For the last two weeks the stamps Baxter singing school has been in full swing. Ben Speer has directed the camp for many years and it was a greater success this year than ever before. The wonderful staff and contributing artists made it a special, spirit-filled two weeks, and the students were exceptional. I contributed the entire two weeks and though I am tired, I'm greatly blessed and much-rewarded for the effort. We saw lives moved toward full-time ministry with greater confidence and faith in God’s protection and provision. There were several who testified of God’s calling and their own surrender to His voice. We love to hear of that kind of commitment from students.

The staff was full of knowledgeable and sensitive individuals who love Jesus more than anything including the music. Kids like Zack and Cody who are great piano players performed and crafted and honed their skills with Tracy and Eloise Philips, Jack Clark and Glen Wilson. Great voice coaches like Bruce and Connie Northam impacted singers like Mikeala Lawrence and Mike Anderson.

The concerts were marvelous with performers like Anthony Burger, Stephen Hill and even a surprise visit from Bill Gaither. Songwriters learned from the best with Daryll Williams and we were all blessed by Mike Speck’s directing. I taught a class on performance and communication and had a ball every day as the students tried to stretch themselves into great communicators. The best part of the week for me was a visit and concert from my favorite pastor, singer, songwriter Johnny Minick. He sang and talked about his life and ministry and encouraged the students to trust the Lord and grow in Him.

The final program was an exciting one with great talent such as Jim Edens from West Virginia who listened to the Gospel Harmony Boys when Harold Lane was apart of that group. Jim told of how Mr. Lane had been an inspiration to him and spending the time with him in the singing school was a dream. The evening closed with the Brock Speer award presentation made by Faye Speer who also started each day of the school with a wonderful devotional hour. Faye, Mary Tom, and Ben presented the award to Allison Lynn from Canada. She was a first-time student who was hard working and dedicated enough to win the hearts of all of the faculty.

If you are interested in attending the singing school next summer, check out www .stampsbaxterschool.com for more information. I highly recommend it!

Brian has put a blog on our website. It's a way for us to keep in touch with you and let you know what we're doing and where we are. It'll have some pictures but will mainly serve as a way for us to keep you up to day on where we are and what we're doing. We hope you enjoy it!

(OK, I didn't know what a blog was; I thought he was having some sort of car trouble, but the technology is pretty neat. But don't tell him I said that! Allison)