March 2003 Table of Contents

From the Editor

By Gary Morris

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Matthew 6.33

Twenty-five years is a long time to be in any kind of business nowadays, but when God places a call on your life, time becomes a distant second (or further) down the line, as you become drawn into kingdom work. I know that it is the "seeking His kingdom first and His righteousness" that has attributed to the succes of J&J Music. I have known Jerry and Jackie Evans for a little over five years, and can only lend a limited–but honest–view of what I have seen, from an employee's standpoint. What I see are two "kingdom-first" seekers, people who have literally given up "things" in order to: Ensure customers get served and music gets delivered; Employees have a place to work; Conferences meet needs and minister to people; Witness and minister to folks in department store; Be there for grieving friends; and on and on the list goes. You get the picture: Servant-hearted.

A 25th Anniversary celebration was held in San Antonio (in January) for Jerry and Jackie, and since many of you couldn't attend, here and the upcoming issues I am featuring a note or letter we have received (see right) in honor of them and their ministry. AND–I want you to feel free to send us your notes of appreciation and thanks for Jerry and Jackie and their ministry of serving the servants. We are compiling a notebook of these letters and notes, and will give it to Jerry and Jackie.

I reckon that twenty-five years is a mile-stone...but in this case, for Jerry and Jackie...it's a "second-mile" stone. Oswald Chambers wrote, "Defining Christianity is portrayed not in the first mile of service, but in the second." Jerry's and Jackie's lives bear witness to this.

Speaking of the second mile, this is the title of Russ Lee's new CD. God has a great ministry in Russ, and you can read all about it in our interview with Russ in Just A Little Talk with..., on page 38.

Another little segment that we had fun with is Musical Insight, with David T. Clydesdale, which is the Q/A follow-up to December's Ask David T. Clydesdale Anything sidebar.

Do you know fellow music minister who could benefit from this publication? Drop me a line or direct them to our website: www.jjonline.com. And while I'm on the subject of the website, check out our MicroSite "Production Resources," where you will find everything from accompaniment helps to worship software.

I never cease to be amazed at the depth of heart and conviction our writers draw from. I hope you have enjoyed Don McMinn's regular contribution Ministry Insights, featuring the "One Anothers" of Scripture. In this issue, he covers one of my very favorites–Pray for One Another. In very practical, down-to-earth fashion, Don shows us how we effectively do this in getting to know others and let ourselves be known to them.

Steve Phifer gives us seven biblical models for worship, and takes us on a journey down the River of Life in his column, In Spirit And In Truth. Let this river flow down into your spirit. I've also included a little morsel of wisdom from Pastor Steve, entitled Making Mud. Good stuff!

As always we are very grateful for all our writers. Effective communication is only as good as its instruments, and God has blessed us with the best!

Happy Easter!

Gary

"He is not here, for He has risen, as He said."

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