|  Memory Journey
Day 1 - 7
Location: Shawnee, OK.
My wife, Kenett, was born and raised in Shawnee.
Her mom was born and raised in Shawnee.
Her Dad was born in Arkansas but his parent’s lived northeast of Shawnee. In those days, if possible, women returned to their parent’s home to deliver children. Shawnee is an important part of our family history.
 I arrived in Shawnee in August 1973 to attend Oklahoma Baptist University. (See "Small Decisions" page 154 in My Story Your Story His Story for the rest of the story.)
http://www.okbu.edu/
We moved from Shawnee after six months of marriage to Kentucky, where I continued my education attending Campbellsville College.
We returned to Shawnee in the late 70’s. I served as associate pastor at Rock Creek Baptist Church.
Memories in Shawnee are plentiful and this trip has reminded me I have so much more to write. ~~~
Day One (June 24, 2006) : Saturday night after arriving in Shawnee we ate supper at the Hamburger King. From time to time while in college several of us would venture down to Hamburger King for one of the best Hamburgers ever created. On Main Street it is still a popular place to eat. | | "When you're feelin' blue, and hungry too,
Here's a tip to make you sing,
Pick up your hat, close up your flat,
Go down to the Hamburger King!" Sung by Bob Wills about George "The Hamburger King." |
http://www.hamburgerking.com/index.html ~~~ Day Two (June 25, 2006): I was given to wonderful opportunity to preach both morning and evening services at the First Baptist Church, Tecumseh. Tecumseh is just south of Shawnee. We enjoyed the wonderful fellowship of this church. The church is currently without a pastor. I shared “His Story” in the morning service. During the evening service I spoke about Illinois missions since this church is going on a mission trip in a few weeks at a church where I have preached on several occasions. The highlight of the day was renewing my friendship with Reverend W R Crow. When we lived in Shawnee in the 70’s, Bro Crow was interim Pastor in Wanett, OK. He invited me to lead a revival. I had a wonderful experience with the Crows. http://www.fbctecumseh.org/index.html ~~~ Day Three (June 26, 2006): I visited with the Pott-Lincoln Director of Missions, Dr. Russell Cook. We had an immediate friendship develop and discovered we will both be speaking at a leadership conference in Fox Valley Association, Illinois in late September. I also renewed my friendship with his Secretary, Janice, who was secretary when I was at Rock Creek and assisted me in creating our weekly newsletter. She is a delightful person who reflects the joy of the Lord through her life and bright smile. ~~~ Day Four (June 27, 2006): I visited my publisher’s office in Mustang Oklahoma. Tate Publishing is a Christian Publishing house and they take the “Christian” aspect of their work seriously. This is a very dedicated and capable staff. I discussed marketing plans, and possible future projects. I was also offered a contract to produce the book My Story Your Story His Story as an audio book. I had asked earlier if we could include in the audio book music from the lyrics included in the book. They agreed we could include the music. So, this could be a very exciting project including music written and performed by Wes, Michael and Paula-Beth. The only hitch will be the expense to professionally produce the music. If anyone is led by the Lord to assist us in this project through a loan or gift let me, Wes, Michael or Paula-Beth know. Tuesday Evening my sweet sister-in-law, Fonda, hosted a book signing party at her home. It was a wonderful experience. We met some new friends and saw old friends (not necessarily chronological) Thanks especially to the  Russell family for driving across OKC to see us. The highlight of the evening was seeing my college roommate and best friend Sid Kramer. The guy still looks young. We both promised to get together again. It’s a promise we will keep. One memory that brought a belly laugh was the recollection of the “Littlest Man in the World” skit Sid and I used to do for church fellowships. ~~~ Day Five (June 28, 2006): We returned to Shawnee this morning and I met Shawnee News-Star newspaper reporter April Wilkerson for an interview. She is going to write an article about the book and our Memory Journey. The interview was the most pleasant interview with a report I have ever had. I will post the link to the article here after it is published. This evening I preached at Day Star Bible Baptist Church. Kenneth is attending this church and the Pastor Sorrells was kind enough to invite me to preach after he found out I was going to be in town. The congregation is not large in numbers but a mega church in heart and spirit. I had a wonderful time sharing “My Story.” ~~~  Day Six (June 29, 2006): We had a wonderful time of fellowship with family and friends at Benton’s Cafe.
On December 26th 1974 our wedding reception was held in the same room we held the book signing. Several of the same people who came to the book signing were also at the reception. The Benton’s were and still are special friends. We appreciate Nancy (Benton) Wright, who now owns Benton’s for her hospitality. We had a great time! We also enjoyed the best pies in the world! After the book signing party we went over to Grace’s (my "college days" mom) to play “Chicken Foot.” ~~~ Day Seven (June 30, 2006): - We went with Kenneth to the Senior citizen’s Center for the Friday morning gospel singing. What a joyful experience it was to spend time with living saints. A pastor and his wife from Oklahoma City come to the center every Friday to lead the singing fellowship time.  After the fellowship we went the short distance back to Benton’s Cafe where we met Kenneth’s brother, Garth and his wife. A friend, Clarice joined us also and we had a great time of fellowship. I also had my last Benton’s Chocolate meringue pie before leaving Shawnee.
We departed Shawnee for the bustling city of Iowa Park, Texas. |