Our group was divided into four work groups dispatched to go to several local schools to teach English. From speaking on various topics, current events and issues of interest to singing catchy songs each team went prepared to interact with students at each school. Another work group went to help a family that needed to move from their current home to a new place. There was also a group that walked and prayed. The Elim Church asked us to pray that they would have opportunities to share the Gospel through English-speaking camps for kids and other programs they are offering to the community. We also prayed for people to have a desire to know Christ.
The concert in the park was great! We did not know how many people would show up. Several dozen stood around during our rehearsal at 4pm. When we returned to sing at 6:30 several hundred were there to hear us sing. Young and old clapped along and applauded enthusiastically after each song. They especially enjoyed the upbeat Gospel songs. There was a testimony about the Christian life from a long-time choir member. Following the concert we talked and visited with people. Many came for the music and we hope they return to Elim Church after we are gone.
Tomorrow is another workday. Check back for a new posting. We appreciate all your comments. Keep them coming!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Wow! Several hundred people showed up, I think that is awesome. God is definitely at work over there.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great work day!
Kimberly Gray
Sunday following the morning church service I had an opportunity to talk with a young man, Paul, during lunch. He told me he had difficulty seeing things from a distance, but was amazed at how expressive the choir was. He said it was as if they "jumped out and grabbed him". He went on to say that he also sang in a choir, but that his choir didn't have the energy and feeling of ours, that something was different. He hadn't experienced that before. As we talked more it became apparent that his choir was not from a church, rather a school. When I pointed out that the reason the choir was as passionate as they are was due to Jesus and his love pouring out of them his eyes opened wider like he had never considered that before and he nearly shouted, "That's it!". What can seem routine to me as a long-time Christian, can be life-changing to someone else. What that did to encourage my faith was difficult to describe. Paul returned to the Monday evening concert with his choir director and a few singers reminiscent of evangelism in the early New Testament church.
ReplyDeleteHi Glenda! I hope you see this! Grandpa is doing great and I know he misses you so much. My graduation was great. It had rained everyday up until my graduation day. I was praying for a clear day and it was. Today we visited Mommy at her school. We are having a great time. Hope you are too. We love you sooo much and miss you.
ReplyDeleteLove Taylirre
Awesome to hear everything you are doing! We will continue to pray for hearts to be transformed by Christ through the choir, and for your experience to be a blessed one! Amazing story, Scott-thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLet us know if there are 4 individuals that God has placed on your hearts that our family can each be praying for this week. Stacia Scott, Max and Ross
After the concert was over, we all mingled with the audience, and what a joy that was! In particular, there was an older gentlemen (that my wife was talking to), and he talked to me saying that he was so excited about the music and he was just beaming! He especially liked that we came down and met with the folks there!!
ReplyDeleteDuring the concert, when I could, I would scan the crowd. I noticed more than a few people mouthing the words to the songs. They were all speaking the name of Jesus, whether or not they knew the import of that or not! I even saw our hotel receptionist in the audience just beaming and repeating the words.... A truly awesome experience.
I know some of us had a difficult time with the words and music at times, but I think the Lord took the words and music from us, and really laid on His miraculous work and fed those people Himself! Loved it.
--Rich Obrecht
Great pictures and stories. Look forward to catching up with you in Israel! Hi Amy!
ReplyDeleteDeb Miller
God Bless you all. You are sharing the very best part of who we are as Christians and Americans. Thank you, and thanks for keeping us updated. God Bless
ReplyDeleteTears filled my eyes as I read about your interaction with your audience at the evening concert. God bless all your efforts and may He be so glorified by your songs and testimonies. I happened to be here last Tues. night when your group was practicing here at the churh, and Janet Choyce was
ReplyDeletesinging.. I can't believe that anyone hearing this beautiful music would not be moved.. Keep on keepin' on.. Vicki
It's so exciting to see you all in the photos and to hear how you've been Kingdom building! It's a beautiful thing! Keep up the wonderful and awesome work that you're doing and know we're continuing to pray for you all!
ReplyDeleteLove, Hilly
You are all amazing for doing what you are doing! Thinking and praying for you all! God Bless! ~Jennifer O'Connor (Kristin's sister)
ReplyDelete*Here is some encouragement:
"Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true."
~Leon J. Suenes
(This made me think of the CHCC team!)
"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn."
~Psalm 18:32-36
Jennifer O'Connor's quote from Psalm 18:32-36 seemed very familiar as I had read the same words in devotions this morning. However I read them from II Samuel 22:33-37. What inspiration and strength we all can share when we worship in Spirit and Truth! Continue to go forth in the power of His Might. To God be the Glory, great things He is doing.
ReplyDeleteAlso in this mornings devotions was a similar reading from Psalm 121: "I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber;"
ReplyDeleteWhat a small world: to be able to hear from you via blog, feel a part, via phone (to Joey), and connection as though still in Denver....WOW! We continue to pray throughout the day and into the night for ALL of you, being His light and yet being personally blessed as we know you must be. Joyce and Joel
ReplyDeleteHi mom!! Isa & grandma say hi too. Its' been raining alot off and on so the yard should look fabulous when you get back. . . love you!!
ReplyDeletetirzah