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SYL 07 Update
Keep The Promise
The name of our ministry comes from a request
made to Buddy by a close friend shortly before he went to be
with Jesus. Whenever you see us sharing Jesus in song, word, or
deed, know that we are indeed
"Keeping The Promise"
Greetings,
We wanted to share some important news about this
years Shine Your Light 2007 as quickly as possible. Before I forget,
please forward any pictures of the event or bands to me
jeffrathbone@cox.net please. Also, we
are going to have an after Shine get together sometime in the next month
to get your input for next year. Please be watching for the notice and
try to attend if at all possible. Please let us know of any individual
God stories at the meeting. Now the things we want to share (please take
time to read fully):
- The weather was absolutely gorgeous all day.
God blessed us in a mighty way! Praise Him in the rain, Praise him in
the sun - He is always worthy of our praise!
- Seemingly thin out front at first, the crowd
in front grew and was the most consistent front crowd we have had. Peak
front crowd was estimated at holding steady (different people coming and
going) over 300 for most of the afternoon. BUT - remember - that
was not the only reach we have- the crowd on the boardwalk, and
backside of the stage was consistent and lingering all day. First
Calvary Baptist Youth even moved their free water to the boardwalk and
not only passed out water but also many tracts to the passersby. Praise
the Lord for their efforts all day long. Both outer gazebos were full
all afternoon. they not only heard us- they also came and we even had at
least one giveaway winner come running over from one of these outside
groups. Not counted as part of the front crowd- they still were exposed
to the Gospel all day long! Praise the Lord. It is easy to focus on what
is directly in front of us and wish for a greater throng- but remember
that is only part of the reach and reason we are present. Listen to this
as an example:
- We had more registrations for giveaways filled
out than at any previous Shine. Including TWO separate entries, one from
an address on Resort Blvd(1 Block away), and one address on 4th Street(4
Blocks away) that indicated under the question "How did you hear about
this event" that they heard the music in their yard and came on over. If
they heard- so did all their neighbors. Some may not have come over but
they heard- some may have come over and not entered the giveaway
drawings- the point is - the reach & scope of this day extends so much
greater than what we see. Trust God - His Word will not come back void.
Praise the Lord we live in a country, and have a venue, where we can
clearly yet powerfully broadcast the Good News of Jesus Christ. From the
guest info surveys we have over 75 new contacts who want to be kept
informed of this ministries activities and events. Praise the Lord.
- An incredible time of testimony for Jesus took
place at 10:00 a.m. before the event officially kicked off. Buddy &
Denise's youngest son - Jesse - accepted Christ as his savior several
months ago. He wanted to be baptized at Shine Your Light to be a
testimony to all the people on the beach. Buddy's sister Donna, her
husband Mark, daughter Savannah, and son Matt all have accepted Christ
but had never been baptized. They drove up from Fayetteville N.C. not
only to attend Shine Your Light, but also to make their public testimony
before the Lord and men that they have placed their faith and trust in
Jesus. After a time of private counseling, we headed to the water by the
pier. The beach was already full- and the beach became curious to see
Buddy, Myself, the candidates for Baptism, and family and friends with
cameras and videotape heading to the water. There, one at a time from
youngest to oldest, we questioned our brothers and sisters publicly
about their salvation and baptized them by immersion. What a glorious
time of testimony to the death, burial, and resurrection of our savior
Jesus Christ.
- Much ministry took place in small groups and
one on one throughout the day. Prayer was shared for those who are lost
and without Jesus, for the community around the beach, for young
Christians getting ready to go to South America on their first missions
trip, etc. This is where ministry happens effectively most often, and
this years event was a day long time of sharing and caring.
- We want to especially welcome and thank new
artists Times Seven Band from Seaford Va., and Chivalry3 from
Scottsville Va., for their professionalism, their testimony and their
enthusiasm to share Christ. Especially Chivalry3, who drove 3.5 hours
one way to be here. As we all know, sound set up glitches forced
everyone to give up set time to try and get back on track so everyone
scheduled could play. The last band , Uprising, took the stage only 30
mins behind (which was a miracle looking ahead in the afternoon) and was
able to bless everyone with their usual high energy but crystal clear
message to close out the day. Every band, group, and speaker involved
showed great patience and team cohesion in making this event work. Thank
you Olivet Praise & worship team- who struggled with so many issues
lately, including the loss of a brother in Christ who was recently laid
to rest after giving his life for this country in Iraq. Thank you J.C.
Mason, for you and your band members sweet presence and beautiful music.
Thank You to the members of "Clay" from Poquoson Baptist Church, for
sharing your unique talents of putting the music to motion. Thanks to
Donald Creech and the Doubletake band, especially the vocalist who stuck
with the stuff with her newborn child to take their turn to share Jesus.
Donald- & co. - thank you for being part of the Shine family year after
year. Beth Champion Mason - your band is not only pristine in sound, but
your heart of servitude to Christ is evident in all that you all do.
Thank you for being on board. Stick with God - faithful partners every
year- even this year with the group grieving for the loss of a family
member.- and was that Marcia out there?? How awesome was that!! Craig &
Co- Brandice for coming from North Carolina- Your voice was strong &
clear for the Lord from the first song to the last - God bless you all!
Alan Brown - KTP guitarist- who kept pressing on after the funeral of a
family friend to join the rest of KTP on stage. ! Thanks to the CMA, Ivy
Memorial Baptist Church, and First Calvary Baptist Church for their open
and dedicated participation. Last but at the top of the list - Michael
Smith who comes from Suffolk every year , sets up his personal drum set,
and helps each band drummer get set for their performance. Michael - you
are the best.
- Our sound engineers. - As many of you know-
Paul Popadak, our regular sound guru was to be unavailable for most of
the day. Mark Phillips from Ultimate Sound came out with his equipment-
but had unexpected truck trouble early Saturday morning and was not able
to begin set up on time. As we all know- that created havoc early &
often. But we want to tell everyone, not only Mark, but also Derek
Pearsall- from Poquoson Baptist Church- who volunteered to assist in
sound, stuck with the stuff & delivered some amazingly clear music
vocals and preaching to an audience that spanned several city blocks.
They both worked in a Christ like, can do manner without a break for
over 10 hours in July sun. Without them, the event could not happen at
all. Thank you both, and Paul also for his help early on, and Derek, we
will be praying for you as the Lord sends you to your new post of
service to our country and the Lord in New York next month. We will miss
you, but you are in our hearts and prayers. P.S. we will give you the
dates for next year early so you can TDY for Shine 08! (*laugh)
God Bless to all of you who made this event possible- many were not able
to be named here- but God keeps flawless records- He is the ultimate
Rewarded of those who do good.
Jeff, Buddy, Tania, & all the KTP family
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