On Sunday night, Nov. 23rd, 2008, Ray and I just returned home from a 3 day tour, and although it was past midnight, we just had to share some good news with everyone! Both Friday and Saturday night we were at the USAGEM Fifth Annual Awards Banquet which is held each year at the Montgomery Bell State Park Convention Center (close to Dickson, TN).

On Saturday night we'd all eaten a wonderful meal and were being entertained, blessed and ministered to by different members of the organization with singing, playing, etc. 

Although Lewis & Lewis had been nominated in three different categories, we didn't win any of those and that was okay with us. We've always been happy enough working and being involved in this wonderful organization.

It came to the last and most prestigious presentation called The Diamond Award...All the Board members were called to the stage. Dottie Snow was about to present this beautiful Eagle to someone. Ray and I were watching but not particularly concerned, because it was already around 9:30 P.M. and we had five hours of hard driving into the wee hours yet. We had to sing in East KY the next morning. So, our minds were on leaving as soon as the last award was given, then a closing prayer.

We heard Dottie saying the beautiful words concerning this pioneer award as we wondered who would be the surprised person. And then we heard her say, "And the Diamond Award goes to...Lewis & Lewis!"

 Someone screamed. It was Robin Crawford, and JoAnn Cash Yates was laughing with joy, too. They were sitting at the table with us. A wave of lightheadedness hit me! I gasped and put my head down on the table! I thought I was going to faint! Ray and I finally managed to get to our feet and hold on to each other and make our way up to the platform. Everyone had stood to their feet and was applauding like crazy, enjoying our shock! Shock? Yes, that's what it was!!!  I don't remember what all we said in thanks, but I do know that it was not enough, nor the right words. I'll admit that right here.

We are so thrilled, appreciative and honored that the board at USAGEM chose us to carry this title for the next year. We'll do our best to live up to it. We love you all and will do all we can to uphold the purpose and further the work of AGEM (as we all fondly call it.) Truly each member is just that...a gem to each other. We're like a big family, with God as our Father.

If you are a singer, a musician, songwriter or such, why don't you join our wonderful organization? Just go to http://www.usagem.org and become part of our family.

God bless you all,

Laura Lewis