Knoxville to North Carolina

Well, we had a great time in Knoxville. The last couple of concerts were really wonderful. We set up at a little church in the city Thursday night and were glad to have a great sounding room and sound system. There was a pot-luck dinner before hand which we were happy to participate in! The show went well (but we lost track of time and played for quite a while). It was good though we were enjoying telling stories and the people were great. So many good conversations afterward. Brian and I both felt encouraged about being called to this work by the Lord. We felt like we were able to participate in Jesus' work. Wonderful folks, great night, but we did cut our set list short afterward! Here's a few pics from the night (and notice the huge "Matthew Clark" image on the screen behind us that was so nicely posted behind us as we played- we didn't notice it till we were almost done...)






The next night we set up in the living room of some our friend's parent's house. We had a good crowd but the space was small enough that we decided we didn't need any amplification. It felt great to play "au naturale". The house where we played had been hand built by this man and his wife. It was a beautiful home and they were so good to us. The Dad told us several stories of people he knew who had stepped out on faith in the Lord and how their lives moved in such beautiful ways. I need to hear those stories to remind myself of how life is so full of hope and possibility because of who God is.

We got a free CD from Parke Cottrell who was there, it's called "Wake Up- by Seeing Skies". Check it out. We also stayed with Laura and Lee Cottrell who have become wonderful friends over the past year or so. They are a big joy and encourage me so much in the legitimacy of creative endeavor as a way to participate with Jesus' work.

So today we drove up to Winston-Salem and met the Chandlers. Kevan Chandler writes and plays for a band called "Fluffy Road Kill" and he set up a concert for us at John Wesley College in High Point, NC. It was a small concert but we had a real grand piano and it was great to meet and pray together with the students that were there with us. It's finals week for them and they were a little tired, but good enough to come listen and visit!

After the concert Brian, Kevan, a couple of the students and I went to a Diner and ate a late dinner. I ate a huge breakfast plate. I am now pretty tired.

So many folks are showing so much hospitality. We're just staying in homes along the way. So far it's been wonderful to meet and visit with our hosts. I think they're cooking breakfast for us in the morning!

That's all for now, see you... Matthew