April 24, 2024
Having just returned from Israel, Palestine, and Jordan where I spent two weeks with 300 wonderful Georgia Baptists, my heart is full of inspiration, praise, and thanksgiving. Throughout this experience I have been giving thanks to God for the incredible ministry of the Sons of Jubal and Jubalheirs under the leadership of Dr. Jon Duncan and his fine staff.
Jon Duncan and his ministry team are truly a Georgia Baptist treasure. Not only are they unusually gifted musically, but they have a profound commitment to the lordship of Jesus Christ and demonstrate that in all they do. The Sons of Jubal were on tour in the Holy Land and it was my joy to be with them and have the privilege of presenting the inspirational message at the conclusion of our concerts. We were also delighted to have a large number of Georgia Baptist pastors, spouses, and laity from our churches joining us for the tour.
In the midst of some of the worst violence seen in Jerusalem and Bethlehem in the last couple of decades, we were there as ambassadors for Christ to proclaim a message of peace for all the world to hear. We were not shy about proclaiming the Gospel and the reality that there is no peace without Christ as Lord and Savior.
With killings taking place in the streets on a daily basis, we felt the power of your prayers for which we are so very grateful and we felt the protective hand of the Lord as we proceeded with our schedule of concerts and movement among the significant sites in the Holy Lands. Other than a few bumps and scrapes that can be expected any time you travel with 300 people, we were protected physically and in every other way by the guiding hand of the Lord.
In the midst of some of the worst violence seen in Jerusalem and Bethlehem in the last couple of decades, we were there as ambassadors for Christ to proclaim a message of peace …
Our Sunday morning in Jerusalem was very special as our group was in three different locations. The Sons of Jubal were at the YMCA where they were led in worship by Dr. Don Hattaway, our convention president. They then sang a concert that afternoon.
Our pastors and spouses and the Jubalheirs who were traveling with us worshipped at Jerusalem Baptist Church. The Jubalheirs sang beautifully and Rev. Butch Butcher preached a marvelous message out of Hebrews 11 and 12. The Jubal Tones led in worship at East Jerusalem Baptist Church where Rev. Gary Leutzinger delivered the message.
Our friends who are serving in that region of the world let us know about the great need for coats for children. As Georgia Baptists always respond to needs, our group immediately planned to take at least 300 coats for children with us to share with those who have need for warm clothing as the winter months approach. Instead of 300 coats for children, more than 600 coats made the trip and will be distributed among children over the next several weeks. I am so thankful for Georgia Baptists who always respond to needs in a big way.
It is such a personal joy for me to serve among a people who have such a deep love for Christ, sensitivity to the needs of others and a devotion to declare the Gospel of Christ wherever we are.
