Jake Hess, Jr, a Gaither concert and some hope... 10-99

Hey, all!!! Well, the concert was great! What else could it be?? The only problem was we sat in the nosebleed section, and I'm not joking. If we were up any higher, we might have sat on the ceiling! Well, I fixed it, as I noticed some empty artist circle seats, six rows back from the stage. My family and I got to sit there during the second half of the concert which was SO much better! I don't like being so far away...it just isn't the same. Next time, we'll be ordering the DAY they go on sale!! :)

We met one of my dearest friends, Jeanie Hutton, and her family and we had a blast with them!!! Kelley, her daughter, had us rolling during dinner. She is SOOO much like Mark Lowry...very quick-witted and VERY funny!! She just comes out with things and cracks you up! You can't eat around her...you have to be quick...or you'll never get your food down!! Then there's Jeanie and her husband Gene, who are two of the most lovable people on earth, and I wish you all could know them. Just so sweet. Their son Kent came too. Very nice young man. Just such a wonderful family, they all are.

Well, after dinner, we arrived at the place, and guess who's table was the first in view when we walked in the door?? You guessed it...Mark Lowry!!!

What a treat! He's got his own table now and he was signing autographs. Well, I got to say hello and get a picture. You know, it's so nice when they recognize you right away. Makes you feel special. Of course, I don't let these people forget me...after all, I am a Gaither groupie and Mark's biggest fan...e-mail him all the time. :) So, they can't forget lil' ol' me! I don't give 'em a chance!! Also, Mark looked great, as usual, and OUTDID himself singing "Mary, Did You Know?", during the concert. It was definitely the best I ever heard him sing it. What a truly inspired song, and no one sings it quite like Mark. After Mark, I went to find Jake Hess's table, as I know his son is always there. I had prayed God would open the right door for me, and I know you guys were praying too!! I went up to Jake, Jr., he instantly recognized me too, and I then asked if he'd give the Martin's my music (as he's married to one of them), and gave him their folder I made of my music.

Well, to make a long story short, he so graciously took ALL 7 of my folders, for 7 different singers, and told me he'd pass them along to everyone!!! How much nicer can you get?? He talked to me for a few minutes about it and gave me some hope! He has to be one of the nicest, most gracious people I ever met. He even told me he reads my Poems for the Journey!!! I didn't think they had time!!! How special!! SO, God opened the right door...just pray His will be done now!! I'll keep you posted!!

Well, the concert started and it was wonderful. They sang a lot of my favorite songs...I was clapping, singing, getting goose-bumps, and just having a grand time! After the concert was a bit disappointing. Not many stayed after, and I didn't get to meet David Phelps, Guy Penrod or Bill Gaither (See, God knew I wouldn't have been able to hand them my music and opened the door so Jake would help me out). Isn't that neat of God??

I think they didn't stay after because the people who work at the center had to tear down the stage for some hockey game and kicked everyone out. :) These were the people who worked for the place the concert was held, NOT the people who work for the Gaithers (cause if they were, they wouldn't have been so rude about telling us to leave). SO, it was a little disappointing not to meet some of the singers I had wanted to talk to. Oh, well. God knows and God's got a plan and He'll work it all out. I have nothing to worry about.

OH, and I got to meet the Hoppers!!!! They were SOOOO nice!!!! I told them Jake has my music and would be passing it a long to them.

That's all for now. I'll keep you all posted. Thanks SO much for your prayers!!! God bless!! Love ya, Elisa