LAP 10

It is written in Isaiah chapter 55: “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts…” It is also written in Isaiah chapter 64: “For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him. But, it is written in Jeremiah chapter 29: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” And, it is written in Psalms chapter 32: “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” In the kingdom, all the Lord’s promises prove true. The new testament equivalent is Matthew chapter 11: “All the teachings of the scriptures looked forward to this present time.” So, “Go and announce to them that the kingdom of heaven is near… Don’t take any money with you. Don’t carry a travelers bag with an extra coat and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.” Matthew chapter 10.

Rev. Cleveland invited us to the G.M.W.A. National Convention which was held in Miami, that year. Once again, the Holy Spirit told Pastor Minner to go. When Pastor Minner told his Board of Directors that L.A.P. was going to Miami with as little money as we had, the board was flabbergasted. Two members actually quit saying: “We can’t work with a fool like you!!” But Pastor Minner was obedient!!! So we left Vegas and headed for Miami. Everything was fine until we came to Birmingham, Alabama. This was where L.A.P. started complaining: “Rev., we’re hungry!” After filling up the bus, we had only $100.00 left. Pastor Minner then said, you better start praying! So we got down on our knees, in the bus, and prayed. When we got up, we saw a sign in the distance. It read: Po’ Folks. That’s us! 40 of us piled off the bus and into the restaurant. After Pastor Minner explained our situation to the manager, they offered us one piece of chicken, two vegetables, and a glass of iced tea. We then asked if we could sing our grace. The manager reluctantly agreed. Then, at the table, we held hands and sang; “Thank You Lord,” as was our custom. As a result, people began coming over to our table to ask what we were all about. After we explained our ministry and the purpose of our trip, some customers went to the manager and said: “We want to hear these kids sing.” And so we did right there in Po’ Folks. Then the people brought money to our table, and the manager brought out plates of chicken, and vegetables and threw in rolls and dessert. Then he tore up the bill and said: It’s on the house! We were now in Miami for the G.M.W.A. National Convention. We were once again broke. That night, when we got up to sing, Rev. Cleveland stood up and addressed the convention. He said that tonight, he was breaking the 14 year tradition of never receiving an offering for a group. He then received an offering for us of over $1,900.00. This paid our hotel bill, and for all our meals in Miami! As we set out to return home, we found that we had just $8.00 left. So John Lerner treated us to ice cream. Prentice would finish the story this way. John, who was still having doubts about our finances, said: “We need to stop and sing somewhere to get some money!” And that’s exactly what we did. We stopped at a church, which I believe was a ’Walk-in’. During our performance, the church took up an offering for us. Rick Lane, our lead singer, said to Prentice: “I know it’s a thousand.” The preacher announced that the offering was $700.00. “Wait a minute,” a member said as they were coming forward. Here’s another $300.00. John fell to his knees and wept, saying: “I have seen God at work on this trip. I have seen the glory of the Lord.” This was another life changing experience! Wisdom is shown to be right by what results from it. Matthew chapter 11.