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55 Years of Ministry
1948 - 2003
 How
hard it is to realize that FIFTY-FIVE YEARS have now passed since that FIRST
broadcast on Saturday, November 6, 1948!!! There was such excitement at our home
in Pittsburgh, PA, realizing that after ALL the preparation, the time of 8:30 am
had arrived. Our family of seven (Mother and Dad Jones, Bert, Ruth, Edmund,
Carol, Ray) was gathered around the microphone, and we heard the announcer say,
"And now, we invite you to go down the street, around the block to enjoy A
VISIT with the JONESES at HOME SWEET HOME!" Bert played the them song,
"Home Sweet Home," and Dad Jones gave those now familiar words,
"HELLO, HELLO THERE!!!!"
Regarding "HOW LONG" the programs would continue, we hoped we would
be able to fill out the full THIRTEEN WEEKS of the contract Dad had signed; ---
perhaps we would make it for a FULL YEAR! But God had other plans, and beyond
our fondest dreams, the ministry has now completed FIFTY-FIVE YEARS of
continuous broadcasting! "Praise God from whom all blessing flow!"
One Year of Ministry on the INTERNET!
Yes, it has now been ONE YEAR since our ministry expanded to go "around
the world" via the Internet, being available 24 hours a day! What a
thrilling experience this has been, and even ten years ago, we could have never
dreamed of the possibility of such a thing.
To give you some idea of this expansion, listed below are some of the foreign
countries we have heard from:
| Beijing China |
Nairobi-Kenya |
Brazil |
Un. Kingdom |
Philippines |
| Swaziland |
Yugoslavia |
Russia |
Kazakhstan |
Netherlands |
| Ukraine |
Puerto Rico |
Bulgaria |
France |
Belarus |
| Israel |
Croatia |
India |
Germany |
Indonesia |
| South Africa |
Many Provinces-Canada |
48 States in the US |
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As you give your gifts, you are helping us reach all of these and many
others. The thousands of listeners in foreign countries cannot GIVE money; this
must be seen as a MISSIONARY OUTREACH of our ministry.
Let's CHAT Together
- In January 2003, the ERIE TIMES-NEWS did a major feature on the ministry
of A VISIT with the JONESES. The article, "Keeping up with The
Joneses," was on the front page of a Sunday section entitled PEOPLE,
including three photographs, plus continuing on the back page. The article
was dealing especially with the fact of the ministry going
"international on the Internet." We were very grateful for the
special recognition by the newspaper of an evangelical ministry.
- Carol Jones Saint was privileged to attend the annual Convention of the
National Religious Broadcasters, held in Nashville, TN. There were
inspirational services, with several thousands in attendance, including
special singing groups, plus informative seminars. It was exciting to see
some of the spiritual giants of our day such as Franklin Graham, Rev.
Charles Stanley, Dr. Adrian Rogers, Rev. Jack Hayford, Rev. D. James
Kennedy, and Pat Robertson. It was a thrill to meet and get the autograph of
Joni Eareckson Tada. Joni loves music, and when I mentioned Mother's song,
ITLT, she was very excited and sang the whole song!
- The HIGHLIGHT, of course, was the appearance of the President of the
United States, George W. Bush. When he appeared the crowd of 2,700 went
WILD! He gave a major speech and spoke of his faith, his belief in the need
for faith-groups, and he spoke of the serious world conditions. I was in row
8, and so it was an awesome experience.
- What a privilege for Carol to continue singing and/or speaking at various
churches and women's organizations! She keeps very busy in the radio office,
answering mail and re-editing tapes to go out to radio stations, as well as
the Internet. She still finds time to do substituting at the Harbor Creek
High School.
Letters Tell The "WORTH!"
...How wonderful to find you on the Web. Your family used to
come to my church in Lexington, KY and I enjoyed the organ concerts by Bert.
He could get so much sound out of that old Hammond. It was a joy to visit your
site and remember many, many years ago. I shall return to your site and listen
to the beautiful music. ~Lexington, KY
...Thank you very much for your inspiring Christ-centered
program, which I have heard for the very first time. ~Niagara Falls,
Ont., Canada
...I can now hear "Through the Hymnbook" in
Kansas. I think Bert would be impressed that his voice and message is still
being broadcast. I have a cable internet connection and so the programs come
through very well; even Singspiration. ~Topeka, KS
...It is great news to hear that the programs are reaching
all those foreign countries, via the Internet. Bert would be so excited. 55
years of ministry and now the biggest move forward. ~Rocky Mount, NC
...Listening to Bert and the family each Sunday morning is a
ritual for me. I am very inspired with Bert's beautiful organ selections and
the special touch you give. The story in the TIMES about your family was a
great joy to read--a dedication of love and worship to the Lord. ~Erie,
PA
...I have not heard about your program until now, and that
was through a "link" on the Internet. I will enjoy the tape and
listen to your program. ~Adrian, MN
...I live alone and am so glad to hear you every week. Could
you please send me a tape of the program about Christian mothers. It really
"HIT" me since I was not a Christian when I was raising my family.
Consequently and sadly I need your prayers for my children who are far from
God. I am a widow and you are a welcome visitor in my home. ~(Town
Withheld)
Remember
All gifts given to the ministry by December 31, 2003 will be tax deductible
on your 2003 income tax!
There are many expenses in the ministry, which include:
- The cost of time on the Internet and various Radio Stations
- Postage, equipment, supplies, rent, etc.
Your gifts are accomplishing so much for God's Kingdom, as you give monthly,
quarterly, or annually
Your Church or Sunday School Class may wish to include our ministry in your
missionary giving. We are grateful to the churches who already do this.
In Times Like These
With the very serious world conditions, In Times Like These, as written by
Mother Jones, continues to be widely used around the world.
A FREE packet is available to you, which includes a copy of the song, a 5x7
picture of Mother Jones, and a sheet telling how the song was written in 1944.
Be sure to ask for the packet--when you write. E-mail
by clicking here.
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