Albany Schenectady, Troy and Galway, NY:
The Free Union Band joined us for several events – The City Mission, a Bible Study group, the park in Galway. We are grateful for Galway's Chief of Police who brought us into the park and anticipate working with them in the future. The concert in the empty lot in Troy brought some very BIZARE activity, of which we can not go into in this letter. You will have to call us!

Praying with the Cheif of Police-Galway, NY	The Balloon Girls-Hoosic Falls, NY	Mom and Dad enjoying the concert- Galway, NY	Dale and Bruce leaving New York- Hoosic Falls, NY

Breaking into New England!!! Sharing our testimonies on TV in Bennington Vermont We spent an evening in Bennington, VT filming two shows for “This Is The Day” with Bob and Linda Lebert. Years ago, back in 86-89, Howie and I appeared many times on their show broadcasting throughout New England. By the way, for those of you who don't know it, Bennington is just a hop, skip and a jump from Brattleboro, VT where public nudity is legal. We then took a quick trip into New Hampshire where contacts were made for next year

Clove Valley, NY: Our last event in NY was in the Hudson Valley with Clove Valley Alliance Church. We were joined by their worship team to stage an event at High Meadows that has opened doors for future ongoing ministry at the mobile home community. See pictures of the event at: www.clovevalleycma.org Listen to music clip go to www.myspace.com/freeunionband and listen to Wayfarin Stranger.

A deeper lesson after 80 arduous days of ministry!

About midnight we arrived home and found our cottage had been invaded by mice. I finally broke into tears as Howie dumped my dresser drawers out on the porch and said, “Sorry, baby”. After 10 days of cleaning drawers, closets and cupboards I was off to tend my 3 grandchildren in NM while our daughter, Sarah, attended a conference. Three days into the trip, I broke my foot! Argh! We had health issues, car issues, financial issues, emotional issues, (sound familiar to any one? Call me and we can pray).... It is during times of great stress that we “cry out” to the Lord and He, once again, secures the anchor of our faith in His mercy.

Our loving and faithful God has designed adversity to teach us valuable lessons!
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience, But let patience have her perfect work,
that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:3-4
Each one of you has been an incredible blessing to Howie and I. I pray that God will bless you with an ever deepening knowledge of His great love for you, His beautiful children.

I am remembering you in my prayers. Debbie

 

Christian Leaders Share Testimonies of Musical Impact Staunton, VA: Two words describe the music ministry of Howie Campbell: heart and soul. While his style defies categorizing, it is obvious to listeners that Howie's music and lyrics present the heart of the Gospel while baring his own soul as a man who is eternally thankful for the work of Jesus Christ upon the cross. Having been friends with Howie for several years, I can attest to the fact that he not only sings about the Lord, he lives for Him as well...and this is evident in his music. Bill Dolack, Author and General Manage: Christian Heritage Center, Staunton, VA Troy, NY: On Tuesday, August 14th, Howie Campbell and his band Free Union came to Troy for an evening of music and ministry. Despite a few problems with generators and sound the event in our vacant lot was still well attended by citizens of the North Central/South Lansingburgh community. Howie Campbell and his band had made their annual pilgrimage from their home in Virginia to New York's capital region. They regularly play rescue missions, coffee houses and outdoor street concerts (such as they did on our vacant lot on August 14th). We served hot dogs and snacks and had some great conversations with people in our neighborhood, as they ventured out of their homes to hear some great music. Thank you Howie and Debbie Campbell and Free Union for blessing us with your ministry of music. We are looking forward to future visits. Pastor Dave Lewis, The CORE Church, Troy, NY Hoosic Falls, NY: Here's what someone from Hoosic Falls said after the concert in the park: Thought you might like to know that I will be using your Colonial Meditations CD in school this year.  Often when the students are doing a writing assignment, they like to have soft music playing in the background.  Since the CD is just instrumental there should  be no questions asked and a blessing for me to listen to while they work. It was great spending time with you in Hoosic Falls.  Thanks for your ministry. Debbie T., Hoosic Falls, NY Willsboro, NY: “We at the Foothills Baptist Church was proud to have Howie and Debbie to be a part of our West Port, (Essex County) Fair to share the gospel and to Sing praises to our God. They are always a blessing and very well liked with good Gospel Music. God bless your ministry Howie and Debbie Campbell” Pastor David White, Foothills Baptist Church, Willsboro, NY

	Howie & Debbie Campbell ♫ Musicianary Update ♫ 7/7/07

The Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun, unto the going down thereof.
(Psalm 50:1)

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Our prayer is that this letter finds you in the center of God's will, enjoying the fullness of fellowship in Jesus Christ. He has spoken to His church, and He continues to call us daily. May our ears be open to hear His voice, our hearts open to receive and give His love, and our lives open in ready obedience to His direction.

Since leaving home on June 7th we have logged in more than 4000 miles and 8 states. We've traveled through incredible heat, up mountains, across flatlands and even in torrential rain, hail and flooding in Amarillo! The van is loaded and God has kept us on the road and safe. This first leg of the trip has been laying the groundwork for future ministry. Many opportunities have opened for us each step of the way for ministry and refreshment, some planned, some spontaneous. The second leg promises to be jam packed with activity and little time for rest.

Here are a few highlights

Charlottesville, VA: The week we prepared to leave really seemed to set the tone for this trip. Worship Time at the Martin Luther King Jr. Performing Arts Center was a great time – very focused on our Lord and prayer. Five Pastors sensed the call to come and publicly intercede on behalf of the city. We also spent the last few evenings at home with dinner and friends to pray for the upcoming trip. What a blessing! Debbie had incredible peace and calmness as she prepared for leaving – a direct and supernatural answer to prayer!!!

Atlanta, GA: The Serene Bean Coffee House in Woodstock, GA is interested in having us do an event in the community park next door. Oklahoma City, OK: “Celebrate Recovery”. Debbie and I presented our testimony of being set free by Jesus Christ. This was followed by a time of personal sharing. So many freely opened their hearts to us and shared their struggles. We were able to pray and encourage many.

	Los Alamos, NM: The Lord opened up an incredible blessing allowing us to spend time with Sarah, Chris and the children. We also had an unexpected event:. Their church sponsored an evangelistic concert along with a local coffee shop in a parking lot. We were joined by two musicians and a vocalist. This was promoted by word of mouth and a few posters. Amazingly, around 75 – 100 people showed up! This is a city made up of scientists, Christian and Atheist. The music drew people in from the streets to hear about Jesus. We were able to talk with those who sponsored the event about how to improve effectiveness in the community next year.

God's unexpected provision (by Debbie): After two wonderful weeks with Sarah, Chris and the grandchildren, we headed east. We had a little time and decided to take a detour to Palo Duro Canyon below Amarillo, TX. We had been media deprived and had no idea there was an approaching storm. While exploring the canyon, Howie noticed dark clouds rolling in and said “we need to get out of this canyon before it rains”. We left and on the drive back to Amarillo the sky broke loose with a fury of rain, hail and wind. I kept suggesting we pull over and let it pass, but Howie insisted on driving through the storm. I praise God that He inspired my husband to do what I at the time thought was insane. By the time we arrived at the motel the water was up to the wheel wells. Had we pulled over, we would have been stranded for a while! That storm left about 19 dead in Texas.

Memphis, TN: What a blessing to worship the Lord with our dear family at First Chinese Baptist, especially since some special young people joined us whom we had watched grow up. Saturday we joined the RICE team (Reaching Individuals Concerning Eternity), knocking on doors and sharing Jesus. It was neat to witness the culture shock advantage at work. In a predominantly white neighborhood one doesn't expect Chinese folks to knock on their door to share Jesus. We praise God that one team was able to see a person commit their life to Jesus - in the Bible Belt!!!

Lansing/Okemos, MI: The Vineyard Cafe in Okemos turned into a night of prayer, praise, and worship. At one point the Associate Pastor of the church had everyone gather 'round and pray for us. Sunday we shared with Bretton Woods Covenant Community Church in Lansing, MI, challenging them to live holy lives, presenting their bodies a living sacrifice to the Lord. In these days we need to be a strong testimony in the community. Lansing is just 45 minutes from Detroit. Someone has called Detroit the “Islamic Capital of the USA”. We view it as a prime area for ministry.

Elkhart, IN:. We are currently staying with a family of 11 who have kindly opened their home to us for ministry in the community, to be refreshed, and they,ve helped us with this mailing. Praise God! Many hands make light work!!! This family has recently moved into the area to start a church in an area where witchcraft and Wicca are prevalent. After a few successful events here we are making plans for future ministry here. Please pray for this beautiful family, that they will be able to penetrate the darkness with the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Ministry is time spent with people
One aspect of our ministry we don't talk much about involves counseling people with personal needs. Being outside the community allows people to share on a deep and open level, knowing it will do no further than us. Listening, we pray the Holy Spirit would give the right Scripture or word to help the individual find comfort, hope, solutions or salvation. God has opened many opportunities for us in this way and, although we can not share any details, please keep those we come in contact with in prayer. Please pray for a woman who shared with Debbie “I can't cry deep enough to express the pain I feel”; for the man who told Howie “God can not forgive me for ..” Please pray in general for those (God knows the details) who are depressed and suicidal; those in bondage to alcohol; marriages lacking communication; those who are under particular spiritual attack; those seriously ill or in chronic pain; those angry, frustrated and discontent. The list goes on.

We appreciate your prayers, contributions and love!
We are deeply grateful to you for partnering with us on this journey. Your prayers and your gifts of love have propelled us thus far. Many of you have shared how you have remembered us and prayed and that is a real blessing to us. Thank you!

Please pray specifically for these needs:

• For God to grant us a bold witness for Jesus, for salvation of souls, and encouragement for the saints.
  Safe travel and effective witness for Dale, Bruce and Kathy.
  That God would be pleased to turn communities to the truth of His Word.
  Our van is heavily loaded. Several people have mentioned how low it is sitting so we are praying about a larger one and possibly a trailer
  Pray that our van will not have any problems carrying the load it has.
  Our sound board is on the fritz and we must purchase another one before hitting NY
  Mid July through August brings six EXTREMELY full weeks. Please pray for our stamina and health.
  

7000 miles ~ 12 states in 80 days!

	You may send contributions to: Howie & Debbie Campbell PO Box 8443 Charlottesville, Va 22906 write checks payable CIS, Inc

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