Newsletter – January 2001
Newsletter – July 2001
Newsletter – April 2002
Newsletter – January 2005 you are here
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Newsletter – January 2005     Hello, and thanks for visiting our web site. Many things have transpired since our last newsletter and we would like to bring you up-to-date. We have been blessed with three new members. David and Andrea's first child, Dawson, and their second baby, John-David. Also, Michael and Crista's first baby, Noah. To say the least, our music traveling has come alive like never before: three diaper bags, multiple strollers, and a back-up choir (screaming off key!)  It has been a blast. There has not been a dull moment yet. The babies love to travel; the movement of the bus rocks them to sleep. So, if you see us in a hurry to load up and get on the road; well, now you know why. Our future is looking up. Perhaps we should say growing up! We thank the Lord for blessing us with these precious children.

In August of 2002 we set out on a five thousand mile western trip. The first stop was in Flagstaff Arizona. We had a wonderful service and all was well. As we drove south toward Tucson we began having bus trouble. Our plans were to leave the bus, rent a van, and proceed on with the trip.  The bus was parked on the side of the road. Dad decided to take a walk through the woods.  The Lord revealed to him that the bus just had a minor problem. Soon after we found out that the generator had gone out. We hooked up a battery charger to our other generator and continued on. However, it would not pull the bus air conditioner. It was hot! You could see the pavement melting.  After service at Tucson Tabernacle we drove non-stop back to Oklahoma, attempting to escape the desert heat.  In Oklahoma at Brother Trammel church our other generator went out. We charged the bus batteries and made it safely home.  The devil realized that he had been defeated. God had turned a trial into a blessing. We have had several invitations to visit out west again.  We are looking forward, in the future, to fellowshipping once again with our old friends and the many new believers we met.

In May of 2003 we began a new album entitled: "Moving On."  Our yearly tour was to West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Kentucky. The attendance was great and the expectation for the Lord to do something was high. This is a combination that always brings spiritual results. On this trip we had the opportunity to do a little sight seeing in Washington D.C. Dad and mom got lost on the underground subway and rode for hours. Finally, they caught a taxi back to the shopping center parking lot where we were parked.  Boy, were they glad to get out of that town!  Later in the year we made two trips to Georgia and one trip to Ohio. In Ohio, we were honored to sing a special for the surprise fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration for Brother and Sister Bevins.   It was a precious time.

In July of 2004, our yearly tour started in South Carolina and on into Florida. Four of the five churches we visited we had never been to before, but we have never met a stranger yet in this message! We had a wonderful time in the Lord. There was a great anointing with the singing and speaking for the complete trip. The Lord watched over us throughout the trip. It is known that when a person is on the road, often late at night, the risk of personal danger is high.  We encountered several dangerous occurrences. While we were in Tampa we were told by the pastor that in the previous service, before we arrived, a stranger had come in the church trying to break up the service. Therefore, we were to be on the lookout!  The stranger never showed up. God was good. Also, while we were parked at the Beaufort shopping center we awoke to find sirens and police cars around us. The shopping center had been broken into.  Once again, God was with us. Through the years God has watched over us and graciously took care of us. We thank Him for His love and care.  Also, during the summer, we were in Finley Ohio with Pastor John Tidwell (dad’s second cousin) and his church. We finished this past year in Spring City Tennessee.  Several years ago dad pastured a church in Spring City. We had a wonderful time singing and fellowshipping with old friends in Spring City.  It was a great way to close out 2004. Keep us in your prayers. May the Lord bless you.

In His Service,
The Tidwell's
James, Michael & Andrea