BY GAIL M. WILLIAMS
Muleshoe Journal Correspondent

An email from America’s Got Talent invited Jack Stone to “Skip the Line” when he auditions for the popular NBC talent show on Jan 11 in San Antonio.
Originally from Plainview, Jack Stone was pastor at the Muleshoe Assembly of God for 11 1/2 years. His wife Deb served as justice of the peace for 10 years.
It has been another 11 ½ years since the couple formed Top Shelf Ministries. They travel to RV parks and other venues, singing and witnessing to their Christian faith.
Stone said he mostly sings gospel music, along with some country. Sometimes, his deep baritone voice will switch to a song made famous by Elvis Presley.
Deb Stone accompanies him on the piano and adds vocals. She also tells jokes.
“I never know what she’s going to say,” Stone commented. “We make it fun.”
For his audition tape, Stone sang “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal” by Billy Joe Shaver.
“I submitted it, then I forgot about it until I got the email that said, ‘Congratulations. You’ve been selected to audition for America’s Got Talent.’”
The Jan. 11 audition date works perfectly for Stone, since Top Shelf Ministries is scheduled to perform in the San Antonio area at that time.
“I didn’t sing when I was growing up, even though I was raised a preacher’s kid. I wouldn’t even take up the offering. But the Lord said I could do it, so I did,” Stone said.
One of Stone’s early gigs was opening for Susie McIntyre, sister of Reba.
He also sings the National Anthem for Texas Tech University sporting events including baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball and tennis. He has been asked to submit his version of the National Anthem to the College World Series.
“The acoustics in Spirit Arena are really nice,” Stone said.
Next summer, Top Shelf Ministries has planned an extensive tour that will take in North Carolina and Arizona.
Of his upcoming audition, Stone said, “I hope I get it. I hope I get to skip the line and be chosen to perform on ‘America’s Got Talent.’”
Top Shelf Ministries can be viewed across several platforms that include Facebook, iTunes, Google Play and Twitter. Their home page is at www.topshelfministries.com.