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Dear Friends,
It's a wrap for the month of September...1,545 miles logged between nine churches over SC, NC, TN, VA AND GA. What a GREAT month of ministry, making new friends, sharing the Good News, sweet fellowship, eating some good food, and just having fun it has been! I cannot believe it is already October, as this month literally flew by. I felt like I packed, unpacked, and repacked, blinked, and it had come and gone. As busy as it has been, what a joy it has been. I remember my mom saying something that has really stuck with me years ago. Before the Lord took her home after she battled ovarian cancer for 2 years, she had a speaking engagement at a women's event, and she was very sick and weak from the cancer and chemo. I told her that she could certainly call and cancel, as cancer was a legitimate excuse, and they would understand. These were here words in response, "Well, honey, I could call and cancel, I am sick. But I also believe that tonight is a divine appointment, and as long as I have breath left in this body of mine, I am going to go and tell the story God has entrusted me to tell. Now are you going with me or not?"
I feel the same way about each and every place the Lord has seen fit to have me scheduled to sing/speak. When I stop to think about all of the speakers/singers that could have been chosen instead of me to be at the specific places I am every week/month/year, I experience firsthand how He has ordained them all. Through a word someone says to me afterward about their own journey, to a specific song that really spoke to them in a very specific way, to a Scripture they needed for that very moment. Or to sit with a pastor and his family over a meal, or a women's ministry team, and hear stories that I personally am encouraged by. I am certain I am where He has called me to go, and I will keep going "as long as I have breath left in this body of mine to share the story He has entrusted me to tell."
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17
Ministry at a Glance:
 What a whirlwind September was...I was literally gone every Thursday or Friday-Sunday, spanning five states and being hosted by nine churches. Each place held its own blessing, and I am grateful. Salem Baptist Church in Saluda, SC started the month, and then I made my way to First Baptist Church of Indian Trail, NC as over 300 women gathered together  for a ladies' night out, and God moved in a mighty way. From there I went over to speak/sing for Catawba Heights Baptist Church from Belmont, NC's women's retreat, and loved being back with these precious ladies again. I love their dear pastor and pastor's wife, Janet Johns, in the picture below with me and their 2 lovely daughters. It was a treat to just drive downtown to be with the seniors at  Shandon Baptist Church here in Columbia, then to be with the women of Thomas Village Baptist Church in Duffield, VA where over 350 women gathered for their women's conference. It was so unusual to have an afternoon off to enjoy some of the sights of where I am traveling. I loved riding the chairlift in the National Forest in Duffield, VA to take in the Natural Tunnel as well as Lovers' Leap (see picture above).
Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Kingsport, TN's choir joined me on Sunday morning for their two services, then they showed the movie based on my family's story that afternoon before I shared a concert. This past weekend I was richly blessed to be  with the women of Glen Haven Baptist Church's women's conference in McDonough, GA, Orr's Baptist Church in Chester, SC, and then closed out the month being joined by the wonderful choir of First Baptist Church of Chester, SC in concert. Thank you to each and every one of these churches for welcoming me into your ministries. I am deeply blessed to have worshipped with you.
October has me hopping again as I will be up in SC, NC & GA. For specific places and detailed information, please visit my schedule here. I'd love to see you! (My October schedule is also listed at the end of this newsletter.)
A Special Ministry Update:
Introducing the brand new, redesigned website www.dawnsmithjordan.com! A very special thank you to Chris Carney, who has been our web designer/manager for many years now. He has decided to step down from this position to pursue his ministry and family more, and we are most grateful for the years of service he has given to Jordan Ministries. Won't you take a moment to see the beautiful new design he has blessed us with in his departure? We love it, and are so blessed to share it with you.
 I would also like to introduce to you our new ministry app for smart phones. David Tanner, who works with Xposure Mobile Consulting, has offered to help us with this and has done a wonderful job. His company will also be hosting our website from now on.
Here is some more information:
We are pleased to announce the release of the Dawn Smith Jordan App. Download this free app to your Android, iPhone, iPad or tablet to keep up-to-date with the latest ministry news. Features include an Events Calendar, Blog, iTunes Music ...and more. Scan the QR codes with your mobile device or click the appropriate link to go right to the App Store. And please share this link with others! (schedule is still being updated at this time) -
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dawn-smith-jordan/id895997188?ls=1&mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app_dsj.layout
On the Home Front:
 September has been a month of more ministry than family time, though I am grateful for the time I did have with them. As Ross has been on his own for the first time in his life, I have welcomed his twice-a-week plus visits here to either drop off/pick up laundry and eat, while making runs to his place often to drop off laundry or groceries and just see my boy. He is doing well at Midlands Technical College and also balancing a  job working for Fast Eddie's. Hannah enjoyed a trip to Charleston with her dad and step-mom for a friend's wedding, but has stayed in Clemson the rest of the month. She and her boyfriend Clayton are enjoying Clemson football season, and she is currently singing as a part of the choir at First Baptist Church of Clemson, while also attending  Newspring. I got a flyer in the mail just yesterday from Clemson saying it is already time for her cap and gown pictures! I am very much looking forward to making the drive from Chesnee, SC where I will be this Sunday to go spend the afternoon with her in Clemson and of course see my grand dog Blue. While I was in NC, I enjoyed getting to visit with Robert, Elizabeth and James Michael, and even was able to take in Robert's auction. Life at home is full of packing/unpacking/ repacking/ preparing/ practicing...that is a lot of "p's"!  During the week, I continue to teach 19 private piano/voice lessons Tuesday and Wednesday. I enjoy Zumba twice a week, sushi and Tokyo Grill as much as I can, and just being at home with Cookie and Zoey. Fall is my favorite season, and I especially enjoy having the house all cozy with my autumn decor. Your prayers on behalf of my family are greatly appreciated during this season of life.
As always, we'd love to hear from you. In the meantime, enjoy this wonderful fall season.
Blessings,
Dawn
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Product Highlight
Announcing Dawn’s newest CD Release:
Your Presence for Christmas
Including the following titles:
1. Jesus, What a Wonderful Child
2. Your Presence for Christmas
3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
4. I Bought You a Plastic Star for Your Aluminum Tree
5. Holiday in Your Heart
6. Mr. Santa
7. Bethlehem Morning
8. Let it Snow
9. Winter Wonderland
10. Grown-Up Christmas List
11. Frosty the Snowman/Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
12. Christmas Time is Here
13. Silent Night
Soon to be released, "Your Presence for Christmas" is a 2014 re-mixed, edited, CD with two new songs. This CD features Dawn on vocals, accompanied by Jerry Sims on guitar. Pre-order your copy/copies today by mailing $15 + $3 S&H to Jordan Ministries, P.O. Box 2846, Irmo, SC 29063 just in time for Christmas. For your order of five or more CDs, receive a free copy.
We are also selling out of the two older Christmas projects at this time - Christmas With You ($5.00) and Remember Christmas ($10.00). You can purchase them as a set for $15.00 as well here on the website. |
Dawn's New Blog Amazing Grace Notes
My new blog is entitled "Amazing Grace Notes," and I would love to invite you to join me at http://dawnsmithjordan.blogspot.com/ for regular updates.
Alaska Cruise in August 2015
Join Dawn on a cruise through Alaska, August 6-15 (or an extended trip through August 19th is also an option) in 2015. Come and enjoy the breathtaking Alaskan landscape and then join Dawn as she will be sharing several concerts in the evenings. At this time Princess is offering some discounted rates. Please contact Bill Ballou at A&B Travel for more information about current rates - 903.534.7050
Dawn's Concert Calendar
It's time to get your event on Dawn's Concert Calendar! The fall and rest of 2014 is just about completely booked except for a few open spots that we have left. November has several Sundays available for holiday/Christmas concerts, and December is completely booked on Sundays except for the evening of 12/14 and morning of 12/21. So if your church would like to get on the 2014 calendar, let us hear from you. For more specifics on available dates, visit my schedule here http://www.dawnsmithjordan.com/schedule.php.
Tax-Deductible Gifts
If the Lord would lay Jordan Ministries on your heart to support financially, know that all gifts to Jordan Ministries are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated as we continue to share the good news of the Gospel. Jordan Ministries is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.
The NEW Mailing Address is:
Dawn Smith Jordan Ministries, PO Box 2846, Irmo, SC 29063
Monthly Give-Away
Follow me on my DAWN SMITH JORDAN Musician/Band Facebook page to be eligible for the monthly prize give-away trivia contest!
Jennifer's Blog
As we all start the new school year, I wanted to begin including Jennifer's blog, as well, so you can be more informed as to what she, her husband, and their family are involved in at Timberline Bible School, as well as how to pray for her family. Her blog address is http://reidandjen.blogspot.com/
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10/4&5
Casey Creek Baptist Church
Chesnee, SC
10/8
Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church
Camden, SC
10/11
Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church Women's Conference
Heritage Bible College
Dunn, NC
10/12
Ray of Hope Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church
Goldsboro, NC
10/12
Antioch Baptist Church
Lumberton, NC
10/17-19
Winning Women for Christ Women's Retreat
Epworth-by-the-Sea, St. St. Simon's Island, GA
For more information and details on specific events go to www.dawnsmithjordan.com
Follow Dawn on Facebook and Twitter where we post regular updates and prayer requests.
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Little Dale Tales
(Stories from the home of my schedule coordinator, Jennifer Dale)
From the time I was very young, my parents often spoke of the fact that I was not theirs but that I had been entrusted to them by the Lord Jesus and that the time would come when they would entrust me back to Him as well. I've watched them let my siblings go overseas to some of the more dangerous parts of the world. I think deep down inside I knew the Lord was showing me this because my time would come as well. Only it seems to be coming a lot sooner than I anticipated. The Lord has provided the opportunity for our oldest (Ian, 14 yrs old) to travel to India with my parents for a month in November to visit and work at an orphanage and a bibleschool. I've told the Lord that if He wants Ian to go, then He needs to show me that this really is His plan. He's been doing just that in some amazing ways! My parents (who serve with a missions organization that tells Muslims about Jesus) once told me that one of the greatest hindrances to full-time missions are parents who refuse to let their children go. I don't want to stand before the Lord one day and Him have to tell me that I hindered His calling on my children's lives. Our kids are a treasure from the Lord - but they are His. There are no better hands we can entrust them to!
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