More pics from the week

Here are some more pictures from the week. Don't miss the last blog entry, where all the student comments are located.



We had an AWESOME week!

This was a tremendously successful Youth Choir tour. God used us to bring glory to Himself in so many different settings--churches, hospitals, public venues, restaurants, and even the hotel where we stayed. Time after time, our students were complimented not only for the beauty of their singing and ringing, but for their friendliness, their warmth, and their focused, disciplined behavior and good attitudes. I was so proud of the way our students interacted with residents, patients, children and patrons. Our students are AWESOME! And of course, we had awesome leaders on our trip. Thanks, Linda, for your excellence in accompanying us. Mitzi and Brenda--you both are wonderful coaches who help our girls so much. I also wish to thank the rest of our adult leaders: Janet, Robin, LaRita, Jeff, and Jason. I love all of you guys!

Bro. Phil

I asked the students to share what was most meaningful to them and what was the most fun. Here's a sampling of what our students said:
(Look for a LOT of pics after the comments)

"Really, the thing that spoke to me the most was the McCormack House concert. They were so welcoming in only a way that someone with a relationship with God could truly understand."

"The most meaningful thing to me this week was Tuesday night a the McCormack House when they were waiting out front for us and then requested an encore at the end of the concert."

"The most fun thing we did this week was probably Six Flags. I loved the roller coasters!" 

"My favorite part was when the little boy Ralphey came up to us and didn't want us to leave."

"The most meaningful thing to me was the second time went to the VA Hospital and sang in the halls with Gene (a patient) following us around."

"The funnest things for me were Six Flags and us singing in all the fast food places."

"The most memorable moment was when the veteran stood up out of his wheelchair and saluted when we sang God Bless Amercia. It really touched me."

"The funnest moment had to have been the Cardinals game, since it was my first major-league baseball game to see."

"The most meaningful thing to me was the Shriners Hospital..it meant a lot to me."

"The most fun was Shining Light because of all the little kids."

"The thing that touched me the most was an 11-year-old girl at Shining Light, who told us she didn't want us to leave because she loved us and that we meant everything to her."

"The things I enjoyed the most were Shining Light, McCormack House, and Zia's."

"McCormack House was the best place for me because they were very happy and they said they would be praying for us and hoped to see us again."

"Shining Light was the most fun. Playing with the kids was amazing."

"My most meaningful experience was at Shining Light. It touched my heart to spend quality time with kids that come from a totally different background. It was a heart-warming experience for me to push them in the swing and hear their laugh."

"My most meaningful experience was at McCormack House when they encouraged us with their smiles and cheering."

"My most fun parts were the Zoo and Six Flags."

"The most meaningful moment of the tour was working with the children at Shining Light. The love and attachment of these children was incredible because we were complete strangers. It was a joy to share the love of Christ with them."

"Six Flags was the funnest moment. I got to have fun on rides and grow closer to not only my friends, but also to people that I don't get to talk to often. Overall, we became a closer group this week."

"I loved Shining Light because the children were so happy and loving."

"I loved the Sea Lion Show at the Zoo."

"The most meaningful moment was at the VA Hospital when the veteran stood up during God Bless America and when the Youth Choir sang the military song medley."

"The most fun thing was the meal at Zia's."

"My most meaningful experience was when Jason said one night at group devotions that witnessing works the same way as singing in random places. Even though it is difficult and may be awkward starting out, the more you do it, the more comfortable it gets."

"The most fun experience for me was when Mrs. Mitzi acted out the bedtime story (The Three Little Bears) as Jason narrated it. It was hilarious."

"The most meaningful thing to me was the McCormack House and seeing all these older people so energetic and ready to listen."

"The moment that was the most fun was going to Shriners Hospital and singing to them and getting to talk with them and learn more about them."

"The most fun experience was when we were singing at the Arch and I saw a man smiling at us. It helped me become less nervous when I saw that."

"My most memorable experience was probably singing at the Cathedral. It was so big and beautiful."

"Singing through the halls at the VA Hospital was my most meaningful experience. It was truly an honor and privilege to be a blessing to those who served so we can enjoy the freedoms we have."

"My most meaningful part of the week was when we sang God Bless America the first time at the VA Hospital. It was very moving and brought tears to my eyes."

"The most memorable experience for me was McCormack House when we had our best concert. I didn't want to sing anymore that day but those people gave me so much energy I would have done every song again!"

"Our trip was amazing, and I know that everyone has grown spiritually from it."

"My most meaningful experience has been watching everyone progress from timidly singing at restaurants to asking if we could sing!"

"My most fun moment was listening to the loud singing from the capsules going up the Arch!"

"The most meaningful part for me would have to be Shining Light. I loved working with the kids and reaching out to them."

"The most fun thing for me was simply eating at Zia's--wonderful food with wonderful people."

"The most meaningful thing to me was meeting the kids at Shriner's Hospital for Children. Getting to talk with disabled children my age made me realize how truly blessed I am. It was an experience I will never forget."


Here's some pictures from throughout the week:

Look for some more pics in the next entry.

Wednesday, June 29

We sang at Cathedral Basilica this morning. The choir sounded wonderful. The Cathedral is a beautiful place of worship. Our students were a bit awed by its beauty and its immensity. Nothing inside the Cathedral is painted. Everything is marble or mosaic.

 Singing inside the Cathedral was a wonderful experience.

We often sang wherever we ate, to the delight of many of the patrons. This is lunch at Arby's.

In the afternoon for two hours, we sang in a number of wards for the patients and staff at the VA Hospital. We couldn't take pictures inside, but we were able to get this photo of us singing on a patio for a few veterans.

We are standing at the base of the Arch. The view from the top of the Arch is amazing.

Our final concert was at Sunrise at Clayton, a senior-style living place. The residents were delighted.

Tuesday, June 28

Our first concert today was at the Crown Center for Senior Living.

We sang and rang an outdoor concert at Shriners Hospital for Children.

 

The St. Louis Zoo is fabulous. Here, mom and baby elephant are enjoying the cool water.

Our last concert today was at McCormack House. Our students were completely exhausted, and we wondered how we would have the strength to sing and ring a full concert. Then an amazing thing happened. When we arrived at McCormack House forty-five minutes before the concert start time, a number of residents were already waiting in line for us. As we set up, the room began to fill with people with warm smiles and eager hearts. We began the concert and immediately felt an amazing strength that came from the Lord through these people. The choir was immediately energized and sang their best and perhaps most meaningful concert of the week. It was a defining moment, and our students will never forget it.   

Monday, June 27

Today we traveled to Charleston, Missouri, where we worked with Shining Light Ministries. Rev. Dean Wallace leads this ministry to the rural poor children and their families in this small town two hours south of St. Louis. Also there was Pleasant View Baptist Church from Clarkesville, Tennessee. They are leading a sports camp during the day and nightly revival services. We sang in the evening service, which was outdoors.

On our way to Shining Light, we ate at Lambert’s Café. It’s a fun place where they throw rolls to you from across the room. The portion sizes are HUGE! Janet Darden was served a salad the size of New Hampshire.  

For this trip, we learned a stomp band (trash can band) piece that we could in turn, teach the children at Shining Light. This was our first time to ever do this, and boy, was it FUN! Our students at TGBC loved it, and the children and youth at Shining Light loved it as well. We used a song by Lecrae (Go Hard) that calls for a strong commitment to Christ. We used trash cans (metal and plastic), five-gallon buckets, metal trash cans and metal pails, in addition to shakers, cow bells, a djembe (African drum), vibra-slap and drum sticks. The chaperone stick band was awesome. Our students did an amazing job interacting with the children. There were lots of hugs and fun play. 



Sunday, June 26

This morning we sang and rang as a part of the worship service at Canaan Baptist Church in St. Louis. Valerie Williams' uncle, Mike Wright, is the Minister of Music there.

For lunch, we ate at a nearby Q-doba Mexican Grill and sang after our meal. One of the patrons there videotaped it, and as we left the building, we heard our own voices streaming out of a car that had the windows down! That was a lot of fun.

In the afternoon, we sang a full concert at the VA Medical Center. Before the concert, we were able to visit with several veterans in the nearby wards. As a part of the concert, we sang Salute to the Armed Forces and honored the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and the Marines.

 

One of the most moving moments occurred when one veteran in a wheelchair struggled to stand as we sang God Bless America. When he finally made it to his feet, he offered a crisp, strong salute and remained there until the close of the song. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

 

In the evening, we sang and rang a full concert at First Baptist Church, Crestwood, where we were very well received. Our students sounded fabulous! After the concert, we enjoyed a nice fellowship time with their church family. Our kids interacted so well with the people there.  

Ringing Praise also sounded great. The bells rang 3 pieces on the program. Cadenzato sure is hard, but it sounds really cool!