Preaching and Teaching

Jarod and I were privileged to attend (kid free!) the Preaching and Teaching Convention at Ozark this last week. We haven't been for several years, and it is such a blessing to attend. It is three days of alumni, current students, and professors old and new joining together for worship, seminars, and preaching. It may sound boring, but it is very inspiring and fun. Jarod was asked this year to play in the worship band. Our friend from OCC, Corey Scott, was putting together a band of people who are currently serving in ministry. He asked Jarod to play acoustic guitar and to lead some songs. Let me tell you it was amazing worship! They sounded incredible and were an amazing group of people. Here's the shot of the band during one of the main sessions:

Corey Scott on guitar and vocals, worship minister at Northside :-) in Springfield; Megan Gariss singing, discipleship minister at Oronogo; Kip Nelson on drums, campus minister in Kansas City; Shawn Smith bass player, campus minister at Missouri State; and Alan Davis on keys, worship minister at Glendale Christian Church in Springfield.

 To spend time with other people in ministry is needed, I think. Ministry can be hard and draining at times though always worth it. To spend three days with people going through the same with the same desire to just serve God, is priceless. Jarod had an incredible time getting to play and sing with this group. Jarod and Corey sound really good together. They are similar stylistically and in their view of ministry. We got to eat lunch with Corey and his wife and kids and was a highlight of the week. We also got to see many professors including Corey's parents Mark and Carla Scott. They are incredible people. Catching up with old friends and professors who helped shape you is so wonderful and a lot of fun.

 Did I also mention that my brother Adam was there?? We got to spend time with him and I LOVED THAT! I miss him and his family and don't get to see him very much, so this was a true gift! 

So the thing I love most about Jarod is his love for Jesus. He is a godly man, husband, and father. I love that he uses his gifts for God and not for the praise of man (though I am bragging on him right now). :-) One of my favorite things is to watch and listen to him sing and lead worship. He has grown in this area so much and is very gifted. I am blessed to have him lead worship every week.  These two pictures are some of my favorite of all time of him.

 

Hands raised praising God without shame. The words to the song on the screen in the background I know he means: "Whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say, 'It is well, it is well with my soul.'

Thank you Lord for the gift of song and the opportunity to praise you with it. Thank you for Jarod being the leader of our family and for his gift of leading others in worship. Thank you for a week of replenishing and encouragement. I am so grateful!