Newsletter Archive

Jordan Ministries May 2011 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

As we just celebrated Mother's Day yesterday, I spent some time sitting quietly, simply remembering my own precious mother and missing her so much, even though it has now been over 7 years since she went home to be with the Lord. She was such an example to me, and the blessing of calling her my mama is here every day, even though she is not. Proverbs 31:25 says, "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future." My mother knew that even though cancer was taking her life here on this earth, her future was secure for all eternity. You and I can share that same assurance, and radiate a smile that comes from a deep, calm assurance of knowing our future is certain. I pray my children see the same example in me. I am thankful the Lord entrusted two precious children into my care, and enjoyed a quiet Sunday at home with Hannah and Ross yesterday. What a privilege it is to be their mother. I was blessed to share in three ministry events last week, two of them focusing on the mother/daughter relationship. As I sang the song I wrote for both my mother and my former mother-in-law years ago entitled "A Mother's Prayer", I was grateful to have had both of them live out in front of me the best and only way I know how to raise these children of my own, on my knees.

Ministry Update:

It was a great week in ministry as Monday, May 2nd I was privileged to share a concert for the annual Mother/Daughter Banquet at Pine Grove United Methodist Church in Turbeville, SC. I met a precious mother battling breast cancer whose beautiful 17-year-old daughter was there with her. How my heart and prayers went out to them, and what a testimony she was to me of a woman smiling at her future in spite of the disease she is facing. Wednesday night Hannah led worship while I spoke and sang for South Aiken Church of God's Generation Church in Aiken, SC, and it was an awesome evening as so many came forward during the altar time as God moved in a mighty way. Friday night I shared a concert at Boiling Springs United Methodist Church in Lexington, SC, and found out once I got there that this church had actually hosted my mother for this same event the year that she passed away, and I so enjoyed hearing the sweet things so many of them had to say about her. This coming Sunday, May 15th, I will be at Rowan ARP Church in Lugoff, SC for their morning service and afternoon ladies' event.

After traveling from January through April to Kansas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Oregon and Texas, I have always trusted that each place I am scheduled is where the Lord has planned for me to be. With this month being the last month of my Hannah's senior year of high school and all that entails, I am thankful He has worked it out for me to stay within the state of South Carolina at such a busy, precious time.

These are difficult days for many because of the current economy we are facing. For us here at Jordan Ministries, it is no different. Just in the last week we have had two cancellations of events that were on our calendar, one that was very last-minute, as well as one church that hosted me months ago that has not paid an outstanding honorarium or travel reimbursement. For a ministry such as ours, these are devastating circumstances. However, I have seen God's faithful provision for this ministry and my family all of these years, and will continue to trust Him. Many regularly ask me if my concert/speaking ministry is all that I do to make a living. I am blessed to share in a maximum of 75 events annually, while also teaching 10 piano students per week part-time, and am still recording personalized lullabies on the project "No One Like You" for Kid Music.

I am very thankful for the many summer concerts that have been scheduled since our last newsletter, and still have a few more dates available, should your church be interested in planning a summer love offering concert for your church family and community. Thanks for taking the time to let us update you this month. Your notes, emails, and prayers are so appreciated and such a blessing to us. Remember, despite the trying circumstances and uncertainties of this life, we can still smile. Our future is secure.

Many blessings today,

Dawn

Dawn Smith Jordan