WINDERMERE - A PLACE TO REFLECT ON EARLIER TIMES

Last Friday, Sue and I drove to Windermere, a Baptist conference center located on the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. This was the weekend to celebrate Windermere's 50th year. Several singing groups were there along with a preacher or two. When One Accord was singing on a regular basis, we sang many times at Windermere for conferences such as WMU, Single Adults, Sunday School, etc. In fact, our children nearly grew up at Windermere. We were scheduled to sing at this celebration, but sadly, our lead singer, Bill Ursery told me he had been diagnosed with throat cancer. Bill is a dedicated Christian who graduated from Belmont University and at one time sang with the Jake Hess group. We had to cancel this time and are earnestly praying for Bill's recovery.

More than 1500 decisions for Christ are made annually at Windermere. It sits in a cove and the surrounding area is perfect for water skiing and sight seeing. At the 50th year celebration, a men's quartet from South Haven Baptist Church sang and did a good job. Their bass was outstanding and could easily sing for any professional group. The highlight for Sue and me was the appearance of Russell Newport who at age 87 sang as though he were in his 30's. Russell is a great tenor and had the opportunity to sing with the Metopolitan Opera in New York city. He used to be the choir director in the church in which I was saved and grew up. His signature song was "The Holy City," and anyone who came to that church and endeavored to sing that song made a fatal mistake. He/She should have chosen another song. This evening at Windermere, Russell sang some old songs such as "Oh, How I Love Him," "Redemption Draws Nigh," "The King is Coming," and others that truly were outstanding. I cannot express my admiration and love for that man. He has a bachelor's degree from William Jewell and a master's degree from Harvard.
My friend, Bob Speake who is as former major league baseball player once said that if you wanted a full-time job, all you had to do was follow Russell for a day. Russell has often said that if you sing correctly, you should be able to sing all of your life. He is truly a testament to that statement.

Dr. Arthur Mallory, who is chairman of the Windermere Board was there and as always was fun to be with. Dan Bench, the Windermere CEO was there and had dinner with Sue and me. He takes no salary for his work. Russell, Arthur, and Dan are truly serving leaders.

I have to get some of Russell's CD's. I know they will be incredible.

A REALLY GREAT MEETING

On August 14, I attended one of the greatest secular meetings I have ever attended. Actually, it was not secular in that many of us in attendance felt the presence of the Holy Spirit as the meeting progressed. The purpose of the meeting was to present a program for at-risk kindergartners in the St. Louis Public Schools. In attendance were Ed Watkins, Dr. Arthur Mallory, Dr. Sue Stepleton, Mrs. Kathy Lambert, Mr. Brad Lambert, Mr. Harlan Pals, Mr. Bob Peters, Reverend Lynn Mims, Ms. Kapree Graves, and Mr. Michael Lause. Representing the MOHELA staff were Mr. Ray Bayer, Will Shaffner, Ms. Mary Stewart, Dr. Jim Matchefts, Scott Giles, and Cheryl Stevens.

Mr. Watkins stated that we have assembled a very credible group and asked the following question: "Wouldn't it be wonderful if on the first day of kindergarten, teachers told their students they expected them to have a post-secondary education?" Dr. Mallory addressed the fact that we have such assembled such smart people gathered with the same goal. He said Dr. Stepleton has a high reputation nationally for her work in "Parents as Teachers. Mallory also stated that research shows the most significant learning and brain development occurs from birth to five years of age. Dr. Stepleton explained that brain development shown in MRIs of babies taken post-birth differed from those exposed to good stimulation and those who were not.

Mr. and Mrs. Lambert are the founders of Connections to Success. Mr. Lambert explained that their program helps those who have experienced homelessness, violence, incarceration, welfare and other tragic events. Lamberts are putting together the program we need to begin excellent education at an early age.

Mr. Pals described "Lifeline," as giving people an opportunity to record milestones in their life. With that program, a person will have a lifetime record of his or her skills and talents.

Reverend Mims closed the meeting with a blessing and prayer that moved each of us. What a meeting!

The MOHELA Board will hear details of the program on September 12.