There just never seems to be enough time in life!  Can you relate?

Well, because time is so precious, it truly touches me that you have taken time out of your busy schedule to read about my experiences in Ohio this past May.  What fun was had by all... and that includes the angels in heaven!!  I hope you join in on this FUN!

I hit the ground running when I arrived late Thursday night, May 18th.  My first concert was the next night, May 19th following the Spaghetti dinner.  The goal this night was to raise money to help Christy Begovic of Eastlake, Ohio afford alternative brain cancer treatment.  She had certainly been through the ringer with all the other medical treatments, including chemotherapy, and her only hope to live seems to lie in this alternative treatment being given at a clinic in Houston, TX.  I had not met this 22  year young lady until that night.

As we made our way through the church to the gymnasium where the spaghetti dinner was, my sister introduced me to numerous people.  I recall a feeling of hustle and bustle... people busy helping, serving, tending to details... all were hoping to make a difference in some way -- to help save a life.  It was a beautiful thing.

My sister, Traci Reik, is a dear with a heart of gold, and I could feel the excitement exuding from her as she introduced me around.  Meeting Christy for the first time was filled with much anticipation and uncertainty.  Anticipation to meet this young lady who was greatly loved by many, yet uncertain that I could really make a difference for her cause.  My plane ride into Cleveland was when I came to the realization that all of this was in God's hands.  He had something much more significant planned than raising money -- He was going to move mightily for the sake of souls being saved.  

When my eyes met Christy's for the first time, I could see the weariness in her soul... I could almost feel her heavy heart.  I could only hug her with all the love inside me.  "Oh God," I prayed, "Let me be used by You to lighten her load... to share a message of truth and hope.  How does one possibly lessen the burden in such a situation?  I need Your help... all of You and none of me as I sing and share.  I am but a vessel."

The next two nights' concerts were filled with much hope and many tears.  I shared a message of truth and hope.  The hope actually lies in the truth, which is Jesus Christ and all that He offers us.  Christy accepted Jesus as her Savior shortly after her diagnosis in January.  This is a reason to celebrate even in the midst of her physical ailment.  She has already been cured of the most deadly disease existing today!!! --- SIN.  She gets to spend eternity with her loving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! This is certainly a reason to rejoice and praise God!  During these two nights, others also drew closer to God, which is what He desires more than anything.  

To top off the wonderful time of spiritual renewal and encouragement, God blessed Christy mightily by doing some of His "signature" miracles.  $3,500 was raised through the concerts, someone volunteered to pay for all hotel expenses during treatment, and the most exciting news of all came from Christy's health insurance company.  Her insurance approved to pay for a portion of treatments (reimbursable), which truly is a miracle since her treatments are still considered experimental.  Praise God!

I am excited to share that I've decided to give 20% of CD/Cassette sales thru July 31, 2000 to Christy's cancer treatment fund.  Please keep this in mind if you have been holding off on buying yours... now is a great time!  It will make a difference in this special young lady's life.  If you already have a copy, why not get a couple to share with your coworkers, friends, or neighbors?  It's easy, and we now accept Mastercard and Visa.  Go check it out.

My time in Ohio only seemed to get more and more exciting!  The concert at Lakeshore Assembly in Mentor Sunday morning resulted in 6 souls being saved (that we know of)!  Yipppeeee!!  Angels were partying in heaven.  

Chester Christian Center in the evening was no exception for the awesome moving of God's Spirit!  The altar was full of people wanting a deeper relationship with God, and worship continued for an hour after the concert was over.  I was especially filled with joy seeing young men and women digging deeper... putting aside what others around them thought and reaching to the heavens to touch the very heart of God!  Wow - I was so blessed witnessing this... and I know it pleases God greatly!

It was an honor to share a song with the Sunday morning congregation at Word of Grace in Mayfield, OH.  What a loving body of believers and leaders fills that church.  (Thanks for embracing me!)  Their worship team and band are so on-fire for God that they gave up their Sunday night to come and lead worship at my final concert!  What a fun time we had, and I thank them all for their love and kindness they showed me... and for the time they gave up to serve their God in this way.  I wish I could take them with me everywhere!!

The "grand finale" (as it became known) at Burton Assembly was another incredible experience of God's power and love!  I am at a loss for words to describe this inspiring time...

So many of my experiences qualify for the old cliche, "I guess ya had to be there."  How can I even come close to giving justice to these heavenly experiences?  Well, I can't, so I shouldn't even try.  All I can say is that I hope you will some day be able to come and see what God is doing at these concerts.  I really believe more than ever the power that comes with testimony -- even as it says in Revelation 12:11.  

I thank each and every person who helped make all the concerts possible, especially my sis Traci Reik, dear friend Sheila Crawford, Mentor Baptist, Willo-Lake Nazarene, Pastor Porostosky, Pastor Caruso, Pastor Sawcheck, and Pastor Ball.  What fun it is to fulfill God's calling!!!  I praise God for all the new friends I made in the process.

On that note, I don't want to lose anyone's friendship by making this too long... and it's almost 2 am my time... beauty rest is calling!!

Feel free to email me any prayer requests, praises, or comments!  I love hearing from you.  

Also, I appreciate your prayers as I pack my home (which sold in less than a week - hallelujah!), and as I travel abroad to share the Good News with everyone who will listen!  Check out my updated tour schedule if you want to know to specifically pray.  God bless!

Until next time.... "Do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."  Is 41:10

Delighted to serve Him -

Tammy