Skip to main content
Me and my 88 Friends

Me and my 88 Friends

By Lawrence Chewning

Lawrence Chewning, writer of "The Anchor Holds," and other Christian songs, tells stories and sings songs from the piano every week. Lawrence's storytelling style is engaging, and his music has touched the hearts and souls of thousands. Hear the stories behind the songs, interviews with great Christian guests, and more great content. A new episode is available every week. You can purchase Lawrence's music from his website at lawrencechewning.com
Currently playing episode

Meet Larry from Saint Louie

Me and my 88 FriendsFeb 07, 2022

00:00
01:00:00
Meet William Arevalo - The Guatemalan with the Blueprints

Meet William Arevalo - The Guatemalan with the Blueprints

Lawrence has a conversation with William Arevalo, who shares his spiritual journey from Guatemala to Chicago to Florence, S. C. William is a singer,songwriter, preacher, and worship leader, as well as a great storyteller.

Songs:

US Americans

For You Live in Me
Mar 23, 202401:13:59
Like a Girl From Nazareth - Meet Candy Green

Like a Girl From Nazareth - Meet Candy Green

Lawrence has a conversation with Candy Green, who lives in New Zealand. Candy and her late husband, Tom Green, travelled thousands of miles throughout America and other countries, singing their songs, telling their story, recording albums, and appearing on Chris television programs in the 1970's and 80's. Tom later originated and hosted a groundbreaking TV show called Lightmusic. Candy shares her inspiring testimony of how God led her and Tom from the Hollywood music scene to a little town in Vermont, where they encountered the Living God.

Songs:

Springtime

A Simple Faith

When Love Walked In
Mar 16, 202401:12:37
Can You Hear the Wind?

Can You Hear the Wind?

Lawrence shares a message he preached recently at his home church regarding the moving of the Holy Spirit and being born two times.

Songs:

Leaning on the Word of God

I Think I Can Help You

Rewrite History

It's Too Late (to Start Over Again)
Mar 09, 202401:07:60
The Asbury Outpouring - One Year Later

The Asbury Outpouring - One Year Later

Lawrence has a conversation with Brad Easley, from Wilmore, Kentucky, as he reflects on the one-year anniversary of the spontaneous, 16-day, round the clock spiritual awakening at Asbury University. This phenomenon took the internet by storm. Brad is a pastor who was an integral part of the prayer teams throughout the duration of the revival.

Songs:

Stand Up in Church

Holy Fire

Behold, He is Coming
Mar 02, 202456:46
Brazilian Fight Club

Brazilian Fight Club

Lawrence has a conversation with David Taylor, from Carpina, Brazil, who heads up a men's ministry called Fight Club. Originally from Franklin, Indiana, David shares how God changed him from an angry, agnostic teenager into a man of God with a purpose.

Songs:

Ebenezer

Bully in the Neighborhood

Not Ready

Better Than That
Feb 17, 202401:05:50
God Loves the Animals

God Loves the Animals

Lawrence interviews Jane Boswell, the President of the Florence (SC) Humane Society, who shares how her Christian faith influenced her to devote much of her life to rescuing abused and neglected animals. Lawrence's wife, Trish, also joins the conversation.

Songs:

Forget About It Now

The Sheep and the Shepherd

All or Nothing
Feb 10, 202457:31
Meet You In Court

Meet You In Court

Lawrence has an interview with his friend, Ed Clements, who is the Solicitor for the 12th District Court of South Carolina, and is a committed Christian. Lawrence and Ed converse about the challenges of the legal profession and of living out one's faith in the public arena.

Songs:

As Old As Me

Sweet Deliverance

I'd Be a Fool
Feb 03, 202454:16
Kalamazoo or Beyond the Blue - Part 2

Kalamazoo or Beyond the Blue - Part 2

Lawrence plays more excerpts from his 2004 project, produced by Rich Morpurgo, and shares stories behind the writing of the songs. Also, a couple of bonus tracks and a look at a parable of Jesus.

Songs:

If I Didn't Know Jesus

The Anchor Holds

Carry On

The Final Goodbye

I Can Do All Things

Holy Fire

Sing a Song of Jesus
Jan 27, 202457:39
Kalamazoo or Beyond the Blue - Part 1

Kalamazoo or Beyond the Blue - Part 1

Lawrence features songs and stories behind the songs of his 2004 "Kalamazoo" project, produced by Rich Morpurgo. Plus a couple of bonus songs.

Songs:

US Americans

Kalamazoo

Unless the Lord Builds the House

Rise, Let Us Be Going

I'll Get Through

There Goes a Real Christian Man

Hold On

At the Foot of the Cross
Jan 20, 202451:05
Conversion of a Bonafide Skeptic

Conversion of a Bonafide Skeptic

Lawrence interviews David Parrish, a youth pastor in Highlands, North Carolina, who shares his journey from skepticism and disillusionment with Christians to becoming a committed Jesus follower.

Songs:

There Goes a Real Christian Man

I'll Get Through

Turn Around

Jesus, You've Been So Real
Jan 13, 202455:36
Thanks to Calvary, We Don't Live Here Any More

Thanks to Calvary, We Don't Live Here Any More

Lawrence has a conversation with his friend, Paula Oldham Johnson, who is the daughter of gospel music icon, the late Doug Oldham. Paula shares about her family's legacy and how God has led her life.

Songs:

Send the Rain

Living in the Shadow
Jan 06, 202458:40
Holding the Globe Close to the Heart

Holding the Globe Close to the Heart

Lawrence's guest on this year-end episode is Dr. Gary Wright, President of World Renewal, a great missions organization. Lawrence and Gary have a conversation about several topics, most notably the plight of persecuted Christians all over the world.

Songs:

Rise, Let Us Be Going

We Were Like Those Who Dreamed (Psalm 126)

Hand on the Plow

Carry On (live version).
Dec 30, 202356:32
Noel '23

Noel '23

Lawrence plays several classic carols by well-known artists and two original Christmas songs of his own. Also a Christmas message from the Word regarding the servanthood attitude of Mary.
Dec 23, 202350:28
Merry Christmas Again! (With a Little Help From My Friends)

Merry Christmas Again! (With a Little Help From My Friends)

In this episode, we listen once more to last year's Christmas show. Lots of music by Lawrence and his friends.
Dec 16, 202301:02:28
My Methodist, Red Sox-loving, Pastor Friend

My Methodist, Red Sox-loving, Pastor Friend

Lawrence has a conversation with his friend, Kevin Dalton, who is a Methodist pastor, originally from Rhode Island. Both are avid Boston Red Sox fans.

Songs: 

Leaning on the Word of God

Hark the Herald Angels Sing (by Phil Wickham)

Worth the Wait

At the Foot of the Cross

Sing a Song of Jesus

Dec 09, 202301:09:54
Plain Old Lawrence

Plain Old Lawrence

Lawrence has the show all to himself this week. Lots of music, including three songs from his first two albums with the Fishermen in 1973 and 1976. Also Lawrence talks about the importance of loving the whole Body of Christ.


Songs


Rewrite History


Not Too Late (To Start Over Again)


All or Nothing


Not Ready


Never Escape the Father's Love


Ishmael


Praise You, Jesus


Thank God for Friends


I Wanna Receive


From Glory to Glory
Dec 02, 202301:11:57
Thanksgiving and Joy in Our Hearts

Thanksgiving and Joy in Our Hearts

Lawrence shares a song he wrote that made its way into an English prayer book and replays an inspiring interview with Mike Dalka and Gary Wright from World Renewal.

Songs:

Let Everything That Hath Life

Jesus, You've Been so Real

When My Eyes Are On You

If I Didn't Know Jesus

Ishmael

When Morning Breaks

Nov 25, 202301:12:36
Back to the Source of the River - Part 3

Back to the Source of the River - Part 3

Lawrence has a conversation with Jim Cook, whose father was the first pastor Lawrence remembers at his boyhood church. Jim later followed in his father's footsteps and became a pastor himself.

Songs:

I Don't Want to Keep You Hid

When My Eyes Are on You

Feed My Sheep 

Holy Fire

Nov 18, 202301:04:11
Back to the Source of the River - Part 2

Back to the Source of the River - Part 2

Lawrence and his grandson, Dalton, take a drive to the country church in Lee County, South Carolina where he became a born again Christian at 8 years old. Lawrence and Dalton talk about the spiritual heritage of their family. They also talk about the legendary Lee County Lizard Man.


Songs:


Living in the Shadow


Send the Rain


Unless the Lord Builds the House


In the Garden


If I Didn't Know Jesus


The Night that Changed My Life

Nov 11, 202353:18
Back to the Source of the River - Part 1

Back to the Source of the River - Part 1

Lawrence goes back to the country church, where he became a born again Christian as a boy, and interviews the current pastor, Scott Hodge. Scott shares his journey of faith, which was greatly influenced by a loving uncle and aunt in West Virginia.

Songs:

Jesus, You've Been So Real

I Heard a Knock

The Night That Changed My Life

Ebenezer

Behold, He is Coming

Nov 04, 202301:01:12
Out of the Darkness, Into the Light

Out of the Darkness, Into the Light

Meet Luke Burnette, a young man whose life was revolutionized earlier this year when he had a personal encounter with Christ. Moving testimony. 

Songs:

Trying to Obey the Call

A Simple Faith

I Wouldn't Go Back

When Love Walked In

Oct 28, 202355:14
 Lena Hughes 

Lena Hughes 

On this episode we replay our conversation with Lena Hughes, originally aired in January, 2022. Lena is a wonderful singer and has a wonderful testimony.

Songs:

Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus

Kalamazoo

From Glory to Glory

Stop the Music

Stand Up in Church

I'd be a Fool

The Healer

Oct 21, 202301:05:44
Wisdom 101 - Work Ethic

Wisdom 101 - Work Ethic

Lawrence said his grandson, Dalton Rhodes, continue their conversation regarding the wisdom of Solomon in the book of Proverbs. This episode deals with the subject of the work ethic.


Songs:


Leaning on the Word of God


Stand Up in Church


In The Beginning


Oldsmobile by Bryan Hoogenboom


Amazing Grace by

For King and Country


Amazing Grace

by Judy Collins

Oct 15, 202359:13
Wisdom 101 - Finances

Wisdom 101 - Finances

Lawrence and his grandson, Dalton Rhodes, have a conversation about what the book of Proverbs has to say about the use of money.

Songs:

Phone Call

Ishmael

I Can Do All Things

All or Nothing. 

Oct 07, 202358:51
 Revisiting Mark Roberts, Singer Extraordinaire

Revisiting Mark Roberts, Singer Extraordinaire

Lawrence reconnects with Mark Roberts about the recent release of his long-awaited new project and video. We also replay our original conversation, the episode called "The Singer's Singer".

Songs:  

I'll Get Through (Lawrence and Damascus Road)

Excerpts of Mark Roberts' album

Not Too Late (To Start Over Again) by Mark Roberts

Sep 30, 202301:06:15
All About That Bass (Player)

All About That Bass (Player)

Lawrence has a conversation with his good friend, Frank Mills, from Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. Frank is a landscaper and a professional musician who has performed on the Gaither Homecoming videos and recordings. They talk about a variety of topics, including Frank's Native American and Christian heritage.

Songs:

Sing a Song of Jesus

Longing to See You Again

US Americans

Stop the Music  

Sep 23, 202301:03:55
Chain of Fools - Part 2

Chain of Fools - Part 2

Lawrence continues to take a look at foolish decisions made by various kings in the Bible and talks about what we can learn from their wrong choices. Also a conversation with Barb Harney, who he helped lead to Christ 52 years ago when she was a teenager. Songs: Ebenezer I'll Get Through A Simple Faith

Sep 16, 202351:01
Chain of Fools - Part 1

Chain of Fools - Part 1

Lawrence sings several songs at the piano and takes a look in the Bible at various kings who made very foolish decisions.

Songs:

The Pearl

Awesome Glory

Hand on the Plow

I'd Be a Fool

Sep 09, 202357:47
The Dreaded "R" Word

The Dreaded "R" Word

Lawrence plays an assortment of songs and takes a look at a sometimes missing ingredient in today's presentation of the gospel. Songs: Rise, Let Us Be Going Holy Fire US Americans Not Ready Turn Around At the Foot of the Cross The Road Back Home I Will Arise and Go Not Too Late (To Start Over Again), sung by Mark Roberts

Sep 02, 202301:10:02
The Man Standing by the Door

The Man Standing by the Door

Lawrence interviews Terry Knighten, from Ridgeway, Virginia, who is a well-loved pastor, bluegrass musician,  writer, and all-around good guy. He will explain what it means to be a person standing by the door. Enjoyable conversation.

Songs:

Unless the Lord Builds the House

Forget About It Now

When Love Walked In

Aug 26, 202301:03:41
Replay - Maiden Voyage, Part 2

Replay - Maiden Voyage, Part 2

On this episode, we replay excerpts from the initial concert of Lawrence Chewning & Damascus Road, and hear the testimony of the band's bass player, Russell James.

Songs:

Kalamazoo

There Goes a Real Christian Man

Trying to Obey the Call

When My Eyes Are on You

I Wouldn't Go Back

The Road Back Home

Send the Rain

The Anchor Holds

As Old as Me

Aug 19, 202359:33
The Journey

The Journey

Lawrence has a conversation with Kim Hornbeck, from Moravian Falls, North Carolina, who shares how God's grace has followed her throughout all the seasons of her life.


Songs:


I Don't Want to Keep You Hid


I Can Do All Things

Aug 12, 202301:05:46
Redemption

Redemption

Lawrence has a conversation with Randy Hornbeck, a career law enforcement officer who also worked for the State Department. Randy shares how Jesus turned his life around after being an AWOL soldier struggling with emptiness.


Songs:


Stand Up in Church


Not Too Late (To Start Over Again)

Aug 05, 202301:01:29
Solomon's Porch Revisited

Solomon's Porch Revisited

Lawrence replays a conversation he had with his friend Wayne Sempsrott about a coffee house in Anderson IN the 1970s.


Songs:

All the Empty People

I Wouldn't Go Back

Let Me Worship You Today

There Goes a Real Christian Man

Jul 29, 202301:09:34
Cornucopia

Cornucopia

Lawrence shares a grab bag of songs and a couple of inspiring testimonies for this episode.


Songs:


Turn Around


Season of the Harvest


Jesus, You've Been So Real


Song of the Disciple


Bully in the Neighborhood


The Final Song


Send the Rain


Sing a Song of Jesus




Jul 22, 202301:09:51
The Road Back Home

The Road Back Home

Lawrence plays all the songs on his 9th recording, "The Road Back Home", released in 2011, and gives the backdrop of the writing of various songs.


Songs:


The Road Back Home


Never Escape the Father's Love


The Healer


I Heard a Knock


Springtime


Worth the Wait


I Will Arise and Go


Better Than That


When Morning Breaks


As Old As Me


If I Didn't Know Jesus


When My Eyes Are On You

Jul 15, 202301:10:27
Wisdom 101

Wisdom 101

Lawrence and his grandson, Dalton Rhodes, have an enjoyable conversation about how to attain wisdom, based on the book of Proverbs.

Songs:

Me and My 88 Friends (full version)

When My Eyes Are On You

If I Didn't Have Jesus

When Morning Breaks

Jul 08, 202301:00:01
Whatcha Been Reading Lately?

Whatcha Been Reading Lately?

Lawrence and engineer, Bryan Hoogenboom, take a look at the Word in this episode, and Bryan shares a song he wrote which was inspired by the book, Pilgrim's Progress.


Songs:


Kalamazoo


I'll Get Through


To Rewrite History


Perseverance (by Bryan Hoogenboom)


They Were Like Those Who Dreamed


Ebenezer

Jul 01, 202356:13
Meet the Berniers

Meet the Berniers

Lawrence interviews his friends, Gil and Bernier, who he pastored in Massachusetts in the 1980's and 90's. A fun and inspiring conversation. Gil and Michelle are the parents of 12 children.

Songs:

In the Beginning

Fair Weather Friend

From Glory to Glory

Jun 24, 202357:22
Replay: The Girls from Wichita

Replay: The Girls from Wichita

This week, Sound Engineer Bryan Hoogenboom is on vacation, so we replay a favorite episode of Lawrence's: Episode 98, The Girls from Wichita.


Lawrence's wife, Trish, introduces this week's guest, her cousin, Whitney Denewiler.  Both of them grew up in Wichita, Kansas.  Whitney tells her story of life as an airline flight attendant for 20 years, and then shares a very moving testimony of God's loving encounter with her during a very dark time in her life.  Lawrence also shares a love song he wrote for Trish to commemorate their 40th wedding anniversary.

 

Songs

Stand Up in Church 

Love Song Just for You. 

I Wouldn't Go Back

Jun 17, 202357:52
There's an Old Song in the Hymnbook

There's an Old Song in the Hymnbook

This episode includes hymns which have been performed on previous episodes. Musical guests are Wanda Vereen, Stan Kennedy, the late Paul Mooter and his wife, Sandy Mooter, Lawrence, and his band, Damascus Road.


Songs:


At the Foot of the Cross


In the Garden


PreciousLord, Take My Hand


Soon and Very Soon


Bless Be the Tie that Binds


Higher Ground


What a Friend We Have in Jesus


Farther Along


Jesus Paid It All


Be Thou My Vision

Jun 10, 202301:08:54
In the Shadow of the Glory

In the Shadow of the Glory

Lawrence plays all the songs on his most recent CD, released in 2018, and comments regarding the writing of each song. Lawrence also sings, "The Pearl".


Songs:

Living in the Shadow

Leaning on the Word of God

All or Nothing

The Night that Changed My Life

US Americans

Love Song Just for You

Trying to Obey the Call

Not Ready

A Simple Faith

Hand on the Plow

The Pearl 

Jun 03, 202301:16:14
Meet My Friend, Richard Watson

Meet My Friend, Richard Watson

Lawrence has an enjoyable conversation with his friend, Richard Watson, who he met in 1973 at a storefront coffeehouse in Houston, Texas. Richard later pastored churched for a number of years and has an interesting testimony of how he came to Christ.


Songs:


There Goes a Real Christian Man


I Wouldn't Go Back


All or Nothing


Sing a Song of Jesus

May 28, 202301:00:46
Meet my Friends, Artie and Susan Hall

Meet my Friends, Artie and Susan Hall

Lawrence has an enjoyable conversation with his long-time friends, Dr. Artie Hall and his wife, Susan Hall. They are both educators and served God in Nicaragua for a number of years. Lawrence also sings his Red Sox song.


Songs:


Worth the Wait ( Ode to 2004)


When Love Walked In


Hand on the Plow


I'd Be a Fool


May 20, 202301:09:18
My Better Half

My Better Half

In honor of Mothers Day, Lawrence replays a conversation he had with his wife, Trish, in 2021 in Episode 33. Trish gives her testimony about coming to Christ, and Lawrence and Trish talk about how God brought them together 48 years ago.

Songs:

In the Beginning

I Don't Want to Keep You Hid

Love Song Just For You 

May 13, 202301:00:60
Can You Tell Me Your Story One More Time?

Can You Tell Me Your Story One More Time?

We replay the great testimony of Lonnie Curl, whose life was totally transformed by Jesus Christ. Lonnie is now a pastor, but formerly was on a path headed for disaster.

Songs:

I Don't Want to Keep You Hid

Christ Will Shine on You

Ishmael

Sing a Song of Jesus

A Simple Faith

All or Nothing

May 06, 202301:05:02
Wisdom Gained on a Dog Walk

Wisdom Gained on a Dog Walk

Lawrence interviews Karl and Leslie Sempsrott about one of their favorite songs and then plays a brand new rendition of it with his band, Damascus Road, and with Karl playing the acoustic guitar. He then shares wisdom he gained recently on a dog walk.


Songs:


Unless the Lord Builds the House


I'll Get Through


Living in the Shadow


Sing a Song of Jesus


Jesus, You've Been So Real

Apr 29, 202301:07:23
Most Requested Songs

Most Requested Songs

Lawrence shares a collection of his most requested songs and a

sings his two most recent compositions. One of those songs is brand new and it is called "Ishmael". it is a song dedicated to persecuted Christians.


P


The Anchor Holds


At the Foot of the Cross


Holy Fire


There Goes a Real Christian Man


Carry On


Ebenezer


Fair Weather Friend


The Healer


The Road Back Home


Kalamazoo


Send the Rain


Leaning on the Word of God


To Rewrite History


Ishmael

Apr 22, 202301:07:48
The Boomer and the Gen-Z'ers

The Boomer and the Gen-Z'ers

Lawrence (the Baby Boomer) and his grandson, Dalton Rhodes, and his grandson's friend, Gabe Manzella (the Gen-Z'ers) have a great conversation regarding a variety of subjects. Lawrence is requested to tell Gabe the story of "The Great Lorenzo, Peruvian Heartthrob of 1968. Song: Trying to Obey the Call

Apr 15, 202358:43
Easter- The Greatest Story Ever Told

Easter- The Greatest Story Ever Told

This week we re-air Episode 22 , which was recorded during Easter week, 2021.


Lawrence remembers the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in song and takes a look at the life of James, the brother of Jesus, who saw a risen Lord. 


Songs:


Me & My 88 Friends (full version)

Springtime What is Truth?

Tramp on the Street

Just the Same, I Praise Your Name

Stop the Music

At the Foot of the Cross

He is Not Here

Behold, He is Coming 

Apr 08, 202359:48