THE WANTED MAN NEWSLETTER:
December 29, 2002 Volume 1 No. 10
Newsletter of Rev. Derek L. Cromwell, Music Evangelist
Edited by Deborah Dixon
editor@thewantedman.com
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Archived copies of previous newsletters can be found at:
http://www.thewantedman.com/newsletter_archive.htm
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Table Of Contents:
1. Letter From The Wanted Man
2. Featured Story - Run Home, Shay!
3. Featured Bible Study
4. Featured Interview - Sharie Conard
5. Feature from Family Matters - Marriage Matters
6. God's Plan of Salvation
7. Conclusion
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1. Letter From The Wanted Man
Howdee All,
Today is December 26th, the day after Christmas, and wow, what a month, and what a year. I can't hardly believe that 2002 is almost over. This has been a year of many emotional ups and downs, but I praise Him that even in the midst of very difficult times, His Grace was still revealed to us.
I have a prayer request for you this month. Last week, my Momma was scheduled for out-patient surgery. Due to a previously unknown condition, she had a bad reaction to the anesthesia and was hospitalized for several days to recover from what amounted to cardiac and respitory failure. She is recovering at home now, but she is still weak. She is now being treated for the condition that came to light during all of this... which is a blessing in disguise, I guess. Please, remember her in your prayers for continued healing.
Last month I told you that the record deal I had been working on fell through, but that I was OK with that because I wanted any deal to be done in God's way and in His time. Well, guess what!!! Ok... I'll tell you! I have a worldwide single release going out to radio stations in January with Glory Train Records. It is included on a project containing the latest (and possibly last) songs to be recorded by Johnny Cash. Please pray that the Lord will use this song to touch someone's heart for Him.
I have also joined the Michigan Gospel Music Association, and I am honored to be counted among that talented group of Christian Musicians. I invite you to visit their website at
http://www.michigangospelmusic.com. They sponsor MGMA gospel sings across the state of Michigan featuring the membership. Take a look at their upcoming events page, and if you can, attend one of their sponsored sings. If you like good Gospel Music, you won't be disappointed.
As of the writing of this letter, the baby has not yet arrived. According to the Doctor, it looks like our son will be born in January. Oh well... so much for the tax deduction, huh? There are more important things than tax deductions.
The Lord has really blessed Brenda with a good healthy pregnancy this time around, so there are no complaints from me.
Christmas was wonderful at our house. Santa came with his usual excess, and as Brenda and I watched Elizabeth open her gifts with reckless abandon, I looked back through the years and thanked God for all the Christmas's I have enjoyed. After exchanging gifts at our house, we spent the rest of the day at my Mother-in-Law's for a full day of visiting, eating, exchanging gifts, and watching movies on DVD. When we got back home, we finished the day with a call to my folks in Kentucky. Then I had to go to bed early, since I had to go to work today.
The 3:00 am sounding of the alarm clock came way too early this morning. Around our house, traces of wrapping paper can still be seen peeking out from under the couch where it was missed in an exhausted (not exhaustive) effort to clean up after ourselves yesterday morning, but walking through the house when everyone else was asleep, I couldn't help but wonder about Joseph, so long ago. After all the shepherds, wise men, and townsfolk had left; and Mary and Jesus had fallen asleep... what was he thinking after the hectic days that led up to the birth of our Savior?
We think that Christmas is so hectic now; but imagine being told by an angel to move your wedding date up a few months because your bride-to-be was expecting a baby that was not yours, having to make the leap of faith necessary to accept that the Child was in fact the Son of God, and being told by the government that you had to travel a couple of hundred miles, right now, just so they could count you and collect taxes from you. You make the journey with your young wife that was about to deliver, and, finding no room to sleep in once you got there, your wife goes into labor on the street. Quickly finding the ONLY available shelter from both the elements and the prying eyes of strangers, which happened to be a stable for animals (which in those days was no more than a cave in a hillside with a wooden gate made of tree limbs to keep the animals in), you then have to contend with large groups of strangers from all over the countryside who come to rejoice over the birth of the Child.
My dear friends, we ain't seen hectic! But Joseph did, and although it isn't recorded in the scriptures what his thoughts were on the night following all that excitement, I wonder if he felt like we do sometimes after Christmas. Too tired to stay awake, but too exhausted to sleep well, either.
Maybe at three o'clock in the morning an animal woke him up from an already fitful sleep, and he walked around and noticed the remnants of the activities of the day before. The gifts of the wise men, perhaps wrapped in a cloak and hidden under some straw so not to be a target of bandits, and the straw on the floor of the stable, trampled and pressed down by the many feet, and knees, of so many unexpected guests. Perhaps the light from the new star in the sky bathed the interior of the stable with a soft blue-white glow as he just stood and watched his dear wife and new son sleep in peaceful slumber.
Perhaps, lost in troubled thoughts and doubts, he reached down to touch the little hand of the Child the angel said to name Jesus, only to find that Jesus was now awake and looking up into his eyes with an understanding and compassion not humanly possible for one so young. As Joseph's hand came near, Jesus reached out and wrapped his tiny hand around the large carpenters rough finger... and suddenly every doubt and fear was gone, and Joseph, weary from all the stress of the hectic journey, relaxed, lay down in the hay next to his new family, and slept peacefully... all because he had received the touch of Emmanuel.
My prayer is that through all the stresses that come to each of us during the Holiday rush, that you will take the time to look into the eyes of the
Savior, let Him take you by the hand and relieve your worries, and be comforted by the peace that passes all understanding, drawn from Emmanuel, God with us.
In HIS Service,
Rev. Derek L. Cromwell, Music Evangelist
The Wanted Man
Phone: 260-248-9791
Email: derek@thewantedman.com
WebSite: http://www.thewantedman.com
Derek Cromwell is a music evangelist with 19 years experience in the ministry and over 26 years in the music industry.
Originally from the hills of Kentucky, Derek resides in Buchanan Michigan with his wife Brenda, and their daughter Elizabeth.
Derek is the Staff Evangelist for the First Baptist Church at Berrien Springs, Michigan. For booking Information, call 269-422-2029 or 260-248-9791, or by email at
bookings@thewantedman.com.
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2. Featured Story
Run Home, Shay!
At a fund-raising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the school's students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question.
Everything God does is done with perfection. Yet, my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is God's plan reflected in my son?"
For the complete story: http://www.thewantedman.com/Stories/Story.asp?title=Run Home, Shay!
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3. Featured Bible Study
How, as a parent, do you think about your children and their future? I always wanted my children to have better than I had - you know, walking a mile to school in the snow, with worn out shoes and holes in the clothes, etc. Well, come on, I didn't experience this, but I knew many who did.
My Dad and Mom were the same (wanting things to be better for their children than for them) - material things, that is. Above all, though, Mom wanted her children to know about the things of God, which has not changed since the beginning of the world. When she was near death, this is what she said. "I am glad that all my children and my grandchildren know and love the Lord. That is the best thing I could have passed along to them." And she was right.
All material things get old, lost, discarded, worn out, out of style, and eventually thrown away. But, our love for God should keep on growing and remaining true generation after generation. This is the only thing that is truly lasting in our lives - and especially in our deaths. God truly loves us! He says so in numerous ways and especially in His written Word - the Bible.
For the complete Bible study:
http://www.thewantedman.com/BibleStudies/BibleStudy.asp?title=I AM SOMEBODY! (Chapter 3) (Week 5b)
Read other online Bible Studies here:
http://www.thewantedman.com/BibleStudies/BibleStudies.asp
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4. Featured Interview
This months interview is with gospel recording artist, and the 1998 Mrs. Southwestern Michigan, Sharie Conard. Her 1999 single release "In The Name of The Lord," from her "Reaching Others With Love" CD was on the Contemporary Christian chart for two weeks, eventually topping out at number 36. In February 2001, she had another single release, "In the Presence of The King," from her latest project, "Super Natural Faith,"
I met Sharie last August 13th, at the Gospel Fest in Three Oaks, Michigan. I was immediately impressed by the calm assurance she possessed. Then she began to sing! I was truly blessed by her performance, and after her performance, I made it a point to introduce myself and let her know how much she had blessed my heart with her songs.
It is a pleasure this month to welcome Sharie to The Wanted Man, and to have her share this time with us.
And now, the interview:
The Wanted Man: Hello, Sharie. In way of introduction, please tell our readers a little about yourself.
Sharie Conard: Well, my husband and I were both born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. We now reside in Bridgman, Michigan. The Lord has blessed us with 26 years of marriage and 3 wonderful children. They are all happily married and have collectively given us 6 little angels (grandbabies) and 1 more on the way. At this time of our lives, after raising our children, the Lord has moved us into a ministry with today's youth and people of all walks of life who are hurting - physically and spiritually.
TWM: How did you come to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
SC: When I was 17, my husband's parents were going to a campmeeting. Since I had nothing else to do, I decided to go with them. I've been sold out to the Lord ever since.
TWM: How did you get started in Gospel music?
SC: I've really been singing for the Lord since I was about 12 or 13. The Lord develops us as we grow, preparing us for the calling he has placed on our lives that only he can see. After years of dedication, preparation and commitment, he picks you up and moves you to the forefront to be used for his kingdom in his perfect time. For my husband and I, that perfect time began in 1998.
TWM: When I look at all you have done, I can't help but think that you have been one busy lady. From the Miss Teen USA, to the Mrs. Southwestern Michigan, to Gospel Music Recording Artist, and somehow in all that, you have found time to participate in community events, start your own business... how do you keep up with it all?
SC: I have found that in my life, it is best to just give the Lord complete control. Prayer is a very large part of my life. The key to having prayers answered and miracles released is to simply put every bit of yourself in his awesome presence as often and for as long as you possibly can. It has been proven to me over and over that I alone can do nothing, but in Him, all things are possible.
TWM: You're a wife, a mother, and also a grandmother. In what ways do those relationships shape your ministry?
SC: Life is a journey. I have seen how the experiences I've had through my whole life have been used to shape me into who I am today. From being a teenage mother I can relate to the teens who feel lost and alone. By coming from a family living in the bondage of alcohol I understand and can relate to what other families are stumbling through in their lives. For a wife (or husband) who has been praying for their spouse forever and feels like God just isn't listening, I have reassurance. It took 18 years of prayer before my husband finally surrendered his life to the Lord. To this very day, we consider it a privilege to take on what ever challenge the Lord sets before us. For we now know that it is just one more test that he's taking us through to prepare us for the next level of his kingdom's glory.
TWM: Getting back to your music, can you give our readers some insight behind your previous recording projects?
SC: Each recording was an open door from the Lord. I've prayed for all that we do to be governed by the Lord's hands. For if it is not of Him, then it is just a waste of time because we alone can mess things up real good. I also pray that the Lord goes before us and prepares the soil (hearts) for our ministry because sometimes it is as hard as a rock. My hearts desire, and what I have asked the Lord for, is to have more than just a singing ministry. I desire a relationship with Him that is so deep that what ever he wants or needs to be manifested in people's lives will be done through us and the ministry that he has given us. Real, true, overnight healing. Bondages and generational curses broken. The feeling of love that no man can give, only Jesus. I pray that the voice that he has blessed me with will be used solely to glorify him. That his spirit will ride on each note and be planted into the hearts and minds of his people.
TWM: Do you have another project in the works?
SC: We have two projects that we are praying about. One will be for praise time with him and the other will be a Christmas album.
TWM: What other kinds of ministry efforts have you been involved with over the years?
SC: "Over the years" we don't have enough time for, but children's church and community programs such as the "Look Good, Feel Better" program for cancer patients are just a couple ministries that come to mind. My main ministry however, takes place at our business where we work with cancer patients. That is a true one-on-one ministry for hurting people and their families. My first recording project was inspired by God and dedicated to cancer patients and their families. The testimonies of people who come in to tell us how God has touched and healed their lives through that recording are just fabulous.
TWM: If the Lord tarries, what do you see in store for your future ministry efforts?
SC: The Lord has given me many visions. Traveling for him. Singing for him. He knows that it is my heart's desire to work for him my every waking breath.
TWM: Are you making any appearances coming up where our readers can hear you perform?
SC: Right now, during the Christmas season, I take time for my family. They are my first ministry.
TWM: Do you have words of advice or encouragement you would offer to anyone interested in music ministry, but unsure of themselves and their abilities
SC: Just go into prayer and quiet time with the Lord. Keep seeking and knocking and he will answer. He just wants to have more of your time. He is no respecter of persons. So don't think your life isn't clean enough. We're covered with his grace. He will use anyone, but only those who are truly willing.
TWM: Are there any other comments that you would like to make?
SC: Our country is witnessing two great revelations. We as a nation have been taught first hand what it means to live in a world filled with hatred and terror. At the same time, our churches are awakening to the realization that we need to abandon religion and just do it Jesus' way. As a result, God is now starting to move in America like we've never seen before. And with the passion and hunger for the Lord that our youth has today, I just can't wait to see what He's going to do next!
TWM: Thank you, Sharie, for granting us this interview. I pray that God will continue to bless your ministry.
If you are interested in booking Sharie for a concert, or would like to purchase one of her CD's, you can visit her website at
www.sharieconard.com.
Please pray for Sharie, and the ministry that God has given her.
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5. Feature From Family Matters
Marriage Matters
With so many marriages ending in divorce, I have often questioned the role of personal commitment of spouses to the covenant of marriage. Divorce surrounds us; it has invaded our communities, our churches, and our homes. It no longer affects "them" ... it affects "us", those we know and love. When we have so often witnessed the pain and heartache of divorce, the inevitable, natural response is to become desensitized to its sting. In so doing, though, we fail to build an internal defense against divorce within our own marriage: that of commitment.
"But our relationship has grown stale and lifeless", you may object. We all face relational monotony within our marriage. We all experience conflict and tension from time to time.
Our relationships, our moods, our circumstances, our financial statuses are constantly fluctuating. But our level of commitment must always remain steadfast.
For more on this section of our Family Matters:
http://www.thewantedman.com/Family_Matters/marriage_matters.htm
For more on our Family Matters:
http://www.thewantedman.com/Family_Matters/family_ministries.htm
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6. God's Plan of Salvation
Did you know God has a plan for you?
The plan He has is called Salvation, and it is a free gift from the God of
Creation to YOU through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ!
Why You Need Salvation!
Romans 3:23 tells us that; ". . .all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God."
And 1John 1:8 says, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive
ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
Do you believe in heaven and hell?
Matthew 25:31-34 and Matthew 25:41
"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with
Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be
gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd
divides [his] sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand,
but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand,
`Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world:' Then He will also say to those on the left hand,
`Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil
and his angels:'"
Did you know there's only one way to heaven?
John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No
one comes to the Father except through Me.'"
1Tim 2:5 "For [there] [is] one God and one Mediator between God and men,
[the] Man Christ Jesus."
So, how can I be sure I will go to heaven?
John 3:16-18 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten
Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the
world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but
he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the
name of the only begotten Son of God."
If you feel God is speaking to your heart right now, please pray this prayer
"Jesus, I believe You died on the Cross for me and that God raised You
from the dead. I believe You took upon Yourself the punishment for my sins and
my guilt. I know that You are the only Way to Heaven, and now I ask You to
forgive me of every sin and come into my heart.
Jesus, I now make you LORD of my life...
I will love You, serve You, and obey You all the days of my life.
Thank You Jesus, for dying for me and giving me a new life in You.
AMEN"
If you have sincerely prayed this prayer for salvation in faith, believing
that Jesus is the Living Son of GOD, the Bible promises that you now are a Child
of God, and a joint heir with Jesus Christ.
Please locate a local church and speak to a Pastor. Also, please email The
Wanted Man at testimony@thewantedman.com
and tell me of your salvation experience. I want to rejoice with you and pray
for you as you begin your walk with Christ.
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7. Conclusion
May everyone have a blessed and Happy New Year.
In Christ's Name,
Debbie Dixon
