Sold Out!

Saturday we had a wonderful opportunity to play an outreach concert on Orange Mound in Memphis, TN. I have read that Orange Mound was a neighborhood formed in the late 1800s to provide refuge for the black community. Strangely enough it was just over the tracks from the KKK stronghold. For years it was billed as the largest black community in the USA. And though that may no longer be true, I would safely say that most all of its residents are still of African American decent.

These days Orange Mound is dotted with boarded up windows, gangsters. Drugsters and hookers with all that lifestyle brings. Among all of this you find children. Many, many children. But the Lord is using Rev. Reggie Tucker and his wife, Mary to make an impact in this part of Memphis inner city. Forming the Orange Mound Outreach Center, their slogan is “Lord, do what you do” with the vision of “taking our children back”.

We arrived at Orange Mound at 11AM to set up in the lot next to the outreach center. With a backdrop of a chain linked fence topped with razor wire, Howie and I set up the sound system. Howie had planned ahead of time to have a keyboardist, drummer and guitar player join us, as we often assemble pick up bands for events like this, but as the day arrived each one was unable to join us. The Lord knew our plans, but He had other plans.

As the final microphone was in place and the guitar was coming out I noticed two vans pulled up really close to where we were. Actually, I wondered why they didn’t park on the street like everyone else. Then these guys get out, say “Hi” and start pulling out drums and a keyboard stand. The funny part was we didn’t know who they were, or how they knew we could use a band….

Taurus, Henry, Andrew and Tye were from the “Praise is What We Do” ministry located in the next hood over. They had heard about the event the night before and decided to come down, support the Tuckers work and were eager to sit in. I love it when God knits his family together for the common cause! Quickly we set up 4 extra mics and soon we were ready to roll.

Unity and Diversity: Memphis has long been known for its racial tensions and hatred. This was probably most clearly displayed when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4th, 1968. In fact, when we first moved to Memphis from New York State in ”93 I was shocked by this tension, on both sides, how obvious it was and how folks seemed to view it as the norm, even within the church at times.

A lot of kids were there. It was really cool that the kids got to see a mixed racial band playing together. Actually, as Howie said, we are brothers and sisters. We have the same spiritual Father! This is a powerful message to the children today. Jesus unites across all differences!
Reggie had his cooker out and was barbequing up chicken, burgers and hot dogs. It was so tasty and the smell brought in folks from all directions.

For a moment of time, in this space on Orange Mound, color did not matter. Together we celebrated the day, uplifted the name of Jesus, enjoyed food and good music.

The name of Jesus was strongly proclaimed and the forces of darkness were pushed back. We continued to pray that God will “do what he does” and that the children will be spared from a life of addiction and hatred. May the Lord turn the city right side up, one heart at a time.

When we returned from our Great Circle 09 Mission Tour, Kayla heard our presentation at her church. We told the story about Joshua’s Piggy Bank for God and how that one project impacted 300 children across the United States. This story about a 7 year old really made an impression on Kayla.  She began to think of what she can do to reach children this year.

Having taken three mission trips in the past, Kayla, now 16 years old, remembered how the “salvation bands” worked so well to teach Romanian children the salvation message.

This ambitious young lady wasted not a minute. She got busy gathering donations of pony beads, leather, and key rings to make bands for us to take this year.  Then, the appointed day came for her parents to invite a couple families over for a Sunday luncheon.  Actually, it was more than a Sunday luncheon, it was an important ministry that took place around the table.

Kayla seized the moment and provided bowls of colorful beads and instructions for all to follow. Everyone was involved, young and old. Within an hour the bags were full.

Thank you Kayla and helpers. 685 children will not only hear the message of redemption but will have something to take home with them to remember Gods plan of salvation.

The Message

Black – Sin – Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God

Red – Blood – 1 John 1:7 – But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Blue – Baptism – Romans 6:4 – Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

White – Purity Psalm 51:7 – Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow

Green – Eternal life – 2Peter 3:18 –  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen

Gold – Heaven  – John 14:2 – In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Dear Partner in “Taking Jesus to the Streets”

I just got back from a meeting with a political candidate. I asked the first question of this Christian woman running for Representative, which was: “How is your prayer support?” You see, I believe our leaders need more of the Spirit of the Lord and less advice on how we think we can fix things. We, as a nation, need God’s direction because we are way off course. “If my people, which are called by my name … then I will hear from heaven and heal their land” says the Lord of Hosts.

In the early days of our founding, the fathers pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor for the cause of “liberty and justice for all.” Now is the time for us to do the same. However, rather than forging a new earthly nation, we must prepare folks for the Kingdom of Heaven wherein dwells righteousness instead of greed, pride and iniquity. To see this come to pass, we must ensure as many people hear the Good News as possible. That’s why we’re on the streets for Jesus!

“He that will save his life will lose it. He that will lose his life for my sake, and the Kingdom, shall gain it unto everlasting life”, says the Lord, Jesus Christ.

As Debbie and I prepare to begin this, another year of “Taking Jesus to the streets” and to the highways and byways of America, I am trusting the Lord and counting on your help. You can be a part of our ministry this year through your financial support of course, but also by:

· Bringing and inviting us into your community just like the believers did last year in Orange Mound and dozens of other locations around the USA…

• Praying with us that God will open up miraculous and sometimes spontaneous events like the Rosebud empty lot concert….

• Joining us at events in your community through prayer, evangelism, follow up, relationship building, music, promotion and special offerings….

• Volunteering to help in the mailings, contacting others about our ministry and spreading the word to local pastors and church groups, and

• Commit to “Monthly for Missions” faith partnership with our mission in 2010.

Unless Jesus comes in the clouds of glory for us this year, we will follow the Holy Spirit around the country again. May the God of all be gracious to allow us to see fruit for our labors, as someone has prayed, “Fruit to the glory of Jesus Christ”.

Love you guys,

Howie

P.S. Please send your offering for our missionary support to Howie and Debbie Campbell, PO Box 8334, Charlottesville, VA 22906. Make checks payable CIS, INC. As we prepare for the year ahead, Debbie and I are counting on your faithful support. MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN 2010 just as you are faithfully supporting Christ’s work in us.

Life is full of surprises when married to Howie Campbell. Sunday, our day of rest, has turned into many opportunities to share.

Last Sunday Howie went to visit his NY jazz drummer’s church in Albany where he met Arthur Ware, Sr. Art happens to host “Gospel Hours”, a program on WSPN Radio out of Skidmore College in Saratoga, NY. Even though our music is not considered “gospel” in the strict sense, he had us in for a live interview this morning.

Nearing end of the interview Art asked Howie to share some closing thoughts. Howie shared his testimony of how he met Jesus while living way out on a dirt road, didn’t know any Christians, but began to read the Word. From here he discussed the truth that there is power in the Word of God and that it is able to bring a person to salvation. He encouraged all of the listening audience to read the Bible for themselves. And if they have never read John he suggested to begin there..

Have you read the Gospel of John? John was an eyewitness to Jesus for three and a half years. John will tell you who Jesus is. He has the answer to life’s most important question: What must I do to be saved?

Thank you, Art, for having us on your show.

Debbie

“Allow the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

There were times in Jesus’ ministry when He was surrounded by kids. The older folks got upset because the kids were interfering with the work of one so important. They failed to understand we are all like children to God. In fact, in God’s economy it is actually child-like faith that we all need in order to see the kingdom of heaven. One of the dangers in growing older, in fact, is the tendency to get so used to that which we can see, feel, touch and smell that we forget about the spiritual realm of faith: those unseen and hoped-for things.

On the first leg of this year’s Great Circle USA, Debbie and I have found ourselves ministering to children much of the time. I was told by a well-meaning pastor once not to “waste my time” with the children, rather focus on the adults. A few years back a youth minister told me my songs are dated, and I was too old to work with youth, and that they would not be into my music or message. It’s funny how God confounds human reasoning and wisdom. Some of the best times we have had along the way has involved young folks.

Like last year in Rapid City, South Dakota. We had a discussion-in-the-round with a group of college age kids. We talked, shared, listened, played some songs, worshipped the Lord and had a great time. Afterwards, the youth minister, who himself was in college, said he would take us to the place we were staying while they went for a midnight hike. I asked him if it was closed to adults, to which he replied we could go if we wanted to. He was shocked that us older folks wanted to go “hang out” with them as they hiked in the dark. We had a great time, bonded with the kids, and they loved it. We even had some good discussions along the way.

This year our fist concert was in the youth building at Lilburn Alliance. Then we singled out the kids in Nashville during a family concert at a packed fellowship hall. Next, we interacted with kids in Memphis, Tennessee at an inner city church, and then in Waveland, Mississippi we did a concert specifically for the children. They were very responsive, especially after we marched around the building singing “King Jesus Is All”. These kids all learned the 10 Commandments – with hand motions- all within the hour concert!

If there is a generation gap, it’s because we have allowed the natural sin disposition to rule over God’s command to honor your parents, which includes revering elders (literally – grey headed ones). Hey, I have gray hair. Hmm . . . I guess I shouldn’t be able to work with kids. Shhh – don’t tell them, they’re having too much fun. Besides, they might learn something.

Personally, I see God raising up a faith army among the youth of our day that will be able to do amazing things for Jesus in the coming apostasy. May God grant them power to stand firm on the Word of God and reject everything that would compromise their ability to follow the Lord with all their heart. May we follow Jesus’ injunction to bring the children to Him who can shepherd them into all truth, for God’s glory and the benefit of the Kingdom of His dear Son.

As for me, I think I will continue to work with kids as long as I have something to offer. Maybe ‘till I draw may last breath. What generation gap?

We had a great night of ministry at the Church of Grace in West Nashville tonight. We had a little Bible trivia where we named the Ten Commandments and all the children were happy to get a coin. Read more about the coins in our April 3rd. blog titled: “A Piggy Bank for God”

Each new project I record always has a mention made of my LoPrinzi Guitar. The LR 20 has such a sweet and even tone; it truly is an integral part of my music. It all began in 1977 when I was working Sal’s Music in Wappngers Falls, NY with my two partners, Ralph and Sparky. We were LoPrinzi dealers and I would play each one that came through the door. Fine craftsmanship, design, and the wonderful sound these acoustic instruments produced was like none I had heard before. Convinced I would one day own one, the search was on for the perfect match. One day and new shipment came in. Without hesitation I unboxed  this LoPrinzi LR 20, inspected it, then sat down to listen. As the notes sang from the sound hole, my heart was captivated. This was the one I had waited, patiently, so long for. A Guild D 40 cutaway and a Takamini Jumbo were sold in order to pay for it, but I had my voice.

More than thirty years have passed since purchasing the LR20. It almost became a burnt sacrifice in 1985. I met my Lord, Jesus Christ, got out of the bar music scene, and was going to sell everything to follow Jesus. The LoPrinzi was my best, so I planned to offer it as a burnt sacrifice when I sensed God telling me to keep it. So in a very real sense, God gave me that guitar. Since then I have used it to worship my Lord, and to invite others to place their trust in Him by faith. In fact, the music coming from that guitar is far better than anything prior to that blessed day in March, 1985.

In all the years my LoPrinzi has been with me, never has anyone worked on it. It has remained a sound instrument, with no neck twisting, splitting, and only a few dings and such from road use. However, with all that playing, it has been in need of a fret job for some time. Not wanting just anyone to work on it, I was hoping that someday I’d be able to take it to the man who designed this beautiful instrument. With that purpose in mind, I called Tom LoPrinzi about 1977, the man who actually made those guitars, and asked him for his brother’s number. Then I called Augustino, who had moved his family and the business to Florida. He was so gracious and friendly, told me his daughter Donna had the business now, and we chatted quite a while. After this call I determined that somehow I would meet him, and prayed God would make the way possible.

This year, before The Great Circle Tour began, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with Augie and Donna. I called Donne this spring, told her what I hoped, and she said “bring it down.” Debbie and I made the trip to Clearwater, Florida where I met these friendly luthiers. After a fine conversation with Donna, Augie set aside his gun engraving, gave me a big hug, and we had a fine time together talking shop. Man, I was impressed by the warm family-like reception I received from these two dear people. Let me tell you, it was worth waiting 31 years to have my guitar worked on. It plays better than new. One day I hope to own another LoPrinzi hand crafted by Donna. What a blessing to have met, not only a great craftsman, but also someone of such fine character. I’m truly proud to own a LoPrinzi guitar, and very blessed to have made two wonderful friends as well.

Thank you Augie and Donna. Your fine craftsmanship is surpassed only by your warm hospitality. May God grant you many prosperous years as you produce the means for music to be even sweeter!

Visit Augustino LoPrinzi’s Website at http://www.augustinoloprinzi.com/

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and
I will give you rest.
Mat 11:28

Sometimes we find ourselves in a cycle of work where it is hard to stop and take time to rest. That is where we have been. Worn out by our search for a van and preparing to leave for the Great Circle Mission USA on Friday. But, Sunday, that was a day of blessing from the Lord.

During morning worship, Pastor Bruce talked about the napkin from our Lord’s head being folded in the tomb. According to Jewish custom that small detail is highly significant, expressing the idea that He is coming back. Oh, what joy that day will bring for us who are in Him. Jesus is coming back!

We went hiking up Sugar Hollow. It was perfect. A beautiful day sandwiched between two cloudy and rainy days. Sugar Hollow was Shea’s idea and he really enjoyed the fact that we had to ford the stream three times on the way up to the waterfall and of course three times on the way back down.

When we reached the top it was worth the hike. Falling over the mountain rocks was a beautiful waterfall, clean and cold. Below a pool formed.

Our family has always enjoyed the holidays together. One of our favorite activities is to walk through God’s creation. It is good to get out of the busyness of life and step back to really be in the moment. If you have family around, these quiet times together make those precious memories that carry us through difficult times.

After our walk we went to Shea’s place and he cooked up a fine meal. Roast chicken that was delightfully seasoned, served on a bed of crispy rice, broccoli and asparagus. YUM! Shea really knows how to cook and he is totally into the healthy food!

So now we are leaving this sweet spot on earth to begin our summer mission trip.  Please take a moment and catch the video below.

May you know Peace,
Debbie

As the saying goes:”God works in mysterious ways.” Perhaps it’s a mystery to us because God’s ways are far beyond ours. After years of praying for Waynesboro, and even attempting to make contact with the folks at the Solid Grounds coffee house, God opened the door for us last fall. This past Friday we heard, from Pastor Keith, the results of our ministry there.

Waynesboro, VA is similar to many small towns around America today. It seems the forces of darkness are stepping up their activity, manifest in increasing drug and alcohol use, witchcraft and other cultic groups, a decline in church attendance, and an increase in apostacy. However, I believe there is also a hunger on the part of young people for the truth, real relationships, meaning and purpose in life, and a desire to find hope for the future. Of course this hope is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus is the source of all truth, and that is the heart and soul of the message we bring couched in a music setting.

Pastor Keith and Brian, the man who started the Solid Rock more than 13 years ago, both gave testimony of our effectiveness, by God’s grace. Keith told us again that the atmosphere in the place had changed since our hard hitting spiritual engagement there last Halloween. That’s right, we proclaimed the truth of Jesus Christ at the Solid Rock on the enemy’s favorite holiday. Last night, as Keith brought a short message, followed by Brian’s encouraging word, the young folks sat with rapt attention to hear the Good News of Jesus. Many young people came up to us saying how much they liked what we were doing, enjoying the music, and listening to God’s Word in the lyrics. What a blessing!

Debbie, Howie, Brian, Dale, Keith and Laura

Imagine that, all of us in the band Friday night were over 30, (some of us way past, ha ha), but the kids loved it. One young man even wants to be on our mailing list. Praise God! He knows what He’s doing, The time is right for us to prevail against the gates of hell, proclaiming liberty to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind. Jesus said His words are spirit and they are life. We will continue to present the message of life so long as God allows it.

Howie the guitar man

Joshua has a job feeding his neighbors cat, and he is learning responsibility.

There are a lot of very special people in our lives and I would like to tell you about Joshua. The really cool part that Joshua has in this ministry is his sensitivity to prayer. His parents tell me that often they will be doing routine things during the day when out of the blue Joshua will suddenly say: “We need to pray for Howie and Debbie, right now”. Then he prays.

So back to Joshua’s piggy bank

Joshua has a job feeding the neighbors cat which is teaching him responsibility, and he is learning to tithe as well. He had this idea to start a Piggy Bank for God. His grandmother brought him a cute yellow pig that has no opening to take the money out. Perfect! Diligently he put in his pennies, nickles, dimes and quarters each time he got paid, and the bank began to fill up.

Last night I was at a Bible Study with his mom when Josh came running up so excited to show me his piggy bank, telling me the story of how it’s his “Piggy Bank for God”. Then he hands it to me and says, “Here, this is for you and Howie because you’re missionaries”.

I can’t quite describe to you the feeling I got, but it was like an overwhelming sense of responsibility having been given this treasure. Immediately I prayed and said “Lord, what would you have this money used for?” Immediately I remembered something from last summer.

As we travel we love to have things to give to children. It helps them remember what they have heard and most children love little treasures. Last year we found The Ten Commandments Coin sold by Living Waters, a ministry of Ray Comfort. This is perfect to share with the children we meet while ministering throughout these United States.

So Young Joshua will be sharing an important part of the Word of God with hundreds of children across America this summer
becausehe was faithful to fill a Piggy Bank for God.

Thank you Josh!

Ten Commandments are found in Exodus 20
And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain.
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honour thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness.
10. Thou shalt not covet