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November 29, 2002

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THE WANTED MAN NEWSLETTER:
November 29, 2002 Volume 1 No. 9
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 - Daily Survival Kit
3. Featured Bible Study
4. Featured Interview - Mark Goodman
5. Feature from Family Matters - Build Your House Wisely
6. God's Plan of Salvation
7. Conclusion
*****

1. Letter From The Wanted Man

Howdee All,

Today is December 2nd, and I am late getting this written so Debbie can get it published. As I write to you this month, we have just finished the Thanksgiving Holiday. I have taken the time to reflect on all the things I am thankful for, and I realize that one long weekend is not enough time to count them all. We need to learn to be thankful throughout the year, and make Thanksgiving a holiday to be thankful that we have so many blessings that we keep losing count and have to keep starting over through the year. Ok, so maybe it does sound a little corny... but it's still true. God blesses us continually, and in so many ways that we aren't even aware, that even when we start counting, we're already behind.

I am especially thankful for my wonderful wife, our daughter, and our soon to be born son (that much is official, now). I am thankful for my parents who taught me and my brother, by example, that a relationship with Christ is an important part of life... and for their parents who taught them the same thing. I am thankful for my wife's parents, who raised up a girl who I would be proud to "take home to Momma." I am thankful for my brother, and the wife that God blessed him with, and the children that they together have been blessed with. I am thankful for the group of friends that I have who love and encourage me, even when I am getting on their nerves with all this music stuff. I am also thankful for you, the readers of this newsletter, and the visitors of my website, and the fans of the music that God has blessed me with... for through you come the great blessings of the fulfillment of the ministry that God has given me.

My negotiations with the record company I wrote you about last month fell through, so I am back to square one in looking for a record company, but that is ok. I am looking for the one that God wants me to work with, until then, I am an independent artist, and glad to be that.

I had a great time on November 5th, visiting the Michigan Gospel Music Association meeting in Grand Ledge, MI. I am in the process of joining that organization of Gospel Music professionals, and what a great bunch of people they are. I can't hardly wait to introduce you to some of them in the coming months through the interview.

Well, Christmas is coming soon, and with it all the preparations for Church Christmas Programs and other seasonal activities. I wrote this years Christmas play for our church and I am directing and producing it. If you have no special service to be at on Sunday, December 22nd, at 6:00, please know that you are very welcome to come visit us at the First Baptist Church in Berrien Springs, MI. There will be a pot luck Christmas Dinner to follow, and you are invited to come and break some bread with us as well.

Happy Belated Thanksgiving, my dear friends, and a very Merry Christmas to you all. And, as always, thanks for spreading the word about http://www.thewantedman.com, and this newsletter, and know that we appreciate your cards, letters, emails, and prayers as we continue in this growing ministry.

We pray that God will bless you, and many others, through our 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

Daily Survival Kit

Items Needed:
* Mint
* Candy Kiss
* Tea Bag
* Eraser
* Rubber Band
* Toothpick
* Chewing Gum
* Band Aid
* Pencil

Why?????

For the complete story: http://www.thewantedman.com/Stories/Story.asp?title=Daily Survival Kit

*****

3. Featured Bible Study

There are so many gifts that God has given us that we will not attempt to list even a number of them but, instead, we will “clump” some of them into categories. However, the greatest gift God has given us is Jesus Christ Himself who provided the gift of “eternal life”.

For the complete Bible study: http://www.thewantedman.com/BibleStudies/BibleStudy.asp?title=I Am Somebody (Chapter 3)(Week 8) 

Read other online Bible Studies here:

http://www.thewantedman.com/BibleStudies/BibleStudies.asp

*****

4. Featured Interview

This months interview is with multi-Grammy Award winner, Mark Goodman. Mark, as you may recall, produced my latest project, First Thing I Pray For.

I met Mark last December, a couple of days after Christmas, and I knew he was the one I wanted to work with me on the new project. He even started the sessions each day with prayer. That's how to do a gospel music project!

I was truly touched by his warmth, and by the sense of humor that he maintained even when we all were tired. Big ego's usually come with fame and success, and it is a rare combination to have someone who is both thoroughly talented and humble. I count Mark as a good friend, and a wonderful Christian brother.

His resume looks like a Who's-who of Gospel music, but what is most striking is his humility. When I asked him to tell me a little about his experience, he replied calmly, "It sounds more impressive than it really is."

From working with such staple Gospel Music groups as The Blackwood Brothers and The Imperials, he has now settled in Hodgenville, KY and runs a small town radio station and a recording studio.

It is an honor this month to welcome Mark Goodman to The Wanted Man, and to have him grant us this time to chat with him.

And now, the interview:

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

Mark Goodman: I was born in Memphis TN. I grew up listening to all kinds of music, but my gospel, and blues influence came from my MOM. I was only about five or six when my MOM took me to see the Statesmen and The Blackwoods at Ellis auditorium in Memphis. That was it...I was hooked. I would never be the same again. It was a music that touched me both emotionally and spiritually. When I was thirteen I got my first set of drums and the die was cast. I set out on a musical career that has spanned almost four decades, two continents, one thousand three hundred albums, two major motion pictures with Clint Eastwood, two Grammies, and five Clio's.

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

MG: I had been traveling with The Blackwoods for a couple of years. Just part time, the rest of the time I was working the bars and studios in Memphis. One night we were in Clear Lake, Iowa and it was a very small church. There was no room for the whole show to set up and so Duane Friend and myself watched The Brothers perform from the lobby by the record table. James started singing The Broken Vessel. I had heard it a hundred time before, but that night it sunk in who Jesus was. It was one of those magic moments when I couldn't wait to get down the aisle. James had stated an alter call. It was too late I was already on my way down. James met me and prayed the sinners prayer with me. James was always special to me but, that night old friends became brothers in Christ and as 2 Cor. 5:17 says "behold all things became new". I was stone cold in love with Jesus and it hasn't gone away . Thank you Father!

TWM: How did you get started in Gospel music?

MG: I was working for Cecil Blackwood at his music store in Memphis. He asked me to go on the road with The Brothers for a weekend and play drums. This was 1966...drums in a church were a no-no. But, James had a way of explaining things to pastors when they balked about the drummer. He usually said "I thought you wanted "The Blackwood Brothers', "if you do that means you get a drummer too", "if you don't , we'll be glad to let you people have church without us tonight"

TWM: In talking with you before, I was amazed at the groups you have been involved with. Could you run through some of that list for our readers?

MG: I've played and or produced or engineered albums for The Goodman's, The Blackwoods, The Florida Boys, The Imperials, The Memphians and more I can't think of right now. That's just the southern gospel. I worked with Roy Orbison, Jaine Fricke, Jusy Rodman, Jimi Jameson of Survivor, Delbert McClinton, B.B. King, Waylon Jennings, and more I can't think of right now. Then there's the Rock Acts..I'm not particularly proud of some of those, but I did get to witness to some of them.

TWM: When I was at your studio this summer, we talked briefly about some of the awards you have received. What were they for, and how has receiving them affect you.

MG: Well Obviously the Grammies always come to the forefront. They were for The Blackwoods 1980 and 81 "Best Gospel Performance". The Clio's are for advertising. They were commercial both radio and TV that were considered "Best" by the committee that looks into those things. I hate talking about awards.

TWM: One thing that impressed me with your studio is that it is located in an old Church building. I know that you have a church meeting in the studio now, too. What prompted you to initiate that ministry?

MG: Living Word Church is here, and we do sessions around their meetings. I would never want anyone to think the studio was the most important part of this building. Our Pastor is Hank Brown, and he and his lovely wife Madonna carry on all the plans for the ministry for this Church. When I bought the building I promised God It would always be a church. And it is and it will always be.

TWM: What other kinds of ministry efforts have you been involved with over the years?

MG: Almost too numerous to even think about. If someone said let's do a Christian album that would help keep the unchurched off the streets of Tulley Greenland I would say what time. God's work has not boundaries or limits. I am all for anything that promotes the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

TWM: If the Lord tarries, what do you see in store for your future ministry efforts?

MG: More of the same. I have never and as far as I am concerned will never do anything except what I do now. God has not called me to preach or to teach, but he has given me a ministry for making sure his product is recorded correctly.

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?

MG: I hate to sound like a gospel cliche', but seek God's council and wisdom. As Isaiah says "Wait upon the Lord". If you wait, I promise He will answer your prayer.

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

MG: Please be kind to all who are around you. There will never be a better time to witness to anyone with your actions than right now!!! God may not have given you the gift to minister with your mouth, but he did give you a life that you may show others the right way to live. God's blessing to each and all of you. In the name of our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to whom I am a slave.

TWM: Thank you, Mark, for granting us this interview. I pray that God will continue to bless you, and I look forward to our friendship continuing to grow as we work together on projects in the future.

If you are interested in recording a project, and would like to contact Mark Goodman at MGP Studios, the phone number is 270-358-3662.

Please pray for Mark, and the ministries that God has placed in his care.

*****

5. Feature From Family Matters

Build Your House Wisely

Proverbs 14:1: “The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.”

As believers, there are many virtues in which we should be clothed, all of which are components of Christ’s nature: love, humility, wisdom, faithfulness, truth, etc. Similarly, our homes and all of our goings-on within should bear reflection of Jesus.

For more on this section of our Family Matters: http://www.thewantedman.com/Family_Matters/build_your_house_wisely.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

We are sorry for the lateness of this newsletter, but we do hope that you enjoy the newsletter and continue to share with others. As always we would ask for your continued support in prayer as we continue to grow. The opportunities for outreach continues to grow for us and with the grace of God and prayer support from our friends, God will keep us strong in our endeavors.

I pray that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that the holidays ahead will be joyous and filled with God's blessings and remembrances of the Jesus, the reason for this season.

May God bless you in all that you do.

In Christ's Name,

Debbie Dixon


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Copyright © 2001, 2002, 2003 Derek L. Cromwell, The Wanted Man