We had breakfast with Wade Hodges , the pulpit minister for the Garnett Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  I asked him about the decline in attendance of so many of the long-running large events such as the great Tulsa Workshop (which he directs every other year) and he attributes it partially to the availability of sermons and resources on-line.  He pointed out that the primary reason now to attend these "big" events would be for the fellowship and "reunion" aspect.

I see what he means, because we got to spend some time with George and Pam Pendergrass, who now serve as House Parents for the Hershey School in Hershey, PA.

   George is excited about the re-establishment of ACAFEST in 2007 and the upcoming 25th Anniversary Acappella concert in Nashville.  I haven't seen Barry Wilson, but know that he is here in Abilene too.  Our current "sky-high" tenor of Acappella, Zac Wilson, flew to Abilene to sing on his brother Pete's praise team, as Pete is leading worship for this event as well.  Guess who filled in leading worship for me Sunday Night when I was stuck at DFW airport?  Steve Maxwell, who is now serving in full time church ministry in the Dallas area.  Reunions are sweet!

   Alan Phillips, Marvin Phillips son

is working on some very exciting projects with church plantings around the world.  I pray that Acappella will be able to participate in some of these mission efforts.  Darrell Bledsoe, full-time worship minister in Amarillo, Texas taught me hand signals for the different degrees of the scale.  Watch out Madison Praise Teams!  I have a new teaching tool to unleash. 

Greg Straughn, the chairman of the music department for ACU has scheduled me to speak to the music majors this morning.  Greg's brother, Matt is a great friend of Acappella Ministries who developed our new web site and is helping to serve in many different ways.  Matt will also be joining some of the Madison praise team singers as we conduct a Praise & Harmony seminar in San Diego later this month.