Add this entry to Your Favorites | [0] Favorites
[0] Comments
Dear Friends,
To be able to repay the kindness and encouragement that my family and I have received these last several months would drain any average person dry of their resources. Debra, our children and I have been loved, supported and comforted by the notes, email and calls we have received from so many friends. Let us simply say thank you with the deepest gratitude.
I received a note from a friend the other day who told me she had to set the record straight when she overheard two ladies discussing the disappearance of Kenny Bishop. She said they were amazed that I, or anyone, could just vanish and not be heard from again. I understand their wondering and, if you ’ll allow me, I’d like to take just a moment to explain where I have been, what I have been doing and what my plans are for the future.
I remember several times when I was on the road, busy with the business of helping run a full-time Southern Gospel group, wondering what I would do if I ever came off the road. I guessed that I would become bored and lazy with nothing to keep me busy and nothing to motivate my ambitions. But, since that very thing happened last September I have been very busy. I have found that I have two of the most fantastic children ever known to man. The new opportunities I’ve been afforded to be the kind of dad they deserve have been as valuable to me as they are to them. Debra and I have been able to create a whole new respect and love for each other. I’ve learned that it is possible for a human to exhibit the true Grace and Love of God. I found it in my wife. I know more about being a father and a husband now and I’m better for it.
One of the things I am enjoying more now is the opportunity to be ministered to. Even though the Bishops worked a schedule that allowed us to be at our home church much of the time, I usually scheduled speaking engagements or other events in that time to keep the preaching ministry active. I have learned the value of being ministered to. So, like clockwork, I join my family for ministry time and church services regularly. We are growing together and the Lord is revealing things to us about Himself that are amazing and exciting.
It thrills me to see my brother Mark continuing his craft and ability to write and sing his wonderful songs. Brother or not, he is, in my opinion, one of the most creative and honest writers in the field. So many friends and colleagues have encouraged him to step forward to share his heart.. Many of you have supported him and shown him your confidence. I support him completely. I am proud of his talent and his desire to keep the Bishop music alive. And I encourage you to offer him your support as well.
Even though I have been off the road and out of most of the public’s view, I have not been quiet or still these last several months. I have been very busy working on several projects. Most folks know of my involvement with governmental work and elective campaigning. Even when I was traveling full-time, I was very involved with the election processes and the campaigns of several local and regional candidates for public office. I enjoyed the work as a hobby and a contribution to our community. I have used that experience and many of the contacts I have made in the political arena to form a public relations firm that works mostly in the local and regional campaigning/candidate/party field. I am currently working as publicist with three candidates who are running for office. All three are expected to win their races and serve. I am also working with a local party to create an aggressive get-out-the-vote advertising and publicity campaign. So far, the results are very encouraging. Part of my services are to offer consulting to candidates as well. I will be making an announcement soon on the expansion of these services.
Several weeks ago I was asked by a good friend to make my first public performance at a concert in West Virginia. After initially accepting Gary Damron’s invitation, I felt it would be better if I did not do the engagement. Gary was understanding and kind to release me from the agreement. A few weeks later I was approached again and asked if I would be willing to perform. This time I told Gary that I would be willing to visit and serve as emcee of the event, but I did not desire to be a major performer on the ticket. He agreed, and on July 11th I appeared in Madison, WV as emcee of the event. I sang a couple of older songs and enjoyed visiting with several friends. Since then Gary has asked me to emcee a couple of his other events. I have agreed and look forward to them.
As of this date, I have no intentions of traveling in a full-time capacity as a performer. I look forward to emceeing events from time-to-time, but only in a limited way. My concentration now is on other opportunities and I expect to make an announcement on those developments soon. My hope is that everyone who enjoyed the music and ministry of the Bishops will continue their support by attending a Mark Bishop event and purchasing his music. He has embarked on a new and precarious journey. And I intend to do all I can to make it a successful one for him.
The support, kindness and love that so many have shown the Bishops is impossible to measure. I’ve told so many that the thing most difficult about not being on the road is not being able to visit with so many of the tremendous friends I’ve made over the years. I’ve wondered where you are, how you are and what you are doing so many times. I’ve learned that many of you have wondered the same abut me. All that you have given our family; Pappy, Mark, Junior and myself, you have offered unselfishly. As difficult as it has been from time-to-time to be away, this experience has been healthy and a wonderful blessing for my family and me.
Maranatha!
Kenny
Reader Comments
Now Playing
Written: 07/28/2002 
Author: SGN
Category:
News & Scoops
Comments: 0 Favorited:
Add this entry to Your Favorites
Favorited by:
Email this article
RSS
feeds
(What's an RSS feed?)
