This site proudly hosted by: comets. com
From The King's Four !
A reminder that while they last cassette tapes are five dollars each.
Click on to enlarge
UPDATED NEWS
10-7-08
Another sad day for the Gospel music industry. When will it ever stop. Again a very well known singer having a wife and family decided to reveal to the world that he has been in the gay world for quite sometime. Ray Bolts first revealed this to a friend of mine who has driven his coach for almost twenty years. Jack said he was shocked as he told a minister friend of mine. Now whether he was shocked to find it out or shocked that Ray would end his concert schedule I don't know. In the last three years he is the second well known male singer to do this. The only different Talley came cleans after being exhorted by one of his male friends.. Now my problem is this. If all those people that supported these men knew anything about this previously, why did they continue in support them other than there was some big bucks involved. Even my cousin B. Gaither has used one of these quite often on his videos. Ray lived in Muncie and had his base on St.Rd. 28 along with Sandi Patties'studio.. It sure makes me curious. Anyway what goes around still comes around to those. Oh yes if you have internet which you do if you read this I suggest you call up the Metropolitan Community Church of which Mr. Bolts is now affiliated with. You will see there is only three churches and they promote Lesbian, Gay, Heterosexual behavior plus minorities and street people. I guess you can see I am a little disturbed.
This Sunday our home church celebrates fifty years. We were asked this last week to sing a song after my family spending twenty years as choir director, worship leader, janitor and many board meetings.We are booked in the Church of God so I guess we will miss the whole thing.Anyway keep on Keeping on for the Lord. Lew
9-30-08
Last Sunday we had concert for the Homecoming at Dora Christian and I can't tell you how many years we have been going there. This time I was somewhat hesitant in going mainly because we always went for the morning service, dinner and then concert. I felt much better when I found they had contracted a former preacher to bring the sermon. I think that there were some of our close friends in the church that felt it would be a little uncomfortable for us and protected us. After it all we had a wonderful time and was blessed with a standing ovation at the end. Of course I run the program different than ever before by using the kids as individuals and it worked out perfectly. We thank Forrest, Gerald and Earl for being so kind. Also I thank the young man that helped load in and out. It sure saved me.
I am surprised at how many of you read this news page to see if we have entered the hospital again.. I will tell you if we can possibly escape these next three months we could have a good year anyway. We look forward to October because it means we are about to call it a year on the road. We haven't canceled any engagements but we have refuse some. For those of please call again and you know we will not call you. The only thing, we must be in Indy on Friday the 24th and in Union City, Mi on Sunday. Lots of miles.
It is sad to say and I'm sure many of you can identify with me when the only time you see family is in the funeral home. My cousin's widow (Shirley Larkin) died and I wasn't sure she was relation till I went to Alexandria. Lucky for me a niece came up as I was signing the book. I was relieved to know I was right.
Pastor David Herr at Syracuse Um.c. had a painful operation this passed week in Indy. We are glad that he had a good report after.
My friend R. Malcom is going to undergo the same operation that I have had twice.
Donald is still the New Hope Hospice services chaplain and he has had several funerals this month There is lots of cancer patients and we must remember them in prayer.
9-23-08
We spent last Sunday with our friends at South side Wesleyan in Gas City. It was some what disheartening to see all the kids as we knew them now grown up and have children of their own. I guess that's progress and aging for some of us. We pray for Liz Goble in her time of need and we know as she has been faithful to His service He will honor her just now. The Rev Barlow and his wife are doing better now and he has lost some wait. I had to kid him and say the both of us has lost a person in our body. Again we thank them and wish the church another sixty years. It was good to have ministers visit with us also. That's all for now and it's off to another homecoming at Dora Christian this Sunday.
9-10-08
Well I am home again for who knows how long.. It seems that I am on a first name basis at Ball hospital. All the nurses seemed to know me as soon as I checked in. Yes I had to have two stints put in my main artery and it took quite a bit longer than expected. Dr. Al-lie said he became quite frustrated because of some irregularities in my artery. Anyway I'm home and ready to go again, that is my normal routines. I found that a good friend and my older brother's buddy died but because I can't drive for a few days I will miss his calling. My friend Ron Malcom is facing the same operation that Iv'e had shortly and I hope his has an easier time than me. I thank God each day that we raised our girls the way we did because they have surely been a God send during these times. I'm sure many of you have your problems and rest assured we are very interested in each of you. Just let us know what we can due to relieve the pressure on you. Just keep on trusting and He will only put upon you only as much as you can bare.
9-03-08
Another good experience at Amishville campground. The chapel on the hill had many worshipers Sunday morning. We had a new experience with the crowd. "There were about fifty people with the Amish or Mennonite dress. They enjoyed the service and concert but I was taken aback when we sang the patriotic medley they all jus t sat there. Now they could have been German Baptist or the fact that they go to different houses for worship they may have brought their church to the campground. I was very interested and though I shook hands with many of them they didn't offer any explanation for their being there. In this business you never know to whom you are singing to. Don's message was well received by many.Now the other news . As of now I will enter Ball hospital Tuesday the ninth to have a stint placed in the artery that has needed it since 2003 so please remember me and the family. So far things are better, Ethel is doing quite well and will go to the surgeon Thursday for a report. We hope all is well with you and yours and may God Bless you and God Bless the Usa
8-25-08
I'm a little behind. I have an excuse. We have had Ethel's brother Fran and wife Joan for a week and coming from Florida, the weather couldn't have been better. We did have one hang up over the week. They live on Merritt Island and the storm Faye kind of caused a problem. They have a pool in their back yard and if it is not drawn down the water could enter their house. Wouldn't you know their son who is a supervisor with the water company was ordered to stay on post until the storm passed over. His wife finally was able to leave their house and check the pool. As luck would have it the water was only inches from entering the house. Now understand this daughter-in-law is a very talented teacher and very smart but emptying a pool was not one of her talents. So Fran got on the cell phone and tried to talk her through it. Now believe it or not she was successful and saved the house .Good job Wendy.
We go to Amishville for our fifteenth or nineteenth year on Labor day. Strange thing about it is when Joanie and Brent sold out it was to a Jewish man from Ohio. There was some concern about the chapel on the hill to continue. After some conversation with him he turned the programs over to some of the campers who felt it was an important part of the campground. Smooth so far with just a little haggling. I should tell you Ethel has removed her sling and still not able to lift anything. We will let you know more after Sept. 4th
8-13-08
Just a short note to inform you that I have had a cardiac conversion and a stress text .They found the same artery with some closure and they are determined to change that with a stint sometime next month. Right now we have Ethel's brother and sister-in-law with us for the week.Ethel has removed her sling for now but we are waiting for clearance to use the arm. I received a good report from our friends in Baltimore. I guess pastor Jeff had neck surgery and is doing fine. He can't talk or sing yet but soon. His wife Debby has no problem talking so it won't be any different with him being quiet.
I have given much thought since my heart conversion. You see they stop your heart for so many seconds and then shock it back in rhythm . If you spiritualize that it would be the same process of someone accepting the Lord in their life. The Bible states that when that happen you put off the old man or life and become a new person. Hearing testimonies these many years I hear people say it is quite a shock to no longer loves some actions in their lives but love things they didn't expect. Conversion does happen of which we can't explain other that a change of heart. That's all for now but we will keep on Keeping on for Him.
08-11-08
Back to school tomorrow and Anita and Nancy aren't looking forward to it.
8-6-08
I just scheduled Southside Wesleyan for their sixty year anniversary. Pastor Barlow tells me they are putting together their celebration and wanted the King's Four to be a part of it. We date back many years during the tenure of Pastor Myron Fuller who has since gone on to be with the Lord. In other news I had a very nice conversation with the lady that had been taking care of a very special friend. Louise Furnish and her deceased husband Albert were wonderful people that we had the privelege of knowing in years past. Louise is now in Largo Fl. with her daughter Shelba.and we give our best to her.
My heart doctor told me again today that I must have a stint put in an artery that has had some blockage for a few years. Now that G. M. is pulling all my insurance I guess I must consider doing this before Jan 1st, 09. After two open heart surgeries, I guess this will not be so bad. Again sudden death means sudden glory. That's all for now so Keep on Keeping on. It's worth it all. Lew
08-05-08
I thought with all the problems we have had around here things could get better. The old saying :work hard and then you die" has some merit to it. I had a dear ole saint saw me in that body cast and quoted the old Indian from north Marion as saying "don't criticize a man till you walk in his moccasins". That came to mind this week when a very dear friend accidentally pinned his son between a tractor loader and his barn and killed him. Here is a man who spends his extra time for the Gideon's telling prisoners that God forgives everything. His anguish can be forgiven. I pray that he will find some peace through this.
We look forward to having Ethel's brother and wife with us next week. Hope the weather stays as is even if it is the dog days of summer.The lightning show last night was something else and the fact that Wrigley field was evacuated with tornado warning isn't to comforting. Oh well what else is new right? School starts Monday so the girls aren't looking forward to it. See you next time.
7-29--08
Well I guess you probably wonder what can come next to our family. I just spent three days again in the hospital. They stopped my heart and converted it back to rhyme. My Indian doctor called it my God given rhyme. After leaving the hospital a day later we had a concert at the Liberty friends church with some very nice people. The pastor was on a short rest and we filled the pulpit. On Tuesday I was scheduled for a stress test and treadmill which I am happy to report that I passed with flying colors. Even the doctor complimented me for my efforts. Wouldn't it be something if you could convert people to Christianity by stopping their heart and restart. Basically that is the way it is done. A turn around and a new heart and direction is the only way.
This has been a difficult week because I have visited the funeral home three times for very good friends. Just last night I visited a wake for a man that we run with back in the old days. He and I were interested in two girls from the same family. Harry always said the reason their dad Hubert kept us around so we could pick and haul his tomatoes to market. Anyway we had lots of fun with his thirty eight pontiac coupe with all of us in it. Then the red head run it in the ditch and that just about ended the fun. Making memories is what it is all about and I've made plenty of them.
7-17-08
Hellooo again! Good news ... Daddy is home. We brought him home late last night. His heart is beating just fine AND in rhythm. He and Mom are to see their doctors next Thursday - Mom at 9:15 and Daddy at 2:00. Smart planning, huh? Get it over with all in the same day! We found out today that Daddy must have a stress test done so that is scheduled for July 29 at 8:45 a.m. We are praying all is well and nothing else needs to be done. We're looking forward to being Friends on Sunday at Liberty Friends church at 10:30. The really good thing is this is close to home and WILL NOT have to be an early morning (for which all of us are thankful!) If you're in the area come and see us. Thanks again for all the prayers. It goes without saying but ... keep them coming! Hopefully Daddy will be writing the next entry and you won't have to hear from me until something ELSE happens! HA ... Anita
7-15-08
Hi ...it's Anita ! I know you're thinking - "Oh no, now what?!! Or whom?!!" Right? Well, it's Daddy this time ...again. He's in Marion General Hospital and has been since last night. Last Friday, his heart began racing again (beating over 130 beats per minute) but he tried to ignore it. By Monday morning, he couldn't ignore the 142 beats per minute and called me to take him to the E.R. We spent all day there, with them checking him every ten minutes, until they finally got a hold of Dr. Nathan, his heart doctor. He wanted Daddy admitted and plans were made to do the "stop your heart and restart it" procedure (I know there is a technical term for it but this really says what they do!) He was given medication last night and again early this morning that needed to be in his system when the procedure was done and at 8:00 this morning Dr. Nathan did it. Praise the Lord, Daddy's heart restarted and was put in his, as Dr. Nathan says, God-given rhythm on the first attempt. He has to stay in the hospital again tonight and possibly tomorrow night as well. Although, we're all hoping, especially Daddy, that he will be released sometime tomorrow. He will be put on a different medication that should keep his heart rhythm in place for a long while. Whew! We are scheduled to sing this Sunday and, yes, that is still in the plans! :)
Mom is progressing very well. She doesn't go back to the doctor until next Thursday but she is faithfully doing her exercises 3 times a day and she seems to be doing them without any trouble. She is getting a bit tired and frustrated with the apparatus she has to keep her arm in and, frankly, can't wait to be freed from it! HA
7-4-08
The girls took mom to the doctor yesterday and got a good report. They took the staples out and told them to come back in three weeks. We go to Jellystone tomorrow for our thirty fourth year. We are the only group to sing outside at the theater so we are contemplating the idea for maybe the last time. It is set on a hillside like an amphitheater there . It's like a golf cart party with expensive carts all over the hillside As always there are about six families that have a cookout for us which is very nice. Tell you what, just come to the gate and say you are going to the concert and then join us for dinner. Sounds like a plan doesn't it ? Keep reading we may be in your area soon. That's all for now..
06-23-08
I'm sorry to report today that we lost a long time friend and roady. Fern Myers from Desoto, In. she died this morning in Muncie, In .Fern traveled many places with her long time friend Brenda to many churches throughout northern Indiana and a few in Illinois. Some were on the bus and others when they would show up in their car. In later years it became hard for her to get up the steps on the bus and so it was in their car. I'm sure Fern is walking around heaven now seeing all her siblings and friends. Calling at the Meeks funeral home E. Jackson Muncie, In, two to four Sunday and services Monday at 1:00 P.m.
Ethel is getting better and the pain is now a dull ache. She returns to the doctor thursday the third. Just hope the xrays tell us something.
06-20-08
Update on Ethel. She was operated on Friday the 20th. After sixteen days she still waited some four hours before the operation.We finally brought her home on Monday the twenty third but we have encountered another problem. Because of the antithesis and the morphine she was give she began hallucinating which has become very distracting. We had the concert at Summitville for my former high school. I was very pleased with the kids for they did an excellent job in from of my peers. My former coach Paul Bradford was there and a couple of my team mates. I guess we did well because they asked me to come back next year which will be the sixtieth year since we went to the sweet sixteen in Indy. On Sunday we traveled to Uniondale Methodist and enjoyed being with the Troy Drayer family as well for his mother's birthday. Thanks Suzanne for the invite. We were worried that they would release Ethel during the weekend and I made the comment that if they do just sit her on the curb and we will pick her up later in the evening. Of course we didn't tell her the plan and it worked out for the best. Hoping this bit of news finds you and yours well and safe. Mean time Keep on Keeping on. Lew
06-20-08
We spent father's day at the Grace Fellowship church in Wabash, In. As always it was a good experience because we have been there before so there were people that we remembered as well the Pastor Bill Bowling. Donald had to drive and go the funeral home in the city. There was calling for a lady patient he had and then he was in charge of the funeral service. A young teacher from Elkhart that has traveled with us over the years came to town and stayed with Ethel. As you know she fell and broke a bone in her shoulder. It has been thirteen days and the doctors still have not set the arm. We think they may be stalling till Friday as scheduled. We shall see. Until then keep in touch.
6-11-08
We just noticed a bruise on Ethel's thigh and called the doctor. They had her come in and x-rayed her left leg. It looks as if she has a slight hair line in her thigh. She was to have surgery to repair the shoulder this Friday but the surgeon has to fly to a wedding on Saturday. Providing he can get a flight back home on Monday they will schedule her for this coming Tuesday. We sure hope so because she is having a lot of pain and the meds aren't doing the job. We received a good report from my heart doctor but he still wants me to do a thread mill, so we shall see. Right now Ethel is the most important in this house. Please keep checking the news page and I will try to update it regularly. We are looking forward to seeing our friends from Baltimore this next week. Until later keep on keeping on.
6-6-08
Let me tell you how lucky we are here. The old saying if I didn't have bad luck I wouldn't have any luck. Well Thursday my mower quit, my cuckoo clock fell off the wall in pieces, Ethel fell on the way to the bathroom at four in the morning, and we spend from five till eight in the ER. We came home so I could take her dog to the vet at ten thirty. The phone rang and she was called to the doctors office at eleven. I thank God everyday for daughters Nancy and Anita.. Ethel will sleep in a chair for three weeks hoping gravity will take it's toll and heal the broken bone just below her left shoulder.
.
I visited an old friend and business partner at the VA yesterday.Charles Fields and I run the Gaston News weekly for several years till the Muncie Star put us out of business politically . He has cancer and not expected to live long. He was non responsive to me but not in a coma yet. Again Charles is asking God to deliver him and I pray that God will answer His prayers..
Many have asked how I am doing. Well the coughing has made my lungs very sore and my chest cavity also. I have three watch dogs here that constantly check my meds and call most days to make sure I am taking them. In all God is good and the many prayer of my friends over all these years have certainly helped me to heal. At which I am very thankful to you all.
As you are aware, we have numerous names on the prayer list. Please know that you are being faithfully prayed for daily.
God gave us the option to choose but we can't choose the consequences.
Quote of the Month: God wants full-time custody of you, not just the weekends!
Donation Policy: The ministry is a tax-exempt corporation. All donations are confidential with only the financial secretary's knowledge of those who donate. This is our practice and even I am not privy to that list. That gives me no temptation to favor those who give. In January of every year statements are sent to our contributors.
All contact with us can be made by telephone at 1-765-664-9247; by E-mail at K4ministry@comteck.com; by mail at 3008 South Meridian Street, Marion, Indiana 46953; or www.kingsfour.org