Hartford, Arkansas

"Assembly of God" Hartford, Arkansas

Hartford, Arkansas

Over fifteen years ago when I first started this ministry I was driving into Mena, Arkansas when I pulled into a campground just south of town. Paid for one night ($16) to pitch my tent. This is before the Lord opened my mind to rig the van to sleep in.

It was a Saturday so I sang in one of the nursing homes and the next morning attended a store-front church in town where I got to join the folks who were leading the music service.

When I got back to the campground and went to pay for another night, the owner informed me that they'd received two phone calls from people checking-up (asking) if there was someone in the park who sang in nursing homes. I was then told that my money was no good and I could stay free of charge as long as liked.

Stayed there a bit longer ministering in the area then drove north and a little east to a campground on the Arkansas river. As I went to say hi to the man in the campsite beside me, he nervously asked, “Have you come to torment me?”

Needless to say that stopped me in my tracts. Spent the rest of the afternoon visiting with, ministering to him. At one point as we were sitting at a picnic table, a man drove up and stopped to visit. Said he'd come to the park to dig for worms (fishing). Shortly thereafter, this man told me that I needed to go back sixty miles the way I'd just come to Hartford, Arkansas. He told me what church I needed to go to and who I needed to see.

The next morning which was a Sunday, I drove back to Hartford and as I arrived at the church the pastor greeted me in the parking lot and the first thing he said was, “Do you play a guitar?” A little surprised I answered yes. He responded, “Bring it in”.

For the next couple of weeks I stayed in the area worshiping with these folks, ministering in the nursing homes nearby and even helped with some remodel work on a members' house. At the last service before I left, I received a much needed Love Offering. By the time that arrived I was down to about thirty dollars although they didn't know about that.

Throughout the years I've made an effort to swing through here most every year. They continue to give me an opportunity to share in the service and help me along my way.

May God Bless You!

Yours in Christ,

Larry Eugene Stevens