Midwesterners since childhood, in 2017, my husband and I became residents of southern Arizona, retiring from church ministry. From Minnesota, we traveled one thousand six hundred forty-four miles to Arizona. The best weather in the country complements the beauty and intriguing new eco-system.
Our two amazing sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, eleven delightful grandchildren, and one great-grandchild bring much joy to our lives!
My roots are in the Assemblies of God. I was called to ministry as a girl. To prepare for ministry, I attended North Central Bible College and married the love of my life, John. We share the call to full-time ministry. Together, we served Assemblies of God churches and Methodist churches in the Midwest.
John and I shared many years together in pastoral ministry. I served as the Lead Pastor for ten years in New Prague, MN, and Jordan, MN. We concluded our pastoral years as co-pastors in our last two terms.
My ordination is with the Assemblies of God.
REASON FOR THE BLOG
I have learned through the years that pleasing the Lord with willing obedience to His commands brings uncompared peace and joy. My quest to discover more and more of the Scriptures has been the pervading, life-giving Guidebook, and I would do everything I can to encourage you as you pursue God through His written verbal communication, the Bible.
It’s hard to hold to the teaching of Jesus when I don’t read my Bible. The Scriptures are God’s heart revealed. When I love Him, I love the Word.
Jesus said, when I choose to be a disciple of the Lord, my response is to consume the Scriptures. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). I want to really be His disciple, and it’s my aim to encourage you to do the same.
Reading the Word daily changes me, making me a better disciple, person, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and pastor. God’s truth pours out of the pages, breaks strongholds, instills the right attitudes, guides me in the right way, corrects and teaches as it keeps me from sin—IF I listen!
The directive to Joshua holds the same promise for each of us: Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then, you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
It’s my aim that together, we will grow stronger in God and His Word.
PASSION FOR MUSIC
CHURCH MINISTRY
I started playing for church services at age 11. My love for the piano and a natural ear for music set me on the course of a lifetime of worship. Songs poured out from my heart and segued into arrangements for choirs and orchestras, worship songs, and productions at our churches (Singing Christmas Trees, Easter Pageants, Worship Orchestra, Children’s musicals, Teen Tours). I seek to use those gifts to honor Him.
There is music on the blog pages, and also on my YouTube Channell at https://www.youtube.com/user/judymceachran
FACULTY
Besides pastoring in Aberdeen, South Dakota, I taught piano and music theory at Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, North Dakota,
I taught piano and voice at North Central University (North Central Bible College), managed the Music Department as Administrator, and assisted the Department Chair, Larry Bach. I was the accompanist for the premier choir, the Chorale, that toured Israel.
SOLOIST
At the General Council of the Assemblies of God in Portland, Oregon, in 1991, I was a guest piano soloist for a crowd of over 10,000.
I was an accompanist, vocal soloist, and assistant to the Director of the South Metro Chorale. Besides community concerts, we toured England, Germany, Austria, and Wales in the World competition.
CDs and YOUTUBE
Through the years, our music has opened doors to further ministry. On the Music page, you will find our CDs of music:
Be Still, piano with my original songs of worship,
The Music of Christmas, my arrangements, and singing of the timeless classics.
Grace, an album of solos and duets with my husband, John.
YOUTUBE. Find my worship music, piano and instruments, weekend worship, piano solos, Christmas music, and patriotic videos. Each Friday, a new video is released. Go to my channel here.
Now, let me share how I became addicted to God’s Word.
PASSION FOR GOD’S WORD
I love music, but I also love God’s Word! It still amazes me that when God speaks, it is as if bolded print stands off the page as God speaks. The Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12).
Years ago, my husband and I were challenged by a seminar speaker to become Bible readers, reading from cover to cover. He guaranteed it would change our lives forever. Here’s the story. I hope it will inspire you, too! See my post: I TOOK THE CHALLENGE. WILL YOU?
In 2022, I began writing for Christianity.com online magazine. You can read my articles here.
God-secrets await you!