Sunday, April 13, 2008
I am so excited to, personally, give you a few updates. I am always busy taking care of things between my full time job and my ministry. However, I want to take the time to touch basis with those who wish to keep up with the latest happenings in my music ministry.
The past few weeks have been fast and furious; but, they have been most exhilarating! I was finally able to meet my musician, Simeon Amburgey, in person on March 30th. Simeon is Larnelle Harris’s traveling musician for his tours and performances. Larnelle was a special guest at the “Central Mississippi Impact Crusade with Jerry Pipes and Friends” in Carthage, Mississippi. So, Simeon invited me to come. Larnelle gave a mini-concert for the crusade. Of course, the concert was WONDERFUL!!! Afterwards, I had a chance to hear a sermon by the author and guest speaker, Dr. Jerry Pipes. Needless to say, it was also wonderful. As you can imagine, I bought a book and a few CDs while I was there.
Even though Simeon and I have talked over the phone and communicated through email numerous times over the past two years, I thought it would really seem awkward meeting him for the first time. The weird thing is… it didn’t. It was as if I had known him for years. Simeon was just as friendly as he had been all the times we had talked before. He was also able to meet my husband and son. We talked for a while after the service. In addition to meeting Simeon and attending my first Larnelle Harris mini-concert, I was also able to meet Mr. Harris in person. It was a very special day to me and my family.
Then, last week, I joined Mrs. Amy Mapp at Ft. Walton Beach Church in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. The weather was quite stormy; but, the Holy Spirit was present among us. Mrs. Amy spoke two soul-searching messages, “Linger a Little Longer” and “Letting Go.” I served as her vocalist and the song leader for both services. In addition, my family and I were able to spend quality time with my sister-in-law, Pam, and my niece, Arielle. We spent two nights with them. We also spent a little time at the beach in Pensacola. It has been about 15 years since I’ve been to Florida. So, I HAD to go to the beach.
I have thoroughly enjoyed myself; but, I needed this weekend to rest. Needless to say, I have a lot to catch up with here at home. You’d be amazed how much I have to accomplish in one week, especially when preparing for a weekend program. It gets hectic at times; but, that doesn’t stop me from going. Ministering through music truly brings me fullness of joy!
May God Bless You,
Shondolyn Young Richardson