Saturday, August 16, 2025

Sunday, Church time….

 Picture of the day!

 

My last picture for friends, Bobby and Violet Franklin. She had a senior Citizens ministry for years, we did this one at that 'Old Folks Home'.(House by the Side of the Road by Sam Walter Foss.) (I think this was on Velvet, not great.)

Soooo… for now:

Growing up I remember thinking I should get a free pass into heaven because I spent so much time in church. My daddy believed in revivals. Most were one weeklong; the visiting evangelist stayed at our home. Most early parsonages were two bedroom so Shirley and I gave up our room for the evangelist and we slept on the floor and the couch.

I cannot remember ever complaining, it was normal.

Dad thought every church should grow, he went into neighborhoods door to door, asking those who did not attend church to visit ours. When adults declined, he asked if he could pick up the kids on Sunday morning and return them after church. It worked, we always had a church full of kids.


Dad in Belmont church, Sunday Morning Radio program, there were corner choir lofts one in both corners behind him. The only church I had ever knew like that.

I heard my dad tell a young pastor once, ‘REMEMBER, if you have 10-12 kids, keep them and keep them interested, in 10 years you will have a church. If you do this monthly, you will see growth and never worry about attendance.’

About those revivals, some weeks long. I was there every night unless I could convince mama I was having a ‘heart attack.’ LOL  My buddies did not have to attend every night, and I was jealous.

Once Dad scheduled a week with J.R. Campbell, YEA! A CHALK ARTIST.  His sermons hit the spot, they were about 20-25 mins, ending as a great message and a beautiful picture, I was hooked! He became my mentor. He personally advised me over the years. He retired and I lost track.


My rendition of 'The Haven of Rest'. This one drawn under the awning at an RV park. 

Sherry and I stopped at a random yard sale once. The seller asked, “You are Jack?... Right?” I said yes sir. He introduced himself; I remembered him from years back. He was Bro Campbells oldest son.

Well, if you will drop by our house (gave me the address), “Before he died, Dad said to give you all his equipment.”

I was astonished and embarrassed that I was remembered.  Sherry and I have entertained and taught kids from Cuba to Canada. Even a week in NYC..... A big job was the lights, Sherry handled the lights.

The most impressive pictures were 2 in one. The shocker was when Sherry lowered all lights and turned on the black light and the second picture or highlights jumped out

Nite Shipslog

 PS: Sorry about the length, I will try shorting them.  Love from North Carolina…

 

5 comments:

Mevely317 said...

Well, I think your (post) length is perfect; I always enjoy the way you relay a story. In particular, your chalk art. I'd no idea it was another minister who mentored your talents ... but I'm glad he did.
I totally 'get' what your daddy said about encouraging the little ones to attend church. Without them, so many congregations wither up or remaining members scatter to a more robust church.

Sandi said...

Those chalk paintings are amazing. I have heard of this man. Did you use his equipment?

Victor S E Moubarak said...

What a wonderful father you had. You must be proud of him. I did not know you were such an accomplished artist, Jack. I'm so proud to have met you.

God bless you and Sherry.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

When I was head of our church youth group we had chalk artists visit us. It was amazing what we saw! It's a very good ministry and ones that gets the message through!

Chatty Crone said...

The length is great.
I love the stories of your dad. Have ten kids in church and someday you will have a full house.
I remember your chalk ministry.