What started as a running joke last summer between Pastor Mike Garner, and gospel music star Lauren Talley eventually turned into one of the, if not the greatest musical event Callaway has ever seen.

What joke you ask? Well, I’m glad you asked! Pastor Mike and Lauren had been good friends for many years, and this often leads to some good-natured ribbing, although, upon her first appearance in Callaway, she was afforded the opportunity to pay him back, BUT, more on that in a bit.

One night, while going through some old gospel music memorabilia, Mike happened upon a picture of Lauren from around the age of 10, and in that picture she was wearing a pair of glasses that were, oh, let's just say, native to the 1980’s. Anyone who was alive then will understand. The stated picture was subsequently posted on Facebook, with the status post reading, “Hey Lauren, I would pay great money to see you wear those glasses again. But you have to come to Callaway.”

Mrs. Talley’s response was, “Anyone can be bought, how much are we talking here?” The good natured kidding would continue between the two, as well as her massive fan base, and, to make a long story short, within a week or so, arrangements had been made for Talley to bring her brand of gospel music to Callaway. It turned out to be an event that no one would forget, uh, at least, not quickly. Again… we will get to THAT in a moment!

The event on Saturday night, April 26, began with Pastor Garner taking the stage first, which turned out to be fate, or, at least, it showed that God does, indeed, have a sense of humor. I know, I know. You want to know why? You’ll see momentarily!

Upon completion of a 30-concert stand, Pastor Garner introduced one of Calloway’s local boys, or, uh, men. A man that, almost no one in the community knew could sing. Now, Brother Vaughn Ross is well known by congregants at Morning Star Church, and they’re accustomed to him using his vocal talent at the church, but he has rarely been known to share it outside of the church, until the night of April 26. Upon being introduced, shortly into his first song, he encountered a technical issue with the soundtrack being used for his performance, but, being encouraged by concert attendees and fellow artists alike, he trudged on, performing without his track, or, any music at all! Upon completion of his performance, he received a standing ovation from everyone in attendance and proceeded into his next selection. That’s pretty amazing for a guy who no one in the community knew could sing!

Next up was Pastor James Jones from Needles, California. A different breed all his own, he came armed with nothing but his guitar and a song. Talk about wowing a crowd, Brother Jones was an instant hit. He brought his own brand of singing and humor to Callaway and made MANY new friends. However, it seemed Brother Jones’s favorite point in Callaway was our market. Coming from a small town in California that doesn’t have the benefit of such a well-stocked neighborhood mart, he shared a video on Facebook, showcasing the ample stock, much to the delight of locals, and national viewers as well. Citizens of Callaway are now big fans of his.

Pastor Doyle Harper from Jacksonville, Florida was up next, and, owing to the fact he would be singing as well as preaching the word the following morning, his set was abbreviated, but very well placed on Saturday night. Being a man who is in tune with the Spirit, he wanted to get Lauren on to the stage to minister to the people. It was a very wise and seasoned move. He sang a couple of songs and then turned it back over to Pastor Garner.

Now, THIS is where things go, shall we say, into derailment. Pastor Garner introduced Lauren to the stage, and then, went back to sit with the other artists and preachers to show support. Except for the fact it did not go exactly as planned. As Garner went to take his seat, Doyle leaned over to say something, but it was too late. The leg on the folding chair had already come loose, and by the time he got around to divulging the information, Garner was already on the floor, flat on his back like a turtle, the chair suddenly on top of him. Lauren, seeing the crowd's reaction, turned around to see what was going on. Upon seeing the predicament, she stopped her performance due to the loss of crowd control. Briefly checking to see if Pastor Mike was ok, or, at the very least still alive, she made a valiant attempt to continue with the concert, with the first song still being interrupted by laughter not only from her, but the crowd as well. But, being the seasoned professional that she is, she was eventually able to continue on, albeit, carefully.

However, once she began to sing and minister to the crowd, it was evident that God had a plan for the night. Through song and testimony, she prepared the gathered crowd for the preaching of the Word. Hearts had been softened, and the Spirit strong as Dennis Cagle from Tellico Plains, Tennessee took the stage and began to minister. He preached on “We Don’t Have The Faith To Take The Short Path” and what a word it was. The message was short and to the point, but the work had been done. We knew God had visited with us in the building. Stirring and anointed was the way one attendee put it! Accompanying Dennis was his wife of only six weeks, Linda. Having lost his previous wife some years before to cancer, God sent him just the right mate in due season, and what a blessing they were to us!

We ended the night with pizza and fellowship, and a late bedtime, but no one complained, and we called it a night around 12:30 am.

The following morning, Morning Star Church combined with Pastor Dean Haidle and the folks at Callaway Community Church for an unforgettable Sunday worship service. Pastor Haidle started things off with a greeting and opening prayer, and then James Jones led off the morning with a couple of songs, followed by Lauren taking up the worship service. She gave an in-depth testimony about her life, and God’s healing from depression. Many attendees commented that they could identify with her ministry that morning.

The service was then given to Pastor Doyle, who is not only a world-renowned singer, but he is also an excellent preacher and brought a message on how much God loves us and gave His life for us. It was a simple, yet profound message on salvation that was gladly received by those in attendance. The morning service was followed by a tremendous meal and fellowship. Ed Lashley, owner of Red Fern Electric, and Pastor’s wife, Deborah Garner, took on the task of finding the food, cooking it and getting it ready. Ed was, however, not in attendance on Sunday.

Was it work? Nope. Sickness? Nope It seems Lashley had been asked some months before to officiate the wedding ceremony of his sister. Now, if you’re like all of us here in Callaway, we never imagined him officiating even a ball game, let alone a wedding, but he did indeed perform the ceremony, and we hear he did a fantastic job. Upon hearing of his intent, I asked him when he was going to fill the pulpit at Morning Star, to which he replied, “Nope. No way.. not a chance.”

Didn’t hurt to ask...but, evidently, his officiating the wedding was his first and last ministerial appointment. That’s disappointing, as we all thought he’d make a great minister. After all, he’s one fine president of the board at Morning Star.

After a hearty lunch, we reconvened for an afternoon of singing old hymns.

Accompanied by Lauren on the piano, many folks requested their favorite hymns, or really anything they wanted to hear Lauren sing. After 45 minutes, she had to depart in order to make it to St. Lawrence, South Dakota the following day to minister.

The afternoon was closed out by Doyle and Jones as they gave song and testimony. The crowd won’t soon forget Jones and the story about the woman and the water hose. WOW! What a story….

The weekend was capped off on Tuesday night with the anniversary service of Pastor and Sis Garner over at Morning Star Church. Stan Cook, a longtime friend and hero of Pastor Garner visited and gave a tremendous blessing in word and song.

Cook has a legendary career in the gospel music field, having sung for many years with The McGruders, before venturing out into his own evangelistic ministry with his sweet wife, Cheryl. Cook truly ministered to the people of Callaway. Garner had been trying to schedule Cook for a good number of years, but being an evangelist in the United Pentecostal Church International, he is in great demand all across America, but as God has a tendency to do, the timing was just right, and he made his first appearance in Callaway, but certainly not his last.

Mention must be made of Deborah Garner, as well as the rest of the men and women from Morning Star Church. Their dedication and untiring labor to make this event successful was astounding! Not enough thanks can be given to them for their hard work and tireless efforts! A HUGE thank you from your Pastor.

On the heels of this success, Lauren will be returning to Callaway on Dec. 20 for an all-Christmas concert. Special guest Tommy Spencer will also be attending.

Those who attended Spencer’s concert last Christmas were blown away, and there were many requests to have him return this year.

To those who missed the event, we missed you being there. But, since the people of Callaway enjoyed it so much, we will do it again! That’s a promise!