Azotus Baptist Church - Azotus Community

Well, the old Maple tree (I had called it an Oak tree previously) in the yard of Azotus Baptist Church survived last winter's ice storm. Like a lot of us, it's a little worse for wear, but still providing shade for dinner on the grounds and afternoon Gospel singing.

Twila's husband, Pastor Mark Staton of Calvary Baptist at New Liberty, IL, brought the morning message at the once-a-year service. Then, the congregation moved to the row of tables set up outside the church. All kinds of food began to appear, from catfish, to barbecue and fried chicken, along with potato salad, baked beans, corn -- and, of course, a great variety of desserts.

After being tempted by all of that (and eating a good portion of it), it was perhaps a little more difficult for the Echoes to sing some of those up-tempo good foot-stompin' hand clappin' songs. But we did our best, along with those slower ones to provide a well-rounded presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Echoes have been coming to Azotus each year since 1972 or 1973, and in that entire time, the message of Jesus Christ has not changed one bit.

And you know the best thing? It will never change.

Will the old Maple tree survive what's in store for it in the coming year? Will each of us? I don't know about the old Maple tree, but for those who have Jesus, we may not know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future.

First Baptist Church - Rosiclare, IL

The Echoes helped our friends at Rosiclare First Baptist Church celebrate the church's 60th Anniversary, as we "sang for our supper" at a Burger and Hot Dog supper at the church.

Roy Lee Baker, the pastor of the church, is the son of Lon Baker, a long-time member of the Echoes. Lon sang bass for the Echoes from 1970 until his retirement in 1993. As you saw in an earlier blog, Lon went home to be with his Lord last year.

When food is present, Baptists tend to gather, we've found. And this was no exception, as the church was filled to near capacity to enjoy the food and the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in song.

One special episode during our singing was Roy Lee joining Sharon and Twila in singing "Somebody Prayed For Me," with David on the piano. That song has a special place in Roy Lee's heart, since there were indeed a lot of people praying for him some years back as he battled -- and conquered -- cancer.

Congratulations, Rosiclare First Baptist, on your first 60 years. May you continue to have many more -- until the next coming of Jesus.