Weekend in Rushville

[calicowriter]

I don't know where to begin except to say that I had a very fun and blessed weekend in Rushville. Certainly John's concert had a lot to do with it, but it wasn't all about him. I got to meet up with Sue, Sam and Warren and we had a blast! I would never have guessed we would hit it off so well, but it seemed like we'd known each other forever. The people from the church were so welcoming and friendly as well, especially Dan Webber. He played keyboards for the band that also played at the men's conference and opened for John; he was responsible for putting the thing together. He has been greatly inspired by John Lawry, and you can tell. We also met a couple of guys whose names I cannot remember for the life of me, which is really sad because we ate dinner with them. They knew John from back in the Johnny Band days. I also got to say Hi to Elo on the phone!

John and his DAT band did an excellent job. I was surprised to hear him sing "Revival", but it went well with the theme of the day. Yeah, John made a couple of mistakes, but he worked hard all day. I can't begin to imagine how anyone can be so friendly and giving of themselves all day long, but then, I'm not what you would call a true people-person, so maybe I'm easily impressed. I suppose it is too bad that those folks congregating in Room 11 at the motel wouldn't let him sleep!

So thanks to everyone involved, and especially to the Father who gave this daughter exactly what she needed. (Except for that speeding ticket. What was the point of THAT?)

[Shell]

Sounds like a lot of fun. Sorry about the speeding ticket.

I had fun with Sue, Sam and Elo when I was in Wisconsin too. I wanna go again one of these days.

[shaabyi]

Got setlist?

Shaabyi

[calicowriter]

The song list (as best as I can remember) was:

Let It Show
God is Too Big
Revival
The Noise We Make
Wake the Dead
Amazing Grace
Show Me the Way
Inside of You
Beyond Belief - at least most of it
Lord I Lift Your Name on High
He Came, He Saw, He Conquered

I can't guarantee that is the exact order, but it's pretty close. John also talked quite a bit. The evening seemed to be a blessing for everyone involved. I'm not terribly good at estimating crowds, but I'd say there were about 150 people there.

[brothertom]

I am sorry I missed it. I always enjoy seeing John, and have always had fun when getting together with Sue and Sam. And people with memories of the Johnny Band? Would have loved to talk to them, too! Sounds like a good time was had by all.

In a way, though, John and Petra, and many of you were with me this weekend. During the services for my brother-in-law, I was constantly flashing to bits of Petra or John songs that went along with the service. It helped put things in perspective.

Hope to be there next time!

Tom

[Jonathan]

I love DAT band, when John is da lead. When he's up dere on da stage with dem...its awesome.

[seichu kaisho]

I wonder how John had the guts to write a song called "God Is Too Big" - seeing that lots of people would misinterpret that phrase. I listened to a minute-long clip of this song from Kirkman's website, and the "s too big" sounded just like "stupid".

Wasn't the "Johnny Band" an unsuccessful attempt to start another band back in the early 80's when he was excommunicated from Head East? Don't see how that would be "a good time had by all". Or is the Johnny Band another name for DAT Band which is another name for And Band which is another name for Antioch??

[sue d.]

Oh, we had a great time! It always amazes me how neat it is to meet total strangers, ones that you've only met on the Zone - and yet they're like longtime friends.

And yeah - that speeding ticket was a bummer! ESPECIALLY since we were on the way to get some toilet paper and tape to TP a certain singer's Room 12 doorway for being a party pooper! (Hehehee... you had to be there!)

Let's just say we were giving John a hard time that night... and he had a bit of a surprise when he woke up in the morning!

Tom, you would have loved talking to Dave & Mike - they both were in Johnny at different times. They had some neat stories to tell.

Yes, that was the band that John formed right after Head East. It WAS a successful band - they were touring around the country, according to Mike. There was some very talented musicians in it. But, according to John, he formed it as a way to get back at the Head East clan and to continue his partying ways.

Once he came to know the Lord, he realized he had to leave the band. The band continued on without him, but for how long - I don't know.

One thing I do want to say - if anyone is in need of a speaker - John is great at it. He not only does the music, but he's perfect as a speaker also.

The men at the conference were very impressed with him and his willingness to hang out with them, talk to them and just be one of the guys.

I'd like to help move him out into this direction, so if anyone knows of an event or conference where they're looking for speakers - please let me know.

[Shell]

Yeah, it was in the early 80s after John left Head East, and it wasn't a cool time for John, but it's still part of his early days in music. God did some work in John's life during that time. I think the reference to "good time had by all" was Head East fans from way back when getting together.

And John wasn't really "excommunicated" from Head East...It may have seemed like they hung him out to dry, but he brought a lot of that on himself from his own behavior. He's said that himself in interviews, articles and concerts. Oh well. We all have stuff from our pasts we're not terribly proud of; God has done some wonderful things in his life.

[Shell]

Hahahahahaha...I wish I could have been there to see that one...That must have been fun. Serves him right for being a party pooper.

[separateunion]

One thing I do want to say - if anyone is in need of a speaker - John is great at it. He not only does the music, but he's perfect as a speaker also.

The men at the conference were very impressed with him and his willingness to hang out with them, talk to them and just be one of the guys.

I'd like to help move him out into this direction, so if anyone knows of an event or conference where they're looking for speakers - please let me know.

Lifest?

[sue d.]

I've tried Lifest a number of time in the past... with no luck.

For some reason they feel Petra/John are not worth bringing in.

I can try again.... can't hurt to ask, huh?

[epdc]

I LOVED TALKING TO YOU TOO BRIGITTE!!!!!!!!!

I got so excited to hear your voice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hey guys, did you know that `sam`s bedroom was right next to john`s???? I recommended a glass on the wall but i`m not sure if she did it hahahahahahahaha.

[brothertom]

My reference to a good time had by all was for those in attendance at Rushville this past weekend.

[sue d.]

I wish your time could have been better, Tom.

After this weekend, I REALLY have an urge to put on a concert with John & Andband and have a Pethead Convention again.

Hmmmm.... anyone have a couple thousand laying around?!