Hoosiers

It has been a wonderful experience to spend some time this summer in Indiana. Lafayette is my favorite place to be up this way. It is centrally located in the state and has so much to offer since Purdue University is across the river in West Lafayette. The church here is awesome and I’ve been blessed to have made so many friends. They treat me so well here and I simply feel at home anytime I am here ministering. There is such a rich heritage here among the people, and especially in their music.
This morning before service, I was fortunate enough to have an impromptu jam session with the bishop of the church and some of the musicians. He was interested in my Washburn acoustic guitar (which always sounds so fine… ha), and I had him play it for me. There was a banjo sitting nearby in the case that I quickly picked up to tune and play along with him. We played several songs in about 20 minutes. It was so real. It was so simple. People who live what they sing are always more interesting than those who haven’t a clue as to what they are playing or singing. To think of the life this man has lived, the many years he has served the Lord with his talents and gifts, I stood in amazement. We did the older songs. I even sneaked in a quick version of “Rocky Top” and “Cripple Creek”. (It’s okay. Not all of the songs performed in today’s churches mention “Jesus”.) Sometimes in church services I have to really listen closely to even know if it is a religious song or just a secular jam. I might even put some ‘christian lyrics’ to the song “Rocky Top” like someone did to George Benson’s song “On Broadway”. So, yes, I had a lot of fun playing with the bishop before service. I’m going over to their house for lunch… and we might even practice this afternoon to do some pickin’ tonight. It’s nice being well-rounded and appealing to everyone in the congregation. I wonder where they teach that ability these days?