John-

Keep pushing my song. Make me rich and famous.

I have somewhere in my "archives" an issue of National Geographic Magazine that ran a story of the changes that have taken place in the African country of Zimbabwe, formerly Rhodesia. In making the point about the deterioration of the farming industry since the change in the nation's leadership it shows a picture of a pickup truck driving through once flourishing farmlands that are now desolate. In the back of the pickup truck is a golden haired girl who is about ten years of age. She is facing away from the camera and wearing a white blouse with large lettering on the back that says, "The Joy Of Knowing Jesus".

I did a double take when I saw the photo. God has a way of getting his message out, huh? I'm just glad that someone is drawing from something the Lord put in my heart many years ago.

Neil

John,

I love all of your articles, but thank you especially for bringing those beautiful lyrics to your readers who may not have heard it. Neil Enloe's 'Joy' is an absolute gospel classic in my view, and one I love to hear performed - which is rare - as well as one I love to sing. I will forever cherish my copy of this soundtrack, autographed from the author himself. I think Dave, Duane and Neil need to put this one out front once again on the platform.

When you look over many of Neil's lyrics, a few distinct themes emerge in my mind, and of course all point us to the Saviour. Every one of his great songs glorifies Jesus.

Along with 'Joy', look up his equally wonderful song, 'I'll Keep Holding Onto Jesus', where one verse says, "And though sometimes the pathway seem so narrow, the fears and doubts, they tend to cloud our minds, oh, but it's then I feel the gentle touch of Jesus, and He says "child just keep holding to My hand". And the chorus exhorts us to have greater faith in the Lord by saying, "So I'll keep holding onto Jesus, I'll keep holding to those precious nail-scarred hand. Though I can't see the way too clearly, my steps become so weary, I'll keep holding to those precious nail-scarred hands".

I'll close with two last references, before I take way too much of your web space. Readers should have a look at Neil's softly worshipful lyrics of 'Lift Up The Name Of Jesus', a verse of which says, "Bowing before Him in reverence, laying my life at His feet, Feeling the warmth of His presence, makes my whole being complete".

There's that 'joy' feeling again?

Phil & Jan Enloe released a wonderful medley of this song skillfully woven with the old hymn, 'That Beautiful Name', on their 'Spirit And Truth' album. Worth listening to.

In Neil's song, 'Who Can We Turn To?', [I believe on Neil's 'Personal' album around 1980] a verse tells us that, "Men seek the answer to life's vital question, we search the world from atmosphere to sod, and though we seek, we still can't find the answer. I looked to Jesus and I found my answer, I found JOY that men say can't be had... "

There's that joy thing again! It never ends.

I think Neil could/should write just one more song with that theme, and I'll even suggest a title, 'Unending Joy'.
How about it Neil? Go for it man!

A very fond memory of 'Who Can We Turn To', was obtaining the soundtrack, and having the privilege of discussing the lyrics with Neil in person here a couple years ago. It's fascinating to hear a writer talk about their composition. What a heart! My, how time flies.

I better quit. Thanks again, for the memories.