Feeling a need for "something more" in his life and music ministry, Johnny went on a pilgrimage to a Benny Hinn Crusade in Honolulu, Hawaii.  He had always wanted to go to one of his crusades anyway, but he had heard a rumor that his musical hero Carman was going to be singing GOO GOO DOLLS at that particular crusade.  The rumors were true.  Benny Hinn and Carman on the same stage-- he had dreamed about this ever since that time he drank 3 gallons of red Kool-aid and played Roller Coaster Tycoon on the computer for 2 days straight. Sometime about the middle of the second day, he could swear that he saw the faces of Benny Hinn and Carman on the beach in Hawaii...and as he focused his attention more on the vision, he saw girls on the beach swarming towards him to get his autograph...but then he noticed that he was standing right between Benny Hinn and Carman (and the girls were actually wanting their autographs not his).  This troubled him greatly....what did they have that he didn't? (the answer of course, was breath mints-- to cover the smell of regurgitated garlic). This inner search led Johnny to GOO GOO DOLLS seek out the blessing of Benny and Carman in Hawaii.  It was a very difficult time for Johnny, as he lost his game playing privileges and, at his parent's request, was found in his room writing sentences over and over again.  But the sentence he began with "I will not drink too much red Kool-aid and I will not play Roller Coaster Tycoon for 2 days straight." eventually transformed into "I must go see Benny Hinn and Carman in Hawaii." 

He packed his bags with a week's supply of Ale81 (hoping that Seabass and the fellows back home would pick up the tab) and tried to pack his collection of CD's but could only find room for his complete set of Carman CD's and of course he had to take Barry Manilow's Greatest Hits.  Oh yes, and the Carpenters...but that meant he didn't  have any room for clothes,  but it was a sacrifice he was willling to make. "Who cares if I wear the same clothes all week, anyway?  I need my Carpenters tunes!" 

When he got to the crusade, it was amazing what happened. Carman finished his set with his classic tune "Lazarus, Come Forth!" But he felt led to change the words to "Johnathan, Come Forth!"  As soon as the song was finished, Benny Hinn and Carman looked at each other with this puzzled GOO GOO DOLLS look on their faces. Finally they called out together... "Jonathan...Come Forth!" 

What could he do?  He was tempted to say "No Scott"....but then he just couldn't resist.  He had to come forth. Carman sang over him and Benny Hinn blew on him (fortunately he remembered his breath mints that night)...and he received a double portion that night. 

What will this mean for Sackcloth 2 Joy?  Well, it's too early to say, but they are negotiating to become the opening act for the Johnny and Carman show... we'll just have to see.  But it isn't likely to affect their upcoming concert at Faith Alliance Church, May 13th at 7:00 PM.  Be There, Aloha!

Sackcloth 2 Joy to Play in Pastor Jeff's Neighborhood!
 

Middletown, OH May 13th, Sackcloth 2 Joy will be in Pastor Jeff's Neighborhood playing at Faith Alliance Church at 7:00 PM.  It's a concert you won't want to miss!

In a related story....

The fire department in Huntington WV has reported a missing fire truck.  It was last seen near a recent Sackcloth 2 Joy concert.  If you have any idea of the whereabouts of this vehicle please contact Smokey the Bear.