowledge that there are fans of the Boston Red Sox; to us, they are sympathizers to the Rebel forces. Obviously, I like baseball a lot.

One relatively well-known player from the 70s and 80s is a guy named Steve Garvey. He played for the Dodgers and Padres, and he is the definition of old-school baseball. Gritty, blue-collar, no glitz, and no glam. He didn't play ball because he was greedy; he played because he loved to play. He is a rare breed of ballplayer (in any sport these days) and his legacy is renowned among baseball die-hards.

After his career was over, he made this statement: "The difference between the old ballplayer and the new ballplayer is the jersey. The old ballplayer cares about the name on the front. The new ballplayer cares about the name on the back."

Of course, this is painfully true. We are in an era where some ballplayers salaries could feed an entire country for 100 years. Most professional athletes don't care about what team they play for, but rather what team can pay. They want to be in the spotlight and get paid an exorbitant amount of money for their individual accomplishments. They are constantly looking out for "Number One" and consequently professional sports have lost their "team unity" at an exponential rate.

While it is easy for us to stand back and condemn the athletes who do this, we are really no different. How so? Well, since you and I will probably never don a pro uniform and receive a paycheck for playing any sport, I'm talking about another area of our lives. When it comes to your life right now, who are you living for? What is your motivation when you get up in the morning? Are you constantly looking to be in the spotlight and get applauded for your actions? Are you trying to receive all the glory for your individual accomplishments?
In other words, whose name do you care about? Is it the name on the front of your jersey? Or is it the name on the back - your name?

In the New Testament book of Acts, there are at least 12 occasions (that I could count) where something was done "in the name of Jesus." People were healed. People were baptized. The apostles were preaching. The apostles were speaking. Demons were exorcised. All of this was "in the name of Jesus." And it seemed that this was the trend of the early church following the Ascension of Jesus. Everything they did was in the name of Jesus; no other name was important. Not Peter, not Paul, not John, not James, not Mary - only the name of Jesus.

Fast forward about fifty years to the city of Ephesus. The Apostle John - from the old-school - is writing to some young believers, instructing them on how to handle a problem with one of their church members. John makes this statement: "But Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence, did not receive us" (3 John 9). Preeminence simply means that this guy Diotrephes loved being in the spotlight; he liked doing things his way and always wanted to put himself first. He was playing for the name on the back of his jersey.

We often find ourselves in the position of Diotrephes. We do all the right things, but usually we do them for all the wrong reasons. We serve so we will be appreciated. We sing because we will be applauded. We talk so we will be esteemed. We volunteer so we can be recognized. We do everything for the name on the back of our jersey - our name - instead of doing it in the name on the front - the name of Jesus. We should take a lesson from the old-school - the really old-school, as in the early church from the book of Acts - and do everything in the name of Jesus, and for his glory and honor, not ours...because you can tell a lot about a person by whose name they're playing for.

(This article was written by Jonathan Drake. His father is the teaching pastor at the Chapel in Williamville, N.Y. – Jonathan is a recent graduate of Liberty University, and serves as his dad's associate in the Single's Minsitry)

A CHALLENGE FOR THE NEW YEAR!

2007-12-26T05:52:00.000-08:00

I trust you have had a wonderful CHRISTmas season. We have enjoyed being home for a few days and visits with our children and friends. What a wonderful time of encouragement for Ann and for me.

A couple of things stand out in my mind. The first is a report by our friend, Doug Weed who ministers in Saltillo, Mexico. Doug came to the Lord early in our minstry here in Shreveport. He was an unlikely candidate, but God has used him in a precious way through the years. He is one of the most grateful men I have ever known. Several times a year he will call and just say "thank you" for loving him to Jesus. He is doing the same thing in his ministry - loving other to Jesus!! Here is a report from his ministry:

The area where God has placed us in Saltillo is in a middle class neighborhood of devout Roman Catholics. The Garza family, from whom we rent our house, owns at least 10 other houses in the immediate area. Our land lord, Mrs Josefina Garza, was one of the first people in the neighborhood that the Lord gave us opportunity to witness to. She allowed us about 30 minutes in her home to give a clear presentation of the gospel. She responded by saying, "I'm basically a pretty good person. I've been to Rome and have kissed the Pope's ring. I think I'll be all right." We have had a cordial relationship with Senora Garza, for the past 3 years and her grandchildren have been permitted to attend our services. In October, my wife Roberta began a promotion in the children's class and challenged them to bring an adult to our Sunday services. Senora Garza, who is the Garza family patriarch, decided to visit our church. She didn't make a decision the first time she visited, but she heard, "that faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God". She decided to come back to hear more. The next Sunday she heard about the thief on the cross who repented and believed, but had no time to be baptized or to do any good work. She said, "I never realized that he did nothing good, yet still went to heaven." The next Sunday the story of Nicodemus convinced her that religion could not save her and she received the Lord Jesus as her Saviour. She began to bring other members of her family and now two of her daughters, their husbands, and their children have all made professions of faith. Senora Garza has not missed one Sunday since she began in October.

Pray for Doug and Roberta as they minister there in Mexico. What a lesson to me that God still works. The greatest lack in most of the churches I see in our country is that we are getting the order reversed. We are told to go - but most of the time the emphasis is to come. If we don't go - the average person who needs the Lord will never come to our churches. However, if we sow in tears - we will indeed reap in joy. (Psalms 126: 5-6) The excuse used is that people will not be receptive, it's too dangerous, etc. are just not valid. He will protect and bless as we obey his commandments!

The other special blessing was the opportunity to go into the home of our friends, Sharon and Darrell LaCaze. Sharon and Darrell have been married for about tree years. Before Sharon and Darrel married, Sharon was married to Tom Hutchinson. Years ago, I visited in the Hutchinson home to ask if their children could ride our bus to Calvary Baptist. Tom had already decided not to go back to church, but gave permission for us to take the children. Tom and Sharon soon began to attend. My wife, Ann, enlisted them to work in the nursery. Both Tom and Sharon began to sing in the choir, and were such a blessing to our church. Several years ago they went to El Salvador for a mission meeting with Bro. "Step" and me. Soon after Tom died from cancer. What a joy to walk into that home on Christmas Eve and see the children who rode that bus with their children. Sharon wrote me this note on Christmas day. Is it worth it to serve Jesus - to visit - to pray - to love? Yes, yes, yes!

Price & Ann,

We so enjoyed you last night. Everyone enjoyed you. Y'all mean so very much to our family. Rusty (her son) said after you left that you, Price, were one man that he could truly say he loved. All agreed. I wonder how many folks could say that about the two of you. So very, very special.

Sharon

I share this just to remind myself and to remind you that in this crazy world of inverted priorities the only thing that really matters is what we do for Jesus! I believe I'll spend 2008 doing more of the same!

Price Harris
December 26, 2007

They Finished Well!

2007-05-21T13:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Because of my involvement through the years as a gospel singer, it has been my joy to meet and work with many great men.

One of these men was Dr. Lee Robertson. He went to be with the Lord just a few days ago. Read this article about his life - it should challenge you in your Christian walk. I had the joy of singing in at least three meetings were he was the preacher. May his tribe increase:

Dr. Lee Roberson, longtime pastor of the Highland Park Baptist Church and founder and president of Tennessee Temple Schools, died Sunday morning at the age of 97.

Dr. Roberson was world-renowned in religious circles.

His longtime associate, Dr. J.R. Faulkner, wrote this account of his life:

He was born in a two-room log cabin on Nov. 24, 1909, and spent his first two years on a farm near English, Ind., a small town in the southern part of the state. In 1911, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Roberson, took him to a farm near Louisville, Ky., where his father farmed, worked on streetcars, and built homes to make a living. At the age of 14, he was led to the Lord by his faithful Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Daisy Hawes, and joined the Cedar Creek Baptist Church outside of Louisville.

After spending two years at the Louisville Male High School, where he received a diploma in public accounting when he was 14 years old, Dr. Roberson then attended the Fern Creek High School and was graduated after four years. While a student, he played football with the high school team.

Brother Roberson entered Old Bethel College in Russellville, Ky., in 1926, and finished the first year. There he worked at various jobs from washing dishes to scrubbing floors to pay his way. From Old Bethel College, he went to the University of Louisville to complete his college work with a major in history. He also completed his work for a degree at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. At the age of 19, he was called to a church in Jeffersontown, Ky., which he did not accept.

In his early years, Dr. Roberson was well known as a singer. Having studied at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and with the well-known teacher, John Samples, of Chicago, his services as a vocalist were in great demand. He served as a soloist on the staff of radio station WHAS of Louisville, Ky., and WSM out of Nashville. Doors were opening in the field of secular music. Dr. Roberson could have signed a contract with a certain man in the city of Nashville that, no doubt, would have led him to the top in music. However, he felt that this was not the thing the Lord wanted for him; so he refused to sign the contract.

The first church that Brother Roberson served as pastor was in Germantown, Tn., while he was going to college. In 1932, he was called to be pastor of the Temple Baptist Church in Green Brier, Tn. It was there that he discovered the truth of the second coming of Christ. After three years with the Green Brier Church, where the Lord wonderfully blessed, Dr. Roberson entered full-time evangelistic work in 1935. He served as evangelist of the Birmingham Baptist Association; and within two years, he conducted some fifty revivals in the Birmingham area.

It was while he was in Birmingham that he met Miss Caroline Allen, who, on Oct. 9, 1937, became Mrs. Lee Roberson.

On the first Sunday in November 1937, Dr. Roberson became pastor of the First Baptist Church in Fairfield, Ala.

In 1939, Brother Roberson was asked to be the state evangelist for Alabama. He felt this was not the Lord's will for him at the time, so the offer was not accepted.

On May 2, 1941, Lee Anne, the Roberson's oldest child, was born.

After five years with the Fairfield church, Dr. Roberson was called to the Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, in November of 1942. Brother Roberson, our pastor, is a man of God at home as well as at church. He has set an example of faithfulness and devotion to his family and to his convictions before his church and to the entire world. At home, he has sought to teach his children in the fear and admonition of the Lord around a daily family altar, which has reflected itself in the lives of the children.

Dr. Roberson's devotion to duty and to his convictions has laid upon him a demanding schedule that has caused him, throughout his life, to get up early and to burn the midnight oil in prayer and study of the Word of God and the writings of others that he might maintain his burden to reach as many souls for Christ as he can, by every possible means. New sermons are constantly pouring from his soul and new books from his pen.

Whether he be speaking from the pulpit of the Highland Park Baptist Church, the chapel platform of Tennessee Temple Schools, to his Men's Bible Class, or at one of many other special services, his messages are always fresh, fervent, and filled with the power of God. In speaking of him, someone has said, "He is truly the Spurgeon of our times."

Dr. Roberson's daily schedule began with Bible study and prayer at 6:30 in the morning, followed by breakfast and devotions with his family, a broadcast beginning at 8:30 a.m., and a chapel service at Tennessee Temple Schools at 10:00. His morning hours were also filled with private conferences with church people and students of Tennessee Temple Schools. His daily visitation program took him into the numerous hospitals of the city as well as homes of the church members.

Pastor Roberson's favorite Scripture...
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28

I never had an intimite friendship with Dr. Falwell, but I did sing at Thomas Road Baptist Church several years ago. On that particular Sunday, he was away on a trip out of the country. I remember that He spoke by phone to the entire congregation that Sunday morning. What a great man of God. In reading tributes from his staff I came across this word by Dr. Don Fanning who works in missions in the ministry there in Lynchburg.

The Jerry Falwell I knew

I was sitting in a restaurant in Lynchburg with Dr Falwell and key leaders of the ministry discussing a strategy for a multi-million dollar fundraising project and future building changes for the church and university. We had finished the heavy conversation and were enjoying “batting around” baseball scores and player statistics when a man walked up to the table.

Dressed in wrinkled kakis, a shirt half tucked in and half out, a several day-old beard, a cigarette in one hand and a beer can in the other, the man breaks into our conversation, “Excuse me, Are you Jerry Falwell?” Everyone braced for what might happen next.

Dr. Falwell gave him his full attention. With a slight slur the man continued, “I’ve always been a fan of yours, but I’d like to ask a favor of you.” Jerry responded, “Sure, I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”

“Well, you see I’ve got a friend who needs some help. He was in the war (Viet Nam) and got pretty messed up, lost his family, got on drugs, and now he is diagnosed with cancer. He doesn’t have much more time to live. He lives in a run-down trailer park and doesn’t care about living anymore. Doc, would you be able to go visit him to encourage him a little?”

“Sure I would,” taking out a paper from his pocket he asked, “What is his name and address?” The shocked visitor did not really expect such an immediate positive response, but said, “Well, it is a small trailer that is pretty unkept and dirty.” Jerry said, “That doesn’t make any difference, I’ll go see him.” The man gave Jerry the name of the Trailer Park and the address of the trailer. The man couldn’t believe Jerry would be willing to go visit his friend.

A week later I heard one of his assistants relate that indeed, Dr. Falwell did go visit this war veteran, who lived as miserably described or worse. He spent thirty minutes in his trailer and led the man to Christ. Someone told the ministry that two months later the man died of cancer.

Oddly, nothing more was ever said of this encounter. As I have talked to others of his close staff, there are hundreds of such stories that only a few know about. Dr. Falwell was not the bragging kind. He was just as comfortable sharing the gospel with a poor alcoholic as speaking on a national television program to millions, or speaking with clarity God’s truths to the President of the United States … often in the same day.

This is the Jerry Falwell that I knew, loved and had the honor of serving in the ministry at Thomas Road Baptist Church and Liberty University.

What will be remembered for? There is no greater legacy than to love people for the sake of the gospel. I sure want to finish strong.

Price Harris

Memories # 1 - Dr. Vance Havner

2007-03-10T08:26:00.000-08:00

It has been a wonderful trip to be in full-time music evangelism and to work with so many great preachers. I was with Dr. Havner in two or three revivals. One was at the great Fairview Baptist Church in Columbus, MS. This was in the days of the wired lapel microphone. Dr. Havner walked to the pulpit - laid the wire across the pulpit and said, "Oh, for the days before they put me on a leash." The message I remember from that meeting was an encouraging message entitled, "Look Who's Here". In this message he asked the three Hebrew children, "How can you stand the Heat?". They replied, "Look who is in here with me!". He asked several Bible characters the same question.

The other meeting I remember vividly was in the Cottage Hill Baptist Church in Mobile. At that time God was blessing in an unbelievable way under the leadership of Dr. Fred Wolf and Ed Keyes. One morning I called Dr. Havner and asked if I could come and sit with him for a few minutes. He answered, "Sure come on up - a fellow can't pray and read his Bible all the time, and I sure can't watch that television." I was able to ask him several questions. One was, "How can you go week after week for all these years and stay fresh and excited about the ministry?" His answer has helped me over the years. He said, I go to church like it was my first time, I ask God to make it the best time, and I remind myself that it could be the last time.

What a great soul. There will never be another exactly like Vance Havner. He didn't marry until he was more that 40 - "I just wanted to think about it awhile". He was saved at 10 and licensed to preach at 11. You can learn more about Dr. Havner at VanceHavner.com. Be sure to read his testimony, "Journey from Jugtown" that is on this site. My pastor for more than forty years, Dr. W. D. "Step" Martin has reprinted a devotional book by Dr. Havner entitled "Truth for Each Day". Call him at 318-687 -9333 for information on ordering.

From time to time I will share some more memories from my experiences in music evangelism.

JAMAICA - 2007

2007-02-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share some reports of our mission to Jamaica. We had seventeen travelers from Louisiana, Indiana, Mississippi, Florida, Arkansas, and Alabama. Be sure to read Ginger’s report. I didn’t do much editing on her travelogue because it was so precious. Ginger was saved from a stauch Catholic background many years ago and has a special love for children. She could have been any other religion – I was a Baptist before I was saved. This trip is wonderful for those who have never been on a Mission trip to another country. Jamaican’s speak English – the door is wide open for witness in the streets and in the public schools. I do this trip every year in January. Next year we’ll be going on January 12-19. Call me for more details.
Price Harris
318-347-4370
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Dear Price,

Linda and I had a blessed time in Jamaica. It was wonderful being with everybody. Although everything we did was was really gratifying, three experiences stand out in my mind: Linda holding the orphan baby, me preaching to 700 high school students listening very attentively, and a young man at the airport with whom I shared the gospel - he was from India and was really seeking. May God bless you and Ann. We love you dearly.

Scott and Linda Teague
(Scott and Linda are in evangelism. They have recently moved to Arkansas after more that 25 years of street evangelism in New York City - what an honor to have them our team.)

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Bro. Price
I just wanted you guys to know that we had so much fun getting to know you guys and doing work for the Lord with you in Jamaica. It was truly a wonderful experience that has drawn us closer to the Lord. Thank you Price for including us – there is no other place we would rather have been last week then on this mission trip (Ok, maybe we would have preferred a steady stream of hot water ! haha) Seriously, though, thank you all for being so open and fun! We have made lifelong friends. Please keep in touch!
Sincerely,
Melissa Walker (Mrs. John)
Summer Grove Baptist Church
Shreveport, LA
(John serves as worship pastor – the choir gave them this trip for their 20th Anniversary!)

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Bro. Price,

I am so grateful the Lord allowed me to go to Jamaica as a short term missionary. I am forever changed! My prayer is that I never sing a song or teach the Word ever the same again!

I still cry as I tell of some of the wonderful doors the Lord opened for us. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of the team. Please keep me in mind for next year. I hope I was some sort of help and not much trouble. (I've already been nagging my husband about joining me)

Blessings,
Cheri Taylor
Music Evangelism
Santa Claus, IN
(Cheri was such a joy. I encourage any church to use her in a concert or ladies conference - cheritaylor.org)

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Price Harris Mission Trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica (Ginger Horn)

For the trip to Jamaica I choose to meet with my daughter Christina in Atlanta, Ga. The main reason being not familiar with all the new airport security procedures, this would also be the first time Christiana will tell and show me what to do in the airport. In addition, I will not be able to see her again until December of this year; I wanted to use the extra 3 hours to spend more time with her on theflights. We arrive in Jamaica around 1 pm on Friday, January 26th along with three other members of the team.Our van driver, along with the other cars, drove on the left side of the 2 lane road; even the sterling wheel was on the right side [our passenger side]. I noticed no street signs, no caution lights, but each car proceeded with caution with a heavy foot to the pedal. No A/C in the car and one could inhale thesmell of exhausts from the other cars traveling nearby. All the vehicles drivers on the road drove zipping in and out of tiny spaces between cars. Onceour driver got so close behind a van; I believe we may perhaps have touched it. We were told the extra heavy traffic was resulting from visitors traveling on thisroad to a ‘Jazz Festival’ weekend outside of town. Even though the distance was only 3 miles from the airport to Hotel Gloriana, time ‘wise’ was longer because of this traffic.The Hotel Gloriana The front of the hotel was a series of small shops on both sides and in the middle under a blue covering was the main entrance into the hotel. [You can see for yourself at www. hotelgloriana.com] The cars wereparked at an angle in front of the different stores and as the van edge behind them to drop us off at the entrance. The space behind the cars was such a tightsqueeze between the parked cars, the van and the main road. The hotel feature 6 categories of room’s and rates and had 75 Air Conditioned rooms with hot and cold water, Cable TV, swimming pool, conference room and a restaurant. Every Saturday night, a live band performing Jamaica music was provided beside theswimming pool. My daughter explains to me that this hotel was one of the better hotels in Montero Bay because most did not have hot water or Air Conditionedrooms. In America, this would be like staying at Motel 6. The average living conditions of people living here do not have either A/C or hot water. The richestpeople or hotels do provide both.As we were getting off the van, Bro Price Harris walked up to me and whispers that the manager thought we {Christina and I} were a married couple and we were given a one bed. When we had received our room key, we walked into varies open breeze path toward our building. There were 3 separate buildings with different views: pool, garden, new wing, airport, or mountain view. Thelandscape had tall flower trees and scrubs surrounding the different direction to rooms and around the swimming pool. The floor was broken tile pieces withall different colors and shapes. The first floor walk way was shinny white tile with an open half-way wall with spaces of English Ivy climbing over and inter-twine. The second and third building from the second floor, one could look down at the same view of palm and banana trees which the height of these reaches above the second floor. All different color of plants spacey planted in the garden and growing underneath the second floor Spanish balcony. Even with this setting, even in this late afternoon sun, on this balcony, the air felt very cool because of the tall plants reaching upward and across the length of the open porch.Our Room Christina and I walked up pink stairs onto the second floor of the third building. Our room entrance was like the other rooms on this floor; each had 2 cushion chairs and a table overlooking the plants across on the second building.Christina opens the door of our room and we noticed pink flowers on the bed, and on top of the dresser. Inside the midpoint of the room was an enormous kingsize bed as a result trying to get in on one side it was very difficult to squeeze one leg between the wall and the bed. No way of rolling out of the bed ‘causethe wall will catch you. Ha Ha! The bathroom floor was 4 ½ tiles by 5 tiles, the sizes of the tiles was approx. 9 foot. The air condition unit was on a wallnearer to the ceiling, with no high or low control, just a handle for the off and on switch and no window. We stayed in this room for two nights and on Sunday wewere changed into a bigger room in the same section but on the first floor. Every time it was clean, we had fresh pastel flowers on the floor and on the furniture. The hotel staff was very friendly and helpful during our stay.Friday Night After we rested a bit, we met with Bro. Price and the other team members at 5:30 pm. There Bro. Price had arranged for a driver, Chris, and a van that will hold our group of 17, and headed 5 miles into the main partof Montego Bay. I can’t get over that the sterling wheel is on the opposite side of the vehicle or driving on the opposite and the different side that wein America are accustom to. The right side, the passenger sees the other cars and the left side sees the side of a hill, that appear to have been sliced off, the grass is so close, you could reach out to touch them. Really close!I have noticed a number of America fast food restaurant was present, such as Burger King, Pizza Hut, and K F C. K F C has a different meaning inJamaica – it means Keep From Cooking.We ate the Pelican, a nice restaurant which across the street was the soft waters of the ocean. My meal was a Jerk Chicken, small bottle of Water and aChocolate Milk Shake. Christian had a bowl of Con Chowder and a Soda drink. Total cost in Jamaica was $1440.00 but in USA the cost was more like $ 23.30.The exchange of money was .65 to $1.00.When we finished and return back to the hotel we all met the other members on a balcony over looking the swimming pool. We gave a brief introduction of ourselves and Bro. Price went over the schedule for each day and all the times to leave for morning visiting schools and evening visits to churches. Scott and Linda Teague from Chester, Ark; Bryan Chase from Benton, La., and his niece, Candice Chase from Ala.; Carl Carrigan from Princeton, La; John and Melissa Walker, Price and Ann Harris and Christina Horn all from Shreveport, La.; ShawnFargerson and David Lane from Bossier City, La.; Cheri Taylor from Santa Claus, In; Mac Milligan, Deborah Kirk and Sue Scott from Iuka, Ms. and myself. Bro. Price had divided all the 17 people into groups. Each of the four teams had one preacher, a singer -who also took care of the men and women group, youthand a children teacher. When Christina and I return to our room, it was after10 pm. During the night we heard a ‘tweet –tweet’ sound. If you can remember the Twiggy Bird cartoon long ago, well that was what we heard constant and it continue every seconds, every minute during those night hours.

Saturday Morning We all met in the conference room at 8:30 am. On 4 six foot tables joining together, we assemble, counted and stamp with the information of the Bro. Price Harris Ministry, on nearly 5000 Christian tracts, books andother materials. Bro. Price inform us that his brother-in-law and supplied nearly 2000 Bibles that would be given out to every pastors and his church andalso be past out during the following week. Our former pastor of 33 years, Bro W D ‘Step’ Martin at Calvary Baptist Church in Shreveport, La., contacted Evangel Publications and received permission to make copies of Vance Havner, the author of “Truth for Each Day”. The whole assemble time took two hours to complete everything.Toward the end of our assemble time, the different pastors and key leaders started arriving and meeting with some of the team. During the program, the hotel kitchen staffs were bringing in our breakfast and this consisted of: slices of Tomatoes and juicy red watermelon, scrambled Egg, Bacon, plain and cinnamonToast, Ackee and salt fish, and a vegetable that looks like turnip greens(callaloo) plus Coffee, water or orange juice. Afterward when we had completed the meal, Bro Price gave the pastors and ladies opportunity to introduce themselves and tell a little about their church or ministry. Bro. Price introduced the singing group, Cheri T., John and Melissa Walker, Shawn Fargerson, Mac, Debbie, and Sue and they took turns to sing a song apiece. They did an outstandingjob. One of the teams did not have a children story, so I gave them one of mine and suggestion for children songs to use. We had four hours to spare before thenext event so I slept.The Streets of Montego Bay The trip into the city was not nearly as crowded as itwas on Friday, but more easily going until we came into the edge of the main street toward downtown. The bumper to bumper of cars, trucks, vans and other type of vehicles, plus the sidewalks was jam-packed with people. It was like a few salts and a lot of pepper. People that is! Music was playing loudly fromdifferent stores on each side of the streets. Some men had the Jamaican sagging head gear and some with braded long hair. People were walking almost shoulderto shoulder, walking left to right on many of the crowded streets. We noticed open stands of bananas, onions, watermelon, mango or vegetables. Each standhad a section of rows for whatever they were selling and were in open empty spaces between buildings or on any street corner.Our driver had stopped the van and the entire group got off onto a location in front of a museum. In a small square was a bronze statue of Sam Sharpe who was the first salve who was killed for his Christian belief. At this same location two different things were already in the progress. On our left was a groupof young people performing on a stage singing gospel type of songs. Each one of the young people was wearing blue T-shirt with a nice size crowd was listening to them.

Across the street to our right was a man playing an instrument and singing just outside a store. It was like a competition between the two groups on who couldbe the loudest in their own sounds of music. Each of the team members was given 4 New Testament Bibles and tracts to hand out to anyone in the crowdwho wanted them either before or after the street preaching. Within 15 minutes - men, women and children were already listening to our first speaker Bro. Carl[today was his 70th birthday], when he stood and talk,his tone was a volume that had to be above the other 2 distraction of sounds. It wasn’t screaming but hisvoice had to carry to reach the ears of the 4 rows of the circle of people who was surrounding him. When Bro. Scott turn came, we had a nice sizeable crowd asthey watch both speakers do their gospel tricks and present the Word. The sky was getting an overcast of grey clouds with a cooler breeze, I almost thought wewere going to get wet soon as we were standing, but the clouds passed over. We spent about an hour and passed out 44 Bibles and numerous tracts. Afterwards the team broke into group and we ate at several fast food spots before getting together again on the van.Sunday thru Thursday – Jamaican ChurchesWe visited a total of 7 churches in and around Montego Bay. All church services started at 7:00 pm, but depending on the church’s traveling time and distancewas the determine factor as to what time each team would had to be ready to leave the hotel. MacField Baptist and Welcome Missionary at 5 pm., HopewellBaptist at 6 pm, HillView Baptist and Rosemount Missionary at 6:15 pm, Barrett Town Missionary at 6:30 pm. Each church was visited by each team on a rotationschedule. Each person on the team was required to bring 50 inexpensive gifts or toys for each of the age group in the church and these would be handed out within 30 minutes before the main service began. Whatever the role of the mission team, it was their responsibilities to be prepare for the preaching,singing or having materials for the youth or children groups. Whenever the teams went to churches, Christian and I made sure we took Dramamine to ease the motion sickness. Two of the churches were in cars and two wasin a mini-van. Each church supplied the transportation for us and usually the driver drives without noticing the up’s and down’s of the road, the near misses of the street pot holes, the swaying of the car from the back seat or breathing dirt from inside and outside of the car. It would make one kind of sick, if you know what Imean. And one night, Christia did get sick. Most of these roads most of the time was not wide enough for two cars to pass at the same time. Most ofall of these churches was in and between mountains and the road was really narrow and dusty. Barrett Town Missionary was 56 steps up to walk to reach thechurch, but Welcome Missionary had only 80 steps. The scenery was breathtaking, one could see over the tip of the trees onward toward the ocean. My team was: David [preacher] Shawn [singer], Christiana and I met with the younger children and we sang songs and told 2 separate picture stories, eachnight we had an average of 18 children. On Sunday night, I was asked to give my personal testimony and another night, Christiana gave hers. The churches were filled with friendly faces and full of life as we lifted our voices together in hymns. Each and every church my team had visited, expressed theirappreciation that we had came to share the Word. Nearly every one of the teams, after returning from the churches, we all meet at a restaurant around 9:30pm or later to have our supper time. Monday thru Tuesday – What I learn about Jamaica on the way to the schools We were divided into 3 teams going to different schools. We usually left the hotel before 6 am to be at the schools by 7:30 am. Most of the times we didn’t eat breakfast until 9am and then return back to the same school around 12:30 pm. Christina forewarn me, so I had bought along water, Folgers instant coffee bags, Equal and Creamer and a box of Shredded wheat cereal to eat in the early wee hours before we was suppose to leave.Along the outskirts and the living section of Montego Bay we had noticed homes that were half-way finished with concrete. We were told, as the money is available to the person who is building the house, might take between 5 – 8 years to be completed. They work a little and when the money for materials runs out, they stop, work some where, save money and when they have other funds they will return and build some more until they run out of money again and start the progress over again.There are no welfare in Montego Bay – this explains why whenever we stop for a traffic light, Adults and children is waiting for us to give them money, for example; A group of 4 men wants to wash your car windows while waiting for the light to change, people selling anything from water bottles, newspaper, necklaces and so on, or so many stands of vendors to sell anything to you. No Nursing Homes – there are a few nursing homes for aging adults but the childrenprovides for their parents in a extra room of their homes to take care of the parents until they die. The Jamaican does not believe in sending a parent to anursing home. Jamaica has parishes. In the middle of St. Elizabeth Mountains, about 1 ½ hours outside of Montego Bay, you can not, by the law, make any changes or produce new homes on this land. The reason, generation ago, whenever a family member dies, the home owner has permission to bury the relative in their yard. This is past from generation to generations. Presently if you buy into this land, you also get a grave yard. The clothing of Jamaicanpeople, I noticed not many bright colors but of subdue or less noticeable colors and of white. I suppose that is how tourist is single out by the clothing colors they wear.Schools within the city limits of Montego Bay – The elementary and junior high schools we visited two a day. Except for one, all the schools we visit didn’thave a cafeteria inside the school along both side of the path way of the street leading up to the school; we notice make shift stands of vendors selling fooditems, school supplies, drinks or chips. One man got mad at Christiana because she took a picture of his stands and other rows of venders. For each of theseschools was 2 separate times for students and their attendance. The first shift was from 8 am to 12:30 pm and included its own principal and teachers. From 12:30 pm to 12:45 pm, the morning shift get out of the rooms and the next shift of principal, teachers and students move into the same room and this shiftlasted until 5 pm. All students wore different uniform colors at each school and the individual’s grade had also a different color. Very few cars wesaw in which mothers were bringing their child to school. The reminder children and young people was observe as walking uphill to school or waiting for acity bus in town. Some of the nights when we were traveling to churches around 7:30 pm, I noticed junior high students still walking toward their homes. Onejunior high school, we observe a policeman searched each student as they pass a narrow fence door. All the schools whenever our program had started, we were surprise when they were quiet and listen as the principal spoke, the singer sang or the preacher spoke, no one was talking and they listen. On every day, each school started with a devotion time. [Something we don’t see in the USA] We learned that the schools here are approaching the time where we were in the USA years back when God was taken out of schools. Right now, we can freely reach and preach God’s words in public schools but discussions arebeing made where in the future God’s word can no longer be taught in Jamaica schools. But that also means that the Buddhist, Muslim, or any other religioncan also go into those schools. The classrooms are very small, the building made out of concrete with 8 inches space holes on 2 opposite walls for airventilation. The grades of these are the same as in the states. They were very clean in appearance, friendly, and wave as we said our good-bye.Tuesday - Blossom Garden Orphanage – A facility to care for babies and small children, the youngest -a week and 4 days old baby. We tour the single building of classrooms, walked though a room that had maybe 20 baby cribs. We met several of the employees who have devoted many years working with deformed, mental, physically handicap or normal children. We left boxes of the New Testament books and other item of gifts to the orphanage.Wednesday – The mission teams spilt this day – part went to Dunn’s River Falls and the other half continue visiting with schools. Ten people including Christinaand I and the van driver went to the Falls. We had to be ready at 8 am, ate breakfast and were on the road by 9 am. The Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, islocated in the heart of the North coast region. Visitors to Ocho Rios can enjoy a climb up the limestone tiers and a dramatic 600 foot drop of cascading water fall. Christina went on this climb, holding hands of those around her. I watch her looking for spots for her footing in the water. I stayed on the side, taking picture of her and the group. My walk back up hill was very steep and I had to stop ever so often to catch my breath. By the time I reach the top, I was sweating really good. After we return back to the hotel, refresh and was ready to leave again at 5 pm for Welcome Missionary church service. And this was the night my team walked the 80 steps upward to a church on top of a mountain. I believe the other team prayed for me that night, because I wasn’t out of breath when I reach the top.Thursday - The entire group left the hotel at 7 am, travel though 3 parishes to Mandeville to visit the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf, a 3 hour drive one way. Along the way, we passed about 3 miles of bamboo trees over hanging on the highway; we passed rows and rows of orange tress which was part of 10mile orchards. Our driver mentions these oranges are shipped to Florida and then to make the orange juice over there. When we had reached our destination, the Center is located on a mountain 4,000 feet above sea level. The campus tour was very impressive of every teacher class we had entered into. The Center had received many awards of Excellency in the past and present from sewing, cooking hair-dressing, to computer and many other subjects. They not only are taught Basic Education but also different trades that can be use to support themselves in the real world after graduation. We visited the library with vast number of books, the clean dormitory and their classroom. We were told eachand every student was responsible of daily chores. They have all ages at this school, some families can afford to pay, some can not, and some children don’thave families at all. They have a program where a child can have a sponsor. The school tries to have four sponsors [paying $25 a month] for a child, or if one sponsor wants to pay the full $ 100 a month for a child. This takes care of the books, food, uniform and other needs of the students. After lunch, we were invited to a program given by the students. The CCCD has a choir called “The Hands of Praise” which was truly a blessing to witness. Sometimes later on this year, they are planning a tour in the states. If you happen to see this name, it willbe a blessing for you to see them. Bro. Price had something very special plan for all the students after the program- Ice Cream. We had fun serving Ice Creamcones to all the students and the employee’s. We had the opportunity to purchase jelly or souvenirs that the students made as we were leaving the Center.Friday- Feb. 2 The new friends we met was making their departure at different times from the hotel and leaving to the airport. Christina and I gave our Christian hugs to each, exchange our e-mail address and said our good-byes.

Ginger Horn

It Was A Grand Reunion!

2007-01-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Ones,

This is a collection of e-mails and notes we have received both leading up to and after the GRAND REUNION! The very first is the letter that caused the event to be born. Most of the notes are printed unedited. I’d love to have you write and share your heart! The second item listed is a prayer request – be sure to read it also. Pray for us as we minister this year.

Price and Ann Harris

September 9, 2005

Dear Sweet Bro. Price,

I felt compelled by the Spirit to write to you; so after 28 or 29 years I want to let you know how you changed my life. I was in your youth group in the mid 1970’s. I went to Oklahoma, Chicago, and then to Canada. You can figure out which years from these precious memories.

You once challenged us to memorize Romans chapter 8. I worked on these 39 verses until I have had them in my heart to be pulled out so many times in answer to questions in my struggling spirit. Each time I had an answer revealed to me through these verses, I have thought of you and how much you taught me as a teenager.

I craved affirmation, but I shunned public display because I did not feel worthy of any praise or being well-spoken of by anyone I admired. I felt it would be too soon before I would disappoint you and others, just by being myself; so I was always content to do my best to shine but not be noticed like the spot light focused in a well lit room can blind the target instead of assist them to see. I have worried that my desire to be affirmed was a sin, like pride, but my self-esteem has never been all that great. No accomplishment has ever been enough for me to feel good about myself. I guess I know my faults too well.

If you look on the album cover you may be able to pick me out but if you try to recall a memory I am probably not there. I have seen several that were in our youth choir and only a few recognize me.

I felt compelled to write. I am not sure why other than to let you know who I am today and to let you know you played a part in shaping my Christian life, my spiritual faith, determining my church service, and developing my love of choir and music. I am a Sunday School teacher, mother of three children who are actively serving God, a wife of almost 25 years to a man who is growing in grace and knowledge of a deeper personal relationship with Christ, and a choir member who sings whatever part is lacking on any given Sunday. No I don’t want to toot my own horn, but feel the need to praise God..for you. You have a part in who I have become. Your encouragement and especially the gift of the challenge to write Romans 8 in my heart because it had so many precious promises in it have influenced me to strive to overcome any difficulties I have had to face.

I learned the truth that “the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God and joint-heirs with Christ” so that I could cling to my faith during any crisis. I would recall the promise that even though “we know not what we should pray for as we ought, the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” sot that we can pray in accordance with the will of God even when we are not sure what His will is. I still cling to the fact that “nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Each verse from beginning to end and those before chapter 8 and those beyond it have come into play over the years to give a precious promise I have clung to during a spiritual storm. I recited these verses to my class of teenagers recently and then to my church family one Wednesday night while we were studying the book of Romans. I felt you should know the part you played in this means more to me than the fact that these opportunities to share these verses occurred. May God receive the glory! And may you feel blessed to know you have had a part.

May God bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and be gracious, and give your peace.

In Christ alone,

Jo Smith Hogan – Jonesboro, LA

Bro. Price,
I have so enjoyed sharing with friends and family about the Grand Reunion. There were more present from that 1st choir tour than I expected and it was so good to see them again after so many years. I know it was a big undertaking to organize this event and all involved did such a good job.

To sing in the "youth choir" once again under your leadership was such a blessing--once again joining together as we sang "Pass It On." Of course, there were many there I did not know, but all the testimonies again and again reflected of how much we all loved you for loving us. You poured into us what Christ poured into you--His great love--and for that I thank you again.

It was good to see so many at the Praise Service. I never dreamed there would be so many there that night. But to see all of your family as well as Bro. Step and Pat and all their family was incredible. Then, seeing Larry and Judy, Jerry and Geraldine, Martha and Everett, Gloria Wyatt, Mr. and Mrs. Sumrall, Lucy, Suanne, Jean and JJ, Billy-so many that gave of their time to us all those years ago. It was so much fun.

Two things that stand out for me was the privilege of sharing my testimony (thanks for asking) and getting to speak one on one with some of the youth I spent time with all those many years ago. Nelda and Peggy Kennedy, Gary Frazier, Larry Sumrall, Robin Sumrall, Steve Petty, Mike Terry, Debbie Shaw, Debbie Gilmore, Cindy Wyatt, and of course, Cathy, Barbara, Sue, Debbie, and Norma--I know I'm leaving some out. As I visited with them, I discovered that we've all experienced difficult times and brokenness in our lives at one time or another as well as times of joy, and yet we cling to the One we know to always be with us, who we know to be Faithful and True. Those two things along with helping to celebrate your 65th birthday were all blessings for me.

I look forward to hearing more concerning your mission work. I love you, Bro. Price ,and I pray that God will continue to bless and confirm the work of your hands.

I hope we can do this again sometime.

Diana (Mabry) Bagley

Dear Bro. Price and Mrs. Ann,

I can't begin to express how much the reunion meant to me. Somehow we recaptured the sweetness of those years in teen choir - and the years since then seemed to have melted away for a little while. For myself, as well as many others, it was a time to reconnect with the things that really matter in life - our relationship with Jesus Christ, and what we do to further God's kingdom. We become so busy with family, work, and the day-to- day realities of living - and it's easy to forget where we came from, and just how far God has brought us. Thank you for once again mentoring and shepherding us, ever so gently, and leading us back "to the fold". Mere words of thanks seem inadequate to express the heartfelt gratitude for all the love, time and effort you've given to me and to all of those God brought into your path. You'll have some crowns to place at the feet of Jesus.

With much love,
Sally (Harbert) Frazier

Bro. Price and Mrs. Ann,

Last weekend was so uplifting to my soul. God knew just what I needed and when I needed it. I heard from my surgeon on Monday. I am in the early stage of breast cancer and will see the oncologist today. My doctor tells me that I need to have surgery in the next couple of weeks. I do have some options and haven't made up my mind yet. I will do that after much prayer and talking to the oncologist and a plastic surgeon on Friday. This came as a total surprise to me. My faith in Jesus is not shaken though. He has seen me through other bumps in the road of my life and I know He'll do the same now. And He has truly given me a rock in Wendell. I praise Him for that. So please keep me in your prayers as I pray for you also. I love you both and thank you for the Godly impact you have had on my life.

Love in Him,
Brenda Frazier Collins

Price,

How did the reunion go? I was praying for you and Ann. I hope that you were able to stop for a moment and enjoy all the blessings. Wasn't it awesome to see all that God has done because you made yourself available to Him all of these years? I would love to have been there to see it and to spend time with you and Ann. You are such amazing people! Unfortunately, Tony is in the final stages of his dissertation and his "people" were gathering to go over the final steps with him. But God is good! As sad as I was not to be at the reunion, His plan for me was so much better. I was here on Friday as my youngest daughter became my little sister for eternity!! How great is that?? While you guys were celebrating on Sunday in Shreveport, we were celebrating here as Kelly made a public profession of her faith in God!! There is nowhere else on earth that I would have rather been at that moment! When you get some time, let me know how it went. Keep Kyle in your prayers.

Much love,
Beverly (Vogelsung) Hughes – Alexandria, VA

Dear Bro. Price,
“Happy birthday! I’m sorry that I can’t be there, but if I could have, I would have made the trip gladly. I would have enjoyed sharing the following words with you in person, but perhaps you’ll be able to sense my heart as you read the following lines.
“Apart from my parents, Bro. Step and you provided the human “footprints” that led me into the ministry. Though you two share many spiritual characteristics, to me you fall into two complementary “categories.” (Looking back, I find it interesting to think how the Holy Spirit used both of you – together, but differently – what a team!).
“While Bro. Step was a “larger-than-life” person to me – bold, fiery; thundering in the pulpit, quietly determined and dedicated personally, it was you, Bro. Price, coming along afterward as the “near one,” the mentor – approachable, interested; firm, but patient and encouraging, who God used to cement His calling upon my life. Bro. Step’s seemingly “far-away” and, to my wandering teenage mind, patently “unattainable” standard became comprehendible, reasonable, expected and – amazingly – natural in our walk and talk together. I was, in my own adolescent way, comparing notes: what he said to what you said; how both of you lived what you said, etc.
“What I didn’t realize at the time was that the two of you were plotting together to get me (and others) to do those “far-away” and “unattainable” things. (What were you thinking?)
“I had been in the youth group some time, but was only playing “the game.” Then Bro. J. Harold Smith’s “God’s Three Deadlines” let me know that God wasn’t fooled – nor amused – and I had no choice, but to choose, and do it immediately. Thankfully, I chose Christ over my play-acting. I met Bro. Step down front, and, in spite of his amazement that I needed to be saved, prayed with me. He baptized me that night. My dad sat in stunned silence in the audience, and my mom was shocked as well. I look forward to seeing them again in heaven.
“Anyway, it was the summer after I was saved when the next step in Bro. Step’s and your nefarious plot succeeded. It was on a choir tour, of course, in the Calvary Baptist Church in St. Louis, where I made the decision.
“It was another concert. Another invitation. And I was another teenager struggling with the “far-away” and “unattainable.” “All I have is just me,” I kept thinking, “a skinny, ugly little kid with no redeeming qualities or talents compared to the others.” And yet, with nothing to offer, that day I felt I could do nothing but make the offer.
“Then it clicked. It was as I was looking at you. You were standing near the front, talking to others as they came forward. A new, and to me, strange conviction came unbidden and unlooked-for to my heart – sudden, swelling and final: like the year before when I became a Christian – demanding the same immediate surrender and obedience. It came into my heart as a kind of “solution,” or “answer” to a puzzle: explaining and defining what I was trying to work out in my mind (that “will of God” thing). I knew, suddenly that, for me, obedience to that “far-away” and “unattainable” standard of loving and serving Jesus Christ with all my heart could only be defined as my investing my life in the lives of others, just in the same way you (and Bro. Step in his way) were investing your life in mine. I knew that the “just me” offering was the only offering He was expecting me to give; the only one He would accept.
“Obviously, I’m describing this in 49-year-old ways; but believe me: that was exactly the sensation. It was clear, it was unmistakable, it was instantaneous; and I can still see it in my mind’s eye: God pointed His finger in your direction and said, “This, this is what I have for you. Will you follow? I want your answer, now.” What could I do but say, “Yes”? I think I actually said it aloud. I also remember as I stepped into the aisle to make my way forward that I looked at the other teens in our group, and thought how silly you would think my decision, considering their talents and abilities. You can imagine my surprise when your words were “Well, it’s about time (or something to that effect).” You didn’t seem surprised. You didn’t even seem relieved or grateful that I was making some kind of “ultimate sacrifice” for the Lord. It was more like, “Well, of course, who wouldn’t want to serve Him.”
“Of course, Satan didn’t say, “oh, well, that’s that, let’s find someone else to harass.” My flesh got in the way plenty of times, and sometimes, it was a struggle to do what was right. On several sad occasions, I confess I came within a step or two of destroying what God showed me that evening in St. Louis. Yet I was and have been spared until now, and I know the examples I had been given (My parents, Bro. Step and you), and your continuing prayers are some of the things that the Lord used in my life. These are things use to call me away from the disasters and snares Satan has and will lay for my flesh (Romans 7:24; James 5:16). Truly, I cannot lay claim to any of the “good things” wrought in me or through me: they all are the fruits of “entering into other men’s labors” (John 4:38).
“I know many with you today feel the same way…
“Today, by God’s grace, I have been given a godly wife (the brains of the family), and, together share a home and ministry of 26 years – 19 in one place. My home has been a “heaven here below” (do you remember the song, That’s What Jesus Means to Me?). I have been given four children, who are saved, doing what’s right, and are in or headed into ministries of their own. I believe and am praying they will become so much more than their father; and that, of course, is what all parents desire (Psalm 78:5 – 8).
“Along with these, many others have been saved, and there are other young people who today are preparing for full-time Christian service, or are serving here and even in foreign lands. Theses call or write me from time to time to tell me “thank you.” What they don’t know and can’t realize until we’re in heaven together is that they are your spiritual “grandchildren” in the Lord (II Timothy 1:5).
“All of this rambling on has been to say this: Bro. Step put the Word on my heart (planting), you, Bro. Price, a song on my lips (watering), and, praise be to God, He is giving increase (I Corinthians 3:7). All I’ve tried to do is pass it on, and, in that way repay a debt of love I owe to you both (Psalm 16:2 – 3; II Timothy 2:2).
“For them and from the depths of my heart and soul I want to thank you (and you, Mrs. Ann, Bro. Step and Mrs. Pat). How I love you!
“I’m still “Just Me” … Your Timothy,
Joe Mims (Bedford, VA)

Bro. Price,

I cannot put into words what the reunion meant to me...it really was a piece of heaven to see everyone and fellowship. I am so honored and blessed to have been just a small part of Calvary Bapt. Church. Thanks for doing this and I'm all for another reunion in about 18 months!

I so wanted to give a small testimony on Sat. morning, but I knew that there was no way I could do it without crying...I feel almost dehydrated after my visit home and the reunion. I have such a burden for my boys and others in my life.

Love in Him,
Debbie (Shaw) KIEDROWSKI

Sweet Bro. Price,

Your dream of a GRAND Re-union was JUST THAT! It's BLESSED all that came to participate. Thank you for asking me to participate in the planning. It was a privilege to work with all the others on the team. It was so good to see old friends. And how I wish so many that were not there could have experienced it! I wish we could send each one of them a DVD so it would let them experience it just a little...maybe enough to encourage them to come to the next one? Patrick said to me several times on Sunday how much he enjoyed it. He was a lot of help on Saturday, caring the heavy stuff for me and I enjoyed our hanging out together. Craig said he could feel the excitement and love we all have for each other and for you when we were having share time in the hospitality room. He's been such a blessing to me and to Patrick. I know you were surprised by the LOVE Gift from everyone...we just wanted you to know we haven't forgotten that time you both invested into our lives and what it has come to mean to all of us. I love you and Mrs. Ann very much.

Peggy (Clayton) Harshfield

Bro. Price,We sure did enjoy the reunion. It was unbelievable to me that all of those that came were able to make it. What a joy it must have been for you, because it was a privilege for me to just get to see so many that I thought I'd never see again this side of heaven. We appreciate all that you did for us. Each one in our group wanted me to tell you how much they enjoyed it. I wish that I could have stayed for the testimony time on Saturday. We needed to get on the road to sing that night in Whitesboro, Oklahoma. I have e-mailed Greg and will tell Joe also what they missed. If you haven't heard it too much already, I would sure love it if you could do it again sometime. You are a tremendous blessing to me and my family. We love you.Ronnie LaCaze

Bro. Price,It was such a pleasure to talk with you this morning. It was wonderful to hear the same sweet loving spirit in your voice that first made me feel so loved and included in the Calvary youth group so long ago. Without your love and acceptance, many of us would have not been open to God's message. Thank you so much for being there for us.

Dana (Rowan) Favrot

I am so sorry I had to leave. I was meeting my folks. Believe me, I did not want to go. It was wonderful. I have just talked all week about it. To see what God is doing and how others are
serving was such ablessing. I did not get to order a DVD but I want one. Thank you so much for bringing us all together again. The impact your ministry has had on my life is amazing. Sometime I will write you a long letter. I love you and Miss Ann more than you will ever know. I look forward to having another reunion soon. I know that I live away, but I would love to help if I could. Thank you again for your life and your minstry. You truly are a living example of Jesus.Love,
Beth (Tidwell) Wright

Brother Price,

I want you to know that, as of this writing, we have arranged our holiday so that we will indeed be there for this very special event. I can only imagine the difficulty in contacting all the various people that you have ministered to through these many years. Come to think about it, I guess know one would have guessed that three of us "Martin Kids" would have wound up living in Ethopia, Armenia, and Egypt. Ha! I guess I traded in running away on a pony to hanging out with various unsavory characters and camels somewhere along the way. Sir, this event and our upcoming time in Shreveport will allow me to personally share with you what I have started to pen to you on several occasions in recent years, but did not complete. In a short preview, there are two men which provided that knucklehead kid on that choir stand with role models and a moral compass which has allowed the man which he became to negotiate his life far beyond the streets of Cedar Grove. Of course, those two men are you and Step Martin. Likewise, the knucklehead kid is now a knucklehead living in Cairo, just a little bit older, uglier, and less innocent having experienced one heck of ride since trading in that choir uniform. Thank you! We look forward to seeing you soon.

Marty Martin

We really enjoyed the reunion and fellowship with everyone! Barbara’s jaws are still sore from all the talking she did. Best wishes for your family and ministry during 2007.

David and Barbara (Silvey) Simmons

This past weekend was “Grand”! Carl and I appreciated getting to sing in the Reunion Choir and in the ensemble. Thanks for the extra CD which we have already given away.

Carl and Anita (Bolton) Wilkinson

I was thinking about the time I knocked on your door bleeding from head to toe from that motorcycle wreck. You brought me in and you and Miss Ann anointed me with alcohol. I’m glad you kept your singing job. I don’t think you would have made it as a healing preacher. You have been a great friend Bro. price. I’m looking forward to the singing and the reunion.

Sam Restivo

P.S. I probably won’t last long with this computer thing. it makes my brain hurt!

A Grand Reunion!! This Friday - January 5, 2007

2006-12-31T04:50:00.000-08:00

Good Morning,

As you plan your week, I trust that you will be praying for our GRAND REUNION this Friday evening at Calvary Baptist here in Shreveport. Plan to get here as early as possible for some of the sweetest fellowship this side of heaven. What a great way to begin our year - 2007. Can you believe it? Our choir rehearsal is at 6 pm in the choir room -- this is a mandatory rehearsal if you want to go on choir tour. We'll have some food in the fellowship hall from 4:30 til 6 pm. Call me at 318-347-4370 for any details.

All of you non-singers - those who were in the Singles group or who have gone on mission trips with us - don't miss this sweet time. I need a hug!

Love in HIM,

Bro. Price

P. S. This event is for every one. The concert beginning at 7:00 in the worship center at Calvary Baptist Chruch in Sheveport (9333 Linwood Ave.) will feature the REUNION CHOIR, The Needhams from Nashville, TN (http://www.theneedhams.com), Canaanland from Stilwell, OK; and the amazing Allen Family (8 children, mother and dad - sweet music). Come early - no charge - we will receive a love gift for our mission ministry!)Take time to read the devotional below by Dr. Adrian Rogers.

December 31

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” Hosea 6:3

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
On this New Year’s Eve, you may be wondering what is going to happen. Years ago, some men were on a leaky old ship in the middle of a rough and stormy sea. One of them asked the captain, “Are we safe?” He said, “Well, the boilers are weak and may explode at any moment. The ship is taking on water. To be very honest with you, we may go up, or we may go down, but at any rate, we are going on.” And that’s the way we are as we face this new year. Jesus may come; we may go up. We may die, and go down and then up, but at any rate we are going on.

ACTION POINT:
Reflecting on this past year, allow the Holy Spirit to invade your heart convicting and drawing you to Himself. Ask for wisdom, courage, and faith to continue on whatever happens this next year!

GIVING THANKS!

2006-11-05T05:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends:

Pray for our ministry as we seek to magnify our precious Lord. I will be in Romania November 10-17. Pray for Dr. Mike Goforth and I as we minister in a new area of the country and seek to schedule our team for June of 2007.

I have several dates that we are asking God to fill in the Spring. Pray with us that we will be busy, healthy, and in the center of HIS will.

We are looking forward to the weekend of January 5-6, 2007. On that Friday and Saturday we have invited our friends to join us in a GRAND REUNION! If you were ever in our youth or single group, or if you ever were a participant in a mission trip sponsored by our ministry plan to come and be a part of this celebration.

During the month of November, we need to focus on gratitude. Here is a devotional that blessed me.

Give Thanks!!

Price Harris

Giving Thanks: Because He Is God

by Dr. Paul Chappell-Lancaster Baptist Church-Lancaster, California

“Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.”

Jeremiah 9:23-24

Most of us have heard the story of the first Thanksgiving—at least, of the Pilgrims, but not many have heard of all the events leading up to that first Thanksgiving. Historians believe that around 1608—more than a decade before the Pilgrims landed in the New World—a group of English traders, led by Captain Hunt, sailed to what is today Plymouth, Massachusetts. When the trusting Wampanoag Indians came out to trade, Hunt took them prisoner, transported them to Spain, and sold them into slavery.

But God had an amazing plan for one of the captured Indians—a boy named Squanto. A well-meaning Spaniard, who treated him well and taught him the Christian faith, bought Squanto. Squanto eventually made his way to England and worked in the stable of a man named John Slaney. Slaney sympathized with Squanto’s desire to return home, and he promised to put the Indian on the first vessel bound for America.

It wasn’t until 1619—ten years after Squanto was first kidnapped—that a ship was found. Finally, after a decade of exile and heartbreak, Squanto was on his way home. But when he arrived in Massachusetts, more heartbreak awaited him. An epidemic had wiped out Squanto’s entire village.

We can only imagine what must have gone through Squanto’s mind. Why had God allowed him to return home, against all odds, only to find his loved ones dead? A year later, the answer came. A shipload of English families arrived and settled on the very land once occupied by Squanto’s people. Squanto went to meet them, greeting the startled Pilgrims in English.

According to the diary of Pilgrim Governor William Bradford, Squanto “became a special instrument sent of God for [our] good . . . He showed [us] how to plant corn, where to take fish and to procure other commodities . . . and was also [our] pilot to bring [us] to unknown places for [our] profit, and never left [us] till he died.”

Only God could have orchestrated these events to preserve the Pilgrims when they landed in the New World. God in His sovereignty answered the Pilgrims’ prayers years before they arrived in Plymouth. The God that the Pilgrims served is doing the same for us as well! While we may not see how He is working, He is making provisions for us beyond what we could imagine!

It is good as we approach Thanksgiving to thank God for all He has given and done for us already, but let’s remember to thank Him for His providence and for what He is doing right now on our behalf though we may not see how He is working.

Think about the day you were saved. God was working out every detail long before then to lead you to that moment when you would accept Him. What a great God we serve!

Have you thanked Him for being God? Have you thanked Him for orchestrating your life so that you might be saved? Have you thanked Him for being a God who desires to meet with you every day and guide you through His perfect plan for your life? Take time today to reflect upon His majesty and goodness and thank Him for being the God that He is!

October 31 - A Special Day for Price and Ann

2006-10-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

From one pumpkin to another!!!!!!!

A woman was asked by a coworker, "What is it like to be a Christian?"

The coworker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin." God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

Ann and I share so much in common in our 43 year marriage. However, the most precious is that we were saved on the same day of the year. We were not saved the same year, but we both came to know Christ on Haloween Day!

I was a student at William Carey College, and had been a minister of music for several years. I was pursuing a church music degree but there were serious doubts about whether I was going to heaven. After hearing a message one night on the Pharisee and the Publican in Luke 18, I prayed and settled that question once and for all. I am so grateful for Pastor Charles Williams and the Central Baptist Church in Hattiesburg for planning that revival. Having Jesus makes a difference.

Soon after I was saved, I met Ann. She was singing the choir at Calvary Baptist in Columbia, MS. We dated for four months then were married. After we moved to First Baptist Church in Satsuma, AL, Ann began to confess to me that she was not sure about her salvation. We were working with Bro. "Step" Martin, and his messages cut to the heart of her need. On a Saturday morning after much heart searching, Ann prayed and was saved.

For several years while I was working with Singles in Shreveport we would have a Spiritual Birthday Party on October 31. Praise the Lord for a know-so salvation. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Check out needgod.com if you have any doubt!!

Price Harris

Mexico - 2006

2006-09-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

For many years, we have been taking a group of people to Laredo, Texas to work with the Rio Grande Help Ministries. This trip affords many the opportunity to visit another country and culture without the expense of many trips. Pray for us this weekend as we share the gospel with hundreds of people. The Laredo area is packed with people for this holiday weekend. We have 48 travelers. If you have never been on a mission trip. This would be a great place to start. Watch for a full report. Price Harris

Oasis of Love!!

2006-08-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

Ann and I are at home this week! We have been painting the porch of my office - ANDREW! It has been good to work together. If you have never traveled as a ministry, you just can't know the stress of trying to balence home with ministry!

We took quite a trip before our week at home. Our trip included one day of ministry at the West Baptist Church in Batesville, AR. I was there earlier this year in a revival and it was so good to visit friends from that meeting. My friends Ron and Glenda Taylor serve there on staff. Ron was in high school when I was at First Baptist Church - Union, MS. He is a godly worship leader and a dear friend. Glenda served us a wonderful lunch after the morning service and after a good nap we did a concert in their evening worship serice.

After the concert there was almost enough daylight left for us to drive through the mountains to the interstate on on to Stilwell, OK. We got in bed around midnight.

The next morning and through Wednesday noon, we attended the annual Bible Conference at First Baptist Stilwell. This was truly an oasis of love for Ann and I. This sweet church hosted almost 100 guests. They fed the group three wonderful meals a day - and even provided lodging for all of us. We heard some wonderful music and enjoyed the great preaching. This conference is so unusual. Pastor Roger Haney has a burden to encourage pastors and over the years has done just that. The meeting was especially sweet for us because the music leader there is also one of our young people who grew up under our ministy. Ron LaCaze and his people gave us three days of wonderful, uplifting music. Ron is a Godly young man with the gift of loving leadership. As a young man, he was one of the sweetest fellows in my youth group, but never in a million years would I have dreamed God would use him in such a great way.

After the noon meeting at FBC - Stilwell on Wednesday, Ann and I drove to Oklahoma City where I recorded 10 songs for a new project that will be entitled GOD LOVES YOU! It was a sweet experience and I look forward to sharing it with you in a few weeks. After the sessions there is still lots of work to be done. I pray that this music will have a great ministry.

Friday afternoon, we drove to Benton, AR and visited with our son and family. Jon and Amy and their three boys are moving back to Shreveport. Jon is already working in Shreveport. Pray that they can sell their house and get everyone here.

The last part of our long trip was a revival at Trinity Baptist near Decatur, AL. Our friend Dusty McLemore from Athens, AL preached and God blessed in such a precious way. Evangelist Michael Mason is a member at Trinity and Bro. Steve Caudle is the pastor. This was our third meeting at Trinity. I had the joy of having a small part in seeing two young men come to Christ. I walked out into the vestibule Monday night and just ran into a young man. I asked him "Is the your church?" He said, "I come every other week with my Mom." Then I asked him about his salvation and he told me he has been saved two days earlier at home. When I shared with him about the need to make a public confession -- he said, "I am so shy." I just encouraged him and shared with the pastor. The next night the Bro. Caudle saw him before church and he walked the aisle. Last night his younger brother was saved. There Mom was so sweet to come by and thank me for encouraging her son. It's always such a confirmation that we are where God wants us when we see things like this happen.

Sunday, we will be in revival at the Skyview Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, AL. Pray for us as we go, and also pray for our open dates in the fall. Check our web site for our schedule (Price Harris Ministry)

"..as long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success." 2 chronicles 26: 5b

God Loves You!

2006-07-13T20:41:00.000-07:00

For the past several years, I have been recording some new music every other year to help me have new material for my meetings and also to be able to place our ministry in the homes of many Christian friends. What a blessing it is to distribute these C. D.'s as we go. I thank God for the joy of sharing these in many different countries and across the country. Several years ago, a friend of mine sent one of his friends one of my C. D.'s. This sweet lady has since bought several hundred of my C. D.'s and has literally given them away for the glory of God. Next week, I will be in the Benson Sound Studio in Oklahoma City to record 10 wonderful songs around the theme of the love of God. I plan to package this music in a case that is easy to carry. The traditional C. D. cases are so easy to break. This one is actually card board with a plastic cover. The front will have the words, "God Loves You" in many languages. The back liner will have a simple plan of salvation and information on how to contact us for meetings. Pray for me as I travel and record. It is so important to be well vocally, and also ready spiritually. I will share with you the progress of this project over the next few months. "He Loves Me, He Loves Me, Jesus Loves Me, He Loves Me, He Loves Me, Jesus Loves Me." Price Harris

Good News Chapel - Dozier, Alabama

2006-07-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

I was a guest of the Good News Chapel this weekend. My friend and former pastor, "Step" Martin asked the pastor to invite me and we were there for their a. m. worship service, a grand July 4 Celebration and ended the day with some music and another message by Bro. "Step".

The Good News Chapel is pastored by Bro. Jay Driver. Jay grew up in the community, has two brothers who are in the church, and his Dad is the music leader. It is just amazing how God is using this young man to reach the area for Christ.

The Good New Chapel sponsors a camp for teenagers. This year there were more than 400 in attendance. They are involved in a drug rehab program that brings in many to the church during the year. He is teaching a marriage seminar during their Sunday School. I believe there were 8 or 10 couples in that class. Aside from that he and his wife, Robin, have 8 children--Jordan, Brittany, J. D., Kayla, Benjamin, Andrew, Jedidiah, and Liberty. This week Robin will give birth to their 9th child-a boy! Pray for her - this is a high risk birth - God will take care of her and the precious baby.

Rarely, if ever, have I seen a church functioning more like a New Testament Church. There was a unity among the age groups, and a healty group of every age group. We watched them worship together and play together. Young pastors who are seeking to build healthy, balanced churches would do well to study the life and methods of Pastor Jay Driver. I can put you in touch.

Ann and I are driving to Hokes Bluff, AL tomorrow. We will spend a couple of days with our Alabama children and then Sunday through Wednesday I will be ministering at the Agape Baptist Church in Scottsboro, Al. We have a full summer -- I am praying for God to fill our open dates for the fall and then 2007.

In HIS love,

Price Harris
phea2@aol.com

FIRST BAPTIST - BREAUX BRIDGE, LA

2006-06-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful week at First Baptist Breaux Bridge. Pastor Rod Jackson and his people were so faithful and God blessed their faithfulness and the preaching of the Word. It was a joy to work with Evangelist Lyndon Longoria. My how the Lord used him. We rejoice in the way God blessed. There were 6 saved and several came to be a part of the fellowship. This weekend I will be with Bro. Step Martin at the Good News Baptist Fellowship in Dozier, AL. Dozier is near Opp and Andalusia in South Alabama.

First Baptist Church - Breaux Bridge, LA

2006-06-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

Please remember to pray for me as a begin revival at FBC - Breaux Bridge, LA. I will be there Sunday - Wednesday night. Evangelist Lyndon Longoria will be preaching. I hope you will look at my schedule on our web site and pray for our open dates. God is so good.

A SPECIAL DAY!

2006-06-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

JUNE 22 IS A RED LETTER DAY IN THE HARRIS HOME!

43 years ago today, Ann and I stood at the altar in the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Bogue Chitto, MS and became man and wife. Praise the Lord for a great life and ministry together.

I thank the Lord for giving me an understanding and gifted wife. She is a wonderful wife, a wonderful Mimi to her 6 boys and to her children. If you see this today drop her an e-mail at mimiannie@aol.com.

On a lazy Saturday morning in Satsuma, AL a sweet baby girl was born in the local hospital. Through a providential series of events - Melodie came to live in our home. That was in 1966. She is such a wonderful Mother to her boys: Brandon, Blake and Baylor. She is a great musician and one of the sweetest people God ever created. We never think of Melodie being adopted unless we are just sharing how she came to be a part of our lives. Happy Birthday Melodie up there in Hoke's Bluff, AL.

In HIS love,

Price Harris

A Week At Home!!

2006-06-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

This has been a good week. Ann and I are trying to recover from our trip to Romania, and have had two of our grandsons with us. They have really been sweet. We found a V.B.S. and have Jackson (6 years old) enrolled. Jake was just a little too young (4) for us to slip him in. Already this week we have been swimming and enjoyed the Family Life Center at our church (Calvary in Shreveport).

Sunday through Wednesday of next week, I'll be at the First Baptist Church of Breaux Bridge, LA. This is in crawfish country. Pray for me and for Evangelist Lyndon Longoria as we minister there.

We are still looking for addresses (e-mail, snail mail, telephone, etc.) of people who were in our ministry during the 70's and 80's at Calvary Baptist in Shreveport. We are attempting to have a great Reunion on January 5, 2007. If you are one of those blessed people write or call me today.

I have some very special and private prayer requests! Just take a moment and lift us up to the Lord right now.

Blessings!

Price and Ann Harris
318.347.4370

ROMANIA - 2006

2006-06-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

Ann and I had a wonderful trip to Romania. We were with a precious group of folks from Alabama. Dr. Mike Goforth is the pastor of Sardis Baptist Church in Boaz, AL and has been leading groups to this beautiful country for more than 15 years.

We had 16 people on our team. Bart Box from First Baptist - Arley, Al, Ron Horton from Haleyville, AL, Richard Crumpton from Haleyville, and Zach Goforth from Prattville, AL were our preachers. Praise the Lord for over 185 professions of faith and many other decisions.

It was a special joy on this our 7th trip to renew acquaintance with many we had ministered to on precious trips. Romania still has many needs both spiritually and financially. It seems the better they become financially the more difficult it is to get them to come to church. Reminds me of my country.

Thanks to all of you who have prayed for us and given so that we could take the gospel. My goal was to distribute 1,000 of the witness armbands to the Romanian Christians. We left 75 with a dear pastor to use for a camp this summer and PTL that accomplished our goal. These wrist bands are so attractive and easy to use. Look at http://www.4iana.com to see this unique tool. If you are interested, it would help my ministry for you to purchase them through the Price Harris Evangelistic Association. Give me a call at 318.347.4370!

Pray for us as we minister on Sunday at the Pinehill Baptist Church (am) and the First Baptist Church of Ollah, LA.

Price Harris

Summer Opportunities!

2006-05-31T20:19:00.000-07:00

The summer is just beginning. We have a wonderful schedule ahead. If you are near us please come and visit one of our meetings: June 1-14 Romania Mission Experience June 18 AM Pine Hill Baptist - Olla, LA
June 18 PM FBC-Olla, LA
June 25 – 28 FBC Breaux Bridge, LA
July 2 Good News – Dozier, AL
July 9 -12 Agape – Scottsboro, AL
July 16-19 FBC Stilwell, OK (attend-this is a wonderful Bible Conference)
July 20-22 Benson Sound Studio - Oklahoma City, OK July 23- 26 FBC Trinity, AL
July 30 PM Summer Grove Baptist, Shreveport, LA
August 6-9 Skyland Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL
August 13- 19 Odosagih Bible Conference – Machais, N. Y.
August 20-23 Trinity Heights – Shreveport, LA
August 27-30 – Walker, LA

A Welcome Change!

2006-05-29T18:08:00.000-07:00

This spring we have been involved in many local church revivals. God has given much fruit!! On Thursday my wife and I will travel to Romania for 13 days of ministry. We are excited and look forward to the challenge and change of ministry. My ministry is music evangelism. Basically I am a gospel singer. I love to work with local church ministries in building a large choir for special events--especially revivals. About 4 or five times a year we do mission meetings. It would be a joy to work with you.