We honor our loved ones that have preceded us to their heavenly home…. knowing we will all be together again someday.
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” John 1:12
Back in the early 1970’s, back in the last century, the Jesus People movement was in full swing, and I was in High School. I was fortunate to meet some key friends, who remain friends today, who have had a unique influence on my life.
As believers, we loved Jesus, struggled with the normal issues of adolescence, and love music. Since it seemed that everyone was starting a band, we thought, what the heck, and started one too. At first, we were going to call ourselves Children of God, but learned that there was a cult by that name on the East Coast, so thought the better of it, and settled on the name Children. We consisted of a mixed-race group of believers, who wanted to sing and help others know Jesus.
We were indeed a diverse group, when diversity was rarely seen. Our group consisted of (with what we have done since) an African American, Pastor Jim Smith, singer and guitarist; Denise Spadaro, Hispanic and Native American singer; Dr. Gerald Hom, Chinese American cardiologist and worship leader with voice and guitar; and three white guys…Norman Johnson, retired business owner, lead guitar and drummer; myself as lead singer, Family therapist and future President of Vision International, and Andy Smith, novelist.
We had fun…wrote some songs, shared Christ, and survived the early 70’s…God was and is good. Well, you might be asking why I am writing this, and my answer is three-fold…first, because I have to write an article for this issue of the Vision Update or my staff will be mad at me; second because Children has been on my mind of late, as we begin to plan our 50 year reunion together, and finally, to celebrate with our friend, Andy Smith, on finishing his second, and best novel to date… Johnny’s Story. Read more here.…
Johnny’s Story
Andy’s novel is really good, with excellent themes, a truly uplifting message, and fun. Though not published by Vision Publishing, we want you to know about it…since summer is coming, and reading of all different genre is good for the mind and heart. I want to encourage you to check out Andy’s latest, a contribution to the Body of Christ that began years ago…as Children, born from above, by God’s grace, still serving in childlike faith for the glory of God.
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God Bless All,
Dr. Stan
