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February 29, 2003

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THE WANTED MAN NEWSLETTER: 
February 29, 2003 Volume 2 No. 2
Newsletter of Rev. Derek L. Cromwell, Music Evangelist 
Edited by Deborah Dixon
editor@thewantedman.com 
***** 
Archived copies of previous newsletters can be found at: 
http://www.thewantedman.com/newsletter_archive.htm 
***** 

Table Of Contents:

1. Letter From The Wanted Man
2. Featured Story - The Cross
3. Featured Bible Study
4. Featured Interview - Teri Sue Wines
5. Feature from Family Matters - Is Change Possible?
6. God's Plan of Salvation
7. Conclusion

*****
1. Letter From The Wanted Man

Howdee All,

Today is February 28th, and I am desparatly trying to meet my deadline for a change. I think I may just make it this time (I hope)! Anyway, whether I make it or not, it's great to be with you all again this month. Things are always hopping around here, and it's great to be able to share all these things with you.

Our International release of First Thing I Pray For is meeting with some great reviews. It is being played all over the US and in more countries overseas than I ever hoped for. Listen for it on your local Christian Radio Station, and if they are not playing it, please call them and request it by name. If they ask what label it is on, tell them it is on Glory Train.

I was invited to sing for the good folks at the Faith United Methodist Church, in Buchanan, MI, on Saturday the 22nd, and I had a wonderful time. Elizabeth, my 5 1/2 year old Assistant Road Manager, went with me. I really have to stop taking her places, because all she has to do is roll her eyes and she's stole the show (it must be nice to be cute). She helped me by doing her part during "First Thing I Pray For," and the folks loved her!

I am scheduled for a Community Sing they have scheduled for May 24th. More details will be available soon, on The Wanted Man website.

In February, our friend, Gene Callahan, broke the #1 spot with his latest single release Storms of Life on the Country Gospel Connection Top 100 Chart for February. This came on the heels of his coming in at #9 on the God's Country Chart for the same period. All I can say is, it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. I just hope I can take the spot away from him next month<GRIN>! Sorry, Gene... I couldn't help myself.

Gene did a concert for us at First Baptist on February 23, and did a great job as usual. He treated us to a couple of great new songs he plans to put on his next project.

Songs are coming to me almost faster than I can write them down. I have enough good new material right now for a couple of CD's, and enough songs that are still being worked out to flesh out the lions share of a couple more on top of that. I figure that's God's way of telling me that there's a lot more that He has in store for me to do.

I told you last month about my Momma being diagnosed with cancer. Test are continuing, and no treatment has been started yet. She is also still being tested for the heart problems that were discovered in December, as that will have a bearing on what other tests she will be able to have done. I ask you to continue to pray for her, and for the doctors, that God's healing grace will again be shown.

Thanks for allowing me to again visit with you through this newsletter, and thanks for continuing to forward it around so much. I still hear from people who have received this newsletter as a fourth and fifth generation forward. We pray that God will bless you, and many others, through this, and our many other, ministry efforts.

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.

*****
2. Featured Story

In 1967 while taking a class in photography at the University of Cincinnati, I became acquainted with a young man named Charles Murray who also was a student at the school and training for the summer Olympics of 1968 as a high diver. Charles was very patient with me as I would speak to him for hours about Jesus Christ and how He had saved me.

Charles was not raised in a home that attended any kind of church, so all that I had to tell him was a fascination to him. He even began to ask questions about forgiveness of sin.

Finally the day came that I put a question to him. I asked if he realized his own need of a Redeemer and if he was ready to trust Christ as his own Savior. I saw his countenance fall and the guilt in his face.

For the complete story: http://www.thewantedman.com/Stories/Story.asp?title=The Cross

Or view our other online stories at:
http://www.thewantedman.com/Stories/Stories.asp

*****
3. Featured Bible Study

When was the last time you said, “Thank you, God” for anything? Do you thank Him for your family? Do you thank Him for your food each time you eat? What about your clothes, your home, your automobile(s), do you thank Him for all these? You may say, “I’m the one who paid for all those things. Why should I thank God?”

For the complete Bible study:

http://www.thewantedman.com/BibleStudies/BibleStudy.asp?title=I Am Somebody (Chapter 3) (Week 7)

Read other online Bible Studies here: 
http://www.thewantedman.com/BibleStudies/BibleStudies.asp 

***** 
4. Featured Interview

This months interview is with a young lady whom I have been honored to have as a neighbor for about the last 10 years.

I first met her after we moved into the community we are now in. Her mother worked for the company I was working for, and I had the pleasure of running sound for her when she sang at the companies Christmas Eve Luncheon in December of 1998.

She performs at Churches, and also specializes in singing parties and weddings, performing a variety of musical styles.

She sings beautifully, from the heart, with a skill that is beyond her years. Since college, she has also remained involved with dramatic productions, and is currently working with a local recording studio.

It is rare to find someone of her age, with the combination of skill and experience she has, that has the amount of sincere humility, and genuine Love of the Lord, that she displays.

This month it is my honor to welcome Teri Sue Wines to The Wanted Man, and to have her grant us this visit.

And now, the interview:

The Wanted Man: Hello, Teri. In way of introduction, please tell our readers a little about yourself.

Teri Sue Wines: Hmmm, a little about myself.... Well, I am 25 years old (almost 26) & have been singing since I was 7. I was born & raised here in southwest Michigan. I graduated from Bethel College with a Bachelor Degree in Vocal Performance & Church Music. Aside from Singing, I take time to enjoy the outdoors & I love to bake & cook. I think it runs in the family.

TWM: How did you come to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

TSW: I grew up in a house where we were taught about God & how Jesus died for our sins (even though we didn't deserve it). But, my parents also didn't want to force us to believe & do things just because we were told to.

Through high school, I explored Christianity & attended church on a fairly regular basis. I truely believed I was a Christian because I went to church, I said the right things & wasn't a bad person. But, it wasn't until college that I realized being a Christian wasn't just looking a certain way & saying the right things. But, it was all about what Jesus did for us & admitting that we didn't deserve salvation but because of God's Grace we're saved. It is a personal thing. No one could tell me well, if you do this & this you are saved. It had to be a personal choice to change my heart & accepted God's Grace.

I made that personal choice my Freshman year during chapel. There was an altar call during our spiritual emphasis week. I went forward & asked Jesus to be my personal savior. It has been a struggle at times but, I stand as a testimony of His love & faithfulness.

TWM: How did you get started singing?

TSW: That's an interesting story. I come from a very musical family. My sister Tamra was actually the one who got me interested in Music. She was always into music & has a beautiful singing voice.

One evening she was rehearsing some songs & I was listening & thought, "I can do that". So, I started singing with her.

My mom heard me & called a friend who gave voice lessons to see if there was room to have me start taking voice lessons with my sister Tamra. As I think about it now, I realize how cool it was that both myself & my sister were able to sing together. We still do duets together to this day.

She is a great role model & if it weren't for Tamra I wonder if I ever really would have found out about my "hidden" talent.

TWM: When you were in college, it seemed that you were always either singing somewhere, or in some kind of a production. How did you keep up your grades and stay on the go all the time like that?

TSW: Organizing, planning, pray, help from others & pray,pray,pray. Really, it was the help of my family, the understanding of my friends & me realizing I am responsible for my actions. The truth is there were times when it was a struggle. Actually a lot of the time is was hard.

There were definitely days when I wouldn't have any of my assignments done because I had a concert the night before or I chose not to do any of my work so I could watch TV. But, some how it worked itself out. But,there were times I had to pay the price.

But at the end of the day it was my actions & I had to live with that. I am still here , God still loves me & I finished school with better than a 3.0.

TWM: I understand that you are now engaged to a good Christian young man. Congratulations! Can you tell our readers a little about him and how you got together?

TSW: Thank you. Patrick is the love of my life & a wonderful Godly man. He is 30 years old & He works for Cook Energy Group. But if you ask him what he does he will tell you he's a farmer, which is true. He raises corn, soy beans, wheat & cattle on his grandparent's farm in Baroda.

We have known each other for sometime, 13 years +. He was good friends with my sisters during high school. So, he was around a lot. But, when he graduated from high school, he left the area for awhile & went into the Navy. During that time I finished up high school & went to college. One night some years later, there was a knock on my parent's door & it was Patrick. He was trying to reconnect with his old friends.

I happened to be home that night & he asked if I wanted to go for a cup of coffee & we did...for 4 hours!!! I think we both enjoyed each other's company so much we didn't want to leave...So, now we're getting married. :)

TWM: Getting back to your music, I know you do not currently have a CD available, but is there a possibility of one in the future?

TSW: Yes, I am actually working on getting one together as we speak. I hope to have it ready late fall 2003 after the wedding. It will include a lot of my favorite songs secular & sacred.

TWM: I know that you don't exclusively sing Gospel Music. What other styles do you sing?

TSW: I have sang a lot of different styles from classical to pop. The main thing for me is I choose music I am comfortable singing & that makes me feel good to share. If I can't sing it in front of my family, it is not appropriate for me. I don't want people to feel uncomfortable when I share my music. But, I feel there is music in the secular industry that is as meaningful for me as some of the music I sing from the sacred side.

My favorite type of music is showtunes from Broadway shows. I actually do a lot of musicals.

As a matter of fact I am doing a musical revue right now & have another show planned for early summer.

TWM: If the Lord tarries, what do you see in store for a future career in music?

TSW: I really leave this in God's hands. I don't want to get caught up in the glamour & glitz of the music industry. I want the music to be an extension of who I am & not care if it is heard by anyone because it is for my God (which by the way is the best audience). I would like to have a few cds out & want my dream for a musical Center for this region to become a reality. I am currently working on this. However with Patrick & I getting engaged this has been put on hold for a little while.

TWM: Are you making any appearances coming up where our readers can hear you perform?

TSW: Yes, I am participating in a musical revue at the Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso,IN. March 22, 28, 29 at 8pm cst & 23 at 2pm cst. For details call the opera house at 219-548-9137 or visit the website at www.MemorialOperaHouse.com.

Also, keep your eyes & ears open I hope to be performing once again at Dunes Summer Theater in Michigan City this summer.

TWM: So far you are the youngest person I have interviewed for this newsletter, and I know that a number of our readers are in high school and college, so I'm going to put you on the spot as a role model here for a moment. What words of advice or encouragement would you offer to anyone interested in music, but who are unsure of themselves, their abilities, or even where to start?

TSW: Just do it, not to be too cliche, but you never know if you don't try. But also know that not everyone will be rich & famous. If everyone was, who would be the fans? Do it for the right reasons. If you don't enjoy singing for yourself as much as you do singing in front of a lot of people, then I feel you are doing it for the wrong reasons. If you want to give it a try, start in the church choir. There is no place else were you will feel more comfortable to experiment & grow as in your church because they want you to succeed.

The real world is not always so kind.

TWM: Are there any other comments that you would like to make?

TSW: Thank You For allowing me to share with all of you & may God bless you & give you Enough (enough strength, peace, faith, grace, & love to make it through all your days)!

TWM: Thank you, Teri, for granting us this interview. I pray that God will continue to bless your musical pursuits, and your upcoming marriage.

If you are interested in booking Teri for a church concert, party, or a wedding, she can be reached at (269) 422-1088 or (269) 921-3574.

Please pray for Teri, and the ministry opportunities that God places in her life.

-TWM

*****
5. Feature From Family Matters

Is Change Possible?

Are you struggling with a long-term issue, perhaps an eating disorder or an addiction to gambling, alcohol, or pornography? Take heart, friend, and read on.

While secular philosophers and psychologists debate whether or not human beings are capable of change, Christians can be certain that change is, indeed, possible. You see, the heart of Christianity lies upon the empty tomb of Jesus Christ. Just as, by the power of the Holy Spirit, God brought Jesus from death to life, from darkness to light, so too can He transform us.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

For the complete Family Matters Article:

http://www.thewantedman.com/Family_Matters/is_change_possible.htm

For more on our Family Matters:

http://www.thewantedman.com/Family_Matters/family_ministries.htm 

***** 
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. 

*****
7. Conclusion

Well, I am back from my vacation from last month's newsletter. I am thankful to Derek for putting together that newsletter as it did run late. I apologize for this month's being a few days late. One of these months we will actually have the newsletter sent on the 28th of the month - maybe this month (March).

We hope that you have enjoyed this newsletter and will continue to share it with your family and friends.

I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.

Psalm 34:1

In Christ's Love

Deb Dixon

(c)2003 by Derek L. Cromwell


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